Search For Alarm Systems
Types of Home Alarm Systems
The Magnetic Switch Sensor
The magnetic switch is the most basic of alarm sensor and comprises of an enclosed switch which, when a magnet is put nearby, will open and close. When closing the magnetic switch a circuit is made thus allowing a small electric current to flow through it. This is known as a closed circuit system and the circuit is completed when a door is closed shut. While the door is in the closed position the magnet attracts the metal switch to close it and the circuit is complete. When the door is opened the magnet spring releases the switch into the open position and the electric current can no longer flow. This is detected by the alarm monitoring unit which (possibility after a delay) will fire the siren if the keycode is not entered into the system to disarm it. The magnetic switch can be also fitted into a window frame so if a burglar opens the window the system is activated in exactly the same way as the door switch. The best burglar alarms incorporate an alarm monitoring unit which, once triggered, prevent the intruder closing the door or window and therefore reconnecting the circuit and de-activating the alarm. These units often have their own power supply (back up battery) so can still operate even if mains electricity is off. The alarm system can only be de-activated when someone enters the keycode into the unit.
Shock Sensors
In addition the magnetic switch, a shock sensor can be incorporated into the switch or indeed a separate shock sensor module could be employed. These units are often fastened to the window glass or frame and detect if an attempt is made to break a window or door. In fact, sophisticated shock sensors do not need to be fastened directly so the window and can be placed anywhere in your home (usually plugged into the mains power). These devices are intelligent enough to know the difference between an attempt to smash a window and other loud noises from around and outside your home.
The PIR (Passive Infrared) Motion Detector
PIR sensors are designed for detecting movement so if a burglar does make it into you house, he wont get far as his movement will trigger the PIR sensor thus sounding the siren. Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors are used both in advanced alarms system as well as simple inexpensive systems. These sensors detect body heat and trigger when an intruder walks into view of the PIR. It will detect the increased body heat, thus triggering the alarm. PIR motion detectors are generally set so that they don't set off the alarm immediately they detect body heat. There is usually a delay of several seconds which allows the homeowner time to enter the property and enter the keycode to de-activate the system. As glass is not transparent to infrared energy, a sensor cannot be triggered accidentally from a passer-by outside.
The Time Delay Sensor
When installing your alarm system, there will usually be just one sensor only (either a magnetic or PIR) will have the time delay associated with it. This would typically be a magnetic sensor either connected to your front door or a PIR sensor monitoring your entry through the front door. All other sensors on the alarm system will notify the control unit as soon as they are triggered thus setting off the siren. There is little point in allowing every sensor in the house to have a delay as it allows the burglar a few seconds longer to break in from any location he chooses such as a concealed back yard where no-one would see him. Sensors that are monitoring concealed areas of the property must trigger immediately.
Monitored Burglar Alarm Systems
Originally for more high-end alarms, but now becoming far more affordable, many alarm systems offer an auto-dialler facility which, when triggered, uses your telephone line to dial your mobile cell phone, another land line, office, neighbour, or a fully manned Alarm Monitoring Center to notify them that your alarm has been triggered.
Wired or Wireless Alarm Systems
Simply put, an installation of an alarm system is either hard wired in or wireless, using radio frequency. A wired system means that the components of the system are wired together. This will be a more reliable and maintenance free installation however it will incur a higher installation cost and effort. All sensors will be powered from the control unit so no batteries will be required. The main advantage of a wireless alarm system is the relatively straightforward installation and can be usually carried out by an average DIY'er. A wireless system is very convenient as it avoids unsightly wiring and high installation changes. However, the sensor devices (magnetic, shock and PIR) have to run on batteries in order to function. However, there is an additional cost and maintenance effort required for wireless systems. Regular checks need to be made as batteries will need to be periodically replaced. Also wireless systems may suffer from interference thus affecting the performance of the sensors.
No Electricity or Phone Line?
GSM mobile cell phone based alarm systems can be used where there is no phone line or electricity. These can be used to protect boats, holiday homes, caravans or anywhere where there is no telephone line connected. They usually run on batteries so no need for mains power. These systems are easy in install and are similar to regular home alarms with components such as control panel, siren and sensors.
Which Is The Best Burglar Alarm System?
Most alarm systems use similar basic components, regardless of if they are complicated and expensive burglar alarms or simple and easy to fit burglar alarms. A wireless alarm system is a popular choice due to its ease of installation to protect your house, office, shed, garage, garden, holiday home, car, caravan or boat. They are inexpensive to purchase, and are always much easier to install.
