Alarm Systems: protect your family and your home

Alarm Systems: protect your family and your home

One of the most common types of alarm system is Passive Infra Red Sensors. The functions a Passive Infra Red Sensor will perform depends on the type of sensor purchased, and on how advanced the technology is. Although they are more expensive, top range Passive Infra Red Sensors are capable of many additional functions. For example, they are immune to pets and other small animals which lessens the chance of false alarms, and can be equipped with broken glass sensors, vibration sensors, smoke detectors and magnetic sensors for windows and doors.

One of the most important aspects of fitting an alarm system, whether it is an advanced Passive Infra Red Sensor or a simple alarm system, is the strategic placement and installation of that system depending on the risk level and environment of the home. A security specialist who can pinpoint the riskiest areas of the home is needed to install the device in the most effective places. The monitoring of the alarm system is also an important factor to consider. Monitoring can be either landline, cellular or broadband based.

Landline monitoring systems use phone lines to alert the monitoring system when the alarm is triggered and are the cheapest available option.

Broadband monitoring makes use of the Internet to alert monitoring systems of a tripped alarm. Broadband mechanisms are faster than landline-based systems and have the added benefit of being capable of home automation options. However, they can be unreliable in cases where the Internet connection is intermittent and there is no back up landline connection, which can prevent monitoring systems of being alerted to an emergency.

Finally, cellular monitoring uses cell phone connectivity to alert monitoring systems of a triggered alarm. Cellular monitoring is an increasingly popular option because it is the fastest option and is easy to fit because it is wireless.