What Is A Home Security System?

In most cases, outside forces will trip a home security system’s alarm and alert law enforcement or homeowners so that they can interfere. Security systems actively help homeowners prevent home invasions.

What Is a Home Security System?

A home security system consists of a number of electronic components that communicate with a central control panel, working together to protect a home against potential intruders. Such components may include the following:

    Control panel
    Interior and exterior motion sensors
    Floodlights
    Siren or alarm
    Video doorbells
    Entry point sensors
    Security cameras
    Yard signs and window stickers
    Glass-break sensors

How Home Security Systems Work

Every complete home security system package typically includes sensors, control panels, door or window sensors, floodlights, doorbells and cameras. Together, these elements will keep a home as safe as possible.

Sensors

Sensors, placed both inside and outside the home, will alert a security system’s central control panel when breached. That control panel will then sound an alarm and alert either the homeowner or the authorities, depending on the type of security system installed.

Control Panels

Control panels are the central point of command for a home security system. Authorized persons can use the control panel to arm or disarm an alarm. Arming or disarming an alarm with a control panel typically utilizes individualized passcodes or voice commands.

Door or Window Sensors

Two pieces make up door or window sensors—one that is installed on the actual door or window and another installed on the door frame or window sill. When the door or window is closed, these pieces should touch and create an electrical circuit. If that circuit is broken while the system is armed, it will send a message to the control panel, which will then sound an alarm. Motion sensors and glass-break sensors work similarly.

Floodlights

Floodlights act like motion sensors for a home’s exterior, except they don’t cause an alarm to sound when they are tripped. Instead, they turn on and flood the area with light. If there is an intruder, the lights may scare them off. If not, the lights will alert the homeowner and give them a good view of what’s going on outside.

Doorbells and Cameras

Video doorbells and security cameras allow you to see what’s going on outside the home, while yard signs and stickers work to deter any potential intruders by acting as a warning system. They let the potential intruder know that the home has an alarm system, which would get them caught.

Types of Home Security Systems

If you live in a high-crime area, go out of town frequently, keep valuables in your home or live alone, you may want to have a security system installed. Not only will the system secure your home, but it will also give you peace of mind as you go about your daily business. The right security system for your home will depend on your specific needs.

Self-Monitored Security Systems

Monitoring a security system yourself is always an option and  installing a security system yourself allows you to place the components anywhere, customizing the system to your liking. When a breach occurs, the system will sound a high-decibel alarm to alert you. Then, it’s up to you whether or not to call the police, fire department or other emergency personnel.

Professionally-Monitored Security Systems

Several companies offer security systems that they monitor themselves. If the system is breached, it notifies the company to respond. A security expert may then communicate with the you to determine the next steps.

Wired Security Systems

Most security companies offer both wireless and wired systems. In a wired security system, sensors and other components are connected to the central control panel by a series of wires. Hardwired systems are reliable in that they won’t succumb to any interferences, network outages or other issues. Wired systems are also less likely to run out of power compared to wireless systems.

If the wired security system is managed by a professional security company, the company will use phone lines to communicate with you after a breach. Unfortunately, some burglars know that they can cut a home’s phone line to disable the system.

Wireless Security Systems

Components in a wireless security system use a cellular network to communicate with the control panel. The system essentially creates a miniature network that uses radio waves, not wires, to send notifications to you and/or the managing security company.

Wireless security systems are easier to install than wired ones. They are also easy to upgrade, allowing you to add devices when needed. The drawback is that network interference and outages can disrupt a wireless security system’s abilities. And because they rely on batteries, they can run out of power if you’re not diligent about replacing them.