The need to ensure safety
More and more people now focus on their own comfort and sense of security. These issues are particularly important when it comes to the refuge that is home. This is where each of us wants to feel as good as possible and at the same time be able to regenerate before the next day. Technologies and solutions are already available on the market that allow you to protect your facility against unauthorized persons entering its premises, and thus ensure peace of mind. A high level of security can be ensured by a home alarm system, which consists of several essential elements.
What is the purpose of the alarm system?
The basic function of the alarm system is to register potential adverse events. These include, for example, opening doors, windows or the movement of people in protected spaces. Then, the alarm installation triggers signaling devices that generate an acoustic or acoustic-optical signal. Appropriate information about the event is simultaneously sent to the appropriate units. Most often it is the owner or a security agency. A facility equipped with an alarm system provides a much higher level of security than a building without such a system. It is also worth mentioning that alarm systems in most cases help reduce the cost of property insurance premiums. To benefit from this, the system itself must meet the requirements specified in the EN 50131 standard (degrees of protection from GRADE 1 to GRADE 4). Installation must be performed by authorized installers, and the best effect is achieved by combining an alarm installation with video monitoring.
How is an alarm system constructed?
When it comes to construction, the alarm system consists of several basic elements that together ensure a high level of protection as well as appropriate comfort of using the installation. The basic components of an alarm system are:
- alarm control panel,
- user interface (manipulators),
- internal alarm devices,
- external alarm devices,
- motion sensors,
- security detectors.
The selection of individual components of the alarm system should be based on the specifics of the building as well as the defined needs of the client. Before starting the placement of devices, one should familiarize themselves with their technical parameters and functionalities. Consideration should be given to factors such as the range of operation, as well as the future potential for expanding the entire alarm system.
Where should the alarm control panel be installed?
The alarm control panel is the most important device in the entire alarm installation. It should be installed inside the building, in a safe place (out of sight) to reduce the risk of damage or destruction. The device should not be exposed to excessive moisture or dust. Additionally, in addition to the mains power supply, it is worth taking care of emergency power supply in the form of additional batteries. Currently, the most commonly used control devices are digital architecture, which are increasingly replacing analog solutions. In the case of wireless systems, remember that the alarm control panel should be located at a similar distance from the rest of the devices making up the system (i.e. detectors, sirens, keypads). Thanks to this, the devices have an adequate range enabling good communication.
Where to install the manipulators?
The manipulator should be mounted at a height that allows it to be easily operated. This applies in particular to arming or disarming the alarm system. In a larger or multi-story building, it is recommended to install several keypads to ensure trouble-free operation of the alarm system from any location. To make using the numeric panel easier, it is worth choosing a device with an LCD display. All important information related to the operation of the system appears on its screen.
What are signal lights used for?
Signals are used to inform about a burglary or an attempted burglary using acoustic and/or optical signals. For this purpose, a tone signal with a high sound level is usually generated, optionally supplemented with a flash signal. Currently, you can also find SG-Wgw2 voice sounder on the market in which the break between alarm tone signals is used to include a voice message. Voice devices provide greater alarm effectiveness than acoustic (tone) devices.
photo: SG-Wgw2 voice sounder
Where to install the alarm devices?
Alarm devices are most often placed in such locations that the signal they generate is audible throughout the building. In addition, the location of the devices should be chosen so that a burglar cannot easily damage them. The indicator should have appropriate anti-tampering protections, and its casing should be strong and durable. To enhance the level of protection of the devices, in some cases, special devices can be installed protective covers made of steel wire. Outdoor devices should be installed in visible places at the appropriate height, for example, on the front wall of the building or facing the nearest neighbors. This way, the device's operation will be immediately noted by any potential witnesses.
What should alarm device housing be like?
Due to the intended purpose of the device, it is worth choosing a device whose casing provides adequate protection against environmental factors (humidity, precipitation, extreme temperature values or their fluctuations). Additionally, the material from which the casing of the signaling device installed outside the building is made should ensure resistance to UV radiation. Thanks to this, the device will be more resistant to aging processes and will retain its original appearance for a longer time. To compare individual devices, pay special attention to:
- IP protection rating (specifies the tightness of the enclosure against the ingress of solid bodies and water, as well as unintended contact with parts inside it),
- IK degree protection (determines the mechanical strength, i.e. how resistant the housing is to mechanical damage, the so-called vandal resistance).
Additionally, people living in a single-family house increasingly pay attention to the aesthetics of the device and its overall design.
A few words about detectors
The elements without which a home alarm system could not function are certainly detectors, which can be classified into three categories: external protection, perimeter protection and internal protection. Their task is to detect any undesirable actions (opening windows, doors, or movement in the protected space). Currently produced devices are also able to detect sounds (e.g. of a broken window), shocks (forcible forcing of a door), or changes in the position of an object (e.g. an image). Their selection and arrangement within the building should be carefully considered.
Types of detectors
There are many types of detection devices available on the market, the most popular of which are: passive infrared detectors, dual motion detectors, magnetic detectors, glass break detectors, shock detectors, multi-detector detectors, active infrared barriers, and curtain detectors. The type of mechanical protection used, the operating temperature range and the humidity at the target installation site should be taken into account. Disturbances that affect the effectiveness of the system and, above all, the number of false alarms are also important. Additionally, detection devices installed in a single-family house can detect escaping gas, smoke, sudden temperature increases or leaks.
Which alarm system should I choose?
When deciding to install an alarm system, you should first take into account the specificity of the facility as well as the user's expectations regarding the alarm. Both wired and wireless alarm installations are available, which have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the wireless version allows you to install the devices virtually anywhere. However, a certain inconvenience may be the need to periodically check the charge status of the batteries powering individual elements. An important aspect is also the selection of specific devices and solutions, as well as their correct orientation and arrangement in space. It is worth including the alarm system at the stage of building the house, when it is easier to distribute power cables to individual devices. At this stage, it is possible to access virtually any place in the space to route the cables. In the case of single-family houses, a simple alarm system consisting of a few basic elements is often chosen. It is worth considering the possibility of expanding the system with additional devices in the future. Please remember that the components used are compatible with other electrical devices. Often, the alarm system consists of products from different manufacturers that must work together. How much a home alarm installation ultimately costs depends primarily on the size of the protected building, the insurer's requirements regarding the level of security, and the individual preferences and expectations of the end user.
