How to pick the best security system for your home

A motion sensor is a relatively simple electronic device that can sense motion and generate an electric signal based on the optical or acoustical changes caused by that movement. Most of the sensors used in common commercial applications use microwave, infrared or optical technology to sense movement within their field of vision. Motion detection sensors are used in a variety of products and for a variety of reasons these days. Some examples of where you will find a motion sensor include commercial lighting fixtures, traffic lights, automatic doors, exterior security lamps and video surveillance cameras.

Motion Detectors for Burglar Alarms

A motion sensor is also a key component of any burglar alarm system for the home or for commercial buildings. They are used to detect the presence of burglars and other intruders in a home or office building, and to trigger an alert based on that detection. Motion detection sensors can be installed at various points inside a building, and are especially useful for monitoring basements as well as dimly lit corridors and hallways. They can also be deployed along the perimeter and the exterior of a building as an added layer of protection.

How They Work

When a motion sensor is used as part of a burglar alarm system, it is either hard-wired to a separate central communications control, or wirelessly connected to it. The console is there to receive alerts from the sensor and to trigger an alarm based on that alert. In most cases, the console communicates the alert to a monitoring center, which then initiates a response. In other cases, the consoles are standalone models that are used purely to generate a loud alarm to alert homeowners of a burglary or to scare burglars away.

Tips for Choosing the Best sensors for Your Home Alarm System

A motion sensor is a key component of a business or home alarm system, so keep these tips in mind if you are planning to install such a system in your home or office.

• Though all motion detection sensors work on the same principle, not all of them offer the same functionality. Some sensors, such as those used to power automatic doors, are limited to detecting motion only from distances of less than 5 feet away, while some high-end sensors can detect motion taking place up to 50 feet away. Generally speaking, the greater the coverage provided by your sensor, the better the protection you will get.
• The viewing angle of the sensor is another important consideration. Sensors used in home burglar alarm systems should offer at least 90 degrees of horizontal coverage, and about 45 degrees of vertical coverage. Some higher-end motion detectors can detect motion within a 240 degree angle.
• The maximum range from which the sensor can communicate with the central console is critical as well. Some motion detectors can send an alert to a console that is located more than 400 feet away, while other sensors have a much shorter operating range.

Other considerations

In addition, there are several other issues that you need to consider when selecting a motion sensor. For instance, if you have pets in your house, you need to have a sensor that is intelligent enough to tell the difference between your pets’ movement and those caused by a person. Similarly, you need to decide whether you want battery-powered sensors or those that depend on electric power to operate.

By doing your research and selecting the right motion sensor for your situation, you can maximize the coverage provided by your burglar alarm system.

Video surveillance cameras are one of the most commonly used and most effective measures for protecting businesses, retail stores and residential properties from burglars and other intruders. Surveillance cameras have been used for years to protect commercial establishments such as offices, banks and stores. They are also widely used to protect gated residential communities, apartment complexes and, increasingly, single-family homes as well.

Monitor and Record All Activities

Video surveillance cameras are used to continuously record all activities that might be taking place within a specific location, such as the interior of a bank, a store or a home. Very often, such cameras are additionally used to monitor activities on the exterior of a building. Depending on your preferences, the images captured by such systems can be stored offline for an indefinite period of time. In many cases, though, the cameras are set to record over stored images every 24 hours or so.

Security Cameras Are an Effective Crime Deterrent

Images captured by video monitoring cameras serve as a record of events that might have taken place at a specific location. Often, they serve as a visual record of a burglary or other illegal activity, and are commonly used as evidence during trials. Numerous studies have shown that video cameras have a deterrent effect on crime and other illegal activities, resulting in improved business and home security. This is especially true when the cameras are placed in conspicuous and highly visible locations so that the occupants of a building or a store know their activities are being monitored and recorded.

Types of Security Monitoring Cameras

Manufacturers of surveillance cameras offer a range of formats and functions that are designed to cater to a broad range of customer requirements. View all types of home security cameras now!

• Wired cameras are the most commonly used type of video monitoring cameras. These are devices that are typically used as part of a closed circuit TV monitoring system and are used to protect commercial buildings, banks and retail establishments.
• A growing number of people have also begun using wireless cameras for security monitoring purposes. One of the biggest advantages of wireless cameras are that they are less expensive and are easier to install and remove compared to wired cameras.
• Sometimes, businesses might use covert cameras to monitor their premises. These are surveillance cameras that are designed to be concealed and to operate in a surreptitious manner. Often, the covert cameras are concealed behind one-way mirrors, potted plants or retail store mannequins. They can usually be used to trigger a business or home alarm as an added feature.
• Companies that can afford them sometimes also use night-vision cameras as an extra layer of protection. These are cameras that use night-vision technology to capture relatively clear black and white images even in total darkness. The cameras are typically used to protect high-value targets and to deter unwanted activities around the exterior of a building.

Fake Security Cameras

In addition to these types of cameras, many businesses and even residential complexes these days have begun using fake security cameras to deter crime. These are dummy surveillance cameras that are designed to appear exactly like a regular security camera. Though such systems cannot record anything, they often offer all of the same features that are available in regular cameras, such as pan and tilt functions. Fake cameras are inexpensive to purchase and to install compared to genuine security cameras. They are also effective at deterring unwanted activities, because people cannot tell the difference between a fake camera and a real one. The one big disadvantage with fake cameras is that you cannot use them as record in case a crime does occur on your property.

If you are concerned about the security of your business or home, consider installing surveillance cameras because they offer an easy and cost-effective way to bolster the security of any premises. Surveillance cameras are available for purchase from most spy shops and alarm companies.

