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Wireless home security systems use radio waves to transmit their
signals rather than wires. This has two advantages - first, they are
easier to install than having to run wires throughout your house and
second, there are no wires for a potential intruder to cut to bypass
the system.
Wireless home security systems can be monitored or
un-monitored. In a monitored system, a signal will be sent to a central
monitoring station if the alarm is tripped and there may or may not be
an audible alarm. With an un-monitored system an alarm will sound if
the system is tripped, but nobody is informed of the alarm.
The
"brains" behind a wireless security system is the control panel. This
control panel is usually located somewhere out of the way like the
basement or in a closet. It receives signals from the magnetic switches
and motions sensors throughout the house and analyzes these signals to
determine when to sound the alarm.
Magnetic switches are used on
doors and windows and are composed of two pieces. There is a switch
that gets mounted on the door or window and a magnet that mounts on the
window- or door-frame. If the switch moves out of alignment with the
magnet, it sets off the alarm.
Motion sensors are normally used
in larger rooms or hallways. The use an infrared motion detector to
sense movement or in some cases body heat. If they are tripped, a
signal gets sent to the control panel which analyzes it to determine if
it is a suspicious motion. This way it can filter out movement such as
pets that roam freely. A wireless alarm also includes a keypad
that is used to control the system and arm or disarm it. The keypad is
normally placed near the main entrance to the house.
Something to
keep in mind with a wireless home alarm system is that each of the
components is likely powered by battery. These batteries are normally
long-life and should last for a number of years before having to be
replaced. They will have to be replaced however, and this is
something to consider when choosing your alarm. Will you have to
replace them yourself (or pay someone to do it) or is it included in
the service contract from the alarm company? ...
John Lenaghan writes about
driveway alarm systems and other related topics on the Home Security Guide website. For more information visit
http://www.home-security-guide.com
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