Introduction
Burglar alarm systems are used to alert in the event of any situation that is a threat. They are increasingly becoming popular not only private homes, offices, stores but have also become a standard equipment in warehouses, jewelry stores, museums and art galleries. There are several kinds of alarms including fire alarms, burglar alarms, indicator alarms, heat and smoke detectors.
Different Components of a Burglar Alarm System
Burglar Alarm system consists of four main component :
Detection Devices to detect if an intrusion has occurred. These contain sensors that senses movement and usually triggers an alarm. Sensors are the most important component of a burglar alarm system. Many types of motion sensors can sense motion in total darkness, without an intruder becoming aware that an alarm has been triggered. Passive Infrared sensor (PIR sensor) is most commonly used sensor that measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of view. Apparent motion is detected when an infrared source with one temperature, such as a human, passes in front of an infrared source with another temperature, such as a wall. Other popular sensor technologies use ultrasonic waves, microwave and photobeam.
Warning Devices like bells, sirens and remote monitoring
Control Panel to control the various states of the system
Power Supplies including backup batteries
How to select the best option for a burglar alarm system
There are three main types of burglar alarm system. The best option depends on where the alarm is planned to be installed.
- Hardwired alarm systems are more traditional type of security system. These systems usually consist of a main control panel, bell box or siren and several sensor devices which detect an intrusion. Essentially all components are wired together using multi-core cable. The cabling provides power to the device and detection of the device being triggered into an alarm condition as well as the identifying of tampering of the sensor device. One advantage of this system is that it is most reliable compared to any other alarm system and is more permanent. Also, it is less susceptible to false alarms. If you are constructing a new building or a house, involve a system integrator at an early stage who can help with the wiring to get it concealed within the construction walls.
- Wireless alarm system does not require any additional material like wiring and are comparatively less expensive. The latest wireless alarm systems are much more reliable than they were, and false alerts are a thing of the past. They are fantastic for rented accommodation as they can be easily removed and reinstalled at a new place. The disadvantage is that you will have to change the batteries in the wireless sensors on a regular basis which if missed may cause a false belief that alarm is working that may actually be in a non-working condition.
- A self-contained alarm system is a single unit often shaped like an everyday object such as a VCR or PIR motion detector. These devices are limited in features and functionality but offer great flexibility if portability is a requirement such as a short term stay in a property or even your garden shed, where there is no power available. Most self-contained alarm systems are powered by batteries so are great for outdoor use or vehicles such as motor homes or caravans for a short duration.A