Everything You Need to Know About Security Systems The technology that goes into modern security systems is sophisticated, but also easy to understand. Likewise, the options it gives you to protect your home and loved ones are also easy to understand, as well as varied and extensive enough to suit your individual needs. The Basics The standard security system is a network of sensors attached to a central control panel. Most of the sensors consist of a pair of magnetic contacts which face each other on either side of an opening, such as the space between a door or window and its frame. When the door or window is opened, the contact is broken. This causes the control panel to register an “event” and, if necessary, take further action. Sensors: The Eyes and Ears of the Network Door and window contacts are the most common sensors in a security system network, but by no means the only ones. Motion and temperature sensors create an optical or infrared field, while smoke detectors and carbon dioxide sensors utilize photoelectric or particulate sensors to sample nearby air quality. All of these sensors register changes in the environment using a set threshold, and when that threshold is crossed (such as by movement or increased CO2 levels), a notification is sent to the control panel. And with certain systems, you can get sensors that won’t confuse your cat for a human intruder. Wired or Wireless? Originally, the openings for security system sensors had to be drilled into door and window frames, and connecting them to the control panel required bundles of wire concealed in the walls, ceilings or floors. Unless the home was pre-wired during construction, this often required considerable drilling and modification to the home. However, improvements in modern wireless technology provide considerably less intrusive installations where the sensors can be placed in the best possible locations without worrying about connecting and concealing the wiring. The control panel is programmed with a predefined number to call out when an emergency event occurs. Telephone line connections are still widely used for security system monitoring, but cellular connections have become an important option, either as a backup to ensure communication in the event of phone line tampering or failure, or as a primary connection for homeowners who have transitioned to cell phones or VoIP for their phone service. Control Panels: The Brain of the Network The control panel is a device programmed to respond to all of these sensor events in a number of ways. This could mean anything from a simple beep to let you know that someone opened the door, to a full emergency response that sets off the main alarm. While older systems were limited in flexibility and often not very user-friendly, modern control panels offer intuitive interfaces and considerable user customization. In many cases, they can be controlled and monitored remotely from your computer, from your mobile device, or even by a third party. Monitoring and Response The real effectiveness of a security system increases exponentially when connected to a remote monitoring service. In this kind of setup, the control panel sends an alert to a central monitoring station outside the home, staffed by agents who will immediately notify you of the situation and dispatch an armed response unit, initiate contact with police, fire, medical or other emergency responders. Recent advances in mobile and monitoring technology have also allowed for increased personal monitoring. With the right control panel, monitoring service and app, you can use your smartphone to arm or disarm the system, get real-time information on the status of your home, or even view live security camera feeds and lock or unlock electronic doors from wherever you are. It’s not hard to see how much safer your home and loved ones can be with the right security system. The tricky part may be deciding what makes up the right security system for you
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 19:38:07 +0000