The magnetic switch is the most basic of alarm sensor and comprises of an enclosed switch which, when a magnet is put nearby, will open and close. When closing the magnetic switch a circuit is made thus allowing a small electric current to flow through it. This is known as a closed circuit system and the circuit is completed when a door is closed shut. While the door is in the closed position the magnet attracts the metal switch to close it and the circuit is complete. When the door is opened the magnet spring releases the switch into the open position and the electric current can no longer flow. This is detected by the alarm monitoring unit which (possibility after a delay) will fire the siren if the keycode is not entered into the system to disarm it. The magnetic switch can be also fitted into a window frame so if a burglar opens the window the system is activated in exactly the same way as the door switch. The best burglar alarms incorporate an alarm monitoring unit which, once triggered, prevent the intruder closing the door or window and therefore reconnecting the circuit and de-activating the alarm. These units often have their own power supply (back up battery) so can still operate even if mains electricity is off. The alarm system can only be de-activated when someone enters the keycode into the unit.
Shock Sensors
In addition the magnetic switch, a shock sensor can be incorporated into the switch or indeed a separate shock sensor module could be employed. These units are often fastened to the window glass or frame and detect if an attempt is made to break a window or door. In fact, sophisticated shock sensors do not need to be fastened directly so the window and can be placed anywhere in your home (usually plugged into the mains power). These devices are intelligent enough to know the difference between an attempt to smash a window and other loud noises from around and outside your home.
The PIR (Passive Infrared) Motion Detector
PIR sensors are designed for detecting movement so if a burglar does make it into you house, he wont get far as his movement will trigger the PIR sensor thus sounding the siren. Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors are used both in advanced alarms system as well as simple inexpensive systems. These sensors detect body heat and trigger when an intruder walks into view of the PIR. It will detect the increased body heat, thus triggering the alarm. PIR motion detectors are generally set so that they don't set off the alarm immediately they detect body heat. There is usually a delay of several seconds which allows the homeowner time to enter the property and enter the keycode to de-activate the system. As glass is not transparent to infrared energy, a sensor cannot be triggered accidentally from a passer-by outside.
The Time Delay Sensor
When installing your alarm system, there will usually be just one sensor only (either a magnetic or PIR) will have the time delay associated with it. This would typically be a magnetic sensor either connected to your front door or a PIR sensor monitoring your entry through the front door. All other sensors on the alarm system will notify the control unit as soon as they are triggered thus setting off the siren. There is little point in allowing every sensor in the house to have a delay as it allows the burglar a few seconds longer to break in from any location he chooses such as a concealed back yard where no-one would see him. Sensors that are monitoring concealed areas of the property must trigger immediately.
Monitored Burglar Alarm Systems
Originally for more high-end alarms, but now becoming far more affordable, many alarm systems offer an auto-dialler facility which, when triggered, uses your telephone line to dial your mobile cell phone, another land line, office, neighbour, or a fully manned Alarm Monitoring Center to notify them that your alarm has been triggered.
Wired or Wireless Alarm Systems
Simply put, an installation of an alarm system is either hard wired in or wireless, using radio frequency. A wired system means that the components of the system are wired together. This will be a more reliable and maintenance free installation however it will incur a higher installation cost and effort. All sensors will be powered from the control unit so no batteries will be required. The main advantage of a wireless alarm system is the relatively straightforward installation and can be usually carried out by an average DIY'er. A wireless system is very convenient as it avoids unsightly wiring and high installation changes. However, the sensor devices (magnetic, shock and PIR) have to run on batteries in order to function. However, there is an additional cost and maintenance effort required for wireless systems. Regular checks need to be made as batteries will need to be periodically replaced. Also wireless systems may suffer from interference thus affecting the performance of the sensors.
No Electricity or Phone Line?
GSM mobile cell phone based alarm systems can be used where there is no phone line or electricity. These can be used to protect boats, holiday homes, caravans or anywhere where there is no telephone line connected. They usually run on batteries so no need for mains power. These systems are easy in install and are similar to regular home alarms with components such as control panel, siren and sensors.
Which Is The Best Burglar Alarm System?
Most alarm systems use similar basic components, regardless of if they are complicated and expensive burglar alarms or simple and easy to fit burglar alarms. A wireless alarm system is a popular choice due to its ease of installation to protect your house, office, shed, garage, garden, holiday home, car, caravan or boat. They are inexpensive to purchase, and are always much easier to install.