A mobile home security system offers a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install alternative to conventional wired burglar alarm systems. Mobile alarm systems are designed to protect homes and office buildings against burglars and other unauthorized intruders. Unlike traditional wired monitoring systems, a mobile system uses your cell phone to control your home security system and contact police in case of an emergency.

What is a Mobile Monitoring System?

A mobile home security system consists of compact wireless sensors, a base communication module and a smart phone app that can be used both as a panic button and as a remote control to arm the system. The sensors are meant to be deployed over doors and windows, and are capable of sending either a silent or an audible alarm if a burglar opens a door or window to gain entry into a building.

How the Sensors Work

Typically, the sensors that are used to protect doors and windows use what are known as magnetic contact circuits. The sensors consist of two sealed enclosures, one containing a magnet and the other a switch. When a burglar attempts to open a door or window that is protected by such a sensor, the magnetic contact between the two enclosures is broken thereby resulting in an alarm being triggered.

The sensors can also be deployed to detect motion inside a home or office building. Many sensors are capable of detecting motion at distances of up to 30 feet away. Motion detection sensors are often used to monitor spaces such as basements and open hallways. Most mobile alarm systems come standard with at least two sensors. Homeowners can easily purchase and install as many additional sensors as they need to protect all doors and windows.

The Communication Console

The sensors communicate wirelessly with the base communication console, which, in a sense, is the heart of mobile home security systems. When a sensor detects an intrusion, it sends an alert to the base console. Some sensors are capable of sending signals from up to 400 feet away from the console. When the console receives an alert, it either generates a loud audible alert or sends a silent alarm to the monitoring center of the service provider. Your mobile app will also, most likely, notify you of the alarm. If you have subscribed for security monitoring services, the service provider’s monitoring center will then initiate a response by contacting police and other first responders on your behalf.

A Panic Button on Your Phone

A mobile home security system package will include a smart phone app. This application can be used to arm the alarm system, or it can also be used as a panic button in the event of an emergency. All you need to do to trigger an alert is to select the panic button on your mobile phone. The device then sends an alert to the base console, which sounds an audible alarm or sends a silent signal to the monitoring center.

Benefits of a Mobile Home Monitoring System

A mobile home security system is convenient and easy to install. It offers many benefits that are worth considering.

• Mobile systems do not always require a service contract. When you install a wired burglar monitoring system, you are required to sign up for a multi-year service contract with the provider of that system. With a mobile home security system, the choice is often yours. You can sign up for round-the-clock monitoring if you want to, or you could set up the system so that it serves purely as an audible alarm to scare away burglars and to alert you to their presence.
• Mobile monitoring systems are designed for do-it-yourself installation. Most systems can be used right out-of-the-box with minimal programming on your phone.
• You can take your cell phone with you wherever you go, which is not possible with wired systems.
• State-of-the-art mobile security systems often offer the same level of protection as their wired counterparts.

A security monitoring system can give homeowners and businesses peace of mind. Many, however, do not install such systems because of the associated cost. If you are one of them, consider using a mobile home security system to get the protection you want at a price you can afford. Contact US alarm companies today about this new technology.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are designed to protect buildings against damage resulting from fire. The systems have been used for decades to protect factories, commercial facilities, hospitals, schools and other public buildings against fire. Over the past few years, a growing number of vendors have started making available small, cost-effective fire sprinkler systems for residential buildings as well.

What Is a Fire Sprinkler System?

A fire sprinkler system consists of a water supply system, pipes for distributing the water, and sprinklers for spraying water into a room when a fire is detected. Most sprinklers are installed along the ceiling and are designed to spray water down in certain pre-defined patterns. Some fire sprinklers are designed to suppress fires, while others are designed to control and contain a blaze.

How They Work

Almost all fire sprinkler systems in use currently function automatically. The sprinkler head usually integrates a frangible bulb or a two-part link made from heat-sensitive material. The glass bulb and the two-part metal link are designed to break when the ambient temperature inside a building or a room reaches a certain temperature. This action causes an aperture in the sprinkler head to open, resulting in water spraying into the room at fairly high pressure. Most fire sprinklers operate independently of one another, and are designed to turn on only when the temperature in the immediate area reaches a certain point.

Home Sprinkler Systems

The effectiveness of fire sprinkler systems in commercial buildings is driving a growing number of people to call for its use in residential buildings as well. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security, for instance, has proposed that all U.S. homes should be equipped not just with smoke alarms, but automatic fire sprinkler systems as well. According to the USFA, many of the civilian deaths that occur each year in residential fires can be avoided via the use of automatic sprinkler systems.

Low Cost, High Value

Numerous low cost, quick-response fire sprinkler systems are becoming available in the market for use in residential buildings. The systems, many of which are approved for use by Underwriters Laboratories, can be installed by a home alarm company in the US Alarm Companies network while the home is being built, or they can be retrofitted into existing homes.

Home fire sprinkler systems are designed largely to save lives and are somewhat less focused on mitigating property damage. Most such systems are calibrated to respond much more quickly to a fire than commercial sprinkler systems. Home sprinkler systems are significantly smaller and less expensive than their business security systems counterparts.

Convenient to Install

Many home systems use inexpensive plastic piping for distributing water and are capable of operating effectively with very little water. The systems are designed to be installed with minimal effort and can work off a standard residential water supply system. An installed home sprinkler system can help drive home insurance costs down and make a home potentially more attractive to buyers. According to the USFA, home fire sprinkler systems currently cost less than $2 per foot, but the price could go down substantially as more people begin installing them with a home security system.