Anatomy Of A Security System
When you’re shopping for a home security system, it’s important to understand the basics of how one works. In order to make a good choice, you need to be an informed consumer. Don’t rely strictly on security system salespeople. Do a little research into home security systems and how they work.
The basic anatomy of the home security system looks like this:
• Control Panel: This is where the security system wiring terminates, the backup battery is located and where the security system connects to the phone lines if it is a monitored security system.
• Keypad: The numbered set of keys you use to arm and disarm your security system.
• Siren: Should be loud and clear.
• Inside Motion Detector: Sensors carefully monitor rooms for human presence. Special motion detectors are available for people who have pets.
• Door and Window Contacts: They trigger the alarm on the security system when a door or window is opened and the security system is armed.
• Central Monitoring Station: Monitored security systems immediately signal security system providers. Providers 24 hours a day manned service centers respond to alarms and either verify a false alarm or send help – the police, fire department, or paramedics.
Some important considerations:
• Burglars realize most security systems first sound inside the house before the alarm signals the central monitoring station through the telephone lines.
• Most phone lines are typically exposed on the outside of the house in an easily accessible location where the phone line can be cut. If the telephone line is cut, the security system cannot notify the central monitoring station of the break-in.
• If the phone line is run underground until it is inside the home – with the main telephone junction box inside the home – thieves cannot tamper with the telephone line until after breaking-in..
• A protected phone line is always a good idea – security system or not.
To learn more about getting the right security system for your home without fear of a sales pitch or biased information, contact the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (iapsc.org).