Types of Home Security Products

Components of Home Alarm and Security Systems

When you want to create or install a home security system you must first understand the various components and devices AND the functions they perform so you are prepared to make an informed buying decision. But home security is about much more than money, isn’t it?

You can evaluate home security systems, burglar alarms and the various devices and components in a number of ways:

• Interior, exterior and perimeter security devices
• Intrusion versus safety/hazard
• Motion versus breach-activated
• Wireless or hardwired
• Standalone or centrally monitored alarms
• Resistance/deterrents versus monitors and detectors
• High-end versus low-end
• Real working devices versus fakes and dummies

A comprehensive home security system includes devices and safety products that could be included under more than one of the above categories. For example: it would be a critical mistake to simply install a few interior motion detectors unless you’ve already installed some security devices on your perimeter. Take every chance to deter and resist an intruder BEFORE he gets in. See? So try and imagine the functions and purposes of the various devices and why your home system must incorporate one or more of each type to complete a trustworthy and sensible security and alarm system for your home.

Security Devices that Safeguard the “Perimeter” of Your Home

What do you consider the perimeter of your home?

• Walls that separate “outside” from “inside”?
• The edges of your property or property lines?

Do you wish to allow intruders onto your property, invite them right up to the exterior doors and windows of your home, or would you rather stop them before they even emerged from the dark edges of your yard or stepped off the sidewalk?

Perimeter devices include:

• Security gates and fences
• Security cameras and gate intercoms
• Security bars
• Security doors and windows
• Vandal-proof door locks
• Motion-activated floodlights
• Outdoor security sirens
• Glass break detectors
• Window and door sensors

Where you ultimately “see” your perimeter determines where you wish to place security devices.

Interior Security Devices

Intrusion devices imply that someone has already breached your perimeter and if you have properly installed and functional perimeter devices then your system should be in alarm mode—sirens sounding, lights flashing and in the case of a centrally monitored system, police enroute. So what’s their purpose? Collect and transmit further information to your alarm company and authorities or, to provide back up in the case that intruders have bypassed your perimeter system.

Interior security devices include:

• Motion detectors
• Security lights
• Home safe

Interior Safety Devices

Safety devices may be configured as part of a whole home security system or as a standalone system.

Interior safety devices include:

• Smoke alarms and detectors
• Fire alarms
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Flood detectors
• Heat detectors
• Hearing impaired devices

Security Devices that Help Deter Intruders and Burglars

A key strategy in a well thought-out home security plan is deterrent devices. In most cases these components are low-tech, low cost additions that can make a big difference:

• Motion-activated flood lights
• Interior light timers
• Exterior security signage

Explore this guide to security system devices and use it as a means to understand how you must piece together a basic or sophisticated home security system.