Components of a Home Security System

Know more about each of the components of a home security system and find out if you have the right ones in your home.

Installing a home security system is one way to protect your home from burglars and other criminals lurking around. Newer models do not just provide surveillance from CCTVs and security from alarm systems, there is also the added benefit of components that contribute to turning your house into a smart home, such as connecting the system to your phone or tablet, or including additional features with the sensors and lighting.

If it is your first time to get home security installation, it can get pretty confusing, what with panic buttons, smoke alarms, stress sensors, glass breaking sensors, infra- red alarms and motion detectors. Here’s a quick guide on the components of a home security system to help you out.

Components of a Home Security System

Let’s start with the basic components of a home security system:

• Master control panel – This is where the CPU is located, the “brain” of your security system. It will use date that it receives from the sensors and keypad to decide whether to sound the alarm sirens or send a report to the central monitoring station.
• Keypad – This is used every time you enter and exit your home. It is also where you arm or disarm the alarm system or turn off a sounding alarm. Some models feature a manual panic button that you can press to send an alarm to the central monitoring system.
• Sensors – These are magnetic switches that trigger an alarm to the master control panel when a window or door is opened. It is composed of two parts – one is attached to the door or window frame, and the other to the sashes. When the door is opened, the pair is separated causing an alarm. There are also passive infra- red motion sensors that detect the presence of body heat. Other types of sensors include glass break sensors, water sensors and smoke sensors.
• Outputs – Output devices include horns, sirens and strobe lights that will alert you (and your neighbors) when your home security system has been breached.

If you are interested in installing a security system, or you simply want to add one of these components of a home security system, call us and our specialists will help you with everything you need.