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What are the Different Types of Home Security Systems?

Nychole Price
Nychole Price

Home security systems are used by homeowners to make sure their homes are well-protected from theft, burglars, fires and other disasters. Many people decide which type of home security system to purchase depending upon the neighborhood in which they live, how much security they want and how much they are willing to pay for the security. The types of security systems available for installation fall under unmonitored and monitored.

The unmonitored home security system is the most popular and cost-effective system on the market today. When the alarm is triggered by a burglar, it produces a loud siren noise on the inside and outside of the home. A majority of the time the siren will scare off the intruder before he even enters the home. If you aren't home when the alarm is tripped, it will be up to your neighbors to call the police, as this type of system doesn't contact the monitoring company for you.

Motion detectors can usual sense changes in pressure caused by a swinging door.
Motion detectors can usual sense changes in pressure caused by a swinging door.

Monitored home security systems are ones that alert the central call center when the system is tripped by a burglar or intruder. When the alarm is tripped, the call center waits 30 to 45 seconds to confirm that you didn't accidentally set it off. If the alarm continues, the call center will attempt to contact you for a password, and if unsuccessful, will alert the authorities. Monitored systems also signal the authorities in the event of a fire, gas leak and flood. The biggest advantage to this type of system is you don't have to depend on your neighbors to be home to contact the authorities for you, but the 30 to 45 second delay allows burglars ample time to escape with your valuables.

Home security systems can be costly, but they are usually worth the investment, especially in nicer homes that are prime targets.
Home security systems can be costly, but they are usually worth the investment, especially in nicer homes that are prime targets.

Both the monitored and unmonitored systems can be set up with cameras, motion detectors, sensors, smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, keypads and video displays. These setups can be hard wired or wireless. Wireless home security systems are, by far, the easiest to set up, as you don't have to install new wires in the walls of your homes. Another advantage to the wireless home security system is that it can be installed by the average do-it-yourself homeowner, as the system is only connected by battery-powered radio transmitters and receivers. The downside to these types of home security systems is that you are limited in the distance allowed between the sensors, cameras and control panel due to the radio transmitters.

Discussion Comments

sfguevguih

We have a video surveillance system at our home, because I believe the best way to monitor my home is by viewing what is happening at our home. There is also a notification system that will raise an alarm and calls to my mobile number.

We had a thorough discussion before selecting the security system and had and went through review sites before finally deciding on the product.

The security system should be decided on based on your needs and locality type. One that works for your friend may not suit your home.

Feryll

My girlfriend and I are on tight budgets, so I recently installed a homemade home security system for her. Basically, I set up cameras around the perimeter of the house and inside. I also put sensors on all the windows and doors so that she will know if someone tries to come in while she is at the house.

The whole setup cost relatively little, much less than you would pay a professional to install and maintain a security system in your home.

Drentel

@Sporkasia - No, you can't count on a security system in your home to protect you from someone actually breaking in and physically assaulting you or someone else in your house. At best, a home security system can warn you so that you have time to protect yourself.

Any experienced burglar or home invader knows how long he has before anyone will arrive to help you, so he can take advantage of that time to do what he came to do. You need to make sure you are prepared to protect yourself once the security system warns you.

I don't know how you may feel about guns, but one could save your life and protect your family while you are waiting for the police to arrive. And in my opinion, guns are not dangerous to have in the house as long as you are a responsible gun owner.

Sporkasia

The next to last paragraph of this article talks about how with a monitored home security system the person at the call center will wait 40 seconds and then try to contact you for a password before ever calling the police. Then you have to wait for the police to arrive so that is a long wait, and that doesn't make me feel good about depending on this system to protect me from someone who is trying to break into my home and hurt my family.

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    • Motion detectors can usual sense changes in pressure caused by a swinging door.
      By: Benicce
      Motion detectors can usual sense changes in pressure caused by a swinging door.
    • Home security systems can be costly, but they are usually worth the investment, especially in nicer homes that are prime targets.
      By: itsallgood
      Home security systems can be costly, but they are usually worth the investment, especially in nicer homes that are prime targets.
    • Carbon monoxide detectors can be linked to a home security system.
      By: Ray Kasprzak
      Carbon monoxide detectors can be linked to a home security system.
    • If sections of a building are outside the range of the wireless system's control panel, they may go unprotected.
      By: Kenishirotie
      If sections of a building are outside the range of the wireless system's control panel, they may go unprotected.
    • Smoke detectors may be installed as part of a home security system.
      By: Serenethos
      Smoke detectors may be installed as part of a home security system.