Residential Security Systems

Control Panel- The control panel is the “brain” of the entire security system. All alarm system programming is stored in the control panel. Each device (door contact, motion detector, smoke alarm etc.) is assigned a zone number. The zone number identifies which zone the signal (alarm, trouble, or check-in) comes from. When the system is armed and an alarm signal is received by the control panel, a signal containing the data from the alarm is sent to the central monitoring station by the control panel’s communicator.

Keypad- The keypad is the end users link to the security system. Full readout LCD keypads provide the user with easy to follow menus that allow the user to perform basic functions such as arming and disarming the system, adding user codes, and viewing the system log. Keypads are typically installed near the doors that are used to enter and exit the premises to allow for quick disarming of the system.

Door Contact- Door contacts are typically installed on all exterior doors. The door contact consists of two pieces, the transmitter and the magnet. The transmitter is installed on the top of the door frame and is wired into the alarm system. The magnet is mounted on the door lined up with the transmitter. When the door is closed the transmitter senses the magnet and shows a closed condition on the alarm system. When the door is opened the magnet is taken away from the transmitter and shows an open condition. If the system is armed when this occurs, an alarm signal will be transmitted from that zone.

Motion Detector- The motion detector is a device used to detect movement in a large open space such as a living room. This provides extra detection inside of the house in case a burglar bypasses perimeter zones (door contacts, glass-break detectors). Motion detectors are typically installed in the corners of a room to provide the greatest range of protection.

Glassbreak Detectors- The glass-break detector is a device that listens for the sound of breaking a glass. When activated, this component is typically programmed to generate an alarm at all times including when the system is disarmed. Glass break detectors are generally installed on a wall across from the glass windows or doors being monitored.

Key Fob- The key fob is very similar to your vehicles keyless entry system. It provides a convenient way to arm and disarms your alarm system with just the touch of a button. Key fobs have four buttons and are typically programmed for the following functions: away arm, stay arm, disarm, and panic.

Smoke Detector- Smoke detectors can be wired directly to your control panel or connected wirelessly. The added advantage of a smoke detector to your alarm system is that not only does it audibly notify you of a fire, it sends out an alarm to the monitoring station which in turn dispatches the fire department to your home, even while you’re away.

Hardwired systems require all system components to be physically connected to the control panel. In a home that is just being built, “pre-wiring” a system is the most reliable and easy way to wire a security system because the wire runs throughout the house before drywall and ceilings are installed. This provides the neatest method of installation and is the least intrusive to the homeowner. The advantage of the wireless system is that there is no need to change any batteries. The cost of hardwired components can also be substantially cheaper than wireless components as well. Unfortunately, most homes that are bought do not have a pre-wired alarm system installed. Without a basement to run the wires in, it is hard to conceal the wires from view.

Wireless systems connect components to the control panel using radio waves (much like a cordless telephone). When first introduced, wireless devices did not offer long-range communication which meant devices could go in and out of communication due to walls and other means of interference. As the technology increased over the years, wireless is almost as reliable as hardwired systems. Communication distances have improved and devices now “check-in” with the control panel to ensure that signal is not lost. The advantages of a wireless system are that components do not need wires in between them and the control panel. This means cleaner and faster installations which will free up the homeowner. The drawback to wireless devices is that they do require batteries. Most devices will operate for 1-3 years depending on use. Battery replacement is quick and easy though and can usually be done by the homeowner.

Control Panel- The control panel is the “brain” of the entire security system. All alarm system programming is stored in the control panel. Each device (door contact, motion detector, smoke alarm etc.) is assigned a zone number. The zone number identifies which zone the signal (alarm, trouble, or check-in) comes from. When the system is armed and an alarm signal is received by the control panel, a signal containing the data from the alarm is sent to the central monitoring station by the control panel’s communicator.

Keypad- The keypad is the end users link to the security system. Full readout LCD keypads provide the user with easy to follow menus that allow the user to perform basic functions such as arming and disarming the system, adding user codes, and viewing the system log. Keypads are typically installed near the doors that are used to enter and exit the premises to allow for quick disarming of the system.

Door Contact- Door contacts are typically installed on all exterior doors. The door contact consists of two pieces, the transmitter and the magnet. The transmitter is installed on the top of the door frame and is wired into the alarm system. The magnet is mounted on the door lined up with the transmitter. When the door is closed the transmitter senses the magnet and shows a closed condition on the alarm system. When the door is opened the magnet is taken away from the transmitter and shows an open condition. If the system is armed when this occurs, an alarm signal will be transmitted from that zone.

Motion Detector- The motion detector is a device used to detect movement in a large open space such as a living room. This provides extra detection inside of the house in case a burglar bypasses perimeter zones (door contacts, glass-break detectors). Motion detectors are typically installed in the corners of a room to provide the greatest range of protection.

Glassbreak Detectors- The glass-break detector is a device that listens for the sound of breaking a glass. When activated, this component is typically programmed to generate an alarm at all times including when the system is disarmed. Glass break detectors are generally installed on a wall across from the glass windows or doors being monitored.

Key Fob- The key fob is very similar to your vehicles keyless entry system. It provides a convenient way to arm and disarms your alarm system with just the touch of a button. Key fobs have four buttons and are typically programmed for the following functions: away arm, stay arm, disarm, and panic.

Smoke Detector- Smoke detectors can be wired directly to your control panel or connected wirelessly. The added advantage of a smoke detector to your alarm system is that not only does it audibly notify you of a fire, it sends out an alarm to the monitoring station which in turn dispatches the fire department to your home, even while you’re away.

Hardwired systems require all system components to be physically connected to the control panel. In a home that is just being built, “pre-wiring” a system is the most reliable and easy way to wire a security system because the wire runs throughout the house before drywall and ceilings are installed. This provides the neatest method of installation and is the least intrusive to the homeowner. The advantage of the wireless system is that there is no need to change any batteries. The cost of hardwired components can also be substantially cheaper than wireless components as well. Unfortunately, most homes that are bought do not have a pre-wired alarm system installed. Without a basement to run the wires in, it is hard to conceal the wires from view.

Wireless systems connect components to the control panel using radio waves (much like a cordless telephone). When first introduced, wireless devices did not offer long-range communication which meant devices could go in and out of communication due to walls and other means of interference. As the technology increased over the years, wireless is almost as reliable as hardwired systems. Communication distances have improved and devices now “check-in” with the control panel to ensure that signal is not lost. The advantages of a wireless system are that components do not need wires in between them and the control panel. This means cleaner and faster installations which will free up the homeowner. The drawback to wireless devices is that they do require batteries. Most devices will operate for 1-3 years depending on use. Battery replacement is quick and easy though and can usually be done by the homeowner.