subject: Home And Business Alarm Systems Use Same Basic Design [print this page] Standard equipment in stores and many businesses are burglar systems or alarms which indicate some type of unwanted intrusion. Such systems are increasingly more common also in private homes. The selection of options and products is vast and systems range from do-it-yourself kits to very sophisticated security networks installed by and monitored by security professionals.
You might find other names being used to reference burglar or intrusion alarms; names such as perimeter detection systems, perimeter protection, and intrusion detection systems, etc. No matter what the term, the systems are divided into two main fields: home alarm systems and industrial perimeter intrusion detection.
By definition burglar (or intrusion), fire, and safely alarms are electronic alarms designed to alert the user to a specific danger. Sensors are connected to a control unit by use of low-voltage wiring or a narrowband RF signal which is used to interact with a response device. The most common security sensors are used to indicate the opening of a door or window or detect motion via passive infrared (PIR). New construction systems are predominately hardwired for economy. Retrofit installations often use wireless systems for a faster, more economical installation. Systems can range from small, self-contained noisemakers, to complicated, multi-zoned systems with color-coded computer monitor outputs.
Whether simple or complicated, inexpensive or comprehensive, most systems used for intrusion detection, fire, or safety are all built around the same basic design concepts. In the following, well explore the basic principles which make these systems work for you, whether at your business or in your home.
The Circuit is Broken
Other than the bark from your family dog, the most basic burglar alarm is a simple electric circuit built into an entry way. In any circuit, electricity only flows when you give it a path between two points of opposite charge. To turn the electricity on or off, you open or close part of the circuit. In an alarm to detect burglars, the switch detects the act of intrusion, for example, the act of opening a door or a window. These sorts of alarms are divided into two categories:
Closed-circuit system means that the electric circuit is closed when the door or window is shut. When the door or window is opened, the circuit is open and electricity cannot flow hence triggering an alarm.
Open-circuit systems are the opposite, when you open the door or window the circuit is closed and the electricity begins to flow triggering the alarm.
Closed circuits are normally a better choice than open circuits because an intruder can deactivate the open circuit by simply cutting the connected wires. Magnetic contacts are two-part devices used to safeguard windows and doors. One part of the contact is a switch installed in the window or door jam; the other contains a magnet and is placed in the window or door itself. Any noticeable shift in contact with the switch results in an alarm.
The Alarm Sounds
In advanced alarm systems, a control box will be wired to several different components are will activate a variety of signal options depending on the sophistication of the system. Examples of alarms include:
Siren or loud alarm noise and/or flashing outdoor lights these will alert occupants and neighbors, may drive the intruder away, and signal to police which house has been broken into.
Telephone auto-dialer - can dial the police directly and play a pre-recorded message with relevant information like address, contact information, etc. Likewise the telephone auto-dialer will automatically contact your professional security service and feed specific information, from the control box, about the intrusion. The security company then relays the appropriate information to the police.
Depending upon the application, the alarm output may be local, remote or a combination. With the widespread use of alarm systems (especially in cars), false alarms are very frequent and many urbanites tend to ignore alarms rather than investigating, let alone contacting the necessary authorities. In short, there may be no response at all. Remote alarm systems connected to a monitoring service will ensure some type of action.
Either complementing alarm systems or as standalone systems, consumers often look to employ surveillance technologies to protect their properties. A security camera system monitors the activities of your business while you are away. You can even monitor the activities to ensure the safety of your children or pets while you are away. Motion detection alerts can be sent to you via a mobile phone, pager, or even email if there is a disturbance at your home or business.
by: Kathryn Dawson
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