Security Systems

Security systems are common in many houses now. These can be as simple as a motion sensor on the main floor and a few door sensors or can be so sophisticated that it includes sensors covering every door and window, a closed cirtuit DVR for camera monitoring and remote monitoring by a security monitoring company. All of these things can be combined into a home automation system if desired.

With a central control system connected up to the security system you can not only monitor the system from your computer but from touch screens around the house, remotely from the internet and even watch what is going on from camera's in the house. A security system can be hardwired with low voltage wiring placed within the walls of the home or for existing homes or those that want a simpler installation there is also wireless installation. This allows the system to be installed without the costly work involved with running wires or repairing drywall after it is all said and done. Here are some of the products used in basic security systems and advanced systems:

Keypad: The keypad is a central part of the control of a security system. This is where you arm or disarm the system, turn on/off specific sensors and check the system status. This particular keypad and the listed security components can be installed seperate from the whole house automation system or incorporated to it.

Motion Sensors: Motion sensors are one of the main sensors in a security system. They are designed to detect movement in a particular area alerting the central control system of this. Newer, more advanced sensors can even differentiate between humans and animals thereby limiting the number of false alarms that can happen with pets. Below are examples of indoor and outdoor sensors.

 This motion sensor is weatherproof outdoor model.

 This particular sensor is designed to be placed outside and shoots and infrared beam between the two sensors. If the beam is broken an alert is sounded.

 This type of sensor is called a Driveway Probe. It is designed to detect cars coming or going from a house. Some models can only detect that a car is there while others like the one shown above can actually differentiate between a vehicle that is coming and one that is leaving.

 This is an indoor type of motion sensor that is normally seen in security systems.

 This is a dual use sensor. It is mounted on the ceiling and will not only detect motion but also glass breaking in a room.

 This last sensor is not really a security sensor but one more for convenience. It is designed to be screwed into an existing light socket and then the bulb is screwed into the sensor. When motion is sensed by the sensor it will turn on the light.

Door and Window Sensors: These sensors can detect if a door or window is currently open or not. These sensors can be hidden in the actual window or door flush with the window or door jam or the external type seen in most applications.

 This type of door/window sensor is the kind that is built directly into the door or window jam. One of the benefits of this type of sensor is that it cannot be seen by someone looking in the window because of were it is installed.

 This is the type of door/window sensor seen in most security applications.

Cameras: Cameras can be also connected into modern security systems and whole house automation systems. These can allow the home owner to monitor not only the outside of his house but also the inside if wanted. Below are a few styles of CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) camera that are available:

 This is a weatherproof external camera. It is designed to work even at night due to the addition of Infrared LED lights that are built into it. These allow for an almost perfectly clear picture to be seen even in the darkest nights.

 This camera is called a Bullet camera. It has as smaller profile so that can be placed more discreetly. It is also weatherproof but can be used indoors or outside.

 This camera is an indoor camera designed for more discreet operations as well. They are more for decorator applications or can even be set up in a nursery to allow the monitoring of a baby from other parts of the house.

CCTV DVR: A CCTV DVR (Digital video recorder) can be included in a security system with cameras. This will allow for electronic recording that can be reviewed at any time from up to 16 cameras on an individual system. The DVR's have up to 320 gigabytes which is expandable if necessary. If connected to motion sensors they can be set up to turn on only when motion is sensed. If the hard drive gets full the system will automatically write over the oldest stored data to make room for the new recordings.

Other Devices and Accessories: Other devices and accessories are available for addition to a security system such as garage door sensors, electronic door strikes, and manual or electronic door locks and handles.