Home Security Burglar Alarm Sensors

A home security burglar alarm system will usually comprise of a main control panel and associated keypad (this can be remote), a bell box sounder and a range of different alarm sensor devices that connect to the control panel, either wirelessly or hard wired.

The role of the alarm sensor is to monitor, detect and report when its trigger threshold has been reached. When triggered, it reports to the control panel which then decides on the next course of action, usually the sound the alarm. There are many types of burglar alarm sensor and all function in a slightly different way.

The simple most common alarm sensor is the door alarm sensor. Similar sensors can be fitted to windows. The sensor is usually based a magnetic read switch which opens and closes as you open and close your door. A module with a magnetic is attached to the door and the read switch module is attached to the door frame. Opening and closing the door makes or breaks the circuit thus informing the control panel if the door has been opened so it can take action. That action might be to sound the alarm immediately or to delay the alarm for a pre-determined length of time. The delay is to allow you to enter your house and deactivate the alarm. A delay door sensor is usually installed on the door you will most likely always exit/enter frequently. You would not want to install more than one delay type sensor as it will make your system more venerable.

Another common burglar alarm sensor is the PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor. A PIR sensor detects motion by sensing the change in heat across its prism. Therefore when someone walks into a room, the sensor will immediately detect their presence. PIR sensors are designed to activate with rapid changes in heat – over a few seconds. They do not respond to subtle changes in sunlight or when it goes dark at night as not to trigger false alarms.

Other types of sensors are used for your safety in you home such as carbon monoxide sensors and fire alarm sensors. Depending on your home alarm system, often these devices can be connected to your control panel. Carbon monoxide detectors monitor the potentially harmful carbon monoxide gas given off by faulty gas fires or other gas appliances. This gas is odourless, tasteless and cannot be seen and if not detected could be potentially fatal to the occupants of your home. Smoke alarms monitor the outbreak of a fire in your home and give early warning for you to vacate your home as soon as possible. Both of these alarm sensor device could save you and your family’s lives so it is well worth considering installing these devices.

There are two main types of home alarm system, wireless and hard wired. The type of sensor that you must purchase must be of the correct type. Be aware of the advantages and disadvantages for each type before you design, plan and purchase your home security alarm system. Wireless alarm system are very straightforward to install and can be installed by the average DIY’er. This negates the need to call out an expensive alarm installer, saving you money. Also sensors can be easily added to the system at a later date or indeed moved if required. They are great if you have had an extension built as it is cheap to add and install more sensors, comapared to hard wired systems. Be aware that wireless sensors run on batteries and these will need to be replaced regularly. Also some sensors may be out of range to be installed wherever you desire in your property. A hardwired alarm installation will usually require a professional installation company but is a more permanent and often more reliable in operation. There will be no batteries to change and it will probably last longer. However, installation costs will be higher.