There are probably many questions running through your mind about installing a home security system. Rest assured you are not alone and we hope to answer any questions you may have. The following post will answer the most frequently asked questions we receive, basic components of a security system and key considerations. We hope this helps while choosing the best security camera system for your needs.
Home Security Systems
Not only are home security systems the easiest way to gain peace of mind they can also prove to be difficult when deciding on which to buy. The most common home security systems are wired to a control panel located within your home which will activate if anything changes. Take for example a window or door opening- your system is alerted.
Q. How do home security systems work?
The control panel is the hub of activity. It is the metal box that contains all the electronics required to run the system. It also receives and stores communication between the cameras so it’s a good idea to keep this hidden, well away from plain sight. The different sensors are all wired to relay information back to the control panel.
A little more on the sensors- there are two basic sensors. These are the interior and perimeter sensors which will provide complete protection.
Perimeter sensors would be positioned in places such as windows and doors – these are considered the vulnerable entry points to a premise. Included in the perimeter sensors are glass break sensors as well as magnetic contact sensors.
Interior sensors are those such as passive infrared detectors or smoke detectors. Generally these are positioned inside the house on ceilings.
If either an interior or perimeter sensor detects an issue, it analyzes the message and works out if the problem is an intruder, fire etc. Depending on the threat level to your security the control panel will sound a siren or alert a monitoring security service company.
Q. What are the components of a security system
- Control panel – system wiring terminates here. Also contains a backup battery
- Keypad – used to arm and disarm your system
- Siren – sound alerting you in case of a break in
- Inside monitoring detector – detectors for sensing room temperature changes due to human presence
- Door and window contact – magnetic contacts forming a circuit between door frame and the door or a sill and a window.
- Central monitoring station – 24hr monitoring station which receives signals from your home and then alerts police
Advantages of home Security Systems
- Peace of mind
- Protects homeowners property and possessions
- Increases property value
- Physical danger to your family significantly reduced
- Deters criminals, burglars and opportunist thieves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are Monitored Alarm Systems Necessary?
A. While secure locks, alarm signs and patrols work well as deterrents nothing compares to having your own home security system. The best locks won’t deter a burglar from smashing a window or a thieves to steal packages off your doorstep (invest in a doorbell camera if you’ve got a package thief!)
Nothing compares to the 24/7 security offered from a home security system.
Q. Can an alarm system stop burglars?
A. Looking at statistics we know that burglaries most often occur during the daytime and are completed in 5-10minutes. Burglars are opportunist criminals who will choose a home that looks easiest to break into with the lowest chance of being caught.
If a burglar can see a home security system and the neighbors house is free of cameras, they will choose the home security camera free house.
Q. What is the difference between a hardwire and wireless security system ?
A. Wireless security systems are the latest technology and are generally speaking much easier to have installed. If we consider a hardwire system, the wireless systems offer much more flexibility- you have the ability to detach the garages or sheds, place them on windows on the 2nd floor, remote entry as well as tapper proof sensors.
Q. How long to have my home security system installed?
Generally, a licensed technician can arrange to be at your home in 1 – 3 days. A time is scheduled that suits you and upgrades can be made at no additional cost.
Q. What happens during a power outage?
Security systems are equipped with back-up batteries that can power the system for 24hours. After the power is restored your back up battery has the ability to recharge itself. If there are any issues with the a low battery the control panel and monitoring center is notified.
Q: Why are security cameras expensive?
A: A common misconception – they can be as cheap or as expensive as you like. Depending on what you want the security system to do there are very basic security systems on the market for as little as $80. If you are looking for something with many more features such as infrareds, color videoing, wireless cameras and motion sensing technology then prepare to pay more. If you have a strict budget but know what features you want there shouldn’t be an issue with finding the right security system for you. It is important to note here that even a cheap system is better than no system at all.
Q: Wireless security cameras – how do they work?
A: If you purchase a wireless security system you will receive a transmitter as well as a receiver. While not all systems are the same, in general each camera in your system has it’s own transmitter. The transmitter send the video recording over a frequency to the receiver. Generally speaking the receiver is or is connected to a monitor in which you can view the video. It is important to note that with wireless security systems each camera is going to need a power source. If this is an issue then be sure to search for a home security system that is battery operated.
Q: Which is better a pre-assembled security system or purchasing each one individually?
A: This all comes down to personal choice and which system you would like to install. For the general population, the easiest option is to purchase a complete security camera system. The hard part has been done for you and after a quick installation the whole process will probably also work out a bit cheaper. There are security systems offering a huge variety of things, some with just 1 camera and others with many. You could always purchase a very simple package and add on more cameras and features as you see fit.
Bottom Line
We hope these frequently asked questions have helped answer any questions you may have about security surveillance systems. If you are ready to commit and purchase one, then be sure to check out our comprehensive reviews.
The Ram Research team have also put together the following detailed guides:
