What Components Are in a Home Security System?

What Components Are in a Home Security System?

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Home security systems are electronic components that work together to protect your home. It brings peace of mind by setting the alarm off when there’s a break-in, scaring off burglars and intruders. Plus, it also notifies your local authorities in the event of a crime. Various home security systems are designed with different features, but more often than not, they all have the following common components.

Common Home Security Components

With the advancement of technology, most home security companies are looking into ways to provide efficient yet smart security systems that come with various features and designs. Even so, a home security camera installation service  will never miss having the following components:

Security Cameras

This component allows homeowners to live-stream footage from their smart security cameras to their phone or PC as long as there’s an internet connection. It also ensures they receive prompt alerts and notifications when the security cameras detect movement, packages, and people. Most of them feature infrared or color night vision, local or cloud-based storage, and two-way audio transmission, allowing users to talk to people in front of the camera.

Other smart security cameras offer intelligent integrations with other devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Motion Sensors

These devices are placed on the main entryway or hallway on the ground floor of your home. The component can detect motion on the ground floor and alert the homeowner. There are some motion sensors that are sensitive to pets; this means they’ll not be activated or go off when there is pet movement in the compound.

Entry Sensors

Popularly known as contact sensors, entry sensors are devices that determine when an entryway is opened or closed. They’re usually divided into two parts, which can be installed in different areas of your entryway: one is installed on the window, and the other is placed at the door. When the entry sensor detects a particular entryway is open, it’ll alert the homeowner plus the home security company.

It’s imperative that these sensors are placed on the ground floor of your house to ensure that you’re alerted when there’s a forced entry. The entry sensors are battery-operated and may even have some adhesive backing for simple installation.

Glass Break Sensors

Intruders have become smart with the way they maneuver these days. Instead of opening the windows like previously, they break the glass windows not to set off the entry sensors. Installing glass break sensors can detect the sound of glass breaking, setting it off to alert the security company and homeowner.

Siren

These components come as an additional part of a home security system and as part of other devices like base stations. They normally go off alongside other alarms in your home to scare off intruders or alert your neighbors of a particular burglary attempt.

Keypad

Dealing with a home security system requires a homeowner to disarm and arm the system using a security code. The keypad is required to input the codes, and it’s usually mounted on your wall or a flat surface.

Key Fob

Homeowners can go for a key fob if they don’t want to use a keypad. It’ll equally disarm and arm the security system just like a keypad.

Panic Button

When everything is amiss, and you need emergency services, the panic button is the fastest way to alert the security company. They’re not installed anywhere in particular, but they’re always there. It’s recommended you always have them by your bedside.

Base Line

This device will sync with your mobile app, so you can see alerts and notifications from it. It usually acts as the central point where information is received and transmitted.

Yard Sign

Many security companies give their users a yard sign or even a window sticker to advertise and show that there’s a home security system in place. In most cases, intruders and burglars will shy away from entering a home with a security system when they see such a sign.

Smoke Detectors

A home must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Security systems have these detectors that’ll alert you in the event of a fire breakout or when the air in your home is unsafe for breathing.

With that said, it’s imperative to note that the components vary widely from one home security system to the other. You can find some with all the above components, while others missing some.

Types of Home Security Systems

There are various types of home security systems on the market. They include:

  • DIY: This home security system allows users to put it together themselves and self-monitor the device using a mobile app. You’ll start by buying the base station first, and then add other goodies as you go. DIY security systems may have professional monitoring to some degree; therefore, the categories can’t be mutually exclusive.
  • Professional: It’s a type that’s more advanced in service and features than DIY. You’ll receive professional service from installation to monitoring. Remember, some come with self-monitoring systems and self-installed DIY, so the above categories aren’t binary.
  • Wired: This kind is hardwired into the electrical system of a home.
  • Wireless: A wireless home security system has no wires. It combines batteries, cellular backups for internet connection, and a monitoring center. They’re easier to install than wired security systems.
  • Smart security system: They’re connected to the internet, allowing users to see live-stream footage from a mobile app. You’ll be able to receive notifications and control the system in a centralized area.
  • Local security systems: In contrast to smart systems, the local security systems are not connected to the internet. There’s no remote control, notifications, or monitoring. When an alarm goes off, you can’t hear it unless you’re close enough. However, it offers professional monitoring through your cellular phone.

Bottom Line!

Home security systems can help keep your property safe and deter crimes. It’s an important investment that every homeowner should consider investing in. Many homeowners usually shy away from installing a home security system due to its initial costs plus ongoing monthly fees. However, when you compare the benefits you’ll enjoy, you’ll see it’s a worthwhile investment in the long run.

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