Home security alarm systems

There's more to home security than just locking your doors and windows. A home security alarm can provide that extra level of protection for your house, and depending on the type of alarm, can offer a range of features to complement your lifestyle.

Security companies now produce a variety of home security alarms, ranging from the straightforward to the incredibly sophisticated, but any system must first be able to detect intruders. "This is best achieved by installing a combination of detection devices throughout your premises," says Daniel Marks from Chubb.

Intrusion detection devices

Commonly used intrusion detection devices include movement sensors, break-glass sensors, vibration sensors, duress and hold-up alarms, and door and window devices. The number and type of detection devices required for your home will depend on the level of risk and the environment in which they are placed.

Standard home security alarms

Basic home security alarms feature touch keys and an LCD screen to keep you up to date with the security status in your home. "When you're at home, a wireless remote control will allow you to control system functions such as arming, disarming and panic alarms," says Daniel. "When you're away from home, you can operate them remotely using a touch-tone phone to arm, disarm and bypass zones." 

The number of 'zones' available will differ from one home alarm to the next, though generally the more control an alarm system offers, the more expensive it will be. Isolating certain areas can be invaluable, however, particularly if you own pets who have access to some parts of the house and not others.

Advanced home security alarms

More sophisticated security alarms for homes feature voice announcements or wireless motion detectors that are not triggered by pets. Many newer alarms can be connected to the security company's monitoring centre using a standard land line or via the GSM mobile network, and some existing alarms can also be modified to take advantage of these new technologies. 

Chubb have recently released a home alarm system that combines a standard security alarm with what they call 'consumer' features. This alarm can be called from anywhere to confirm the system status, arm or disarm the system, speak to people who are at home, activate or deactivate a home automation device such as an air-conditioner or lights, or leave a voice message.

The alarm also features an FM radio with 15 stations; the system can be programmed to turn the radio on automatically whenever it is armed, to create the impression that someone is home, which is a huge deterrent to potential thieves.

For information about individual alarms and their various features, contact a home security alarm company in your area.