The Components of a Security System

Glass Break detectors are installed in front of large windows or glass doors when there is a high probability of the glass being broken to gain entry to your premise.  They 'listen' for the sound of glass breaking.  To test these detectors and ensure they are working reliably, we  break your window only once . . . just kidding.  We have glass break testers that emit the same sounds as different types of breaking glass (not all glass breaks equally), and then make adjustments to the detector to ensure it is in optimal working condition.

Magnetic contacts come in many different shapes and sizes depending on where they will be mounted and the application.  In a new house, they can be installed in the door and painted over so you can't tell where they are.  They can also be 'surface mounted' if the door frame can't be accessed.  Special contacts also have added features that will sense someone trying to break down the door, before it is even opened.

Carbon Monoxide detectors are being added to the building code in many municipalities where there is a fuel burning device in the house.  CO detectors can be installed independently of your security system, but there are many advantages to having them connected to your system.

Temperature sensors can be invaluable.  Our monitoring station contacted one of our customers on vacation in Florida because a low temperature signal was received from his home.  Instead of coming home to a frozen house and burst water pipes, he was able to have his furnace serviced.  This is very cheap insurance.

Water bugs as they are also called monitor the level of water in your sump pump hole and alert the system if the water rises above a set point.  This is an especially useful when attached to a monitored system.  You can be alerted even when out of town that you have a water problem and can attend to the problem before your carpets, furniture and other belongings become water damaged.  This again is very cheap insurance.

Special purpose panic buttons are therefore typically used in retail applications as 'hold up' buttons so staff can quietly notify police that a holdup is in progress.  They are also used in homes as medical alert alarms when a person is living alone.  The buttons can be permanently mounted in a key location - like under the counter where the cash register is located, or can be in the form of a pendant worn around a person's neck.  

The above mentioned devices are hard wired back to your security panel.   Wireless devices remove this need to be hardwired and transmit signals back to your panel via radio frequency.  This can be useful when a detector is needed in an area that is difficult to get wire to/from.  The drawback with wireless devices is that they need batteries.  Hard wired devices get their power from the panel itself.  We avoid using wireless devices this reason.   Our installers are also electricians and are very good at fishing and concealing wires.  When installing a system in a finished home we take great time and care to ensure the wires are hidden and there are no holes left in your walls.

Sirens can be installed inside or outside your premise.  We will discuss with you the best location for your premise and lifestyle.  Sirens located indoors are best for getting people inside the building out, either a burglar or you and your family if a fire is detected.  Because the sirens are so loud, it's hard to stay inside when one is activated.   Outdoor sirens can be placed so you will have no trouble hearing them indoors, but they are also good for letting your neighbors know there is a problem.

Our systems have the option of attaching a Voice Assisted Security Control you can access from any touch-tone telephone in the world.   The voice gives you the status of your system, and allows you to make changes, disarm or arm your system, and control up to 32 devices such as heating, lighting, locks and gates.