CCTV and Intruder Alarms

Intruder Security

A home is a castle, they say. Here’s what you need to know to keep yours protected and safe.

Security CCTV watching on Tablet

Castle defences used moats, drawbridges, and curtain walls, but today, castles do not need safeguards such as siege towers and turrets. Protect your home with home security. Home break-ins are now occurring three times per hour in the UK, making it more critical than ever for you to keep your home secure. The range of security systems and solutions available today can satisfy every need and budget, whether you want to be able to monitor your home while you are away or just want peace of mind.

Are you looking for reliable intruder security solutions? Give us a call at FSR Security for more information on what type of security measures are best for your home.

What is home security?

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.

Typing security code on alarm keybord, to turn it off.

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.

Wired Alarm System

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.

Wired Alarm System

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.

What is CCTV surveillance?

Typically, professional CCTV systems have a digital recorder and several cameras installed exteriorly and sometimes internally around a home.

In general, CCTV systems are designed to allow you to monitor what is happening around your home live via your computer or smartphone and review footage after an event has occurred, which may help determine what happened and lead to a criminal conviction.

CCTV systems work best in conjunction with burglar alarm systems since the appearance of cameras around your home may visually deter potential burglars.

How do I install a home security system?

You can buy and install home security solutions like Arlo yourself on the market with varying effectiveness and performance.

Installing a security system by a professional and appropriately licensed installer is highly recommended for those serious about home security.

What are the benefits of home security systems?

The main functions of a home security system are to:

Your home will be less likely to be broken into if you take measures to deter intruders
When an intruder breaches your home, keep them at bay
Preventing a home invasion by reducing an intruder’s stay
Your family and valuables are at risk if you don’t protect them
Providing you with peace of mind while away from home.

What is the most basic home security I can install?

You can customise these systems to suit your needs and the layout of your home. If you want to save money, it is simplest to buy a wifi-connected camera like Arlo that you can use from your smartphone. If you seek a professional option, a simple alarm system with one or two motion detectors may be suitable.

How many cameras will I need?

There are different requirements for every home and every homeowner. The cameras should cover your areas of concern (entry points to home, driveways, paths, front doors) and the valuables you wish to protect (cars, boats, sheds). Licensed security advisers can provide the best results if you discuss your requirements with them.

Do I have to be home to operate my security system?

Apps for smartphones can now control most modern alarm systems and CCTV cameras remotely.

How long does installation take?

In most cases, residential security installations can be completed half a day or a day, depending on your needs.