Alarm System
- What is an alarm system ?
- What devices make up an alarm system and how do they work?
- Is installation of an alarm equipment wired or wireless, and what should I choose?
- Can I change the batteries by myself?
- How often does a security system need to be maintained?
What is an alarm system ?
An alarm is a system of devices that detect the improper entry (burglary) of an intruder. A complete security system protects you, ensuring that, if someone tries to break into your premises from anywhere (entrance, balcony doors, store windows etc.), an alarm will go off, activating the emergency siren and sending a signal to the 24-hour Alarm Signal Reception Center.
What devices make up an alarm system and how do they work?
An alarm system consists of several components, which create a network that can effectively prevent would-be burglars. The point is to design this network properly, based on the needs of your premises. In any case, it is imperative to conduct an assessment which will indicate where each part of the alarm should be placed. In detail, the devices that make up an alarm are the following:
- Control Unit It is the "brain" of the alarm system. That's where all system peripherals end up. It has its own power supply, so that it keeps working even in cases of power failure, and a digital encoder to send signals to the Reception Center. It can accept orders via telephone, mobile or internet.
- Keypad or wireless button Using a personal password or a wireless button (or even a smartphone with a proper application), you can enable/disable your entire alarm system or part of it. You can use more than one keypad, if you want to have access from multiple areas of your premises (e.g. next to entrances, in garages, in hallways between bedrooms or even on different floors).
- Contacts (magnetic contacts) Magnetic contacts (wireless and wired) consist of a contact and a magnet. They are placed in parallel to the moving and fixed frame of a window or door. When the door or window is closed, these two parts are side by side and parallel. If the intruder opens the door or window and separates these two parts, a signal is given to the control unit and the alarm is activated.
- Motion detectors(radars)
Motion sensors (radars) operate with infrared technology and notify the control unit so that the alarm is activated, when they perceive movement inside the premises (with the option of excluding animals). Radars can be placed in appropriate locations to cover potential hazardous areas. - Glass break sensors They detect the shock signals of a glass break and activate the alarm system. Ideal for stores with windows or houses with semi-outdoor rooms.
- Internal and external alarm system sirens They are self-protected, with a tamper for protection, so that if someone tries to interrupt their function, the system can be activated externally and panic the intruder.
- External radar(motion detectors) It works like indoor radars, detecting movement, but is specially designed and built for outdoor use. It does not detect small animals and is waterproof.
- Infrared beams
They act as fences and activate the alarm when someone passes between them and "cuts" through. Useful for balconies, terraces and gardens. They will activate the alarm before burglars enter your home. - Smoke detector
It warns the 24-hour Alarm Signal Reception Center to notify the fire brigade and everyone inside the premises so that they evacuate the area of danger in case of fire. It is activated automatically as soon as it detects smoke. Ideal for boiler rooms, kitchens, fireplaces, garages etc. - Gprs device.
To ensure uninterrupted signal transmission to the Alarm Signal Reception Center even in cases when your telephone-line cable gets cut, a special communication device is installed. This device, through a sim card and using all mobile networks, maintains constant communication with the ASRC resorting to the GRPS wireless internet technology. - Batteries
All alarm systems come with rechargeable batteries. One battery is used to power the control unit, in the event of a power failure, and another provides full siren autonomy.
Is installation of an alarm equipment wired or wireless, and what should I choose?
A common question that arises during the selection process of an appropriate alarm is whether you should choose a wired or a wireless alarm. A wireless alarm communicates with individual devices via radio, its total installation time is shorter, is ideal if it needs to be transporter in case of moving but it has shorter battery life and is clearly more expensive, although it is worth consolidating the fact that in habitable premises (much more so if the premises are not privately owned) where a security system has to be installed, the last thing you would want is to have your walls dug so that cables are passed. Of course, on solution is for the cables to be placed externally on the walls with heat-shrinkable glue, but with the resulting eyesore and with the risk that someone will pull them or that they will come off over time on their own. To these, add the higher cost of installing a wired alarm as well as that of cables, and you will have a more comprehensive picture of the costs. If it is a new construction or area under renovation, experts recommend internal wiring and wired, combined with wireless, devices for greater autonomy but also more complete coverage. In this case, a hybrid control unit with integrated GPRS is recommended. So, if possible, invest in a hybrid alarm..
Can I change the batteries by myself?
