| A burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the U.S, and a | | | | Hard Wired Systems |
| security system serves as a significant deterrent to | | | | Hard wired security systems are quite reliable and do |
| unwanted intrusion into a home or business. Alarm | | | | not suffer from range limitations as some wireless |
| systems provide a sense of security for homeowners | | | | systems do. Since low-voltage wires must be run |
| and their valuable possessions. | | | | through walls and ceilings, the optimal time for |
| Wireless Systems | | | | installation is when the home or business is under |
| Wireless security systems continue to grow in | | | | construction. A significant amount of pre planning is |
| popularity as they have become substantially more | | | | usually involved and many states require the use of a |
| reliable than the earliest models. Communicating | | | | licensed low-voltage electrical contractor. |
| through radio frequencies, wireless alarms do not | | | | Positioning of the sensors and other peripheral devices |
| require any hard wiring between the transmitter and | | | | can be problematic and limited due to structural |
| the remote devices. This eliminates the need for any | | | | barriers, especially in a retrofit application. Hard wired |
| structural modifications to the home. | | | | alarms can also be disabled if any wires are |
| Sensors can be placed virtually anywhere within the | | | | disconnected or if the power is cut off without a |
| service range and are easily removed and | | | | battery back up option. |
| repositioned. This provides advanced flexibility as | | | | Alarm Services |
| protection zones are effortlessly expanded or | | | | Inexpensive alarms operate on a local basis only. |
| modified. Even in isolated areas of a large building, | | | | When a sensor is activated, a high decibel siren will |
| modern wireless transmitters have an extended range | | | | sound, alerting the occupants and close neighbors of a |
| that will penetrate walls, floors and other physical | | | | possible break in while scaring the intruder away. |
| barriers. | | | | For a monthly fee, homeowners can acquire more |
| Although there are a number of broadcast protocols, | | | | elaborate auto dial or constant monitoring services. In |
| most wireless security alarms utilize the X-10 standard. | | | | the event of a burglary, auto dial technology will call |
| Basic packages usually include the keypad controller | | | | pre-programmed emergency numbers to alert the |
| and a number of remote sensors. More elaborate | | | | police and security company of the incident. |
| configurations are available in a variety of price points | | | | Constant monitoring services are the most thorough |
| and include options such as high resolution surveillance | | | | and expensive alarm alternative. Individuals at the |
| cameras, smoke detectors, motion detectors, high | | | | security service facility monitor the alarms on a |
| decibel alarms and key chain remote controls. Most | | | | continuing basis. If the system is activated, a person will |
| wireless systems can also accommodate a variety of | | | | notify the authorities and the owners of the event. |
| home automation components as well. | | | | |