| Home security equipment used to be a luxury | | | | enter a home by breaking glass windows or doors. |
| reserved for the rich and famous; but these days, | | | | * Door switches are made of two components: a |
| countless companies provide average homeowners | | | | switch and a magnet. The switch is sensitive to a |
| with reliable security systems. While the equipment can | | | | magnetic field and is mounted on a fixed structure like |
| vary depending on the company or manufacturer, all | | | | a door or window frame. The magnet is mounted on |
| systems are comprised of the same basic equipment. | | | | the door next to the switch. If the door is opened while |
| 1. Keypad: This is a small box with a numbered | | | | the system is activated, the magnet will move away |
| faceplate that performs two main functions: to initiate | | | | from the switch and will trigger the alarm. |
| security commands, and to display the status of the | | | | * Motion detectors will pick up on changes in infrared |
| security system. Keypads include an alphanumeric | | | | energy. Available in three levels of security (standard, |
| keypad and an LED display. Homeowners enter a | | | | pet-friendly and harsh environment outdoor devices) |
| predetermined code to activate the alarm when they | | | | motion detectors alert the system to trigger the alarm |
| are leaving the property, and to deactivate it when | | | | when an intruder enters the open space. |
| they return home. Many keypads include a panic | | | | 3. Cameras: Not all home security equipment |
| switch to alert the system immediately in case of | | | | packages include cameras, but the added protection |
| emergency, as well as a bypass function that lets the | | | | they provide can be worth the additional investment. |
| homeowner customize the system to bypass areas | | | | Cameras collect and transmit visual images of |
| where family members may be present. The LED | | | | intruders, and show the images on a video monitor. |
| display shows the status of the alarm system; that is, | | | | 4. Monitors: Working with security cameras, video |
| whether or not the system is active. | | | | monitors allow homeowners or security personnel the |
| 2. Sensors: These protect the perimeter of the home, | | | | opportunity to watch the property and see potential |
| as well as open spaces inside. Most common sensors | | | | intruders before the break-in occurs. The information is |
| used in home security equipment are window vibration | | | | transmitted through coaxial cables from the cameras. |
| detectors, magnetic door or window switches and | | | | 5. Some security systems will include more than one |
| acoustical detectors. These sensors are installed on | | | | camera. Switchers process images generated by |
| doors and windows to prevent intruders from entering | | | | several cameras, and enable the operators to switch |
| the house. Space protection sensors can also be | | | | from camera to camera to scan a large area of |
| installed to detect intruders within hallways and interior | | | | activity. |
| rooms. | | | | Home security equipment is varied in terms of quality |
| * Window acoustic and vibration detectors are able to | | | | and price. Shop around before you buy, to determine |
| detect the sound of breaking glass, and then trigger | | | | the package that is best suited to protect your home |
| the alarm. These devices make it nearly impossible to | | | | and family. |