One of the most popular trends in home security today is the installation of wireless alarm systems. Before you jump on the bandwagon, though, you should know a little more about how these systems work, as well as the benefits (and drawbacks) to this technology. To start off, let’s examine the two forms of wireless alarm system:
There are two dominant types of wireless home security systems on the market today: self installed systems and professionally installed systems (ADT and others). Both offer wireless benefits, but they are very different, as well. Self installed systems are usually very simple to install, though they are limited in their application as well as their usefulness to consumers. This is because they are not monitored and have no ability to alert police, fire or emergency authorities. A professionally installed system comes with dedicated monitoring capabilities (read that as 24-7) as well as the means to alert the right authorities (through the monitoring company).
Now that we know that a professionally installed system is the best option for comprehensive protection, let’s move on to other aspects. The installation itself is not completely wireless. While all the sensors are wireless, the control unit(s) are not. These need to be wired into the home for several reasons, including being wired into your phone line. This is how the system communicates with the monitoring station. Some new systems offer wireless communication through your ISP, as well. Regardless, the installation of the control units is minimally invasive for your home.
A wireless home alarm communicates or sends signals to the control unit through RF signals (radio frequency). Some systems have been designed to use infrared beams, as well. When the system is armed, the detectors monitor the surrounding area for motion (actually registers as a temperature difference) and send the signal to the control unit. The control unit then sends a signal to the monitoring company and sets off the alarm. When the monitoring company receives the signal from the alarm system, they will contact the homeowner to ascertain the situation.
In addition, there are quite a few accessories or add-ons that can be included with this type of home alarm system. If there are elderly family members in the home, young children or anyone with health problems, you can include panic buttons that will alert the monitoring company and medical response authorities. Carbon monoxide detectors are another popular option, as are water monitoring sensors for areas in a home that are susceptible to flooding. There are numerous other aspects that can be added, as well, such as wireless video cameras and wireless arm/disarm devices that can be carried on your key ring for better security options.
[ad_2]Source by Bruce Kelly