A home alarm system reduces the chances of your home being broken into. Even if the alarm system does not keep a burglar from breaking in, it may cause him to stay a shorter amount of time.
What Should a Home Alarm System Include?
A basic home alarm system should include a control panel, keypad, siren, inside motion detectors, and door and window contacts.
The control panel is comprised of: all wiring connections, the battery backup. This is also where the alarm system connects to the phone lines. If possible, phone lines should be underground until they reach the interior of the house to prevent accidents or tampering.
- The keypad is where the system may be armed and disarmed.
- The inside motion detectors detect movement in a room. Specialized detectors can be installed for people who have pets. Internal motion detectors should not be the only or even primary means of detection because they don’t work until the intruder is already inside.
- All external doors and windows should have contacts and/or glass break sensors that enable the home’s alarm system to monitor whether they are open or closed.
Most systems use a combination of contacts placed at doors and windows in conjunction with internal and external motion sensors. Some additional features to consider including in your home alarm system plan are: smoke detectors, panic buttons, alarm screens for windows, and closed circuit TV cameras.
