Security and disaster
alarms are no longer new to most people. These devices have already been available for quite some time now and have been continuously innovated.
These deterrent instruments are usually found in business establishments. The very reason for installing such devices is for protection of properties against attempted
burglary and destructive disasters like fire.
Banks and jewelry shops are examples of businesses that need high security. By using
burglar alarms the security that these businesses need is met. In fact, they are being required by their insurance companies to have the most complex and effective Security System that they can have. The higher the protection needed the more complex the Security system must be.
Home Security systems that are installed in
homes use the basic principle of
alarm system. By simply using the electrical flow,
alarms can be triggered to sound when conditions is met. For example, for a close circuit
alarm, when the door opens, the current flow powers the sounder. Contrary to the open circuit
alarm because when the current is cut, the
alarm sounds.
There are only three main parts or major equipment a
Home Security has. These are 1) the control panel, 2) signaling device and 3) detectors. These parts are being interconnected for it to work. There are systems that uses radio frequency, infrared, and the like in order to connect one part to another. The system that uses radio transmitters and receivers is called the wireless system.
Control Panel
A control panel is the central processing device of the system. It is where you program the system to work according to the specifications of the
home or building. It is also where you can turn on, turn off or reset the
alarm system. The control panel can be accessed using remote keypads. All specifications of a control panel may differ according to the prerogative and design of the manufacturer. The detector zones can be programmed in the control panel so whenever the detector receives unusual frequencies, the control panel processes it and let the sound device
alarm. A control panel also contains a memory chip that stores the user’s settings. There are other features that a control panel may contain. It can be found in the user manual or specified in the product brochure.
Signaling Devices
These
Home Security equipment make sounds whenever condition is met for it to
alarm. A sounder may be a bell, a buzzer or a chime. Most commonly the sounder that is being used for
Home Security systems are those that are loud enough and that can cause panic on the
burglar. These days, sounders are already partnered with a strobe. A strobe is a special lighting device. It has a lamp inside that is mounted in such a way that it rotates as the sounder sounds. The most common colors used for the strobe are red, blue and yellow. Speech dialers or telephone relays are also part of the signaling equipment.
Detectors
Detectors are also called as sensors. These equipments are responsible for reporting unusual movements to the control panel. There are several types of detectors that are used for a
Home Security system. Here are some of the commonly used detectors:
• Magnetic Contact Detectors – this type is usually used in windows and doors. These devices are mounted in the edges of the doors and windows.
• Infrared Detectors (passive infrared) – these are basically used to detect motions or unusual irregularities in the place. This can also be used to detect temperature changes and smoke.
• Vibration sensors – these devices are quite more sensitive than the magnetic contact detectors because a little vibration from the window or door can be interpreted by the device as unusual and may possibly trigger the control panel to sound the
alarm.
