Home Security
Types of Home Security Systems
Learn about the many types of home security systems that are offered by the home security industry.
Access control is a system or process that grants or denies an individual access to a specific area or object based upon their possession of an item, code or physical characteristic.
Access control may be as simple as a single mechanical lock or as complicated as an integrated system controlling hundreds of doors that interface with the home security alarm and other systems.
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A burglar alarm system is designed to detect unauthorized intrusion into a building or area of a building.
A wide range of control equipment and detection devices can be selected to meet the customers need for detection of an attempted or actual burglary.
Most burglar alarm systems will sound an alarm at the site
and report to a central station. When a system is monitored,
the Home Security Company accepts the responsibility to monitor
the signals indicated in the Customer/Alarm Company written
agreement.
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A signal from a carbon monoxide detector is designed to indicate that an unacceptable level of carbon monoxide gas is present in a room. This may indicate a failure in a furnace or improper ventilation in a room with a fireplace or wood stove.
Even limited exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be lethal to humans and animals.
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Closed circuit television is a television system that transmits signals over a closed circuit of electrical conductors, fiber optic cable or wireless carrier. CCTV can overtly or covertly monitor a process or area from a remote location.
CCTV systems can also record or document a scene for later viewing. Multiple locations can be viewed by a single guard or monitor at a remote location.
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Manual or automatic fire systems and sprinkler supervisory systems use a combination of devices to sense a fire emergency at the earliest point.
Selection of the proper type and number of sensors is important in order to alert all the occupants of a building and to notify the central station so that the fire department can be dispatched.
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These systems allow a customer to report an emergency such as an armed robbery or an ambush. Most security systems allow the customer to follow a burglar's instructions but also allow them to press a button or trip a switch to generate an alarm to the central station.
Some security systems will also cause film or video cameras to take pictures of the burglar.
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Providing coordination and automation to the many electronic systems in the home is the goal of home automation. Over the years home automation has been loosely defined to include any device or system that controls an appliance or device in the home. Timers to control lights and thermostats to set the temperature differently at various times of day are examples of home automation.
More elaborate home automation systems allow you to:
- Open and close drapes or blinds
- Control gas fire places
- Select from several preset lighting levels
- Control audio and video entertainment systems
- Allow you to use your TV to answer the phone or view your back yard
- Have fresh coffee waiting as you awaken each morning
Home automation allows the homeowner to control almost anything electrical. Common devices that are controlled are:
- Outdoor lights
- Indoor lights
- Appliances
- Thermostats
- Water heaters
- Alarm systems
- Ceiling fans
- Pool equipment
Typical Features of home automation include:
Energy management
- Setback control of heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) while the homeowner is home or away.
Lighting control
- Light can be programmed to come on and turn off at certain times or at dusk and sunrise.
- Lights can be set up to flash when the security system activates or at the push of a button.
Time scheduling of functions
- Wake up to music or TV.
- Control lawn sprinklers.
- Warm up the spa.
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The modern home often has an integrated system that allows you to listen to a CD, radio or tape from any room in the house.
Multiple television monitors can be connected to all view your cable, satellite, VCR, DVD or standard TV programs.
A professional quality home theater system can also be designed for your needs.
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The electronic systems professional has a unique expertise to conceal this elaborate wiring that the modern home and office requires, including:
- Computer network cabling for the home or office to connect computers to share information at the highest speeds
- Appropriate wiring to allow video and audio to be distributed easily throughout the home or office
- Connections to allow a telephone wherever you need it
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Temperature sensors indicate high or low temperatures that might cause problems for equipment.
A low temperature signal indicates that room temperature has dropped below acceptable temperature setting and that a possible freezing condition exists.
A high temperature signal is typically utilized in freezers, computer rooms etc., and indicates that the temperature has increased past desired setting or equipment rating.
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AC power/phase monitor signals indicate that the electrical power has been lost to crucial manufacturing/assembly line equipment, computers etc. or that a phase (single conductor) has been lost which may result in damage to motors, transformers, etc.
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Complete single or multiline home or office telephone systems can be provided.
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Water, humidity or moisture sensors indicate high levels of humidity or flooding.
Flood water detector signals indicate that a high water level exists possibly due to a burst in water supply pipes, heating system etc.
A moisture detector is a sensor that indicates when moisture above a preset concentration is present.
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