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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.