A Guide to Domestic Alarm Systems

Many insurers require that you have at least a basic alarm system fitted in your home. Not only will it protect your home and possessions against intruders, it could reduce your premium. Fire alarm maintenance from Black & White Fire Safety can ensure everything is in working order in the event of a fire.

Professional installers of alarm systems will have fitted a wide range of security alarms to a variety of domestic properties. They often find that clients can be confused by the different types of alarm systems on the market.

Audible Alarms

These are alarm systems that are fitted to your home. When the alarm is activated, a bell or siren rings on the outside and inside of your house. This alerts you, your neighbours and the intruder.

Connected Alarms

These alarms are fitted in the same way as audible alarm systems. When the alarm is triggered, a signal is sent to the alarm company, or to a central monitoring station, which will attempt to contact the homeowner, and the other alarm key holders. If none of these people can be contacted, the monitoring station will refer the call to the local police.

Motion Sensors

Most alarm systems use motion sensors. Fitted in each room, or in strategic places around the house, they detect any motion in the room and activate the alarm. Motion sensors can be passive infrared, photoelectric or microwave operated. If you have pets, then special sensors can be fitted to ensure that they do not trigger the alarm

Door Contacts

The other main part of an alarm system, magnetic door contacts sense when the door is being opened and trigger the alarm. Similar contacts are available for windows.

Keypad

This is where the alarm systems are operated from. Your keypad should be within a short distance of the door that you use as your main point of entrance and exit, and ideally, should not be visible to anyone looking through the windows. You will use the keypad to set the alarm when you go out, or go to bed, and to turn it off when you come in. The keypad may also allow you to partially-set the alarm.

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