Internal Home Security Options:4selfdefence

There’s nothing more important than your safety, the main focus of this section is to understand the security internal measures available to safe guard your living premises. 

Intercom systems for the main entrance are a great security measure. They can be wireless or hard wired and can be audio or a combination of audio and vision. Intercom systems can be a means of communication from room to room and can be retro fitted to become a part of your security alarm system or even your entertainment system if you have a system throughout your premise.

Internal security for the home could include, but is not limited to:

Smoke Detectors: Smoke detectors are a device that detects smoke. Most smoke alarms in the house are powered only by a single disposable battery. In some countries it is illegal not to have them installed. There are two types of smoke alarms available for use in residential properties:

 Photoelectric Smoke Alarms: Photoelectric smoke alarms 'see' the smoke. They detect visible particles of combustion, e.g. smoldering cigarette smoke. They respond to a wide range of fires, but they are particularly responsive to smoldering fires and the dense smoke given off by foam filled furnishings or overheated PVC wiring:  

Ionisation Smoke Alarms: A ionisation alarm is designed to detect the presence ofextremely small particles of smoke that cannot be seen by the human eye. Ionisation alarms, due to their sensing mechanism, cannot tell the difference between particles of combustion, dust, very small bugs, paint fumes or steam. So opening a gas oven, cooking toast, a new gas heater or an open fireplace can quite easily result in causing a false alarm in a ionisation unit. Ionisation alarms respond very quickly to hot, fast flaming fires. 

Home Alarm Systems: When considering a home alarm system, keep in mind that it is better to stop someone before they can get into you premise rather than detecting someone when they have entered. Ask yourself “have I taken preventive measures such as the ones indicated?” or “will I need the following?” Your budget will also be a considering factor into your choice.

Intruder Alarm System: There are three main home security system (alarm) configurations to consider:

Perimeter Only: Perimeter entry points to your home are protected. Every door and window is protected by magnetic contact intrusion sensors and can be wired, wireless or a combination of both. Generally, all openings within easy reach would be protected, the ground floor in addition to any basement windows or doors as well as selected windows on the second floor. A good rule of thumb for second floor openings is that if there is a roof overhang or if a person can be boosted by a helper to reach a second floor window then that opening should also be protected.

Perimeter with Backup: Perimeter with backup is doing all of the perimeter openings as above but also including some backup intrusion detection devices. Normally, this would be Passive Infrared (PIR) motion sensors but could also include audio glass break sensors. An interior motion sensor is used to “backup” the magnetic contacts on the doors and windows. PIR motion sensors sense a moving heat source (such as a human body) with a room. The range of these sensors varies but most are rated to detect intruders 14 – 16 meters from the sensor. It must be line of site with no blockage in between the protection area and the motion sensor (PIR’s do not detect objects moving beyond your windows nor through walls).

Interior Only: An interior only system is the most inexpensive of the three configurations by far, yet still provides a reasonable level of protection. In this case you protect ALL doors on the ground floor(s) and use PIR motion sensors to cover all window entry. If you are only going to set (arm) the security system when you go to bed or when no one is home then this system would be adequate. However, if you will be setting the alarm system at any time during the day or night then you could not arm the motion sensors in areas you will also be visiting (watching TV in the family room). Whether the interior only system is adequate is a personal use question as well as project budget.

Wired protection devices such as magnetic contacts, motion sensors, glass break sensors, smoke detectors come in both wired and wireless models. There are two distinguishing factors to help judge which is best for your application:

Wired devices are the least expensive (cheaper by far) and wireless devices are easier to install (faster by far).
 
Here is an easy rule of thumb for windows and doors. For a wired installation figure a window/door will cost approximately $10 for a magnetic contact and wire plus about an hour of labor. This labor includes drilling the window sill and sash, running the wire to the basement, and pulling a line back to the control panel. It’s not really hard once you do a couple but it is time consuming.

For wireless installation will approximately cost about $50 per opening plus ten minutes of labor. The labor consists of pressing an adhesive backed transmitter on the window/door plus pressing the magnetic to the window of door frame.

There is programming time involved too but it’s about the same for wired and wireless.

You may also want to consider a combined system – both wired and wireless devices. Doors and windows in an unfinished basement for instance can easily be wired. The same goes for garage openings. On the other hand second floor windows or windows in a room over a concrete slab are excellent candidates for wireless transmitters.

Security Devices

How does an alarm system work?

