What Is a Security System Alarm Zone?

Hard-wired Zones

• Most consumer security systems have six or eight hard-wired zones. These zones are connected to doors, windows, motion, fire alarms and other sensors.

Standard Zone Layout

• Typical installations place the front-door sensor on Zone 1, the back door on Zone 2, sliding glass doors on another zone, a motion detector on another, a group of windows on another zone and so forth. Because many systems have a limited number of zones, some sensors must be grouped.

Wireless Zones

• Wireless security systems allow only one sensor per zone. They also are designed to accommodate many zones. A 32-zone wireless system would report exactly which door or window was opened, covering up to 32 sensors.

Visual Keypad Reporting

• A keypad also will signal which zone was tripped. This usually will be indicated by a number appearing on the keypad. By looking up that number on the zone list, which should be printed on a sticker on the keypad, you will know where the sensor is located.

Audio Reporting

• Some wireless systems are designed to report sensor activation by "speaking" to you; these often are referred to as "talking systems." If a child's window is opened, the system might say, "Sally's window open."

Keypad Location

• Because of zone reporting, it is good to have a keypad in the master bedroom. If an intrusion occurs at night, it will help you plan how to handle the intrusion.