The Basic Alarm Components

y and disaster alarms are no longer new to mostdetector zones can be programmed in the control
people. These devices have already been available forpanel so whenever the detector receives unusual
quite some time now and have been continuouslyfrequencies, the control panel processes it and let the
innovated.sound device alarm. A control panel also contains a
These deterrent instruments are usually found inmemory chip that stores the user's settings. There
business establishments. The very reason for installingare other features that a control panel may contain.
such devices is for protection of properties againstIt can be found in the user manual or specified in the
attempted burglary and destructive disasters like fire.product brochure.
Banks and jewelry shops are examples of businessesSignaling Devices
that need high security. By using burglar alarms theThese burglar alarm equipment make sounds
security that these businesses need is met. In fact,whenever condition is met for it to alarm. A sounder
they are being required by their insurance companiesmay be a bell, a buzzer or a chime. Most commonly
to have the most complex and effective burglarthe sounder that is being used for burglar alarm
alarm that they can have. The higher the securitysystems are those that are loud enough and that can
needed the more complex the burglar alarm must be.cause panic on the burglar. These days, sounders are
Burglar alarms that are installed in homes use thealready partnered with a strobe. A strobe is a special
basic principle of alarm system. By simply using thelighting device. It has a lamp inside that is mounted in
electrical flow, alarms can be triggered to soundsuch a way that it rotates as the sounder sounds.
when conditions is met. For example, for a closeThe most common colors used for the strobe are
circuit alarm, when the door opens, the current flowred, blue and yellow. Speech dialers or telephone
powers the sounder. Contrary to the open circuitrelays are also part of the signaling equipment.
alarm because when the current is cut, the alarmDetectors
sounds.Detectors are also called as sensors. These
There are only three main parts or major equipmentequipments are responsible for reporting unusual
a burglar alarm has. These are 1) the control panel, 2)movements to the control panel. There are several
signaling device and 3) detectors. These parts aretypes of detectors that are used for a burglar alarm
being interconnected for it to work. There aresystem. Here are some of the commonly used
systems that uses radio frequency, infrared, and thedetectors:
like in order to connect one part to another. The• Magnetic Contact Detectors - this type is usually
system that uses radio transmitters and receivers isused in windows and doors. These devices are
called the wireless system.mounted in the edges of the doors and windows.
Control Panel• Infrared Detectors (passive infrared) - these are
A control panel is the central processing device ofbasically used to detect motions or unusual
the system. It is where you program the system toirregularities in the place. This can also be used to
work according to the specifications of the home ordetect temperature changes and smoke.
building. It is also where you can turn on, turn off or• Vibration sensors - these devices are quite more
reset the alarm system. The control panel can besensitive than the magnetic contact detectors
accessed using remote keypads. All specifications ofbecause a little vibration from the window or door
a control panel may differ according to thecan be interpreted by the device as unusual and may
prerogative and design of the manufacturer. Thepossibly trigger the control panel to sound the alarm.