What Are Security Alarm Systems?

Security of entry points, such as doors and windows, and home spaces containing valuables, such as artwork, documents, and jewelry, is the fundamental tenet of all home security systems. It is essential to have a security alarm system installed in order to keep burglars at bay, no matter the size of your house or the number of items you wish to protect. 

Anyone can actually fall victim to burglary. In fact, according to the FBI, there are over 1 million reported cases of burglary in the U.S. every year; a new burglary happens every 26 seconds. Burglars are known to target homes that do not have any sort of home security installed. Burglaries are 300% more likely to occur in houses without security alarm systems.

An alarm system usually costs between $350 and $500. It is, however, nothing compared to the total losses caused by burglaries. In 2020 alone, the total stolen property value in the U.S. was estimated at 971 billion dollars, with only 54 billion dollars of that value recovered. 

As such, we recommend installing a security alarm system on your property to secure all your valuables. If you want to learn more about alarm systems, continue reading this article below.

Security Alarm

A security alarm is a device used to detect intrusions, including unauthorized entries, into most buildings or establishments, like homes or schools. Security alarms are typically employed in military, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings to deter theft and property damage and protect occupants from intruders and burglars. 

There are numerous types of security alarms available today. For burglary prevention, there are alarms; for fire protection, there are fire alarms and smoke detectors; for carbon monoxide detection; and for motion sensors.

These devices can also be complicated, with some being part of multiple-purpose security systems with computer monitoring and control. Nonetheless, a security alarm is only a single component of a larger security setup—the security alarm system. 

Security Alarm Systems

The control panel for a home security setup is the security alarm system. Each sensor that is a part of the setup transmits data to the alarm system. The system is used to change any sensor settings. If it ever becomes necessary, the main alarm system will also report and send live feeds to the device or application it is connected to.

An effective way to think of an alarm system is that it functions as the “brains” of a home security system. Any sensor utilized in the alarm configuration will alert the whole alarm system when it is triggered. This comprises all motion sensors, environmental sensors, life-safety sensors, and security sensors.

Types Of Alarm Systems

Alarm systems can provide early warning of unauthorized access to the premises of your property. An alarm system, however, only has value when used in conjunction with other security measures that are intended to spot break-in attempts, stop intruders in their tracks, and give you time to call for police assistance. 

Your alarm systems must be monitored and linked to a predetermined response for maximum protection. Alarm systems may be a perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS) or sectionalized internal security alarm system (SAS) to provide coverage to specific risk areas. 

Sectionalized alarm systems allow greater flexibility because highly susceptible areas can remain secured while keeping other parts of the facility open. On the other hand, PIDS can be valuable for organizations with facilities enclosed in a perimeter fence because it will give early warning of unauthorised breaches. 

However, below is a list of the general types of security alarms commonly found in residential properties. 

Electric Current Alarm System

Electric current systems are your most basic monitoring tool, which often gets installed while a house is being built. They keep guard of entrance points like doors and windows. A low-voltage electrical circuit travels between two points in these systems. 

The current flows readily when the doors and windows are closed. However, if they are opened, the circuit is broken, and a loud beep is triggered.

Wired Alarm System

A wired security alarm system sends signals to a monitoring station via your landline phone connection. Although it is capable of the most basic monitoring functions, there is a risk that the system’s actual onsite wires would be cut or damaged, rendering the system useless.

Wireless Home Alarm System

Wireless home alarm systems are security systems without wires. These alarm systems typically consist of a control panel and a number of sensors connected via built-in radio frequency transmitters. 

Once your wireless alarm system is triggered, a signal is sent to the control panel, and a loud beep is activated. Wireless systems have a number of advantages, including the ability to be managed remotely using a mobile device. They are also capable of integration with other innovative home features like lighting, video cameras, and thermostats.

Are you interested in ensuring that every inch of your premises is safe and secure? Check out Security Forward’s list of practical gadgets for home safety today.