Alarm signaling systems - components

Alarm signaling systems and security equipment as a whole, has long become a standard part of the security of any public building, and recently found increasing use in private homes.

Such security systems can be found in abundance of options - ranging from small sets of the "DIY" and ending with modern and sophisticated integrated security systems and house alarms, which must be installed and tuned by professionals.

What decision will be taken in this case depends on its specificity and of your skills and experience.

As there can not be two exactly the same sites for protection and can not have absolutely identical alarm systems - which again mean that there is no universal method to follow when you want to install similar systems.

Therefore, we recommend you consult a specialist on position selection and installation of equipment, even when seemingly everything seems clear and simple.

A typical alarm systems, the most widespread today consists of the following components:

1. Security central (control panel) and keyboard controls

Security center is the heart of security systems, since it controls the behavior as programmed by the user settings. Depending on the type of this component, secured sites can be divided into several zones, each of which can be treated specifically according to its associated sensors and the desired effect.

Keypad control is the interface through which the user provides a means to control the system - change the settings of the zones, the codes to activate on / off etc.

2. Signal Sensors

The role of sensors is to detect events (opening the door, breaking the glass, movement in the surveillance zone, audible signal) and give signals to the central by cable or wireless way. Role of the sensor can be performed by magnetic switches, which are seen as objects guarded gates, which opens/closes electric circuit, and also panic buttons, since they signal to the control panel for an event occurring, no matter that it is not done automatically. Naturally, the most common are the volume detectors that can alert at detected movement. They can use microwave or ultrasound signals, a photo-sensor technology, or PIR (passive infrared) technology, which is typical for modern devices. They also use specialized sensors (acoustic, vault), gauges that do not react to the movement of domestic animals, and even those that are digital, featured with greater precision.

3. Alert and notification devices

These are devices that have been mandated to alert when an event occurs.

This can be as sirens or alarm lights and transmitters for communication with the headquarters of security firms.

There are also specialized tools for notification (such as devices for automatic phone dialing) or activation of related external systems (eg video surveillance system).

4. Transmission environment, backup power, additional accessories

The link between the control panel (headquarters) and sensors and keyboard control is typically implemented with cables, although it is possible to enjoy an wireless solutions.

Backup power supply is mandatory component as ensuring the system in the absence of normal power supply. For this purpose we use different batteries designed for similar type systems.

Optional components of alarm systems can be very different - interfaces for connecting to computer / respectively - software control system, the security module of strain / electric shocks; dialers for automatic telephone notification; devices for voice dialing, etc.