Learn Home Security System Essentials

Many Home Security Systems are readily available; some can be installed by the homeowner, while others need professional installation. All Home Security System have three basic components:

• the control panel (the brain of the system)
• the sensors that detect intrusion
• the annunciation such as siren, strobe lights and the activation of calls to remote monitoring stations, pagers or hand phone

Security Alarm Basics - Definitions

In order to make a good informed decision, it is good to be familiar with basic alarm terms and their definitions.

"Panel" - This is the "box" that contains the "brains" of the alarm system, along with the back up battery that keeps your alarm system powered even during a blackout. The panel is typically installed in store room or electrical riser, usually somewhere near the Electrical Power Distribution Board (DB).

"Keypad"- This is the device you use to enter your code to arm or disarm the system.

"Zone "- This is simply a way of separating the devices (motion sensor, door sensor, etc.) that are attached to your alarm panel.  If your front door is attached to zone 1 for example, every time that door is opened the "zone 1" light on the keypad will light up.  In addition, if your alarm is set off by "zone 1", the monitoring station will know it was the front door that caused the alarm. Most alarm panels start with 4 -8 zones, but some can be expanded.

"Hard Wired" - Each device (motion sensors, door sensors, etc) is physically attached using hardwired. It is always best to have a hard wired system if at all possible. Obviously, a device that is physically attached to the panel will be more reliable than a wireless device that is not. 

"Wireless and "Wireless Devices" - Unlike hard wired, a Wireless Panel can communicate over the air, with any of the wireless devices (motion sensors, door sensors, etc) that you may have installed.   Wireless devices require batteries to operate and hence are usually bigger than wired devices. The advantage of having a wireless device is the ease of installation and relocation without messy cabling.

"Partition" - This is the splitting of your alarm system into two or more "partitions" where the arming and disarming of each area is independent of each other. This may be used in multi-story offices where people working in the various floors have different operating hours.

"Expand, Expandable, Expansion Module" - An expandable alarm system is one that starts out with a fixed number of "zones", but can be easily expanded to a system with many more "zones" by adding an "expansion module" to the panel. 

"Monitoring" - The alarm system can be programmed to send a message to a Monitoring Company in the event of an alarm. The Monitoring Company Operator on receipt of the message can contact you to verify the alarm and activate the police.

To learn more, click on the links below:

• Security Alarm System
• Alarm System Essentials
• Doors and Windows
• Other Sensors
• Alarm Monitoring
• Home Security Tips
• Home Security Tips