Home Security & Installation Guidelines

Install Sensors on Every Door and Window

• A security system is only effective if it is thoroughly installed. Every door and window in the home should have a sensor attached to it for the system to perform optimally. The sensor is a two-piece device, with a transmitter and a magnetic strip. The strip is attached to the door or window via an adhesive, while the transmitter attaches to the frame. The transmitter detects the presence of the magnet, and when the magnet is removed, such as when the door or window is opened, the transmitter will send a signal to the panel to activate the alarm. If even a single window or door is left without a sensor, your home is much more susceptible to compromise.

Decide on Proper Locations for Devices

• The location of the main control panel is of vital importance when installing your system. Some systems have multiple panels, but your system will have at least one, and it should be placed close enough to your front door so you can reach it quickly when you get home and need to turn off the alarm. However, the panel should not be visible from your windows; this way, a potential burglar won't be able to see it while looking in from outside. The panel also needs to be near an electrical outlet so it can draw power. The same is true for the siren, which also requires an outlet. Both of these outlets should not be controlled by a light switch, as turning off the light switch could cause an accidental alarm shutdown. The siren should be in a central location so it can be heard throughout the house when it activates.

Program the Panel

• The panel needs to accurately detect every sensor in the house so it goes off when it should and does not trigger false alarms. The process of programming a panel varies greatly, depending on your individual alarm system, but many panels allow you to divide the home into zones so it can tell you the exact location of an alarm activation as soon as the alarm goes off. You will also need to decide what you wish the disarm code to be. If you purchase additional sensors or devices, they need to be compatible with the panel for the system to be of any use. If there is a compatibility problem, the system could behave in an unpredictable fashion.

Test the System Regularly

• The system needs to be tested as soon as you have it installed to verify everything is working properly, but it should be rechecked once a month to ensure that the sensors are not malfunctioning. Defects in an alarm system should not be discovered when there is a home invader or medical emergency. Perform a manual inspection of each device to make sure each is positioned correctly and that it is getting proper power. Devices that are battery-powered should have the batteries checked regularly to prevent a power loss from compromising the system.