How does burglar alarm work?

Considering the burglar alarm to protect your home? Securing entry points is the principle of burglar alarm system, the system can monitor doors and windows, as well as interior space with valuables like cash, computers, art, guns and antiques. You can secure your home with different numbers of security components deployed throughout the property, regardless of the size of your property, or the number of doors and windows or the interior rooms want to protect.

What's the burglar alarm?

Burglar alarms are networks of integrated electronic devices working together with a central control panel (Brain) to protect against thefts and other possible illegal entries, as well home intruders. We can find many name for the burglar alarm, and the most basic definition of security system is found in its name. From its literally means is something secured through a system of inter-working components and devices.

Basic burglar alarm system includes:

A alarm control panel, which is the central controller of the whole system
Magnetic contact (Reed switch/door and window sensor)
Motion sensors (indoor and outdoor)
Remote control keyfobs
A decibel siren or strobe siren
Wired or wireless security camera
Window stickers or a yard sign

How does a burglar alarm work?

Monitoring the potential intrusion entry points with sensors that communicate with a control panel, transmitting alarm signal when detecting the illegal intrusion, that's the basic concept of theory of alarm systems.

The sensors are typically installed in doors and windows that expose to potential intrusions or easily accessible places to form invisible perimeter protection. Motion sensors are installed interior for open spaces protection.

Alarm control panel

The main console or control unit that can be activated and deactivated, communicates with each installed alarm compoents, make the yelling sounds when a security sensor is breached, communicates with an alarm monitoring company or notify users directly through phone call and short text message.

Generally, the console features a touchpad for user-intuitive operation and with LCD for easy programming and interaction. It requires pass codes to arm and disarm the system, and can customize the system to suitable for different applications. Adding and deleting sensor operation can be performed via keypad operation.

Magnetic contact

Magnetic contact also called reed switch or door and window sensors, the sensor consists of two parts; magnetic strip and transmitter. Two parts are installed adjacent to each other. One part is installed on door/window frame, and the other installed on door/winow. Once one of them apart from each other, the sensor will be triggered.

When the burglar alarm is activated (armed), the sensors communicate with it by reporting that the door entry is secure. Once a monitored door or window is opened, the sensor will send the signal to control panel, and control panel interprets the system detects illegal entry. Immediately the system will set off alarm with high decibel alarm sound while it trys to communicate with central monitoring station or notify home owners.

Motion sensors

Passive infrared motion sensors are widely used motion sensor for anti-burglar applications. It can protect large open space with invisible passive infrared detection technology. These sensors are typically used to protect interior rooms by sensing the infrared energy level changing of intruder.

Remote control keyfobs

The keychain to allow user remotely arm and disarm the system without manual operation on control panel. The remote control keyfob communicate with console via wireless frequency, and transmission distance up to 100 meters in open space. It has at least four keys; away arm, stay arm, disarm. Press these keys, you can control the system.

Surveillance cameras

Surveillance cameras can allow user to watch the video footage in real time or even remotely surveillance in anywhere on computers, tablets and smartphones. The surveillance cameras can be used in several different ways as part of whole security system.

Surveillance cameras can monitor the events take place in the monitoring areas. Whether you are out of town or working in office, you can monitor the arrival of children after school and watch for deliveries and other services personnel like caregivers and landscapers. Video recording is one of primary function for surveillance cameras, they can be used to record any security breaches, which could result in having video footage of a home intrusion or theft, even other serious crimes, including good look at the intruder and criminals.

High-decibel siren

Siren is the important component for burglar alarm. First, the siren can alert the people inside that the house with security breaches, and also the loud noise sound can deterrent the burglar and may lead to burglar running away from house. Strobe siren can not only make noise sound, but also can make strobe lights to attract attention from neighbors or people walked by

What Happens when an intrusion occurs?

Security systems are designed to perform certain tasks when a secured zone is breached. What your security systems does in the event of an intrusion depends on the type of system you're using.
Professionally Monitored Security Systems: If your security system is professionally monitored by an alarm company, they are alerted when a security problem arises in your home. Along with the high-decibel alarm that sounds, the monitoring company is alerted. A trained security expert might attempt to communicate with the homeowner via the control panel if it's setup for 2-Way Voice communication, or will call the emergency contact number listed on the account.

These types of security systems communicate with the monitoring company in one of several ways, including:
Over existing home phone lines, which continue to work during power outages when battery backup is in use.
Wirelessly through cellular radio frequencies like cell phones use, which also continue to work during power outages when battery backup is in use. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which typically doesn't work in a power outage.Via the Internet, which also typically does not work in a power outage.

In the event of an actual emergency, the monitoring company will notify the appropriate emergency response personnel in your area. This includes police, firefighters, and paramedics. The monitoring company will also try to maintain communication with you until emergency response teams arrive at your home.

Monitored systems typically allow for the homeowners (or designee) to be notified by text message and email when a security breach occurs.

Non-monitored Security Systems

There are plenty of DIY security systems available today that don't include professionally monitored services. In the event of a home intrusion when this type of security system is installed, a high-decibel alarm sounds (provided one is installed). Contacting police, fire, or other emergency response personnel must be initiated by the homeowner by dialing the appropriate number, typically 911.
These types of systems may or may not allow for text messages or email notifications to be sent to the homeowner in the event of a security breach, depending on the provider and the system you opted for.

What are the advantages of having a home security system?

Numerous studies show homes without security systems, when compared to those with professionally monitored systems, are up to three times more likely to be burglarized because burglars are opportunistic by nature and are on the hunt for easy targets. Homes without security systems are high on their list.
When you have a home security system professionally monitored, and advertise this by displaying window stickers and yard signs, you're letting burglars know the likelihood they'll fail and be caught are very high.
Another advantage is the ability to remotely manage your house. With this, you can typically arm and disarm your security system from anywhere in the world via a web-enabled device, monitor who arrives and leaves your home, as well as use a panic button to elicit an instant response from your alarm monitoring company.
Finally, most home insurance companies provide great discounts-up to 20 percent-when you have a home security system in your home.