What Componets Are Used in Alarm Systems?

Master Control Panel

• The master control panel is the brain of the alarm system. Here, the alarm system technician programs each alarm sensor and code that will be used in the system. When a sensor is triggered, the master control panel interprets that signal and transmits to a monitoring station and/or sounds the alarm. Typically, the master control panel is located in a closet or crawl space.

Keypad

• The keypad is perhaps the most visible component of the alarm system. It is typically located on a wall near a main door or in a main bedroom. The keypad typically has 10 number buttons and several "function" buttons. Here, the owner keys in an alarm code to arm and disarm the system. Function buttons include options such as "Panic" (which automatically alerts police or medical emergency personnel to be sent to the premises) and "Stay" (a setting that typically arms exterior doors but leaves motion detectors inactive since people are "staying" on site but want the site secured).

Door and Window Sensors

• Door and window sensors trigger whenever the door or window is opened. Typically, the system uses a switch and a magnet installed parallel to each other on the door jamb or window pane. When the door or window is opened, the switch recognizes that the magnet is no longer in place and sends a signal to the master control panel to sound an alarm. These are usually installed on all exterior doors and windows on the first floor.

Motion Sensors

• Motion sensors are triggered whenever movement occurs in a designated area. They are typically installed in the upper corner of a room and are aimed at entry points (such as the bottom or top of a stairwell). Whenever motion occurs in the sensor's range, a signal is sent to the master control panel to sound the alarm.