What's in My Alarm System

Today I planed on putting up a post called Things To Consider When Getting An Alarm, but on second thought I should educate you a little first. Not many people know what's used in an alarm system and sometimes they don't care to know but they should. Having an alarm system and not knowing anything about it is like having the keys to the front door and not knowing what it's for.

I'll start with the most important part of a burglar alarm, the main panel. This should be placed in the most secure location available. It is the brain of the entire system without this nothing will work. Inside the panel there is a control board and a back up battery. The control board monitors all sensors, controls all sounding devices and communicates with monitoring stations.

The next in line of most important parts of an alarm system is the transformer that powers the main panel. Even though your alarm panel has a back up battery, for long term functioning of the system the transformer needs to be plugged in at a secure location and should never be tampered with. Believe it or not I have seen people unplug this not knowing what it is, it cost them a service charge for 5 mins of work!

The Keypad allows you to communicate with the main panel. It provides you with information on what areas are secured and what areas are open. The Keypad is also used to arm and disarm your system. Installers may also use the keypad to turn on different special features on your alarm system. Depending on what type of Keypad you have a lot more information can be displayed e.g. low battery, last alarm in memory, etc.

Another good thing to have are Wireless Keys, they are great for people in a rush. You can arm and disarm you alarm system at the touch of a button from anywhere on the compound. Also most wireless keys come with a built in Panic Button which can send a audible or silent alarm signal depending on your alarm installation request.

Now lets look at the sensors that monitor attempts to break into your home or business place.

Magnetic Contacts are used on doors and windows. They monitor the opening and closing of these areas.


Vibration or shock sensors are used on burglar proof windows to detect attempts of forced entry while allowing occupants to open there window and still be secured. These sensors can also be used on walls if there is a need for it.



PIR Detectors are used to detect the movement of body heat and are usually used indoors as a secondary form of protection.

Glass Break Detectors are used a lot in areas such as shop front display areas.

Smoke Detectors can also be used in systems that support it and are great protection against fires. If your system does not have smoke detectors I advise you have them installed they may one day save your life.

Alerting Devices Such as sirens and strobes are important for people in and around the home or business place. They draw attention to the property in times of crisis when it is much needed.

There are other devices that can be used in an alarm system but I believe I covered the most commonly used. Hopefully this was enlightening and if it wasn't don't worry more information will be coming soon.