Thinking about a Security
System for your Home?
First, you Need to Know how a Security System
Works: Control Panel: ttThis is a large (approx. 11" x
14") metal cabinet. This component contains the "brains" and
communications center for a security system, and is typically located in the mechanical
room. All sensors and keypads in a system are connected to the control panel. The control
panel can also activate sirens or lights, and can send emergency messages to a central
station over a telephone line or radio link.
Keypad: ttThis component controls all functions of a
security system, including programming. If you have the correct code, you can
control every function (of any given level) of security system from the keypad. The
display on the keypad shows you the current status of the system.
Perimeter Protection: ttConsists of
sensors that detect an entry from the outside. These sensors are placed on outside windows
and doors. They include magnetic contacts and even sensors that detect the sound of
breaking glass.
Interior Protection: ttDetects
intrusion inside the premise. Typically this consists of passive infrared motion detectors
which are strategically positioned, and designed to detect the body heat of an intruder
moving through a given area.
Fire: tt Most security systems use a combination of smoke detectors and heat
detectors to detect the fire. A monitored security system provides additional protection,
including dispatching of responding agencies.
Central Station:
ttIn the event of an alarm, the
control panel sends an emergency signal to a 24 hour monitoring service, known as the
"central station". The central station may take steps to verify the alarm, and
if necessary, get help by contacting police, fire or emergency authorities.
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