Smart Home Lifestyle

August 19, 2006

Home security systems offer a wide variety of high-tech protections

When it comes to security systems, forget “do-it-yourself,” and leave it to the professionals to protect your home, business and loved ones. Companies like ADT Security and CPI rely on the latest in “protection technology;” making integration with smart home technology, like home automation and lighting control, a snap.

Break it down

Security systems have three parts, the control panel, keypads and devices that monitor the area like motion detectors and door and window contacts. The control panel is usually placed in a closet next to a power source and a phone line. The panel acts as the “hub” where all the wires are ran to.

Keypads are used to arm and disarm your alarm. Most folks prefer them by the front and back door, and often a third is placed in the master bedroom. Keypads can track who’s come in and who’s gone out, so it’s a good idea to assign a different code to each person, especially in a business situation. Temporary codes can also be assigned for houseguests or babysitters.

Motion detectors and contacts trigger the alarm. At your business, it’s usually sufficient to go with a few motions located by entryways and windows. There’s no need to place motions in interior locations, since you’re better off “trapping” intruders upon entering. Just make sure the motions are directed away from windows so you won’t get false alarms from cars or pedestrians passing by.

At home, you’ll want to add door and window contacts in addition to motion detectors. When you arm your alarm you have two options, “stay” and “away.” The “stay” command is used when you stay in your home, usually at night when you’re sleeping. “Stay” arms any door or window contacts, but doesn’t arm motions, so you can still walk around your home. The “away” command arms everything, so it should only be used when you’re gone. Glass breaks are good options for large windows or sliding doors. Remember, a contact will only trigger the alarm if the door or window is opened; an intruder could easily climb through a large broken window.

Wired vs. wireless

For new home construction, pre-wiring is key. A wired alarm system is more effective in the long run, and usually costs less for the equipment. The only reason to go wireless is in a retrofit situation where wires can’t be run to necessary locations. Wireless equipment runs on batteries, so they’ll need to be changed out in the future. Luckily most systems warn of “low battery.”

To monitor or not to monitor

Having an alarm system without monitoring is about as bad as having a security sign out in the front yard with no security system. Companies like ADT Security offer affordable monthly monitoring rates for fire and theft protection. When the alarm goes off, a signal is sent to one of five monitoring centers. A call is placed to the owner plus the closest police or fire department.

When your equipment is installed, most security companies require a three or five year monitoring contract. In this case, it’s best to choose a nationwide company, so if you move, your service can move with you without the penalty charges.

Integration for better control

Alarm systems easily integrate into smart home technologies for “control on the go.” With the help of home automation, like Crestron, security systems can be controlled and monitored from just about anywhere in the world over the Internet. Cameras can be monitored, alarms can be armed and disarmed and potential household hazards like water leaks of low-temperatures can be tracked.

And that’s not all. Lutron Lighting Control systems and security work hand in hand. Got a fire alarm? Lutron lights an escape path out of the house. How about a burglar alarm? Lutron flashes the outside lights to help police find your home. Lutron can even perform a “lock-out” feature if the alarm sounds. All lights shut off and keypads become unworkable to keep intruders in the dark.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec