What is Burglar Alarm System? Which type of system is right for You?
In recent years, installing 24/7 security systems like CCTV and burglar alarms has become increasingly popular as a proven way to deter crime. In fact, research from the University of North Carolina reveals that 83% of convicted burglars check for security systems before breaking in, and 60% would avoid properties with visible alarms. Therefore, this clearly shows that alarms and surveillance equipment influence how intruders choose their targets. Whether you’re safeguarding your home, securing business assets, or managing multiple properties, choosing the right burglar alarm system plays a vital role in ensuring long-term safety and peace of mind.
Outdoor burglar alarm systems are especially effective for early warning because it can notify you before an intruder enters a building or scare him off by the sound of outdoor siren. It can reduce risk to your life by reducing the possibility of coming across an intruder inside of buildings.
The best burglar alarm system for you depends on your preferences, budget, life style and what level of protection you want.
What is the best burglar alarm system for you? This article will provide you with information to help you make a better decision if you are considering buying an alarm system.
What is burglar alarm system?
Burglar alarm system detects emergencies such as unauthorized intrusion or theft and send report to a security company or building owners in real time. Even when the building is empty or occupants are asleep, Alarm systems enhance the security of buildings 24/7, prevent the dangerous situation of your family / employees before something happens, and give you peace of mind.
What does an alarm system consist of?
Burglar alarm system consists of a control panel and devices such as indoor/outdoor burglar alarm sensor, magnetic contacts, panic buttons, glass break sensors, vibration sensors (Burglar Alarm accessories) etc. connected to the control panel. Sensors and magnetic contacts detect anomalies and the control panel recognizes them. After that, it makes a loud siren sound notify the unauthorized entry to nearby people or send an alert to preset reporting address.
How does burglar alarm system work?
To understand how they work, there are several types of burglar alarm systems and basically they all work in the following flow.
1. Intruder triggers the sensor
When the system is armed,
– Motion sensor: Detects when an intruder enters the detection area.
– Photobeam sensor: Detects when the infrared beam emitted from the transmitter is blocked.
– Magnetic contact: Watches the opening and closing of doors or windows. Detects when the door or window is opened.
2. Send alert to control panel
All devices are connected to the control panel by wired or wireless and when a sensor is triggered, it’s recognized by the control panel.
3. Sound siren
A loud noise of siren is effective in turn away intruders. In many cases, siren or bell installed on the outer wall of the building is connected to the alarm system and notify nearby people. Some control panels have built-in sirens to alert people inside the building.
4. Send notification to reporting address
System sends notification to preset reporting address (Voice call, e-mail, SMS, monitoring center etc..). Currently, there are also common to receive it with dedicated smartphone app.
What types of burglar alarm systems are there?
1. Wired alarm system
Control panels and sensors are connected by cable.
- Usually, device cost is cheaper than wireless system.
- Can be installed at a place which is too large that radio signal of wireless system reach or which radio interference is concerned.
- Need cables and wiring work for installation.
2. Wireless alarm system
Control panels and sensors are connected by radio signal and sensors are battery-operated.
- Can be installed easily without burying ground for wiring work. (Easier to install to existing facility)
- Easy to change layout and add sensors.
- Free from lightning damage.
Choose an appropriate installation location
It is important to decide the installation position of sensors based on where there is a risk of intrusion. Intruders tend to target places that are hard to see from outside the premises or where people often overlook security, such as backyards and second-floor windows. Inside of the house / building, it’s common to install motion sensors in rooms and hallways, and install magnetic contacts at entrances, windows and doors.
In order to increase the effectiveness of burglar alarm system, OPTEX recommends not only securing the inside of the building but also having surveillance to the perimeter area and boundary of the property for forestalling unauthorized entry into a building. For outside of house / building, it’s effective to install infrared sensors on perimeter fences, approach areas, gardens/backyards, outside windows, garages, etc..
Detecting intruders outdoors enables you to take an immediate action. Also, a siren sounds upon detection to scare off intruders and prevent physical damage such as window breakage. Outdoor protection can increase the safety and peace of mind of users.
Which product should I choose?
Considering the following points will help you choose the system that’s best for you:
1. Budget
First, decide on your budget and consider your options within that price range. Even if the price is low, sensors that make a lot of false alarms or missed alarms must not be comfortable for you. So it’s recommended to check the reputation and reviews from actual users. DIY(Do It Yourself) installation can keep initial costs down, but installation mistakes may provide you less effectiveness.
We also recommend checking not only the initial costs, but also the maintenance costs.
2. Condition of installation location
The required functions may differ depending on the installation location. For example, for outdoor installation, weather resistance and waterproofing are required. So please make sure the IP rating or water proofness of the equipment you are installing.
Also, outdoor, there are many factors that can cause false alarms such as vegetation, small animals, sunlight heavy rain, etc.. So we recommend you to choose products that can perform stably outdoors.
3. A system that suits your family's lifestyle
Consider the functionality and ease of use you need based on your lifestyle.
Some systems can be flexibly configured, for example, to protect entire house while all family members are going out (house is empty), or protect only the first floor while sleeping on the second floor.
Also, if you want to turn on the lights by trigger of sensor detection or to open curtains at a preset time, a alarm system with a home automation function can meet your requirement.
If you have pets, we consider that it’s better to choose a sensor with pet-immunity to prevent false alarm by pet motion.
Summary
As mentioned above, alarm systems enhance the security of buildings 24/7, prevent the dangerous situation of your family / employees before something happens, and give you peace of mind.
If you need help on selecting equipment or are interested in OPTEX burglar alarm system, please feel free contact OPTEX ASEAN.
OPTEX is a world leading manufacturer of high performance sensing technologies. For about 45 years, OPTEX has been trusted by thousands of customers worldwide for the accuracy and reliability of its detection systems.
OPTEX and its local partners are pleased to support you to choose your best burglar alarm system.
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