Quick Guide to Home Security Systems

Unwanted intruders gaining access to your home is a terrifying prospect. It’s bad enough if you’re out at work when it happens, even worse if you’re upstairs asleep. In this quick guide we reveal the simple ways you can improve home security. We cover the most common burglar alarm systems – wired, unwired and monitored – and also look at different outdoor security lighting options. Don’t forget, an alarm will also normally reduce your home insurance premium.

What are the different types of burglar alarm system available?
Burglar alarm systems have various ways of detecting an intruder, coupled to various methods of raising the alarm – from loud noises and lights, to informing a security center, and any combination of the above.

Home systems tend to use two main types of detector:

a) magnetic contacts on doors and windows which activate an alarm if the contacts are separated, like this one below:

b) interior Passive Infrared Detectors (PIRs) which activate an alarm when they react to body heat and movement within a defined arc, like the one shown below. This is the most common type of detector used.

DIY alarms
If you’re a reasonably experienced DIYer a self-install security system is a great option. Available as wired or wireless, the latter is easier and quicker to install, but both feature upgrade options such as extra PIRs, magnetic contacts, cameras and remote controls. With both variants you ‘personalise’ your system with a PIN that activates and deactivates the alarm. A key benefit of a DIY package is that there are no on-going monthly fees.

Monitored alarms
The main appeal of a monitored alarm is that if it goes off you know it won’t be ignored because it alerts a security centre that’s manned 24/7, which in turn alerts one or more of your nominated key holders. Fitted by professionals, monitored alarms are more expensive than off-the-shelf kits and have monthly fees attached.

Cost of installing a burglar alarm
Single magnetic alarms for windows and doors start from as little as £20 each while full DIY security packages range from £100-£300. Monitored security systems usually start at £100-150 for installation plus monthly fees of £20-30.

What about extras like GSM functionality, panic buttons and CCTV?
First of all lets do some explaining. What is a GSM Alarm? Well GSM means Global System for Mobile communications. So it doesn’t need a phone line, it works with a SIM, like your mobile phone. CCTV means Close Circuit Television and a panic button is just that – you hit a panic button and it will alert your selected contacts and (providing you are registered) it can be set to raise the alarm in a control center.

GSM – The new breed of GSM alarms are designed to let you use your mobile phone as a remote control for your security system. A whole raft of different options is available including GSM temperature detectors and water/flood detectors.

Panic Buttons – give peace of mind to the elderly and vulnerable. A wall-mounted panic button is typically combined with a personal pendant and when either is activated it dials one or more of the programmed contacts as well as alerting a customer security centre.

CCTV – If you own your property it is legal to install CCTV provided planning permission is not required and provided the camera is trained on your property not your neighbour’s. Cameras trained on areas beyond property boundaries could amount to harassment and contravene The Human Rights Act.

Is it worth getting a dummy burglar alarm box?
The short answer is no. Professional thieves can tell the difference between a working alarm system and an empty yellow box sitting on the outside of a house. It won’t reduce your contents insurance either so you’re better off spending the money on improved locks.

How do I identify my ‘at risk’ areas?
It all depends on the layout of your home. For example in a second floor flat the key risk area would be the hall adjacent to the entry door as this is the only reasonable entry route. A house with front and back doors will require detectors at both entry points, such as magnetic contacts on each door or PIRs positioned on the walls opposite. In practice the front door is generally deemed the entry/exit route and the control panel is sited nearby so you can activate it when you leave your home.

Tell me about exterior lighting to improve security
Outdoor lighting is a simple, yet effective, way of protecting your property against vandalism and burglary – intruders would much rather go about their business in the dark! Remember it isn’t just the front of your home that needs security lighting: back doors and side alleys are just as vulnerable as the front and will benefit from lighting too.The different types of outdoor security lighting include PIR motion sensor lighting which is activated when someone walks within the detection area; ‘dusk-to-dawn’ lighting provides all-night illumination and ‘hi-lo lighting’ which switches on automatically to a low level of brightness at dusk and increases to full brightness when it senses movement or body heat within range.

Need any more help? Visit our Security Projects Section on our website for more advice on preventing and fixing everyday problems in your home.

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