The Installation of a Home Alarm System
The Installation of a Home Alarm System
Installing a home video surveillance is not a step to be taken lightly because it influences the efficiency of the entire system. Indeed, a poorly installed alarm is useless. This is why it is highly recommended to hire a professional, especially since this service does not cost a person much more. Here are a few details to remember if you are considering the installation of a home alarm system.
Wired or wireless: Which is better?
A wireless home video surveillance system is simpler and faster to install because there is no need to open up walls and deal with wires. However, regardless of the model chosen (wired or wireless), the alarm system is composed of two mechanisms: a central keypad and motion detectors/cameras.
The alarm system’s keypad is the main body that allows people to enable and disable their alarm. It must be easily accessible for you but difficult for intruders. When it comes to efficiency, the control should be placed in the center of the house and equidistant from the different detectors (to improve communications when using a wireless alarm).
More importantly, it should not be too close to the ground and should not have any obstacles in its way. For example, materials such as metals, mirrors, and iron decrease signal transmission. In case the alarm alert system is via a telephone connection, it is recommended that homeowners install the keypad near their telephone. The motion detectors/cameras are designed to detect the presence of intruders and/or suspicious activity.
In order to trap burglars, cameras and motion sensors must be installed near areas like the front door, windows, garage doors, etc.). It is also necessary to place them in blind spots where they will detect any movement without being noticed by intruders. Finally, keep them away from heat sources such as radiators.
Where to install a wireless alarm
Today, the most widely used security system is the wireless alarm. It is appreciated for its ease during the installation because there is no need to mess with wires. But for optimum efficiency, it is essential to install different alarm wireless devices in the right places.
The central wireless alarm is installed at the main entrance. Alarms accessible without a detector are much more vulnerable. It must also be placed on a flat surface with enough space around it to be able to easily access the battery box. It is necessary that the area is also open enough for the sound to disperse properly.
For better range, put it in the middle of the house at eye level. Motion detectors should be installed in corners because they should be away from heat sources (radiators, fireplace, and so on). They must also be oriented towards the interior of a room (not towards a window for example).
Finally, there should be no obstacles in the detection field (curtains, etc.). The beams of 2 sensors can interbreed, causing false alarms. Motion detectors must be installed between 2.20 and 2.40 meters high (7 to 8 feet).
Fixed sensors should be mounted on certain parts of windows and doors to ensure proper use. For instance, the actual sensor is placed on the window ledge, while the magnet housing, in turn, is placed on the actual window.
Other things to keep in mind
Wireless alarms should be placed in a spot where it cannot be affected by the weather. It should also be placed in difficult areas (to avoid potential burglars from sabotaging it). If you install a telephone transmitter, put it at 6 feet above ground, in the center of the home to facilitate remote listening. The keypad should be installed near the front door, for example. To be accessible to users, it is set at a height of 6 feet.
How does an alarm system work?
There are many alarm system models on the market. These can fulfill various options like detecting an intrusion or sensing a fire or flood. They are designed to monitor a property when there is no one home or when they are sleeping. Each alarm system has three components for three functions.
Any alarm system must meet three functions: cover, inform, and warn. This is why it is generally composed of these three main elements, regardless of the model: The control panel is the brain of the alarm system. It aims to receive all necessary information and automatically trigger the alarm, if necessary. Activation and deactivation of the alarm pass through the center.
The detectors (or sensors) should be placed in strategic areas of the home, as they will detect the slightest movements. These movements can be a door or window opening, or flood or smoke issues (depending on the alarm system).
The warning device emits a siren in the form of unusual lighting or sounds that aim to warn people of the intrusion and to scare away the burglar. Thus, as soon as the alarm system detects a discrepancy, the detectors register and transmit an electric pulse. It is then automatically and instantaneously sent to the alarm center.
Sending information can be achieved via wired (cables that connect the central detectors) or via a wireless network (different devices that communicate with a radio antenna and a transceiver).
Once the information is gathered, the central alarm will analyze and trigger the warning device, if necessary. Determining which alarm system is right depends on what needs to be protected and where. Many security experts can help with this issue but it is best to do some homework on your own first.
