A security alarm system is a system designed to detect intrusion – unauthorized entry – into a home, business or specific area. Security alarms are used in residential, commercial, industrial, and military properties for protection against robberies, theft, property damage and personal protection against intruders.
Some alarm systems serve one purpose of robbery protection; combination systems provide both fire and intrusion protection. Intrusion alarm systems may also be combined with CCTV systems to automatically record the activities of intruders, and may interface to access control systems. Systems range from small, self-contained noisemakers, to complicated, multi-area systems with computer monitoring and control. This is designed to your needs and specifications. It may even include two-way voice which allows communication between the panel and Monitoring.
• The Alarm Control Panel is known as the “brain” of the system, it reads sensor inputs, tracks and registers arm/disarm status, and signals intrusions and movement. Today, this is typically one or more computer circuit boards inside a metal enclosure, along with a power supply.
• Sensors: Devices this detects intrusions. Sensors may be placed at the perimeter of the protected area, within it, or both. Sensors can detect intruders by many different methods, such as monitoring doors and windows for opening, or by monitoring unoccupied interiors for motions, sound, vibration, or other disturbances.
• Alerting devices: These indicate an alarmed state. Most commonly, these are bells, sirens, and/or flashing lights. Alerting devices serve the dual purposes of warning occupants of intrusion, and potentially scaring off robbers. These devices may also be used to warn occupants of a fire or smoke condition.
• Keypads: Small devices, typically wall-mounted, which function as the human-machine interface to the system. In addition to buttons, keypads typically feature indicator lights, a small multi-character display, or both.
• Interconnections between components. This may consist of direct wiring to the control unit, or wireless links with local power supplies.
• Security devices: Devices to detect unauthorized entry or movements such as spotlights, cameras & lasers.
In addition to the system itself, security alarm systems are often coupled with a monitoring service. In the event of an alarm, the premises control unit contacts a central monitoring station for example ADT or Chubb. Operators at the station see the signal and take appropriate action, such as contacting property owners, notifying police, or dispatching private security forces to the property to assess what the issue is. Such signals may be transmitted via dedicated alarm circuits, telephone lines, or the internet.