| Security systems of today, have complicated | | | | takes care of accepting coded signals from number |
| mechanisms, but alarm terminology has basically, not | | | | keypads used to arm/disarm the system. Every |
| changed. | | | | system has at least one keypad, but many have 2 or |
| If you're looking for a home security system, here's | | | | 3 (one in the main entry foyer or laundry room off |
| some terminology language and lingo. | | | | the garage, one in the master bedroom, and maybe |
| Radio Frequency is a wireless method of transmitting | | | | one in the Family room). The user enters a |
| a signal from a door, window, or motion sensor to | | | | preselected arm/disarm code (1357 or whatever |
| the Control Panel. If the system is armed, and the | | | | combination the user wants). The code either arms |
| zone is active, it would trip the alarm. If the system | | | | or disarms the system. It will also reset an alarm. The |
| is NOT armed, or the zone is turned off, nothing will | | | | Control Panel also monitors smoke detectors, which |
| happen. | | | | are always active. |
| Supervised: Most wireless alarm systems today are | | | | In most modern alarm systems, voice communication |
| supervised. This means each sensor within the | | | | is active. This means, when an alarm signal is sent to |
| system has its own code number. When it transmits | | | | the Central Station, the operator opens something |
| a signal (a door opens or a motion sensor is tripped), | | | | similar to a phone circuit. He/She can talk and listen to |
| the Control Panel will identify the signal that it | | | | the house. Listening is often ineffective because of |
| receives by the sensor's code number. Supervision | | | | the loud alarm siren. When the system is reset, the |
| also enables the Control Panel to know and identify a | | | | operator and the user can talk as if they were on a |
| sensor that reports a low on-board battery. | | | | telephone. If there is a crisis, the operator can be |
| Door and window contacts are two pieces; a magnet | | | | made aware, and appropriate help dispatched (police, |
| and a contact switch. They are always mounted side | | | | fire, ambulance). If the user is not home, the |
| by side (sometimes they are drill mounted in doors). | | | | operator can continue to listen to the house while |
| When the magnet is separated from the switch, for | | | | dispatching police. |
| instance, a door opens, and if the system is armed, | | | | Delayed entry/exit doors are becoming obsolete |
| an alarm will sound. If the system is not armed, | | | | because of the use of tiny key fobs (button devices |
| nothing happens, (but the Control Panel knows and | | | | similar to those used to arm/disarm vehicle alarms). |
| sometimes keeps a log of the time and date when a | | | | But there is still a bunch of them out there. A |
| given door, or other sensor was activated. However, | | | | delayed entry/exit door(s) is programmed and |
| no alarm was actually triggered. | | | | monitored by the Control Panel. If User A leaves the |
| Motion sensors can be wired or wireless. There are | | | | house, they would arm the system at the number |
| several different kinds of motion sensors, Ultrasonic, | | | | keypad (say, 1357). Then open the delayed door and |
| Microwave Infrared, or a combination of both. The | | | | exit. The system will allow any amounts of |
| most sensitive of these sensors is Microwave. They | | | | preselected time for the exit process. After the exit |
| can see through doors, walls, windows, just about | | | | window has closed (say 60 seconds), the door is |
| anything except metal. They can cause a lot of false | | | | armed. When User A returns, they enter thru the |
| alarm problems because of their long range and | | | | same door. The entry window is usually very short, |
| sensitivity. Ultrasonics aren't used that much | | | | maybe 20 or 30 seconds. This allows the user to |
| anymore, as they were false alarm-prone. | | | | walk to the keypad and enter the combination (1357) |
| Most motion sensors today use Passive Infrared or | | | | to disarm the system. |
| heat sensitive technology. The sensor, detects | | | | A nice feature of the newer keypads/Control Panels |
| motion, measures the difference in the temperature | | | | is protection against forced entry (for instance, bad |
| of the room, and that of a human body (98.6 verses | | | | guy forces User A into the house and tells her to |
| 72 degrees). When it sees the two different | | | | disarm the alarm). If the arm/disarm code is 1357, |
| temperatures, it sends a signal to the Control Panel, | | | | she might enter 1358. This code will disarm the alarm |
| which trips an alarm. Interior traps (motion sensors) | | | | system, but it also sends a silent alert to the Central |
| can be zoned off, so that a user can walk around | | | | Station. They will have been programmed in advance |
| their home without tripping an alarm, but the sensor | | | | to listen to the house, but make no sound. Once |
| is never actually turned off. The zone the sensor is | | | | they determine there is a real problem, they notify |
| located in, is turned off. The viewing pattern of | | | | police and stay on the line with both the house and |
| Infrared sensors can be modified, using scotch tape. | | | | the police to remain updated while authorities drive to |
| This is often done to 'raise the pattern' so the sensor | | | | the house. |
| does not detect dogs or cats, and only sees motion | | | | Many systems have inside and/or outside siren |
| of, say, 3 feet or more off the floor. | | | | speakers. The idea is to scare the intruder away, not |
| Control Panels are computers that keep track of and | | | | catch them. I always used inside speakers. Reason: if |
| process signals from the various sensors (door, | | | | bad guys are trying to get IN, I want them to hear |
| window, motion, glass breakage, under-carpet floor | | | | the siren. Many outside speakers can't be heard from |
| mats, etc.). They also report alarm conditions to a | | | | inside. |
| Central Station when triggered. The Control Panel | | | | |