Best Security System Components |
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Possibly the coolest sensor that you can integrate into you home security system is the glass break sensor. If you’re not familiar with this type of component, it’s a sensor that remotely detects the sound print of glass breaking - something that’s a little tough to hide unless you’re breaking into a house in a vacuum. If that’s the case, you probably have more problems than an alarm system.
When glass is broken, it sends off a very unique sound wave that is almost impossible to mask or reproduce. Glass break sensors detect this noise through a complex series of filters and signal processors, and give your base station the “high sign” that something’s going on that shouldn’t be.
A single sensor can cover an area up to 50′ in diameter so it typcially won’t take more than one sensor centrally located in a room to give you full coverage. And, if you keep your windows locked, breaking the glass is really the only way that someone can get through them. That means, potentially, you could forgo window sensors completely. This is an option that makes a wired security system much more feasible for most people.
My personal favorite is the ShatterPro II Accoustic Glassbreak sensor. It’s a small (1″ diameter) cylinder that simply sides into a recess that you drill in the ceiling. this makes it virtually invisible unless you’re scanning the ceiling looking for it. It has a 25′ detection radius, and can be mounted as close as 3 feet from a window and still be effective.
As a matter of fact, even if you have door and window contact sensors you should consider installing one of these in your main areas as a contact sensor will not trip if the window is broken - only if the intruder breaks the window and then opens it; something you can’t bank on happening.
Best Security System Components |
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Let’s take a moment and talk about a specific component that is often overlooked in the best security system, but is still immensely useful. They’ve basically hopped-up versions of the safety devices found on your garage door, where if there is something in the way of the door at ground level the garage door stops and goes back up.
They’ve called photoelectric detectors, and they’re very common in the commercial security business. All they do is tell you when something passes between them. That’s it. So simple, yet so useful! Let’s look at a few examples.
Some people have long driveways that lead up to their homes, and they want to know when someone is driving up, for social and security reasons. Placing two of these sensors at the base of the driveway (or anywhere along the way) will do just that. Hooking them into your home security system allows you to program a response (a sound, a light, etc..) that tells you a vehicle has passed between the sensors, and you’re about to have visitors.
I’ve seen applications where someone has a shop in an exterior structure where they are often by themselves, and most of the time wearing ear protection. No one likes getting startled, especially when using power tools. A great application for these is across the door to enter the shop. They had a very basic panel that the sensors were wired into, and when the plane was broken a red light bulb was turned on. By this method they knew when someone had entered the workshop.
The applications are almost endless, and the price for these types of sensors is very reasonable. Short distance detectors can be had for less than $50. Longer distances, up to 500 feet, can be found for around $300. If you’re looking to have the best security system in the neighborhood, you’ll want to add one of these for sure.
Best Home Security System Reviews, Wired Home Security Systems |
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There’s a lot to love about the NX-6 from GE Security. For starters, it can handle up to 16 zones, meaning you can connect up to 16 different types and locations of sensors up to it and track each one separately. That should be plenty for any average size home or smaller. Out of the box, it’s ready to go with 6 hardwired inputs, and the remaining 10 spots are available as expansion modules. Also, it comes standard with 4 outputs that can be used to activate different effectors when an alarm is triggered.
Did I mention that there’s support for 12 wireless zones? That’s right, this is a combination unit that carries a small amount of support for wireless sensors, something that even the most die-hard wired alarm enthusiast can appreciate.
The module supports 2 completely separate partitions that can be custom configured for separate account codes and individual features, with up to 40 user codes. This is a very nice capability for small commercial sites where you want managers and employees to have separate access, or you want to be able to track a number of peoples’ comings and going.
On top of all this, this unit comes with the ability to be remotely programmed with optional Windows software. Easy as can be, you program a flash card at your computer with all the necessary information, bring it to the unit and load it up.
So what situation is a panel like this best suited for? I would say an existing installation of a hardwired system that you want to ramp up with some additional wireless sensors in strategic locations. Maybe even a motion sensor or two when it comes to a commercial property. The ability to mix and match wired and wireless sensors is certainly a boon for the DIY home security installer and the professional alike.