Alarm systems can be a reliable and simple way to secure your home or office. These systems are designed to detect and deter potential threats, alert authorities, and notify them so that they can respond quickly. Alarm systems don’t always detect intruders. Some can detect environmental hazards, such as carbon monoxide, or fire. This guide will explain the inner workings and features of alarm systems.

Alarms Deter Intruders

Alarm systems begin to work long before intruders attempt to enter. A glowing alarm panel or a sign that says “Protected By So-and-So” is enough to deter potential burglars and vandals.

In a survey conducted in 2017, burglars detained at police stations were asked to describe what stopped them from entering a home or building. Nearly 50 percent of burglars said they would not enter a building or home with an alarm system in place. Another 23 percent stated that the mere sight of sensors or other evidence that an alarm system is present was enough to discourage them.

Most crimes of opportunity can be deterred by simply having an alarm system.

A Network of Sensors

Alarm systems can detect hazards and multiple entry points with sensors installed throughout the property. Sensors detect intruders’ activity inside the building and break-in activity.

• Door and window contacts – Door and window contacts are switches that are mounted on doors and windows. They trigger the alarm when the system is activated and the door or window is open.
• Glass break detectors –  Audio sensors can detect the sound of glass breaking.
• Shock sensors –  Shock sensors detect vibrations from intruders who break through walls.
• Motion sensors – If an intruder gets into the building, but does not trip the other sensors first, the motion sensors will detect their movements. These sensors can be installed both on the outside and inside of a building.

Other sensors are also available to detect environmental hazards.

• Carbon monoxide detectors (CO) – are used to detect the gas carbon monoxide. It is harmful and odorless. The sensors trigger an alarm to alert everyone to leave the building immediately.
• Environmental sensors – Environmental sensors can detect sudden temperature changes, such as in the case of fires or water.
• Smoke detectors – Smoke detectors can be integrated into your alarm system in order to alert both the building owner and fire department as soon as a fire occurs.

When an Alarm is Tripped

All sensors are connected to an alarm panel which acts as the “brain’ of the alarm system. The panel determines what to do based on pre-set rules when a sensor triggers.

Opening a door or breaking a glass window, for example, are two totally different ways to enter a building and may require different responses. You’ll need to open the door in order to enter the building the next morning if you have set an alarm for the night. An alarm that went off as soon as you opened the front door would be annoying. Alarm control panels will know to wait a few moments before activating if the door sensor is activated. This gives you enough time to disarm your alarm. Window breaks are not as common. In the event of a broken window, the panel will immediately activate the alarm.

The control panel can tell the difference between different sensors, and will react appropriately when one of them is tripped.

Alarm Monitoring Services

When a sensor trips, the control panel will not only sound an alert but also send a message to a central monitoring center. You can connect your alarm system to a professional monitoring service depending on the type you choose. A security dispatcher trained in alarm monitoring will monitor your system 24 hours a day and notify the appropriate authorities when an alarm is activated. This can reduce response times by a significant amount. The quicker you respond to an attack, the less damage your property can sustain.

You can connect your alarm system to a monitoring service either via a phone line or an internet connection, depending on which one you select. Alarm monitoring services usually come with an extra monthly fee.

Self-Monitoring Alarms

You can choose a self monitoring alarm system if you want to be in control of your emergency situation. Self-monitoring systems send alerts directly to the user, rather than to a monitoring company. You’ll be notified via text, email or phone call if a sensor trips while the alarm is on. You’ll then need to call the appropriate authorities.

Self-monitoring systems are best for those who can react quickly to alarms. Self-monitoring alarms are not for people who don’t like to have their phones nearby at all times, especially during the night. You’ll need to keep a list of contacts in case an emergency occurs.

Auckland CCTV offers alarm systems in Auckland and that are designed to protect your home and business.
Alarm systems can be an effective tool to protect your home from disasters and deter criminals. Alarm systems are enough to deter most intruders. A network of sensors can detect a break-in, sound the alarm and alert a monitoring service or the end user to contact the appropriate authorities. The quicker you respond to an incoming threat, the less damage your property can sustain.

Auckland CCTV can help you decide which alarm system is best for your home. Our team has years of experience in working with businesses and homes in Auckland and we would be happy walk you through the entire process. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote today.