Keeping your home secure and unwanted intruders out involves many different practices and products. It can include anything from simple and easily overlooked things like your door and window locks to professionally installed solutions such as an alarm and CCTV system.
What is the difference between alarm systems and CCTV?
Intruder alarm systems or CCTV systems are the two most common security systems installed professionally.
The main component of an intruder alarm is a control panel that is connected to detection devices such as motion detectors and reed switches. Moving objects are detected by motion detectors in a home that has been armed (turned on) and is not occupied. Reed switches are magnetic contacts installed on doors and windows to activate when they break, i.e. when they are opened.
An alarm system is armed when one of these devices is triggered. If the alarm sounds, it informs the intruder that they have been detected, alerts the neighbouring neighbourhoods, and alerts the monitoring centre that an alarm has been triggered.
You should consider installing an intruder alarm system to protect your home, as it makes it less likely that an intruder will spend a long time in your house. When you are not at home, it is highly recommended that your intruder alarm system be monitored since an unmonitored alarm will simply make noise and won’t alert you or anyone else remotely.
By contrast, a CCTV system features video cameras mounted to the outside of a business, which can record activity without alerting owners or monitoring services. CCTV systems are your second line of defence after an alarm system, based on your desired level of security.
Intruder alarms
There are several interior and perimeter intrusion detectors and an external sounder in a basic intruder alarm system.
- Electric Current Alarm System
Typically, electric current monitoring systems are installed when a new home is constructed and monitor only entry points like doors and windows. A low-voltage electrical circuit connects two points in these systems. When doors and windows are closed, the current flows easily. An audible beep is triggered when the circuit is interrupted by opening those doors.
Monitoring centres receive signals from your wired security system by using the landline phone line. The system offers basic monitoring capabilities, but it is at risk of being destroyed or cut by physical wires, making the system useless. It is recommended that cellular backup be used to prevent weather interference or other landline issues.
Monitoring centres receive signals from your wired security system by using the landline phone line. The system offers basic monitoring capabilities, but it is at risk of being destroyed or cut by physical wires, making the system useless. It is recommended that cellular backup be used to prevent weather interference or other landline issues.
- Wireless Home Alarm System
Home alarm systems that are wireless are precisely what the name suggests-wireless security systems. A radio-frequency transmitter and a control panel are usually used in alarm systems.
As soon as your alarm system is triggered, a signal is transmitted to the control panel, and the alarm is activated. These wireless systems provide remote management from your mobile device and integration with innovative home features such as lighting, video surveillance, and thermostats.
- Unmonitored Home Alarm System
The alarm of an unmonitored system is triggered either by you or a family member who lives near your home. The system will sound and display an alarm whenever an unmonitored system trips it.
In comparison to monitored systems, unmonitored systems typically cost less. However, the unmonitored systems do not provide the same level of security, as they do not notify a monitoring centre of your emergency for subsequent dispatch of first responders. Depending on your cell reception or location, you may not be able to respond to the alarm even if the alert is sent directly to your phone.
- Monitored Home Alarm System
It is always comforting to know that an experienced professional is looking after your best interests. When your home alarm system is monitored, you can rest assured that authorities will be notified immediately in case of a break-in 24/7/365. Monitoring centre operators and homeowners are advised when monitored alarm systems trigger an alarm.
