Alarm System Elements 1

Elements of an Alarm System Part 1

Every home security system must include some basic key components in order to provide the utmost safety and security. When purchasing your home alarm system be sure to check for these components: a master control panel, at least one key pad and a variety of sensors.  Begin to identify where these components should be placed in your home for the most effectiveness.

Here is an overview of each component in the home alarm system.

Master Control Panel

This is the brain of the system. Here, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) gets the information from the alarm sensors and key pads placed throughout the house and then decides when to sound the sirens or alert the central station. When choosing a master control panel, be sure to get one with enough capacity to handle all the sensors you install now and those you may want to add in the future. The control panel also contains batteries for several hours in case of a power outage. It would be good to keep extra batteries compatible to your control panel on hand to replace should they expire or the outage lasts longer than expected. For hard-wired systems, the control panel is usually a wall-mounted metal cabinet located in a closet or the basement. Keep this master control panel secure as well should a thief know how to break in and turn the alarm system off.

Keypad

Just as the control panel is the brain, the keypad is the system’s command center. From it you can control every function of the alarm system—arming, disarming, silencing the siren and reviewing past alarm activity as well as other functions. Most keypads have numbered buttons, a buzzer and a digital display panel. Some modern models even speak with an electronic voice. To operate the system, you need to enter a code, and then follow any other directions on the display panel. The buzzer reminds you to turn off the system when you arrive home. Most keypads also include a panic button to press at any time to sound an alarm. If you have a monitored system, pressing the panic button will send an emergency signal to the central station.

Since you’ll be using the keypad to turn on and off the system and you enter and exit the house, you will want to install one just inside the entrance you most frequently use. This will allow you the time necessary to operate the system. Should convenience and your budget allow, you can also place keypads in from the of the entry area and in the master bedroom. It is a good idea to have multiple keypads if you have a large family with many people coming and going.