Evaluating Alarm Systems 1

Evaluating Alarm Systems

Should you install it yourself or hire a security company?

If you’re handy with tools and reading written instructions, you can easily install a basic security system, which will save you 50 to 60 percent of the cost of a professional installation. If you are protecting a cabin, detached garage, or shop, you can install a hard-wired system without being too concerned about concealing the wires. Wireless systems are usually a better choice for installing the system in your home yourself. The wireless equipment, while more costly than the wired system, will save you time in running and hiding wires.

If you are the type to keep valuable items at home such as fine art, jewelry or collections, you are probably a candidate for getting a security system professional designed and installed. It’s also a good idea to leave the installation for a very large home, or one with a lot of features to the professionals because wiring and programming large security systems can be very complex.

Keep these two things in mind if you’re thinking about installing your own home security system:

1)      National, state and local electrical codes govern the installation of all electrical systems. Fire codes dictate the installation of smoke detectors. These codes are in place for your safety. Make sure to become familiar with all of them. Check with your local building department to get all the pertinent information.

2)      The monitoring feature of a system should you chose it, is best installed by a qualified technician. While installing the sensors can often be done by a homeowner, connecting the system to the telephone lines and programming it to communicate with the central station are best left to someone with the right training.

False Alarms

A false alarm is when either the fire department or police are called to a security monitored area and find no evidence of a fire or break-in.

False alarms are a waste of time, money and man-power, so they have become a big concern for police departments. Over 90 percent of alarm calls are falsely reported. When officers are occupied answering false alarms, they are unable to handle real emergencies. As a result, homeowners are now cited fines if they have repeated false alarms. These fines range from $20 to $100.

Why so many false alarms?

Here are some tips for avoiding false alarms.

*Have your system installed by a reputable company.

*If you install the system yourself, make sure it is reliable equipment and that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

*Ensure each user is properly trained in arming and disarming the system.

*If your system is monitored, keep the number posted to call in case of a false alarm.

*Test your system each month. Make sure to let the central station know you are practicing.

*Follow the maintenance guidelines included with the system.

*If you notice something isn’t working—get it fixed!