Types of Security Alarms

Wireless

• Wireless security alarms are affordable, easy to install and work without rewiring your house or enrolling with an alarm company to whom you pay monthly fees. The benefits of wireless security alarms are that they work even when phone, Internet or electricity wires are down. Most wireless security alarms come with a main control unit, a siren or other alert system, at least one motion-detector device and other accessories, such as a remote control. When activated, the main control unit will sound an alarm or call a user-programmed emergency contact number or the police.

Hardwired

• Hardwired security alarms are what see advertised on alarm company commercials, for example ADT. They require professional installation, since the main control unit and the motion-detector devices all communicate with each other through phone wires. The benefits of hardwired security alarms are that they are capable of alerting the authorities or alarm company monitor station in case it is activated. Some drawbacks include expensive monthly monitoring fees and inconvenient installation.

Self-Contained

• The simplest form of security, self-contained alarms lack a central monitoring unit but still sound an alert device when activated. Easy to install, self-contained, wireless security alarms consist of a two-piece device that holds together through a magnet. When the magnetic contact is broken, the self-contained security alarm sounds. The alarms are powered through batteries and are commonly placed on windows and doors. Self-contained security alarms may also come with a chime feature, a non-emergency alert that lets you know when someone enters a doorway.

Other Security Alarms

• There are other security alarms to keep your family and home safe. Other security alarms include motion sensors that can be placed around your property, mail chimes that alert you when someone is tampering with your mailbox or to let you know the mail has arrived, driveway alarms, medical alert alarms, as well as car alarms. Fire and carbon monoxide alarms are just as important to your safety and security as well.