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How to Install Security Systems

A home security system can provide you with peace of mind that your house and belongings have better protection from burglary, especially if you're often home alone or travel frequently. While many security systems are available, the easiest to install yourself is a wireless security system.

Things You'll Need

  • Control panel
  • Security sensors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine where to put your control panel. Most people put it next to the most frequently used entry point, such as the front or back door, so that they can shut the alarm off immediately upon entering the home. Keep in mind, however, that the control panel must be in a location that is not viewable by looking into the house through windows, so that thieves can't check out your system ahead of time.

    • 2

      Mount the control panel to the wall at an accessible level. Plug the control panel in. The recommendation is to run the power cord behind the wall and attach it to an outlet that way, so that a thief who gains entry cannot disable it easily.

    • 3

      Scope out access points throughout your home. Main level entry doors are obvious, but note windows that are easily accessible from the ground outside or basement/crawl space entries that provide access to the interior of the home. These locations are where you want to put your security sensors. Most wireless security systems have separate sensors for each access point. These consist of two pieces that align when the door or window is in the closed position. If the alarm is active and someone attempts to open the door/window, separating the sensor pieces, the alarm will sound.

    • 4

      Install the alarm (or siren) in a location that isn't obvious (to avoid tampering), but somewhere that all residents of the home will hear it easily if it goes off. Recommended locations are high ceilings that require ladder access, outside bedroom doors or in hallways away from the main entry of the home, or even a bathroom to make it more conspicuous. Avoid locations such as closets -- while they are conspicuous, they also muffle the sound of the alarm.

    • 5

      Consider installing extras around your home for added safety, such as motion sensors with extra lighting near exterior access points, security doors that are harder to break into, and extra locks on windows and doors. These items not only protect you, but help deter burglars from following through with their break-in.

    • 6

      Program your security system per the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to enable the features you like, but it's best to only enable the things that are necessary to protect your home. Extra features may be nice, but it can often be cumbersome to remember pass codes and the like when you need to enable a number of different things before leaving your home each day.

    • 7

      Test the security system yourself to be certain it is working properly. This is the only way you will be aware of any problems that may result in an inactive system, rendering it pointless in a break-in.