DIY Alarm Parts

Window and Door Sensors

• Alarms work by placing magnetic sensors on your windows and doors. These sensors will allow the alarm's electrical circuit to run around the house. Once a door or window is opened, the circuit will break, and the alarm will sound. These usually come in two parts: a piece that sticks to the window or door, and a piece that sticks to the window or door frame.

Keypads

• The keypad is the brain of your alarm system. You will be able to activate and deactivate the alarm from its keypad. You will also be able to program any additional functions of your alarm through the keypad. This means any predetermined activation or deactivation times you would like to set up, or any "housekeeper" codes you want incorporated. If you have to reset a code, you will also do it through the keypad. It should be placed in an area that is easily located. Right next to the front door is a good spot since you will likely have to enter a deactivation code immediately once you get home.

Housing Box

• The alarm originates in a metal housing box usually located in the basement, attic or a closet. This is where all the wiring connects to all the components of your alarm system. If there is a lost connection between your alarm and an alarm or bell, it usually originates in this box. Inside the box is also a battery used as your alarm's secondary source of power.

Transformer

• Right next to the housing box will usually be a large transformer plugged in to the wall. The transformer will step the voltage down as it passes from your primary power source to your alarm system. Most alarms are low-voltage, so a transformer is needed to ensure you don't blow a fuse. If you have a high-voltage alarm system, you won't need the transformer.

Bells or Alarms

• Connected to the alarm's housing box, through wires, will be bells or alarms. Whenever a circuit is broken in the alarm's system, one of the bells or alarms will ring. You can decide whether you want a silent alarm or not. A silent alarm will report a break in the circuit to the alarm's company. Other alarms will ring a loud bell or alarm while the alarm's company also gets notified. Make sure the bells or alarms are located in a place where they will loudly be heard. Placing them in a closed room or closet isn't smart.

Battery

• A rechargeable battery will be housed in the metal box. This battery will only start working if your primary source of power goes out. So if the power dies, your alarm will still be working. Keep the battery is charged at all times, because if it isn't, it won't work during a power outage.