The 7 Most Common Parts of Home Security Systems

Breaking Down Your Security System

Whether it's a traditional alarm system or if your looking at integrating smart home security, there are different pieces that make up security systems. There are lots of different types of equipment in the market today but most systems start with the basices. Here is a brief explanatipn of those pieces of equipment, and how they work.

Control Panel

It all starts with the control panel, also known as the alarm panel. The control panel is not only the brains of your system, but it's also the central nervous system.  Without the control panel , nothing else in your security system would work.

If your looking at an older alarm, or new construction, there's a good chance that your system will be hardwired. If that's the case, the panel should be placed in a low traffic area.  All the other equipment will be connected to the alarm panel. Normally, the panel is locked to avoid damage or interference.

Newer alarm systems normally combine the panel with the next piece of equipment. 

The keypad.

Keypads come in different shapes, types, and sizes. Wireless security systems keypad will contain the brains of the system inside.  You'll be able to arm and disarm the system from your keypad using a 4 digit code.

More traditional keypads will have push buttons. Today's systems have come a long way.  Even the button type keypads are far more advanced using responsive touch and voice guided menus. 

The touchscreen panel is quickly become the new standard.  These systems will often have "smart home" capabilities.  This can be done by integrating different modules and radios to communicate with other equipment within your home.

Door/Window Contact

To protect your home, the first area to cover is the front door.  Door sensors are used to detect an intruder when they enter the home through a protected entry.

Door sensor, or contacts use magnets to function. If a door, or window is opened the magnet will break it's contact and trigger the alarm. These types of sensors are used on doors and windows. Older hardwired systems normally have contacts on all doors and windows. Since wireless sensors are more expensive, using window sensors on every window isn't always possible.  With advancements in technology, there may be a better solution for most homes today. One that is more cost effective as well.

Motion Detectors

Interior protection with today's alarms use a different type of technology that detects movement in a protected area. The motion detector is used to create a trap zone.  The most common type of motion detector is the passive infrared motion, also known as  a PIR.

Motion detection is much more affordable and can cover a wide area. Even though false alarms are a common cause of motion detectors, more often they are caused by user error. With advancements like pet sensitivity, motion detectors can be an effective method for home protection.

If pets and their activity is a concern, a different type of equipment can be used.  The glassbreak sensor is an audio sensor that uses the sound of breaking glass to detect an intruder.  These sensors are a valuable addition in homes where motion detectors aren't an option and a good solution for protecting a home when people are home.

Siren

No matter the equipment, the most effective way to keep intruders away is with the sound of an alarm. The siren is meant to scare off unwanted guests. If an intruder triggers the alarm, a loud siren will normally have them escape.  The siren is also meant to let residents know that there is a problem.

Alarm Monitoring

Alarm monitoring is the most important part of a professional security system. Without the monitoring, an alarm is nothing more than a noisemaker, By having your security monitored, you can ensure that help is on it's way if an intruder does attempt to break in your home.

Signs

Another key piece of equipment that can be a valuable deterrence is a security yard sign.  Just having a sign in your yard that lets people know that your home is protected can drastically reduce your chance of a burglary. Yard signs are often called your first line of defense.

Alarm systems can protect your home and family. More importantly, they help with peace of mind. By having a home that is monitored by a professional security company you are statistically 300% less likely to have a break in.  

There you have it! The pieces that make up home security systems! Those are the basics.  With today's technology, systems can do so much more than protect your home from a burglary but that is for another article.

If you want to learn more about home security systems in Indianapolis here

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Indianapolis, IN 46220
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