Alarm Systems

SEISMIC / VIBRATION SENSORS
Detects vibration on the surface on which it is installed, such as banging on windows or doors etc

STROBE LIGHT
Alerts the user that an alarm activation has taken place, assists armed reaction in identifying property when responding to an alarm.

One or more zones can be bypassed while the alarm is armed. This means that the peripheral device will still be active, but the control panel will not react to zone violations. Often interior P.I.Rs will be bypassed at night to allow freedom of movement indoors, while the perimeter & exterior zones remain alarmed.

Clearly defined zones assist the control room when dispatching reaction officers. A single internal zone violation may be a false alarm, while multiple zone violations starting on the perimeter and moving internally will alert the control room to the fact that the intruder may still be on the premises, the reaction officer will act accordingly.

The size of the control panel and keypad is dependent on the number of zones required. Zone requirement is dependant on the number of peripheral devices attached to the control panel. By breaking the property up into clearly defined zones, one is easily able to identify which area has been violated, or rather where an intruder has gained entry. Zone violations light up on the keypad, thereby allowing alerting the user as to the exact location of the intruder.

SMOKE DETECTORS
Trigger an alarm condition when smoke is detected, should be considered where homes are fully burglar guarded.

MOTION DETECTORS
Utilises Microwave Technology. Often used in conjunction with P.I.Rs (Dual Tech) to prevent false alarms in unstable areas (ceilings etc where heat builds up). An alarm condition requires the Microwave and P.I.R to be triggered simultaneously. 

INFRARED BEAMS
Infrared beams trigger an alarm condition if an object passes between them. Can be mounted on perimeter walls etc as a first line of security, adjustable sensitivity to prevent false alarms.

PASSIVE  INFRARED DETECTORS (P.I.R.)
Monitors background temperatures to detect any dramatic temperature change, (i.e. the infrared body heat aura of intruders.)

REMOTE TRANSMITTERS & RECEIVERS
Allows user to activate panic, arm or disarm alarm, open automated gates & doors etc. Receiver is wired to the Control Panel, transmitter is portable and can be carried on keys etc. Should be considered for if user is often outdoors or for the elderly or infirm.

PANIC BUTTONS
Allows user to manually trigger an alarm condition. Can be hard wired to the control panel or activated via a remote transmitter.

GLASS BREAK DETECTOR
Sensitive to the sound frequency of breaking glass. Positioned indoors facing windows. Triggers an alarm condition when a pre-defined sound frequency is detected.

MAGNETIC SENSOR
2 Piece Magnetic contacts. Form a closed circuit when in close proximity, triggers an alarm condition when the magnets are separated. Mounted on doors and windows etc.

SIREN
Audible warning device.

KEYPAD
Serves as an interface with the control panel. Allows user to Arm, Disarm, Bypass zones etc.

RADIO TRANSMITTER
Provides a secondary backup communications link between the alarm system & a central monitoring communications centre room

TELE-COMMUNICATOR
Provides a primary communications link between the alarm system & a central control room

BATTERY
Provides temporary back-up power to the system.

TRANSFORMER
Continuously charges the battery

CONTROL PANEL
The Brains of an alarm system. All peripheral components connect to zones on the panel.

When these perimeter sensors, interior motion detectors and exterior beams are part of a stand-alone system, the siren and flashing lights are the only deterrents for discouraging the intruder and preventing a break-in. In a monitored system however a signal is sent via radio or telephone to a central monitoring station (control room). Operators at the control room monitor these signals 24 hours a day via computer and dispatch armed reaction officers to the clients property when an alarm signal is received.

In addition to magnetic contact, many systems also include motion detectors (Passive Infrared Detectors) that monitor large areas inside the house as well as beams outside the house. When something moves within the detector's range or crosses through the beams the sensor activates the alarm. The more sophisticated motion detectors are able to distinguish between the threat of an intruder and the nocturnal wanderings of the family pet, reducing the possibility of false alarms.

In its simplest form, an electronic alarm system is an electrical circuit with magnetic contact sensors (Mags) on entry doors and windows. When a door or window is opened the sensor detects the interruption in the flow of electricity and triggers a warning signal such as a siren.

Before you are able to make an educated decision on what type of alarm system you may need, it is important for you to understand how they work.