Security Alarm Systems

In today’s world where money is equated with happiness, anything bought with money needs as much care and concern as protecting oneself from injury or God forbid death. Whether it is a house, a shop, or an industrial property; having a catchy building is just the beginning of this journey. Protecting it from any kind of harm is the job of a lifetime. Keeping in mind that any place can be called home only when it is safe, Security Alarm Systems were built. These systems not only protect our property from any unauthorized entry, they help us sleep in peace knowing whatever is ours will stay the same tomorrow.

In this maze of options available to us on everything from toothpick to diamonds, choosing the Security Alarm System which best serves our needs is indeed a matter which requires lot of thought and understanding. While some systems only provide burglary protection, other combination systems provide both fire and intrusion protection.

A typical alarm system consists of the following components:

  • Control panel: This is the thinking unit of the entire system. It first reads the sensor inputs, tracks the status, and then sends out an alarm. In some latest systems, this is made up of more than one computer circuit boards with power supply.
  • Keypads: These small devices which are usually wall mounted function as an interface between the machine and the human. In addition to buttons, they also have indicator lights and a small display or in some case both of them.
  • Alarming devices: These components use either sound or light source to indicate an alarming situation. The alarm is either in the form of bells, sirens, or flashing lights. These alarms serve a dual purpose, they not only tell the occupants and everyone around there is a problem, but they also scare the intruders away. Besides some of these devices also warn the occupants of smoke or fire condition.
  • Sensors: These are the devices which first detect the issue, or where the rubber hits the road if you will. Sensors are placed all around the protected area, within the protected area, or both. Some types of sensors include passive infrared detectors, ultrasonic detectors, microwave detectors, photoelectric beams, glass break detection, smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors, vibration sensors, passive magnetic field detectors, electromagnetic fields, microwave barriers, microphonic systems, taut wire fence systems, fibre optic cable, and H-field or radio frequency field.
  • Interconnections: These connect the various components. They are either wires which link all the units or wireless links which is connected to the power.
  • Security devices: These are the devices which actually detect the intruders into your property. They can either be spotlights, cameras, or lasers. 

While the Security Alarm Systems are made up of components like control panel, sensors, alerting devices, keypads, and security devices; they are usually distinguished on the basis of monitoring and wire components. All of these have their pros and cons and the final decision should be made based on the individual needs.

  • Monitored system: This basically means that your home or any other establishment where the system is installed is monitored by a call centre wherein a representative will give you a call in case of any unauthorized entry into the building. While this ensures help, there are two disadvantages with this system namely, the wires to telephone lines can be cut, and there is a 30 to 40 seconds interval before the phone call is made.
  • Unmonitored system: These systems basically rely on the power of sound and lights to alert the occupants of any harm. Loud high-pitched sirens and flood lights are usually used to indicate trouble. While you escape paying any monitoring fee with this system, the responsibility of calling the authorities for help falls on you.
  • Hardwired system: These systems have wires which transmit data from sensors to a control panel which is usually installed in a hidden area and controlled by numeric codes. While these systems work fine, the only drawback is that they have to be installed while the building is being constructed, otherwise it means unnecessary breaking of walls to run the wires.
  • Wireless system: In today’s Security Alarm Systems technology, the wireless systems are the latest in the market. The absence of wires makes them quick and easy to install, plus you have the added advantage of shifting them anywhere anytime with minimal expense. But like every victory comes with some hurdles, these systems are disrupted by electromagnetic interference, and require regular change of batteries.

While there are numerous online websites like ebay.com, amazon.com, lowes.com, homesecuritystore.com, homedepot.com which sell Security Alarm Systems; the alarm system specialists at Alarm System Reports have produced a consumer guide. This guide is comprehensive and provides up-to-date information on the latest systems and the best ones to buy. They provide a Consumer Guide Tip sheet which tells you all the factors that you must keep in mind while buying a security alarm system. So this website www.alarmsystemreport.com not only provides information on the best companies selling these alarm systems, but it also gives you reviews and ratings on each of these companies thus helping you to make an informed choice to protect your property. It also provides quotes from all the companies listed so you can compare among them. In addition it also gives you information on any discounts offered by these companies and the coupons that can be used.

Some of the top companies making alarm systems are:

  • Front Point Security: It provides cellular monitoring and remote access with great customer service at an affordable price but comes with a limited warranty.
  • Protect America: This also has cellular monitoring facility but the customer rating has been poor; though it has improved over time.
  • Vivint Home Security: New and latest technology is used, but poor customer service.
  • LifeShield Home Security: This is the most affordable equipment with the least monthly fee.
  • ADT Security: This is one of the oldest companies with numerous alarm options, but it has a high monthly fee compared to others.

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