These alarms generally work by having infrared sensors attached to your house, gate or driveway entrance. Then a transmitter sends a signal to the receiver in your home. Other systems may emit a dark green light. Whatever system you choose, a 'light wire' is tripped when either a person or vehicle passes through the beam. Alternatively you might choose to buy a system that has a pressure-sensitive tube in the ground of your driveway. Another alternative is one with a magnetic probe which alerts you to metal objects such as cars and vans.
Whatever system you eventually buy the reason for buying them is the same. You want to be alerted when someone comes to your house. It's not just about alerting you to intruders but also for other reasons. Perhaps you are awaiting a delivery van or workmen.
Look out for models which have a motion detector as this will be able to sense movement of a human. The advantage of this is that someone may step over the driveway beam so not activate it. These units generally can sense movement from around 800-1200 feet away.
If you are willing to pay extra, you can even find driveway alarms with extra features such as an intercom system. This will come in useful if you want to know if the visitor is expected or not.
Video cameras are also becoming more popular due to the prices coming down in recent years. Simply by seeing someone approaching your home can quickly put your mind at rest. Plus if in the unfortunate event that you are burgled, video evidence will come in useful if going to court.
There are even more features available to you such as having your garage door open when you arrive home. Or you can have the house light switch on and have the front door open automatically.
If you are worried about your alarm not working in the event of a power-cut, look for one with a battery backup. Some experienced intruders may disable your power system if they know you have a driveway alarm.
Other features you should consider include connection to a home PC network, sound volume control and waterproof transmitters. Above all, you want a system that can tell the difference between different objects. It's no good if dogs and children riding by are constantly setting your alarm off. It would make the system useless.
Bulldog Security Alarm System
If you're planning to set up your own home security alarm system, then you've probably chosen a wireless system. Unlike hard-wired systems, wireless security alarms are easier and quite cheaper to set up. You won't need to install several feet of wires just to set one in place.
Another advantage of wireless systems is that you don't need to connect one to a phone line. Older systems were easily disabled once a thief cuts off the phone connection. Newer wireless models can stand on their own with or without a phone connection, as long as they are linked to a power source.
Setting up your alarm system
The alarm system is made up of the control panel and the sensors. The control panel is like the main computer. It receives signals from the sensor/s that are installed in key places around the house. If an intruder passes a sensor, it will send a signal to the control or base unit and this will trigger an alarm.
An audible-only alarm system will sound an alert right then and there, usually a loud bell or siren, to alert the homeowners of the presence of an intruder. A remotely-monitored system that is connected to a central monitoring company will send an alarm to the company who will then alert the police once it's determined that the alarm is real.
First, choose a location for your control panel. Place it in a recessed area where it isn't readily noticeable or in a closet. The control panel connects to AC outlet for power source. Once you turn the control panel on, most models will beep once and a small light will turn on.
Next, find a location for your security keypads. Depending on your needs and budget, you could have more than one keypad. These are commonly installed near entrances where they are easily accessible to you.
Locate the placement of your sensors. Sensors are equipped with PIR (passive infrared) detectors and will trip the central alarm if an intruder passes by. Locate these sensors near entrances and windows, or in places where they are out of sight. Most units are battery-powered and some models are designed to blend in with other home decors. If wall-mounted, they could be screwed in place before activation.
If your alarm is remotely-monitored, you will have to set up an account with a central monitoring company. Once you paid your monthly or annual fee, your home alarm system will be activated. If your system is audible-only, you only need to install it, turn it on and let it do its job.
Both April Kerr & Sarah Miller are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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