Home Security Equipment

There are many companies manufacturing home security equipment today. Of course not everyone makes the same thing, but generally all the security equipment available falls into one of these components:
 
Keypad: The keypad is what you see when you walk in the main entrance of a home with a security system. It has two parts the LED screen, and the keypad for entering your password, arming and dis-arming the security system. Generally this piece of home security equipment has a panic button, this can be used to activate the alarm instantly if an event so arises. One other nice feature of the keypad is it sometimes has a bypass option. This allows the homeowner to specify what areas of the home he/she wants protected and others to be left alone.

Sensors: A sensor protects the perimeter of your home, as well as open spaces inside the house. Most home security alarmss use window vibration sensors, magnetic door switches, and possibly acoustical detectors on the windows. Respectively these pieces of home security equipment are installed on the doors and windows. These prevent intruders from entering the house. As for open areas space sensors detect unauthorized people in open rooms and hallways inside the house. Over all sensors are what keeps an eye on the interior and exterior of your house.

Door Switches: Just as the name states a door switch is just that, a switch made of a switch and a magnet. The switch is mounted usually to the doorframe, and the magnet is mounted to the door. Because the switch is sensitive to the magnet when the door opens it triggers the alarm because the magnet is no longer interacting with the switch.

Window vibration and acoustic detectors: These are also known as glass break sensors, they actively measure the vibration on a window pain, or the noise of shattered glass. If an intruder attempts to enter through a window these sensors will trigger the alarm.

Motion detectors: As the name suggests these pieces of home security equipment measure change in infrared energy if an intruder is in a room this in turn sets off the alarm. There are three models: standard, pet-friendly, and harsh-environment (generally for outdoor use).

Security panels: The brains behind the entire operation, security panels power the rest of the system, connect everything to the monitoring system, and send alerts via a telephone line when problems arise. They monitor the sensors, and handle all of the programmable items for the system.

Cameras: A higher end home security device. They capture video of intruders and transmit it back to televisions, monitors, and often recorders.

Monitors: Monitors display the video playback that is captured by a camera. Generally the info is transmitted via a Coax (coaxial) cable running from the monitor to the camera. There are some wireless systems available as well.

Switchers: They are used to process images generated by several cameras. They enable the operator to switch cameras as he scans a large area of activity.

Switchers: In a home where there is more then one camera, switchers allow the owner to swap between different images taken from the different cameras inside and outside the home. This allows you to cover a much greater area then what one camera can accomplish.

Of course not all systems include all of this home security equipment. Different systems come with different options, features, and gear. Most basic systems will have a few sensors, and door switches; and of course a keypad to arm and disarm the system. With a basic knowledge of the different pieces of home security equipment you will have an easier time selecting a system for your home.

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