Alarm systems are a great way to protect your home and family, reduce your homeowner’s insurance costs, and be alerted if smoke or carbon monoxide detectors go off. They also provide a sense of security and peace of mind, which can make you more productive and healthier overall.
There are a few different types of alarm installations, and some are better suited for certain situations than others. If you’re not sure what type of system is right for your home, it’s always best to get help from an expert.
Hardwired Alarm Installations
Traditionally, most homes have been protected by a wired system with sensors and monitors located throughout the house. These are usually connected to a central control panel. Then, when an intruder breaks into the house or enters the perimeter, the alarm will sound and send a signal to the monitoring center.
Although hardwired systems are relatively inexpensive, they do require a professional to install them and should not be attempted by the average do-it-yourselfer. It is possible to add new sensors or upgrade to a more advanced system by doing what’s called an alarm takeover, but it’s much easier and cheaper to just upgrade the existing wiring and use wireless technology in place of the old wires.
Hybrid Alarm Systems
Unlike wired systems, hybrid systems utilize both wired and wireless sensors to achieve the benefits of both. A hybrid system has a main control unit that connects to the line carrier, and wireless sensors are positioned around the property. These devices send coded signals to the control unit, which then transmits them over the telephone or IP network (using a wireless transmitter) to an alarm receiving center.
Many modern touchscreen keypads can delay arming if you aren’t home or on a routine. They can also arm the system based on a timer.
Foil Window Tape
Some systems also include a window foil tape that is designed to activate the alarm when an intruder breaks a window or door glass. This is especially helpful for areas of the house that are susceptible to break-ins.
The most important thing about window foil tape is that it needs to be continuous and must not have any breaks in it. You may need to re-foil your windows after a few years, depending on the temperature outside and how well they are kept.
In addition to providing additional security, a foil tape can be useful in securing windows and doors that are open during the day. Typically, it’s made of silver foil with a self-adhesive backing.
You can find foil tape at the same places where you buy your alarm system. It is a very effective way to keep burglars out of your home, especially in cold weather or during the night when people aren’t at home.
Dual Signaling
If you’re in the UK, it’s not permitted to communicate directly with emergency services, so the most common method of sending an alarm is through a radio path (GPRS/GSM) or a cellular path (using a phone line or broadband). These methods have the benefit of being able to raise the alarm even when there is no electricity or when the phone lines are down, which can be important if you’re using a remote location for the monitoring station.
