Home Security Systems Checklist

While home security systems used to be the privilege of rich people who wanted to protect their jewellery and expensive art collections, today anyone can have it. You don't need to have any valuables at home, it is enough that you live alone, or in an isolated area, that you are not at home very often, or simply don't feel safe. In case you think a security alarm system might be a good idea, read our advice on how to choose it.

When choosing a home security system you must first ask yourself why you want a security system and evaluate your risk assessment. Put yourself in place of the burglar - how would you break into the house? If you see even one easy way for the intruder to enter your house, you do need a security system. Those unsecured areas of your house are the first to be protected, so you will know where to put it. It might be better if it is out of sight so that no one can tamper with it, although some systems also have a protection, built-in signals against tampering.

Decide how many sensors and on how many zones you want them and whether you want an external bell/siren box. A system should also be easy to operate. You can even ask the person installing it to give you written instructions for using and testing the system. The installation is also very important, a suitable location for the devices will help prevent false alarms and ensure proper functioning.

Let's now look at the types of security systems to choose from. Each of them has the same purpose, and that is to alert you of possible danger. The system's sensing device detects an intruder and sets off a signaling device as an alert.

You can choose magnetic contacts, magnetically operated switches on doors or windows that trigger the alarm device when opened sending signals either by wire or radio frequency. As you see, they only protect entrance points, unlike infrared detectors which sense an intruder's body heat. Ultrasonic devices are used where air currents can't set off the device, which is triggered when an intruder's motion disturbs high-pitched, inaudible sound waves. Photoelectric eye sends a beam across the protected area and is triggered when an intruder interrupts the beam. Microwave detectors transmit high-frequency radio waves. Intruders change the wave pattern and trigger the device. They cover a larger area than ultrasonic devices and are not affected by air currents.

If you have some objects to protect, you can use proximity detectors, which create a field around metal objects, like safes, vaults and metal cabinets. An intruder triggers the device when he approaches the object and affects the field.

There are also wireless alarms, which send signals by radio frequency. They are a good choice if you want to install the alarm yourself, since they are quite simple to install and you can start by installing a couple of sensors, and after some time you can just add some more. They are portable and need no wiring, which enables you to change the sensors' places if you like. The only downside is that you will need to regularly change the batteries in the wireless sensors.

One more type of a security system is a closed-circuit TV camera, which watches over a large well lighted area and transmits the picture to a TV monitor.

Whichever home security system you choose, you must be careful about the cost, which will usually include initial installation and a monthly service charge. Just make sure you clear up the terms of the contract before you pay for it and avoid any lengthy obligations, otherwise you won't be able to change the company if you want to. Also, pay attention to have your system checked regularly or check/test it yourself from time to time, so that you can have it repaired immediately.


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