- We have a gap in our security system. - At least we have something in our security system…
An old proverb says: "Forewarned is forearmed", such a rule is fundamental for organization of life safety and property safety, and smart and forward-thinking owner will make sure to take proper measures. The most effective way is to install alarm systems.
The first security alarms appeared in ancient times, when a person began to gain assets and to cherish it. Preventive measures provided various traps, in the Middle Ages there was popular so-called "singing floor", which made a loud metallic squeal if you stepped on a certain floorboard. Since then, technological progress has advanced significantly, systems have evolved and modernized.
Modern security alarm systems perform the function of warning of unauthorized entry into the premise and provide protection from fraud, thefts or other illegal intentions. Most of the alarm systems are classified according to the method of alarm information transmission.
According to the way of communication with control panel, there are the following types:
- wire;
- wireless.
According to the method of information transmission, the systems are classified as follows:
- Warning by radio channel. Such devices are notable for a long range of operation (about 5 km) but such systems are used only if the security service is close to the facility.
- Transmission of information via GSM-networks.Obligatory condition is accessibility to the subscriber as the transmission of information passes through the means of warning via SMS. The advantage of such systems is the absence of any limitation in the range of action.
- Warning by the telephone line. In this case the range is also unlimited, the control panel is connected directly to the fixed-line telephone. This method is particularly relevant for protection of apartments and private houses. Control of such systems is possible from anywhere in the world.
The main active elements of security alarm systems are sensors, which perform detection of physical developments: movements, vibrations, noises or other actions untypical for usual situation.
Sensors of security systems are classified in the following way:
- Infrared sensors - they are most common in use. Such sensors respond to the heat emitted by a human during movement, so they are often referred to as "motion sensors". Their cost is usually low but the alarm signal comes when entering the premise. They are subdivided into surface, linear or volumetric ones.
- Radio wave and ultrasonic sensors. The detection zone of such sensors is volumetric, the actuation occurs by radiation and reception of radio waves or ultrasonic emissions. Elements of this type do not react to light, drafts or heat - this is an advantage, their disadvantage is that there is no surface detection zone formation.
- Vibration sensors. Their name allows to understand working principle of such sensors, the scope of their application – is thin and deformed walls.
- Capacitive sensors. This is a local type of sensors installed usually on expensive or valuable items such as safes. The principle of operation is to create a certain field in the area of the protected object, when an illegal intruder enters the field the alarm is generated.
- Reed sensors. In fact, these are magnetic contact sensors and their operating principle is simple. Reed sensors consist of two halves, which are installed on the door or the window tightly to each other, when it opens the alarm system comes into action. Their advantage is low cost, but the efficiency of such a sensor is rather low. For example, if the glass is simply broken and the window remains closed, the system does not come into action.
- Radial sensors. Such devices have a large detection area, as a rule they are installed next to the fence or the door. There is a rule - there should be observed absolute straightforwardness of the territory and absence of barriers in the form of a tree, bushes or hedges. The radiant flux must not have any obstacles in its way. If the territory has complex shapes and a relief, then it is necessary to divide it into several straight-line portions. Such sensors are notable for their large scale, since they are able to serve territories up to three hundred meters long.
- Sound sensors. This type of sensors is also rather often used at different objects, a peculiarity of their work is to respond to the sound of glass crashing.
In addition to the above listed options of sensors there are panic buttons and pedals. Such sensor models are common in banking branches, shops and shopping centers as an additional measure of employees’ safety. To improve the effectiveness of the alarm system there is often made a decision to combine systems and different types of sensors.
The choice of the alarm system depends on many factors: location of the premise, number of storeys, relief complexity and adjacent territory shape. There is no point to be after cheapness and to set options of poor efficiency. In any case, the decision should be taken together with specialists who will install the system.
Before beginning of the selection process, you need to know what the standard system consists of:
- security alarm control panel;
- sensors;
- executive devices;
- panic button of security alarm system.
But it is important to take into account that incompetent organization of systems, which include even the most expensive devices, can be not only ineffective, but also lead to tragic consequences. That's why it's worth to apply to the companies that have a staff of professional specialists. Experts should carry out specialized adjustment of sensors, the efficiency depends on this stage of arrangement.
The advantages of security alarm systems installation are undeniable, the most important of them is the improvement of the security level, and therefore of own calmness. Modern methods of installation allow to perform all the work carefully, without violating the integrity of the interior. The main criterion of choice is the level of quality of the system as a whole, and of each element separately. An experienced specialist begins his work with acquaintance with the architecture of the object and territorial features. Correct placement of sensors improves functionality and prevents false alarms, which add discomfort and unnecessary anxiety in everyday life. The cost of the security alarm system varies depending on the complexity of installation, the number of elements of the whole chain and equipping the systems with additional functionality that can improve the comfort of everyday life.
The age of high technologies dictates its terms and the manufacturers intending to take high positions in such a niche of the market need to react to consumers’ wishes swiftly. When choosing a company that will perform installation work, it is necessary to give preference to those companies who are guided by the principles of fair pricing policy, timeliness of work performance and quality control at each stage of work.
