| Once you've decided to purchase a
home security system, there are still some decisions you'll need to make regarding the
type of protection you want. This information has been prepared to help you
understand the key elements of a security system for the home. 
A security system consists of a control panel which functions as a
central computer, receiving messages from a number of sensors that act as the
"eyes" and "ears" of the system. If the system is
"armed" and a signal is received by the panel , it automatically dials a Central
Monitoring Station via a built-in telephone communicator. The station operator then
alerts the proper authorities.
Keypads located near common entry doors allow you to control the system.
Any number of other products make up a system. Generally included are:
- Magnetic contacts that protect doors and windows that open.
- Glassbreak sensors to protect windows and glass doors.
- Motion sensors to detect movement within a defined area.
- Panic switches that can be manually operated.
- Sirens and sounders to sound an alarm in your home.
- Smoke Detectors to detect smoke and fire.
Yes, your system can be designed in any number of ways to accommodate
your lifestyle. You can choose from several levels of protection. For example,
when you are away from home you can have all sensors activated. When you are home in
the evening, watching TV, or making diner, you can choose to have your door and window
sensors activated and your motion sensors off. System smoke detectors are always
active. Alarms Plus can help design the system that works best for you.
A magnetic contact is a two-part device that protects doors and windows
that open. One part of the contact is a switch, installed in the door or window jam,
the other is installed in the door or window itself and contains a magnet that signals an
alarm when it moves "out of contact" with the switch.
To ensure an optimum level of protection, every door and window that
opens would require a magnetic contact.
There are two basic types of glassbreak sensors -- an
"acoustic" sensor that is mounted in a wall or a ceiling and listens for the
sound of breaking glass in a window or door and a "shock" sensor that is mounted
on the window and "feels" the shock of the breaking glass. Optimally, a
glass break sensor could detect an intruder while he is still outside your home.
Alarms Plus will be able to recommend the best product for each room in your home.
A passive inferred motion detector (PIR) is a security sensor that
detects an intruder by sensing his body heat as he passes through the area
"covered" by the PIR. Since PIRs are motion sensors, they are designed to
be used when no one is at home or the family will not be moving through the protected
areas. If you have dogs or cats home while the PIR is on, let Alarms Plus know so we
can provide you with the appropriate product.
A system smoke detector that is connected to a control panel provides
more protection than a "stand alone" detector because it is monitored.
This means that when smoke is detected, an alarm is sounded and a signal is sent to the
control panel. The panel automatically dials your Central Monitoring Station.
An operator then calls the fire department.
This information is provided to you by Sentrol, Inc., a leading
manufacturer of quality security sensors since 1977. The company offers a full range
of security products. Millions of Sentrol products are installed around the
world. In fact, Sentrol products protect The White House, The Smithsonian, The
Library of Congress, The Louvre, The Department of Justice, as well as airports from
Chicago to Bangkok. For the highest quality choose Sentrol.
Top of Page |
