Why install an intruder alarm system?

Why install an intruder alarm system?

It is widely accepted that intruder alarms are an effective deterrent against burglars, thereby helping to reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted. However, it is important to understand that an intruder alarm is not a replacement for good physical security. It should, rather, be regarded as a back-up to good physical and other security measures and precautions employed to protect your home.

Intruder alarm systems

Essentially, Intruder alarm systems fall into two categories – ’wired’ systems or ‘wire-free / wireless’ systems. Each of these categories can be sub-divided into two types -

• Audible only

When the alarm is activated, an internal and/or external siren/bell operates to draw attention to the building

• Remotely Monitored

When the alarm is activated, the internal/external siren/bell operates and a signal is also sent to a central monitoring station which can inform you, a chosen keyholder(s) as required and appropriate.

Auto-dialler – an auto-dialler can be utilised with any of the above systems. When the alarm is activated, the auto-dialler within the alarm system will ring predetermined telephone numbers to inform you and/or keyholders of the alarm activation.

Understanding and using you alarm system It is important to understand how your alarm system operates. Your installer should explain the operation of the system to you and all other members of your family.

Insist on a training session to demonstrate its features. Don’t be baffled by techno-speak or other jargon, ask the installer to explain.

It is also important that all your key holders are familiar with the operation of your alarm system and that they know the activation and deactivation codes etc.

Keep all instruction manuals in a known and accessible location. Do not write alarm codes etc. on the instruction manual or on walls or doors near the control unit or keypad. This is a common practice and must be avoided.

What system is best for me?

This is often a difficult decision to make and may be influenced by a number of factors including cost, design of residence, location and whether the house is suitably pre-wired. Your local Crime Prevention Officer can offer advice and you should also talk to friends and neighbours about systems that they have installed. The alarm installation companies can provide specialist advice and your home insurance company may also be in a position to assist.

Control Panel / Box: This is the heart or nerve-centre of the system and, in a domestic residence, is often situated in a cupboard or under the stairs. The control panel is connected to the electricity mains but also has a battery back-up facility.

Keypad: The keypad allows you to input numbers/codes thereby activating or de-activating the alarm. Often placed in the hallway, not far from the entry/exit point. Mainly used to switch the alarm on and off.

Magnetic Contact Sensors: These are sensors that are generally used to detect the opening of a door or window. There are two parts to them: a magnet and a contact and are usually fitted to the surface of the window or door. Flush fitting types are also available.

Movement Sensors/Detectors: Many types are available, PIRs (Passive Infra-Reds) being the most common. They are normally installed in the corner of a room near the ceiling and detect a rapid change in infra-red energy e.g. by the movement of a person. Other types include microwave, ultrasonic and combinations of each (dual technology).

Vibration and Acoustic Sensors/Detectors: Vibration sensors detect physical vibrations e.g. where a door or window is banged in a hard manner. Acoustic sensors detect airborne vibrations e.g. where glass is broken. A dual technology sensor incorporating both is also available.

Personal Attack Button: Also called a ‘PANIC’ button and has one or two recessed red buttons that, when pressed, causes the alarm to activate immediately and may also transmit a further signal to a remote monitoring station if connected.

Internal Sounder / Bell: This is fitted inside the home and provides a very loud audible warning noise.

External Siren / Bell Box: This is the ’box’ that you will see on the outside of homes and other buildings. It is normally sited quite high up, generally just under the eaves, and should be tamper-proof.

Strobe Flasher: Fitted to the external siren/bell box to give a visual warning of the alarm activation. Can be programmed to continue flashing after the audio sounder/bell has stopped.

Remote Signalling: With this facility, your alarm activation is transmitted to a remote monitoring station.

Zone: The alarm installation company will, for the purposes of identification and convenience, divide your home into zones when installing your alarm system. These zones are managed by the control unit and can be utilised to de-activate certain areas of your home at particular times, to alert you to open zones when setting your alarm and also to provide information when an alarm activation occurs etc.