As Homy As Home

Burglar alarms have become things of common place in almost all super stores and business set ups. Private homes are not left out too far behind. Advancements in technologies and competition in the market have brought down the rates to around $10 for a basic alarm system.

How Does Burglar Alarms Work
Wired alarms are almost extinct. Wireless burglar alarms operate by either of the two means, today.

1.Connected by radio frequency

2.Connected by infra red light rays

Wired systems required power to operate continuously unlike the wireless alarms which run on battery power. There is the third type, which combines the features of the earlier two and is known as hybrid alarm.

Burglar alarms operate on simple principles. When their ‘connection’ or circuit cuts, they get triggered. When intruders pass between two sensors or a door opens it is detected by their cut circuit.

Normally there are 2 types of circuits; open circuit systems and closed circuit systems. Let us not get into jargons and cliché words; closed circuit operates when the door is closed as electricity begins to flow. But when interrupted by opening doors, circuit also opens and the alarm goes off. And it is the exact reverse of this in open circuit alarms. The siren is triggered when doors are closed.

Closed circuit alarms are first choice for front doors for the fear of wiring being cut by burglars.

How does a sensor work, after all? In a wired system, a magnet pulls the spring loaded switch to close circuit when door is closed. When the door opens, spring retracts causing the circuit to break and triggering the alarm. The principle is same for wireless infrared system too. In place of magnets and wires, there are infrared sensors and emitters. If sensors don’t sense infrared light for reasons like opened door or other obstructions, the circuit is broken.

Burglar Alarms are also useful in protecting cars. FM radio based car alarms are getting popular because of their simplicity. They have a two part system: a transmitter, fitted to the car and a receiver which can be out side the car (home or office). The receiver makes noise when burglars move the car a few meters out of your porch. If the wireless alarm (transmitter) is disconnected from battery, remote alarm still remains activated because the receiver still continues to make noise. So this type of burglar alarm is highly reliable.

During the exciting time of having your house built or remodeled, make sure to consider one of the most important features that will keep you and your family safe for years to come: security.

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, about six out of 10 completed burglaries take place without any sign of forced entry, suggesting that either a door or window was left unlocked or that a duplicate key was used to open one.

Residential burglary is one of the most frequently reported crimes. It also is the most preventable. Locking your windows and doors and having proper lock security is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to prevent burglary.

The first step in securing your remodeled or newly built home is to deadbolt exterior doors. Deadbolts are available in several formats. Some are key operated from both inside and out, key operated from the outside and open with a thumbturn on the inside, or solely operated with a thumbturn on the inside. Check with your local crime prevention authority to determine what kind of lock is recommended in your area.

Remember that not all locks are created equally. For maximum protection, choose high-security locks. For example, locks made by Medeco incorporate features that protect against drilling and picking. Keys for these locks can only be made by authorized Medeco dealers after you show proper identification. This ensures that only you can authorize the duplication of your keys.

Sliding glass doors tend to be an easy point of entry. Special locks and bars are available to prevent lifting and prying of the door. You also can put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track.

When thinking lock security, don’t forget about your windows. Traditional double-hung windows, which have a top and bottom sash that slides up and down, continue to be the most popular window type installed in remodeled or newly built homes. To secure these windows, install a window sash lock, a lock that’s attached to the sashes of a double-hung window to keep in a shut position.