Home security systems

The residential security and protection industry has been growing in leaps and bounds and now technological advances make it possible for the consumer to purchase such a system at a reasonable price. With all the horror stories that are daily fare in the media, it’s reassuring to know that our houses can be protected against intrusions and our families and possessions made safer.

You wish to buy a security system for your home, but get lost in the details of the systems that are on the market? We can simplify the task! The following guide will help you formulate a precise picture of the security system that is right for your home, as well as explain the characteristics, advantages and drawbacks of the systems that are on the market.

In our stores, you will find easy-to-install, cordless security systems of the highest quality and at an affordable price to protect what’s most important to you.
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Connected to a central or not?
Basic security systems
Cord or cordless?
Components
Installation and programming

Connected to a central or not?

When considering a security system, you should ask yourself the following question, “Should I have a system connected to a central by telephone or not?” Suppose that your system alarm goes off while you’re absent from your home. Who’ll go to see if there are intruders in the house? Your neighbour? Your nephew? Your parents? It’s an even bet that they’ll prefer to call the police, rather than be on the lookout 24 hours per day. Which explains the existence of central telephone surveillance systems. With these systems, when the alarm is set off, the telephone central will be able to send a patrol to check the reason for the alarm and, if the situation warrants, call the police. On the other hand, there are additional costs related to connecting the system to a telephone central. Therefore, you must budget between $300 and $600 per year for this service. This amount can vary if you rent or buy your system, or if it’s provided free of charge with the surveillance system.

To avoid the costs to be connected to a telephone central while maintaining a good level of security, there are security systems on the market that can automatically dial one or two telephone numbers and play a recorded message. You can program the device to call the police if the alarm is set off and play a message stating that there’s possibly an intruder in the house. It’s a good compromise that offers better security than a simple autonomous system.

If you opt for an autonomous system, you’ll need to have someone is available to intervene if the alarm goes off.

Basic security systems

A basic security system is usually composed of the following accessories: one or two perimeter detectors (or "magnetic contacts"), a numerical keypad, a control panel, a siren and stickers designed to discourage burglars. You should always keep spare batteries on hand. We will go into more detail regarding the components in the following sections.

You can add other elements according to need. They can be purchased separately, which provides a good measure of flexibility to your security system. Thus, you can add magnetic contacts in all the rooms that you need to protect, motion sensors in the basement, windowpane breakage detectors in key areas and more. It’s up to you to tailor a system that will cover all your needs.

Cord or cordless?

Systems without peripheral connecting wires avoid a lot of headaches at installation time. They are easily installed, don’t need complex wiring schemes and burglars can’t sidestep the system by cutting the visible wires. On the other hand, the system needs regular maintenance to replace dead batteries.

As well, a system with peripheral units connected with wires (electrically powered)can be a good choice based on your budget and the areas that need protection. Companies that offer these systems take charge of installation.

Components

The numerical keypad

The keypad is the command centre of any security system. It allows the user to enter system commands, activate or deactivate, send urgent messages, etc. Some models are offered with multiple function remote controls, notably for activation and deactivation, turning lights on and off, opening garage doors, sending distress signals, as well as numerous other functions.

The control panel

The control panel (that connects to the keypad) is the central control, or in other words, the heart of your system. It processes the information received from the various detection devices. It indicates what zones in your home are in safe mode, as well as regulating the proper function of the entire system. In case of an alarm, it’s this component that transmits information to the telephone central and communicates with emergency services. This panel must be installed near an electric outlet and a telephone jack, close at hand to facilitate operations.

Peripheral detectors (magnetic contacts)

These detectors protect your home’s perimeter, i.e., potential entry points such as doors, windows, etc. They’ll react even before an intruder gains entrance to your house and will set off the alarm.

The security perimeter is established with the help of various detectors that will activate the alarm when a door is opened or a window is smashed. Among detectors currently on the market, we find magnetic.

Volumetric detectors (motion sensors)

Volumetric detectors are designed to protect the home interior. The protection zone is established with the help of motion sensors installed in strategic areas and the alarm is activated by the presence of an individual inside the residence. Among the various types of volumetric detectors found on the market, we note infrared motion sensors (there’s an infrared motion detector that’s designed to ignore pets), as well as motion detectors that combine the elements of both, i.e., infrared and microwaves.

Specialized detectors

These detectors combine a large variety of surveillance units and offer protection against elements that represent a potential danger. Thus, they can identify specific hazards such as heat, smoke, water levels (in the basement), carbon monoxide, propane gas and can monitor temperature (in the case of a furnace breakdown for example). They’re usually offered with security systems where the peripheral units are wired.

Sirens

Sirens usually come in two types, visual or sound alarms. They’re activated when the security system detects an emergency situation. They send out visual signals (strobe light) or strident sounds. At the least, the efficiently scare intruders and can put the police on their trail. Among the principal types of sirens (visual or sound), we count the indoor siren, decorative indoor sirens, outdoor sirens (variable sound strength) and strobe lights. The location of these alarms is important when it’s a hearing challenged person who lives in the home.

Installation and programming

The installation and programming of a cordless security system can be done by the homeowner or given to a specialist for units that require the installation of electric wires. The number of rooms to be protected, the different elements employed and the security system model you select will dictate the route you’ll need to take to install your system.
When you choose a telephone central connected system, make sure to check if the company operates its own surveillance centre or if it uses a ULC (Underwriters Laboratory Canada) approved centre. Before choosing your system, precisely determine the number of accessories you’ll need to guarantee the complete security of your home. This way, you’ll be able to budget the amount you’ll have to pay for you’re system more easily. Finally, make sure that you have fully reviewed every clause of the contract that you sign with the surveillance company. For example, be clear on the contract duration, the services contained in the agreement, as well as the basic system that is provided in the rental contract.
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