| Why install your own home security system? | | | | wireless home alarm system you have more |
| Installing your own home security system is one of | | | | freedom of installing the sensors practically |
| the most beneficial home improvements that you can | | | | anywhere, as long as they are in reach wirelessly. |
| make to your property. By installing a security | | | | Wireless sensor devices run on batteries so do not |
| system yourself, you will not only have the pride and | | | | need a power supply. This will significantly reduce the |
| satisfaction of the achievement, but you will have | | | | amount of cabling that you will have to purchase and |
| benefited financially too. It is not difficult to install | | | | the only cabling you should need will be to power the |
| your own home security system, but like every | | | | alarm control panel. Clearly, a wireless alarm system is |
| project, planning is the key to success. | | | | much more straightforward to self install. |
| The first step when embarking on any project is | | | | Once you have your layout drawn up and decide |
| planning. When installing a home security system we | | | | where to position the security sensors you need to |
| need to plan the layout of where the various | | | | decide on how to mount them and the case of a |
| components of the systems will be installed. By not | | | | wired system, the best method of running the cables |
| planning correctly, you reduce the effectiveness of | | | | back to the control panel. Keep cable runs well away |
| the components. i.e. you wouldn't want to position a | | | | from power cabling and the plumbing system and |
| PIR movement sensor where no-one would ever | | | | make sure you drill holes big enough to pass |
| pass by it and you wouldn't want to position a siren | | | | multi-core cable through. |
| bell box that was in easy reach to be tampered with. | | | | When choosing an alarm control panel, it is best to go |
| Also by planning correctly, in the case of a wired | | | | for one that allows for future expansion, so you can |
| alarm system, you have an idea on how much cabling | | | | add additional security sensor devices and extra |
| you need to purchase. | | | | zones. The more zones your alarm system has, the |
| Before you get your drill, saw and screwdrivers out, | | | | more flexibility you have in selectively choosing which |
| it is essential to draw up a plan layout of your | | | | areas of your home that you want to protect. You |
| property as this will determine the areas that will be | | | | will want to position your control panel reasonably |
| covered and what devices are needed to protect | | | | close to your main exit/entrance point so you can |
| the various parts of your property. Consider your | | | | easily arm/disarm the system. If you do not want it |
| entry and exit routes such as doors and windows as | | | | visible, then install it in a cupboard close to your exit |
| well as other vulnerable areas of your property. With | | | | entrance but remember that you won't have a lot of |
| this information you can analyze the type of sensors | | | | time to arm/disarm the system so make sure it is |
| would be the most effective. These are usually | | | | easily accessible. You can often get a smaller, remote |
| magnetic type sensors but could be PIR movement | | | | control panel and have that on display while the main |
| detectors or even shock sensors. | | | | control panel will be in a cupboard. |
| There are two types of home security system: | | | | Alarm systems have a siren/bell box and you will |
| wired and wireless. Choosing the type of security | | | | need to choose the most suitable place for this to be |
| system may also have a bearing on how you plan | | | | installed. You will need to decide if you want it to be |
| and decide where your sensors are located. For a | | | | visible externally. Although it does not look as nice, |
| wired system, you need to be mindful of how you | | | | this has the benefit of deterring potential burglars |
| are going to run the cables to and from the sensors. | | | | before they think about breaking into your property. |
| You may need to compromise on the positioning of | | | | Position the siren as high as possible so it cannot be |
| certain sensors if this is an issue. However with a | | | | tampered with. |