Alarm System Elements 5

Elements of an Alarm System Part 5

Here are some more high-end home security features:

Event Log

Event logs can be as simple as listing on the display panel the zone or device that was tripped. Of as sophisticated as listing the exact time and date of every event including who turned the system on and off.

Remote Operation

By using a touch-tone phone you can call your system, enter a special code and turn the system on or off.

Remote Programming and Diagnostics

This feature allows your alarm company to test and service your system without a house call. This feature saves valuable time and costly service calls.

Special Codes for Occasional Users

Having different codes or access cards allows the system to allow and record entry for different people. Regular users are given access to come and go as they please, while occasional users (such as a babysitter or housekeeper) codes are programmed to only allow access on certain days or and times.

Duress Code

This is an excellent feature to have. If you are forced to enter your home and disable the system by an intruder, you can type in a special code which will disable the system, but send a silent signal for help to the monitoring location.

Telephone Line Cut Monitor

If your phone line is cut, the alarm is automatically triggered.

Radio or Cellular Backup

Should your phone service be interrupted, a monitored system would not be able to contact the central office. With a radio or cellular backup system, any alarm would still reach the monitoring system.

Two-way Audio Monitoring

This option allows you to talk with the central monitoring service without the use of a phone. They do this by having small microphones mounted throughout your house. When the alarm is triggered, the operator can talk with you using the microphones hidden throughout the house.

“I’m OK” Monitoring

This feature is designed for people living alone. It activated the central station is the motion detectors don’t pick up any movement within an allotted amount of time. Then the service calls a friend or neighbor to check on the homeowner.

Area Arming

Using different keypad commands, you can activate and deactivate the system in various parts of the house. For example, you can deactivate most of the house (in the main living areas) and still leave the security system turned on in the office, garage and workshop.