Securing our homes is one of the most important priorities. More often than not, this is done by purchasing alarm systems. However, most people do not understand the types of security systems that are available. Hence, they end up making the wrong choices. The results of these wrong choices can be deadly and costly. Burglars can disable the system and steal valuable items and in some cases even injure or kill the residents.
In order to prevent this situation, it is necessary to make an educated choice on burglar alarms. With this aim in mind, we will show you the four types of security systems and the four types of technologies used in these alarms.
Let us start with the type of systems available.
The first system is a security system, which is being monitored. These systems are connected to the security agency via telephone lines. As soon as they are tripped, the agency is notified. Some of these companies also connect them to the local police station as an additional measure. However, the drawback is that the connection between the telephone lines and the alarm company can be easily interrupted. Such alarms are ideal for flats and apartment complexes.
The second variety of burglar alarms is the ones that are not monitored. These security systems are also dependent on wires. However, as and when the wire is tripped, a loud noise is transmitted. This noise continues until someone shuts off the alarm manually. Since there is no monitoring involved, these are much cheaper. However, they depend completely on someone else informing the local law enforcement authorities about the activation. This is a major drawback and extremely unsafe.
The third type is the wireless kind. These alarms are extremely popular among users. The reason is very simple. These security systems are completely independent of wires. They use cameras and motion sensors to protect your house. The biggest advantage is that they can be used in any type of house. The disadvantage is that since they are constantly on, the maintenance costs are on the higher side.
The fourth type of alarm systems are the ones that run on electricity. These alarms are connected to doors and windows. Every time the door or window being monitored is opened, the system will emit a sound informing the occupants of the house about the same. The biggest drawback is that since it runs on electricity, it depends heavily on wires.
Next, let us take a quick look at the type of technologies used in burglar alarms.
Magnets – This is a very basic technology. Doors and windows being monitored are fitted with magnets, thus forming a circuit. When the door or window is opened, the magnet shifts and the alarm sounds.
Infrared sensors – These sensors work on the concept of body heat in a room. When the alarm is activated, these sensors scan the room at regular intervals. Once someone enters the room, the sensors detect it and sound the alarm.
Ultrasonic sensors – These sensors work by continuously scanning the room. Since normal instruments cannot detect them, they are extremely effective security systems.
Human monitoring – This option can be used with both wired and wireless systems. The human factor helps guard against false alarms and ensures a quick response.
So what type of alarm systems do you employ? Is there any other point about burglar alarms you would like to share?
Author Bio:
This article is wriiten by Mark Neyton. Mark is a freelance writer with more than 4 years experience and he is interested in various topics lihe home improvement and home security. For even more useful tips and information or if you want to look at the prices for secure burglar alarms from Falck Alarm (or as Mark says in Danish sikre tyverialarmer fra Falck Alarm) check out this web page.