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