Essential Alarm System Equipment

The basic anatomy of a home alarm system is really quite simple. What is amazing, is how the latest and greatest in alarm system equipment can be so easily integrated into the basic wireless alarm system for enhancement. For homeowners who have basic security needs or are just getting their feet wet in home alarms, the essential alarm equipment works just fine. Understanding what each piece of equipment does is vital to purchasing and operating a system.

Master Control Panel

No alarm system is complete without the brains of the operation. The master control system is an essential piece of alarm system equipment. Inside the master control panel is the processing unit that receives information from other keypads and system components. The master control panel makes the decision whether or not to sound the alarm or report a possible problem to the monitoring station. Some the best alarm systems out there today have a keypad and Control Panel built in to one.

Alarm System Keypad

The keypad is the piece of alarm system equipment that acts as the control center. The entire alarm system can be operated from the keypad, generally, by the use of pre-determined codes. Keypads are also equipped with panic buttons that can be pushed at any time to indicate an emergency. Most people locate the keypad just inside the most frequently used door in their house. Some people spend a little extra and install keypads in their bedrooms or other handy locations in their house.

<h3Alarm System Sensors

There are three basic types of sensors that are considered essential alarm system equipment. Sensors are magnetic switches that trip an alarm if they are infringed upon.

Door Sensors: Door sensors are used on entry doors to detect an intrusion. They are also programmed with some delay to allow homeowners time to get inside and cut the alarm system off when they get home. Most people install a door sensor on every exterior door in their house, especially with a wireless alarm system.

Window Sensors: Many burglars try to break in to homes through windows. Window sensors will sound an alarm when a window is pried open, and the two pieces of the window sensor are pulled apart. Added protection is available with the addition of glass break sensor. The glass break sensor listens for the sound of breaking glass, and will trigger is glass is broken within about 20 feet of the sensor.

Motion Sensors: Motion sensors detect body heat and motion. Most motion sensors are placed in the corner of a room or in high traffic areas in your home. This piece of essential alarm system equipment is very sensitive, and may not be ideal if you have large pets or small children. Motion sensors on a wireless alarm system can be placed and taken down easily, so they are easy to test in certain places to see their effectiveness – this is especially true with a do it yourself alarm system.

Other Alarm System Equipment

Depending on the type of home alarm system installed there is a variety of alarm system equipment options that some deem essential. For instance, many home owners choose to have a fire or heat sensor and a carbon monoxide sensor as part of their basic security package. Others install flood sensors, depending on where they live. Not to mention home automation equipment like Z-Wave light switches, door locks and thermostats.

You can learn more about certain alarm system equipment and the alarm system company offerings by reading our alarm system reviews. Our reviews cover all aspects of alarm system companies and systems including but not limited to alarm system pricing, alarm system equipment, and alarm system installation.