Types of alarms

Alarms can be used for security of perimeters in a house or business for protection. Security systems save lives and prevent major losses to a household or business that can be innumerable. That’s why it’s important to have one, but while you’re considering alarms, here are the three types of alarms that are available to market:

Wireless systems

These systems communicate by radio waves as opposed to electrical wiring. Wireless security systems are far and away the best choice for households and businesses that don’t have alarm expertise or particular  preferences. Wireless systems are modern, aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, reliable, and fast to install and maintain.  

Hardwired systems

Hardwired systems, on the other hand, are more suitable for those who have a desire to maintain their own security system, or for those people who have expertise in technical wiring and alarm installation. Hardwired security systems are reliable, but have been known to have false alarms because they typically are not the cutting edge in technology. Also, these types of systems can be a nuisance with all the wiring and the costs of installing and maintenance.   

 

Self-contained systems

A self-contained system is one which secures a small area and can be portable. It is essentially one component that can be coupled with sirens as well as other components to become a wireless system or hardwired system. Self-contained systems are versatile but are not able to provide full protection with police and fire dispatch like other systems.

Many of these security systems run on battery; however, some are electrically powered. Most batteries have a life of two years or more. When you buy the alarm, batteries are included and there should be a back up battery included too.

Another choice you may have is to add video surveillance. This has become a lot more popular as commercial grade surveillance systems have become affordable enough for the retail market. For an added monthly monitoring fee some plans include surveillance cameras as well as provide 24/7 global access to surveillance locations by phone or laptop computers. Normally, businesses invest into surveillance but it has become a viable choice for households as well now with the wide use of mobile internet access. Surveillance should not be seen as a replacement to security systems but rather a complement.

If you live in an apartment, don’t worry, you still may have access to these types of alarms. Since most modern security companies use wireless equipment, it can be easily installed into any apartment unit and reassembled to wherever you move at little to no cost. Because wireless security systems are the most renter-friendly, that may be the one to speak about with your landlord or building attendant. Because of the ease of use and easy installation, renters have the same options for security as households. 

History of alarms

The first alarm was built in the 1850s. It was a basic electric contact made when a door was opened. Obviously, we have come a long way, but in the 1890s there was a very good use of tape dialers, thanks to the inventions of the time, and advent of the telephone. Once the alarm was triggered, an automated message was distributed to the police or fire stations. It wasn't until later, when the computer had entered the picture, that more sophisticated security systems were available. Systems could now detect what kind of alert and by what type of intrusion or emergency, through the monitoring centers. Computers also made it possible to cover an entire network of accounts across the U.S. with a single monitoring location. 

Tape dialers are still used to this day at essentially little to no cost, however, most of the calls are false alarms resulting in fines. That's just one of the many reasons for monitoring centers, they are the third party verifying the reports going to the police, fire, and emergency medical professionals. Having a monitoring company reduces overall costs and headache while increasing reliability, which is crucial for security systems. Reliability and accuracy of reports are paramount in the industry, that’s why it’s good to stick with reliable monitoring companies and ones that have numerous monitoring locations for added security.

Alarm components

You might have an alarm already, but most likely you are still considering your options and might be confused as to what an alarm system should include. This article will help you out in deciphering the different components and how different systems work. Here they are:

Siren

An alarm system wouldn’t be doing itself justice if it didn’t have an alarm in the form of a bell or a siren. All alarms come replete with some form of an audible siren and some come with strobe lights. Most modern systems allow users to change the volume of the siren and the pitch. It’s important to make sure that your siren is at a high decibel volume in order to scare away intruders and alert neighbors before the police need to be dispatched.

The next major component of a security system is the perimeter detection sensors. This component is what sets off the alarm in case a burglar breaks through a window or door and enters the house or place of business. The perimeter can be secured by the following components: magnetic contacts, glass break detectors, and even foil.

Magnetic contacts

Usually for windows and doors, magnetic contacts are used to protect that entry point. All alarm companies will arm each door leading into the house, unless there are two doors leading into the house from a garage, for instance. Some alarm companies will also arm every window leading into the house, so long as there's not a great deal of windows. If that's the case, there is usually a free estimate to know how much you will be paying.

Alarms are triggered by the magnetic contact once it's broken, in other words, once the door or window is opened. Since the most common entry point for a burglar is breaking glass through a window or going straight through the front door, it makes it tricky just to have perimeter sensors protecting your residence or business. That’s why window contacts should be coupled with glass break detectors unless that area of the house is not already guarded by a motion sensor.

Glass break detector

This component is one of the most sophisticated of all and has been refined throughout recent years. Glass break detectors actually detect the frequency of window glass breaking through sound waves.

Before they were refined, glass break detectors would set off the alarm with merely the sound of a shattered glass of water, but now it has been perfected to the point where it can recognize the difference between window glass and dinnerware. As mentioned, glass break detectors are best used coupled with window contacts. In fact, they are probably a greater substitute to window contacts. Their major weakness is if a professional burglar were to cut a hole in the glass to break in. That’s why motion sensors are a necessity to create a trap zone against burglars if they are able to bypass glass windows or any other door or window contacts.

  

Motion sensors

Motion sensors are a must-have component for any security space. They normally are strategically located to guard a wide area or a long hallway.  These are the different type of motion sensors: passive infrared, ultrasonic, and microwave detectors.

• Passive infrared detectors

These are some of the most popular motion detectors. They are pet-proof and work well with wireless systems. Unlike the ultrasonic, they do not protect a blanketed radius of space. Passive infrared detectors are able to guard a 30-foot space and a 50-foot hallway. They shoot out invisible infrared beams a a ninety degree angle guarding any space that is visible from its location.

• Ultrasonic detectors

Ultrasonic pick up motion by emitting a high frequency sound. Although it is inaudible to the human ear, pets can be disturbed by this sound. The sound waves detected throughout rooms or hallways can trigger an alarm when the ultrasonic detector senses the change in frequency from movement. One disadvantage of ultrasonic is rooms with heavy drapes and thick carpet mute the sound frequency a lot making movement less detectable.

• Microwave detectors

Microwave detectors work the same way as ultrasonic, except they use high-frequency radio waves instead. These are much more sensitive because the waves can go through walls. Although these are highly functional components, passive infrared detectors are still preferred for more modern security systems.

A cost effective way to guard a perimeter of the house is to use foil. You may have seen foil on windows of houses, not only does foil block sunlight, it acts as a conductor. This makes it possible to set a home alarm off when broken into. Although they are unsightly, foil is the cheapest way to create a barrier from break-in.

All in all, passive infrared detectors have been the most popular recently. They are cost-effective and are suitable for homes, especially ones with pets. They are similar to museum infrared, without the red beam emitted from the sensor.