1. Must-knows about alarm systems

Growth in house and commercial burglaries has drawn attention to the importance of people and property protection, which requires careful technical planning. An alarm system is a set of devices and accessories designed to detect and prevent adverse events. Its especially important that your home be protected when youre not there, especially if youre away for several days. Burglars always target flats, houses, and businesses with few obstacles, to lessen the chance of getting caught. Theres a lot you can do on your own to reduce this risk. There are steps you can take to make your house a less tempting target. One of them is to set a high-quality monitored alarm system.

1.1. Not every burglary protection is a security system

Theres a great difference between burglary protection and a complete home security system. The latter protects both the occupants and the property, so its definitely a wiser investment. Before you choose a bidder, do your homework on the devices and services they offer and how the system works. Burglary protection is the basic type of an alarm system, and it includes door and window sensors. It notifies you or the security team, depending on settings, in case of a break-in. This is no doubt useful, but this system wont notify you about other adverse events like fire, carbon monoxide leak, flooding, etc.

1.2. Alarm systems work even when the power is out

Many users are worried about power supply to an alarm system. Imagine youre away for a holiday and a storm causes a power failure. Will your alarm system keep on working? Is your home still protected? Do you need to rush back home? These are all legitimate concerns. Heres something to put you at ease: no matter what system youve got, itll continue working even when the power is out. Classic electronic alarm systems are usually low-voltage, meaning they dont need much power to work. Such systems have a battery backup, which supplies it with power during a failure. Some systems are solar powered. These are all autonomous systems. They come at a higher price, but if you prefer greener options, then this is a win-win for both your home and the environment.

1.3. The security system must fit your home and suit your needs

Although there are vendors wholl tell you about one-size-fits-all systems, these dont actually exist. Security systems vary in type, purpose, and coverage. Those which include more features and provide more protection cost more money, but still cant fit any house. A bigger house requires a system capable of controlling more information, but the system still must be adapted to occupants habits and lifestyle.

1.4. Many systems offer personal protection

Imagine a situation where somebody slips and falls on the stairs, but cant reach their phone. How much time would pass before somebody find them? Many state-of-the-art home security systems are equipped with technologies which are precious in such situations. If you press the button on a pendant or bracelet, youll alarm a special service available 24/7. This solution is great for seniors, people who live alone, or without any neighbours nearby.

1.5. Low insurance premiums and other positive aspects

In addition to feeling secure about your own safety and that of your property, there are other positive aspects of installing a high-quality alarm system. For example, some insurance companies offer cheaper plans to homeowners with high-end alarm systems. Some security systems notify owners of malfunctioning appliances to prevent damage. In short, alarm systems really help homeowners worry less and make them feel safe when in or out of the house.

2. Alarm system installers

Considering their importance, we strongly advise you do your research on different alarm systems and their characteristics, and make a wise choice. First ask how long the company has been around. We suggested you dont hire those who have been in the business for less than 10 years, because in addition to experience, its important they have the right equipment and devices. Also consider how far away their monitoring centre is from your home and how long it would take them to come in case the alarm goes off.

3. Types of alarm systems

3.1. Wired alarms

A wired alarm system provides communication between the sensors and alarm panel/monitoring centre, through wiring and cables installed in your walls. This system is comprised of a LV circuit with sensors installed at windows and doors. The current flows seamlessly and the circuit is closed as long as all windows and doors are closed. The moment theyre opened or sensors detect movement, the alarms go off.

3.2. Wireless alarm systems

Thanks to wireless technology all sensors can communicate with monitoring devices through radio frequencies and mobile information. As soon as the sensors detect movement, the information is automatically sent to the devices/panel which activate the alarms.

3.3. Self-monitored burglar alarms

These systems send an alert to you and whoever you designate in settings, after which you can notify the security team or authorities. This system features sound and light signals, but it wont automatically notify the security youve hired. Theyre usually cheaper than monitored systems, which means they provide less protection. Note that you may lose signal or simply be away from your phone when your get a notification.

3.4. Monitored burglar alarms

Hiring a professional security team to protect you, your family, and your house would certainly make you feel safer.

In case anything bad happens, the system wont just alert you, but it will also alert the security team wholl get help.

3.5. Different alarm systems according to type of protection

Alarm systems also differ in what theyre protecting you against. They can protect you against fire, flood, changes in temperature, burglary, unauthorized access, etc., so there are:

- burglar alarm systems,

- fire alarm systems,

- surveillance systems, and

- access control systems.

4. Installing a house alarm

The installation process mostly depends on the system you choose for your home. A regular wired system must be installed by a professional electrician. This work involves drilling holes through walls, chase cutting, laying cable casings from the sensors to the alarm panel. A wireless system, on the other hand, is much easier to install, since this doesnt require any construction works. Most wireless systems are autonomous because theyre battery- or solar-powered. A direct contact with a security team requires additional equipment. We recommend you get all information before the beginning of works to be able to prepare properly.

4.1. Alarms in new buildings

Before starting the installation process, an alarm system installer would first inspect the dwelling, its surroundings, and other factors (drawings and site visit), and based on this and occupants lifestyle, theyd decide what the most suitable system would be. When planning an alarm system layout, dont forget to consider other wiring systems, e.g. AC, as you dont want to block the sensors and impede their work. Once the plans been made, the next stage is laying cables which provide communication between the sensors and alarm panel. The best moment to start this is right before plasterwork, at the time when other wiring is laid as well, so that nothing remains visible on the outside. Installation is followed by a trial, and if need be, adjustments.

4.2. Alarms in existing buildings

In existing buildings, alarm system installers usually try to avoid drilling holes and making chase cut-outs. Instead, they run cables through pipes or casings at the bottom of the wall, so theyre quite easy on the eye. The good thing is that all other wiring is already laid, which leaves no room for surprises. The entire alarm system is installed together with cables.