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by Peter Kaminski

Types of Residential Alarm Systems

Residential alarm systems are provided for three basic purposes: protection from intrusion and burglars, detection of fires and other dangers such as gas leakage or carbon monoxide, and medical or other emergency calls. A comprehensive residential alarm system can cover all three purposes, or a home owner can install each as a separate system.

Any residential alarm system consists of two parts: the components of the system installed in the home, and a 24/7 remote monitoring system that will respond when an alarm goes off. The monitoring service is sold by companies with a monthly fee, and usually includes maintenance and periodic tests of the system. Trained monitors contact the homeowner by phone or other predetermined means to verify the intrusion, fire, or type of emergency and upon verification will notify the appropriate emergency resource.

Alarm systems can be wired or wireless. A wired system is generally installed while a new house is being built. The wiring is put in as an integral part of the construction and the separate components are installed after the building is completed. When this is done,  a comprehensive alarm system, which can include sensors at entryways and windows, fire and smoke detectors, and panic or emergency buttons, can be easily put in place.

There are numerous wireless systems with varying components, and the prices have come down in recent years. Many of these residential alarm systems come in do-it-yourself kits. Wireless systems may not be as reliable as wired ones, although improvements have come with advanced technology. Generally, a wireless system consists of a control panel, an alarm bell box, wireless sensor devices for doors and windows, and smoke sensors. The advantage of a wireless system is its portability; if the homeowner moves, he can remove the system and take it with him.

Burglar alarm systems include a master control panel, and detectors and sensors that sound an alarm if there is movement outside or inside a home, when a door or window is broken or removed to gain entry, or if there is an intruder in any particular part of the house, such as near a safe. It can also include a panic button, operated manually to contact the remote monitor, if the resident suspects an intrusion. Some systems will include a closed-circuit TV for viewing any part of the house or property remotely. All systems provide a means for the homeowner to activate or deactivate the alarm system.

There are two kinds of fire alarm systems: smoke detectors and heat detectors. In addition, there are two types of each. Smoke detectors use either an ionization or a photoelectric technology. The former will detect fast-flaming fires and the latter will respond to smoldering fires. Newer systems combine the two for more thorough fire detection. The two types of heat detectors are fixed temperature, which will activate the alarm when a certain temperature is reached, and the rate-of-rise detector which will respond to rapid increases in temperature.

An emergency call system can be activated by pressing a panic button, or a neck pendent which will place a call to a preset phone number. Generally three numbers are set to be called automatically in case the first number does not get a response. This system also provides for two way conversation, and a wireless set will provide the location of the person making the call.

Besides the basic systems and components covered above, there are many special features of residential alarm systems that different security companies offer. Choose your security company carefully, and you will be provided with home protection that brings peace of mind.

References:

Chubb.com, “Protecting your home with an alarm system,” https://www.chubb.com/personal/html/helpful_tips_home_alarmsystem.html, (accessed May 22, 2009).

Home Security Advice, “Wireless Residential Burglar Alarm Security System,”
http://www.securehomeadvice.com/wireless-residential-burglar-alarm-security-system.aspx, (accessed May 22, 2009).

National Volunteer Fire Council, “Fire Alarm Systems: What do the Codes Say?” http://www.nvfc.org/page/626/show_item/800/News.htm, (accessed May 24, 2009).

Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, “Residential FAQs,” http://www.pbfaa.com/modules.php?name=Consumer, (accessed May 24, 2009).

SecuritySystemInstallation.com, “Residential Alarm Systems,” http://securitysysteminstallation.com/ResidentialAlarmSystemResidentialAlarmCompaniesResidentialAlarms.html, (accessed May 22, 2009).

University of Missouri Extension, “Residential Fire Detection,” http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d000001-d000100/d000048/d000048.html, (accessed May 24, 2009).

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