DIY: Home Alarms

Place the console for the wireless home-alarm system in a location specified by the manufacturer. The console is the base of the home alarm where you set the keypad. Typically, the console is placed near the main door of your home. Select a location where the console can be heard at night, near a power source and away from large appliances.

Install the sensor-transmitters. Secure the transmitters in place using your screwdriver and the screws provided in the alarm kit. Typically, the sensor-transmitters are installed on all windows and exterior doors of your home.

Screw the magnet switch to the frame of your door or window sash with your drill and the screws provided in the alarm kit. Specifications for locating the switch vary depending on which alarm system you purchased. Typically, the magnetic switch needs to align with the sensors, as they work with the sensor-transmitters to signal an alarm.

Install the alarm's shock-sensors on your glass doors and windows using the double-sided tape that came in the kit. Wire them to the sensor-transmitters. Shock sensors trigger the alarm if an intruder tries to enter your home by breaking the window or glass doors instead of opening them.

Set all the sensor-transmitter switches to "Delay" or "Instant Alarm." This varies depending on your alarm kit and your personal preferences. The alarm will either sound instantly or delay, depending up the setting.

Follow the manufacturer's directions for installing any external switches and wiring them to the sensor-transmitter. External switches are those not located internally on the items you previously installed.

Install any accessories such as motion detectors or an exterior siren if they came with your particular home-alarm kit. Typically, situate exterior sirens so an intruder can't access them but they can be heard by neighbors.

Follow the testing instructions and test your wireless home-alarm system.