There are three basic types of alarm system: hardwired, wireless and self-contained. Wireless systems work from using radio waves instead of wires to communicate between the control panel and detection devices. For hardwired systems, you will have to run wires from each sensor to the control panel . A self-contained alarm system is a single unit often shaped like an everyday object such as a VCR.
A basic alarm system consists of a main control unit, a siren or sounder and at least one detection device. The control panel is the electronic brain of the alarm system. It receives signals from detection devices and processes this information to decide the next course of action. This could be to allow the siren to sound immediately or sound after a time delay.
A siren may not even be triggered at all as the control unit quietly contacts an alarm monitoring company. The control unit also is used for arming and disarming the system which is achieved via a keypad or remote control. The control unit can be programmed to include/omit certain zones around your property.
For a hardwired burglar alarm system, the control panel is generally larger as devices need to be wired into terminals on the panel. A control panel for a wireless alarm system is usually smaller as minimal wiring is needed (usually only main supply and siren cabling).
Always choose the best home security system that you can afford and invest time investigating all systems within your budget.
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Siren (Sounder)
The control panel is the electronic brain of the alarm system. It receives signals from detection devices and processes this information to decide the next course of action. This could be to allow the siren to sound immediately or sound after a time delay.
A siren may not even be triggered at all as the control unit quietly contacts an alarm monitoring company. The control unit also is used for arming and disarming the system which is achieved via a keypad or remote control. The control unit can be programmed to include/omit certain zones around your property.
For a hardwired system, the control panel is generally larger as devices need to be wired into terminals on the panel. A control panel for a wireless alarm system is usually smaller as minimal wiring is needed (usually only main supply and siren cabling).
Siren (Sounder)
A siren is the device to alert anyone nearby that a sensor(s) connected to the alarm control panel has been triggered. Sirens can have flashing strobe lights also. They are usually installed in a visible location on the property to put off any potential would-be burglar. Sirens are generally is installed out of easy reach at usually 12 foot high.
Sensor Devices
Alarm systems are triggered by signals sent from detection devices and these generally are capable of measuring: movement, heat, noise, smoke, shock or vibration. PIR (passive infra-red) are one of the most common devices and are used for detecting movement.
PIR Sensors
PIR sensors detect rapid changes in temperature by monitoring infra-red radiation, which is energy in the form of heat. One main reason why PIR’s are so effective is that all living things give off infra-red energy. These devices ignore gradual changes in heat such as sunlight, heating systems and air conditioners.
Magnetic Switches
For protecting doors and windows, magnetic switches are a popular choice. Magnetic contacts are simple, cost effective and reliable devices that are easy to install. They consist of two parts, a magnet and a switch.
The switch houses a spring loaded contact which closes and makes an electrical circuit what the magnet is applied to the contacts. When a door or window is closed the magnetic is close to the contacts thus making the electric circuit. But when the door or window is opened the circuit breaks which sends a signal to the control unit.
Ultrasonic Detectors
These devices use high frequency sound waves to sense movement in the protected area. The sound waves are bounced off the walls, floor, furniture and ceiling in a room until the frequency is stabilized. An intruder on entering the room will disrupt the sound waves and create an alarm condition.
Microwave Detectors
Microwave detectors work in a similar way to ultrasonic detectors but instead they use high frequency radio waves instead of sound waves. Unlike ultrasonics however, they can go through walls and monitor other areas.