Home Security Basics

If you are thinking about purchasing a home security system or upgrading your existing system, then you should take the time to research what options are available to you before you contact a particular security system provider.

Alarm Monitoring

The field of home security monitoring has been growing continuously for several years now, and has progressed far beyond the antiquated systems of the past that would simply sound an alarm if a door or window was opened while the system was armed.

Some of the latest technologies incorporated into  home security systems are motion detectors, broken glass detectors, and security cameras. These advanced technologies greatly improve the degree of protection afforded to your house by your home security system.

Motion Detectors

Many home security monitoring systems now include motion detectors as an optional component. A motion detector is essentially a device with the ability to detect moving objects within a certain radius from it. When placed in a room, motion detectors will be able to sense whenever an individual enters the room or moves around within it.

Almost all home security monitoring systems include sensors installed in and around the doors and windows, so an alarm will be triggered if anyone should open a door or window while the system is active.

If an intruder can enter the home without opening a door or window, however, then the alarm has been rendered useless. In such a situation, motion detectors act as a second line of defense, and can prove to be invaluable.

When used properly, motion detectors will almost always pick up an intruder who is able to circumvent the door or windows magnetic contact sensors. A home security system that does not include this feature will not be as effective as one that does.

Home Security Cameras

Another feature of today's home security monitoring systems that is increasing in popularity is the security camera. These cameras can be a valuable addition to any home security system.

When installed outdoors, a camera will act as both a deterrent and a means of capturing video evidence of the burglary, for later use by the police during the follow up investigation.

Security cameras can also be installed indoors, often to monitor the activity of the housekeeper or babysitter. But the real use of these cameras should be as a backup for the cameras placed outside of your home.

Glass Break Detectors

The final type of technology included in modern home security monitoring systems are glass break detectors. While most systems have magnetic sensors that can detect the opening of doors or windows, these sensors are useless if the burglar does not open the window while making his entry.

Unless a home security monitoring system includes  glass break detectors, a burglar can simply break the window pane to get in and will not set off the alarm.

A breaking glass detector will protect your home against this possibility as the detectors are able to recognize the noise of breaking glass, and will then set off the alarm.

Home security monitoring systems can range from the very basic to the extremely complex. There is a great variety of features available for homeowners to choose from, according to the degree of security that they wish to achieve with their system.