Control Panel: A security system starts with a control panel. Usually located in a closet or a basement, the control panel contains the "brains" of the security system, and essentially operates as a central computer. Various sensors connect to the control panel from locations throughout your home. If your security system is armed and the sensors detect a problem, they send signals to the control panel. The control panel automatically dials the central monitoring station, where the proper authorities (police, fire, ambulance) are notified.

Keypad: You operate your security system by entering your security code at the keypad. Generally located at entry doors, keypads can arm and disarm with push-button ease, and literally put security at your family’s fingertips! Good features to look for include illuminated keys to provide you with greater visibility at nighttime, easy-to-read English displays that spell out your system’s status at a glance, and one-touch function keys that provide single-button operation for arming, disarming or emergencies. Most keypads even offer convenient additional user codes to give friends, neighbors or service people access to your home.

Magnetic Contacts: Magnetic contacts are two-part devices used to safeguard windows and doors. One part of the contact is a switch installed in the window or door jam; the other contains a magnet and is placed in the window or door itself. Any noticeable shift in contact with the switch results in an alarm. These can be home-run wired back to the main control panel, daisy-chained with other door/window contacts or part of a wireless transmitter combo.

PIR Motion Sensors: A passive infrared motion detector (PIR) is an electronic security device that detects intruders by "sensing" motion or body heat in the area being protected. Most PIR’s are designed to be used when your family is away from home or when no one will be passing through the area "covered" by the PIR.

Recent innovations in security technology have resulted in the creation of "pet immune" motion detectors-allowing dog and cat lovers to enjoy the same level of protection they would receive with a standard PIR. These state-of-the-art sensors provide "pet immunity" for animals weighing up to 80 lbs. Pet immune PIR’s allow your pet to move about freely but can still detect an intruder’s movement.

Glass break Sensors: Acoustic glass break sensors, usually mounted on ceilings or walls, work by "listening" for the sound of breaking glass in a window. "Shock" glass break detectors are mounted on the window and "feel" the shock of breaking glass. This kind of advanced wireless technology can provide shatter and shock protection for your windows, often intruders are "sensed" and an alarm sounded while they are still outdoors.

Smoke Detectors: We have already discussed battery-operated smoke detector. Do you need one installed as part of my security system? Smoke detectors are highly effective in preventing loss of life and property. However, there are differences between the "stand alone" or battery-operated smoke detector you would buy at your local hardware store and one installed as part of your home security system. “Stand alone” detectors are not connected to other detectors or warning devices. A smoke detector connected to your security system offers more protection when it is monitored by a central station. If fire strikes, the detector sets off an alarm and sends a signal to the control panel. The control panel dials the central station, where the operator notifies the fire department. Only central station monitored smoke detectors provide automatic notification of authorities when you or your family are asleep, not at home or unable to get to the phone. Protect your pets too from fire while you’re at work!

Wireless Devices: Technological breakthroughs have led to the development of wireless electronic security products, and their effectiveness has been proven time and again over the years in millions of installations. Their reliability and long battery life make them a popular choice among homeowners and dealers alike.

They give installers the flexibility they need to overcome obstacles like brick walls, cement floors and cathedral ceilings; and no drilling holes preserves the beauty of your home and results in cleaner, faster installations.

Remote control devices are common in today’s society and the security industry has responded! User-friendly wireless products provide the dual benefits of superior performance and ease of operation. Wireless keypads allow you to activate and de-activate your security system with the touch of a button, and can even be programmed so that a young child can operate it with ease. Homeowners especially love wireless keys! Similar in size to a remote car alarm key, they fit right on your key chain, and the press of a single button lets you control your system, lights and appliances-eliminating the need for codes. This is especially great if you and your family enjoy spending time outdoors. Relax by the pool, garden, barbecue and entertain, or play with your kids in the backyard-enjoy extra mobility without compromising your safety!

Remote Control: Another item gaining popularity is the interactive phone module. By adding the phone module to your home security system, you’ll have remote control access from any touch-tone or cellular phone-from your office, on the road, or anywhere in the world! Conveniently arm, disarm or check the status of your system, turn your lights on or off-you can even control your thermostat and air conditioner!

Conclusion: It is far better to stop would-be attackers before they enter your premise rather than trying to protect yourself after they have entered or trying to identify the thieves or attackers after the incident has happened. Take every precaution you deem necessary to safeguard your premise.