Shop and Compare Alarm Systems
Alarm Systems
A hot topic for nearly anyone who owns a home alarm system is how their system is better than anyone else’s system no matter how much they paid for it or how much better it’s sup up than there’s. The truth of the matter is that ANY alarm system is better than no system at all and whether you have a wireless setup or a system that’s wired doesn’t really matter in the end game of things. What matters is that you’re house is equipped with equipment that will successfully help you either ward off a burglar completely or give you enough warning time to either call the police or grab a wooden bat and start swinging for the fences.
With the recent advancements in technology, home security and alarm systems have become incredibly advanced to the point where you can literally have motion trip sensor lasers set up anywhere on your property. Granted, this setup would likely put you on alert with every passing squirrel, police car or gracefully blowing leaf – but it would be of no matter, fore you have a wireless alarm system with motion detection lasers.
Unless you live in an apartment or gated community (might still want to think about an alarm system if you’re constantly locked in one of those puppies) then there’s really no reason for you to not at LEAST get some type of old-school, massive dead-bolt on your door. Unfortunately we no longer live in the era of Leave it to Beaver where everyone knew everyone else and you never had to worry about anyone being a cannibalistic serial killer. In all seriousness however the world has become a dark, dark place and something as simple as a basic alarm or home protection system should be purchased by everyone who has the money to do so.
Happy alarm system shopping!
Wired Vs. Wireless Security Systems
If you’ve been shopping for a home security system, you’ve probably noticed the disparity in price between wired and wireless alarm systems. The wired alarms are much cheaper than the wireless ones because they hardware they use is a lot less sophisticated. However, with wired alarm systems comes installation. It’s very important you ask the installer how much the installation will cost before hand. Often times, Installers have different prices for wired and wireless alarm systems. This difference in price might make it worthwhile to upgrade to wireless.
There is a common misconception that wired security systems are better than wireless security systems. This is largely a myth. Todays wireless technology is not the same wireless technology powering the portable phones of yesteryear – where this myth originates from.
Most people like hard wired alarm systems because they can see proof of the alarm. The wires running about is a contstant reminder of security. However, if you live in a classic home, or your house is not condusive to running a lot of wires around, wireless is a better option here too. If you are building your house.
Neither method is without maintenance. With the wireless system you will at some point have to replace batteries. Now, similiar to fire alarms, these devices don’t eat up very much energy so it’s a rare day you’ll be replacing the batteries. However, you’d want to before you go on vacation or away for a while.
The hardwired alarms will require you to just casually inspect the wires once in a while. If the system is functioning fine, then there is no reason to inspect. However, mice, dogs, cats and kids can mess up wires that are accessible to them. This can cause malfunctions and false alarms, so an inspection every now and then isn’t unreasonable.
In closing, both have their ups and downs, but without special justification, a hard wired system isn’t worth the trouble. The wireless alarm systems work so well now a days that the hardwired stuff will eventually fade away.
Retail Theft Lowest in 17 years
For the sixth consecuetive year, retail theft is down. Retail theft is a term for a multitude of crimes that lead to profit loss of retailers. Retail theft could be shoplifting, calculation errors, employees stealing, and vendor deception or fraud. Every year, UofF conducts this survey.
Phil Browne, National Retail Manager of ADT australia, was quoted as saying “This downward trend is likely a result of retailers investing in anti-shoplifting and anti-theft technologies.” and “the result of bettery anti-theft training”.
The survey showed that while theft was at its lowest in 17 years, retailers are spending more money on security technology. On the top of the list, is internet monitored CCTV cameras to allow management to be able to monitor employees in real time, remotely.
Though the theft rate was at its lowest point in 17 years on average, one section that did show growth was that of organized crime. Because of the organized, covert nature it is thought that this type of crime may have been on the rise, but may have gone undetected before the better surveilance.
What are the Fundamental Elements of a Security System?
Here are the different components that compromise a good security system. Know the terminology is important when shopping for an alarm system because the companies use lots of jargon to try and impress you into buying their system. If you know more about what they’re talking about, you can hunt down a better deal.
Central Panel (AKA Control Panel): This is where all of the cabling and wiring for the system goes to. Think of this as the brain of the system. Everything terminates here, and this is where you’re most vulnerable because it’s where your alarm connects to your phone line. This is also where your backup battery is in case your house loses power, your alarm system will keep functioning. Often times these will be in a basement, closet, or attic.
Keypad (AKA Control Pad, or Pin Pad): This a number pad with usually 12 keys, and a small LCD screen (the nice ones are back lit). The keys are for arming and disarming the alarm, while the LCD gives you status. The keypads are where you will do the most operating of your alarm, however, it is not the ‘brains’ of the system.
Siren: When the system is activated, there needs to be something to alert the neighors and surrounding people there is a break in occurring. This is usually accomplished by a siren and or spinning light.
Motion Detectors: These are like little electronic eyes that when they detect human movement, trigger the alarm. If you have pets, do not worry, you can adjust motion detectors to compensate for your pets. These are generally installed by the alarm installers, and require no maintenance unless they’re damaged, or poorly located.
One of the most important elements of your alarm system isn’t even in your house. 24 Hours a day, your security system is monitored by trained professionals at the call center. If you have a security breach, they will call your house and ask you for an agreed upon codeword. If you do not answer, or the wrong word is given, they will dispatch the police to your house. You can also get fire and carbon monoxide monitoring built into your system that the call center can monitor.
