Your home is your fortress. Its four walls enclose so much more than just furniture and belongings. They enclose everything and everyone dearest to you. The memories, too, are incomparable. How, then, can you protect your precious home from intruders and the like?
The answer is simple: by installing the safest and most reliable home security systems. There are various factors that must be taken into consideration when you design your home security system:
- Will you activate security when you’re at home, and/or when you’re away?
- Would you like to create a smart home with automation features?
- What is your budget?
- Are there any possessions which require additional protection?
- Do you have any pets? If yes, how restricted is their area of movement?
- Do you want cameras included in your system?
Now, how many components are there to choose from, and what do each of these do? Explained below are a wide range of components, any or all of which can comprise a comprehensive home security system.
The brain of your security system, the control panel communicates with all the sensors and detectors located throughout the house. Using this, you can activate/deactivate your system whenever you need, with just a few clicks.
In case of an intrusion in the house, an alarm or a siren can alert you of the intruder’s presence. Sensors for life safety can warn your family members of
any potentially dangerous situations that they must avoid. Certain systems can detect the presence of fire, flood or even carbon monoxide. Systems including chime and voice annunciation can even describe the nature of the signal.
Sensors placed at the most vulnerable points of a house- the doors and windows- create a magnetic contact at these spots. Consisting of a transmitter and a magnet, these devices get activated whenever a door or window is opened. They respond by breaking the magnetic contact and sending a signal via the transmitter.
These powerful sensors can usually detect motion at a distance of about 40-80 feet away. They can be connected to the home security system or a security camera. Working on passive infrared technology, they detect changes in heat signatures and respond accordingly.
These detect either the sound of breaking glass, or sense the impact, or do both. They are included in a system as perimeter protection and can be active in either the “away” or the “stay” mode.
CCTV cameras for surveillance can be either analog or digital, and can transmit signals via cable or wirelessly. The footage can be stored locally on a DVR or on a web server. IP/Network cameras are similar to the analog and digital cameras, except the former have an IP address assigned to them.
Specially designed to withstand outdoor elements, outdoor motion sensors, contact and security cameras can also be used for protection of the outdoor perimeter around the home. These include:
1. Smoke Detectors which combine photoelectric technology with heat sensors, thereby providing 100% reliable protection for any type of fire. These are also less susceptible to false alarms.
2. Heat Detectors which detect a rapid rise in temperature can be used where excessive smoke can be an issue.
3. CO Sensors are designed to detect the presence of the poisonous gas, Carbon Monoxide. These are used in bedrooms above garages and any other area where propane is burned.
4. Environmental Sensors can detect flooding and low temperatures to protect your household from flooding and freezing pipes, and are placed conveniently in the areas most exposed to either of these risks.
5. Home Automation involves recent technology such as light control, thermostats, door locks, and many other such devices. You can control the entire system using just your phone, tablet or computer with apps from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection!
6. Cellular Backup eliminate the risk of a system being disrupted by cutting the cable or phone lines. By means of cellular backup, you can equip your system with cellular communication as a primary or backup means of communication with your security system.
With the components that suit your needs and budget the best, you are now ready to set up your own design of a security system for your house. While doing this, it’s always advised that you think in layers of protection. The right strategy is an essential ingredient in the “home security” batter.
When it comes to deciding where to install the various components of your home security system, you should be well acquainted with the potential access points to your home. Your chances of defending the house from any invasion increases manifold when you know where such invasions can originate from.
An access point is basically any part of your home, be it a door or a window, that an intruder can use to gain access to your home. While these are the more obvious places requiring protection, you may also need to consider the likelihood of other less common ways, such as cellar doors, posing risks as access points, too. You must, therefore, be very thorough in the placement of the security systems that can alert you of an invasion such as a motion sensor, door/window sensor, glass break sensor and the like. All the doors, windows and additional vulnerable spots must be covered.
The control panel, being the brain of the entire system, is undoubtedly the most important part. As we know, this is the central hub of activity where the entire system can be controlled. If not protected properly, the control panel can be exposed to the risk of being destroyed, thereby bringing your entire defence system down. Generally, it is assumed that the best place for the control panel is close to the most common access point. That way, you can arm or disarm your system every time you leave and enter your home with great ease. However, this isn’t the best way to go. One of the most important things to be taken care of while installing the control panel is that it should be placed somewhere very difficult for any intruder to find. You don’t want the control panel to be destroyed immediately after a break-in, thereby rendering the entire setup useless. It is suggested that you place it inside a closet. If this is an inconvenience on a daily basis, you can solve the problem simply by using a key fob.
Home security system designs can be of many ranges and varieties. It is up to you to choose what’s best for the safety of your household and your family’s protection.