In case of multiple wireless devices, it is possible that component smaller batteries (not the control unit) will need more frequent replacement as their lifespan also depends on other factors, such as whether there were many power outages during this period or the alarm went off. You can change the batteries of peripherals yourself, if this has to be done earlier than the regular check, since it is a simple process. Leave the replacement of the control-unit battery to the specialist who is also responsible for your maintenance.
How often does a security system need to be maintained?
To ensure that your system is ready at all times to respond to any violation, regular service should be provided by a specialist every two years. Maintenance includes changing the system consumables (batteries) as well as general check of zones so as to ensure that everything is working properly.
- What is an alarm system ?
- What devices make up an alarm system and how do they work?
- Is installation of an alarm equipment wired or wireless, and what should I choose?
- Can I change the batteries by myself?
- How often does a security system need to be maintained?
What is an alarm system ?
An alarm is a system of devices that detect the improper entry (burglary) of an intruder. A complete security system protects you, ensuring that, if someone tries to break into your premises from anywhere (entrance, balcony doors, store windows etc.), an alarm will go off, activating the emergency siren and sending a signal to the 24-hour Alarm Signal Reception Center.
What devices make up an alarm system and how do they work?
An alarm system consists of several components, which create a network that can effectively prevent would-be burglars. The point is to design this network properly, based on the needs of your premises. In any case, it is imperative to conduct an assessment which will indicate where each part of the alarm should be placed. In detail, the devices that make up an alarm are the following:
- Control Unit It is the "brain" of the alarm system. That's where all system peripherals end up. It has its own power supply, so that it keeps working even in cases of power failure, and a digital encoder to send signals to the Reception Center. It can accept orders via telephone, mobile or internet.
- Keypad or wireless button Using a personal password or a wireless button (or even a smartphone with a proper application), you can enable/disable your entire alarm system or part of it. You can use more than one keypad, if you want to have access from multiple areas of your premises (e.g. next to entrances, in garages, in hallways between bedrooms or even on different floors).
- Contacts (magnetic contacts) Magnetic contacts (wireless and wired) consist of a contact and a magnet. They are placed in parallel to the moving and fixed frame of a window or door. When the door or window is closed, these two parts are side by side and parallel. If the intruder opens the door or window and separates these two parts, a signal is given to the control unit and the alarm is activated.
- Motion detectors(radars)
Motion sensors (radars) operate with infrared technology and notify the control unit so that the alarm is activated, when they perceive movement inside the premises (with the option of excluding animals). Radars can be placed in appropriate locations to cover potential hazardous areas. - Glass break sensors They detect the shock signals of a glass break and activate the alarm system. Ideal for stores with windows or houses with semi-outdoor rooms.
- Internal and external alarm system sirens They are self-protected, with a tamper for protection, so that if someone tries to interrupt their function, the system can be activated externally and panic the intruder.
- External radar(motion detectors) It works like indoor radars, detecting movement, but is specially designed and built for outdoor use. It does not detect small animals and is waterproof.
- Infrared beams
They act as fences and activate the alarm when someone passes between them and "cuts" through. Useful for balconies, terraces and gardens. They will activate the alarm before burglars enter your home. - Smoke detector
It warns the 24-hour Alarm Signal Reception Center to notify the fire brigade and everyone inside the premises so that they evacuate the area of danger in case of fire. It is activated automatically as soon as it detects smoke. Ideal for boiler rooms, kitchens, fireplaces, garages etc. - Gprs device.
To ensure uninterrupted signal transmission to the Alarm Signal Reception Center even in cases when your telephone-line cable gets cut, a special communication device is installed. This device, through a sim card and using all mobile networks, maintains constant communication with the ASRC resorting to the GRPS wireless internet technology. - Batteries
All alarm systems come with rechargeable batteries. One battery is used to power the control unit, in the event of a power failure, and another provides full siren autonomy.
Is installation of an alarm equipment wired or wireless, and what should I choose?
A common question that arises during the selection process of an appropriate alarm is whether you should choose a wired or a wireless alarm. A wireless alarm communicates with individual devices via radio, its total installation time is shorter, is ideal if it needs to be transporter in case of moving but it has shorter battery life and is clearly more expensive, although it is worth consolidating the fact that in habitable premises (much more so if the premises are not privately owned) where a security system has to be installed, the last thing you would want is to have your walls dug so that cables are passed. Of course, on solution is for the cables to be placed externally on the walls with heat-shrinkable glue, but with the resulting eyesore and with the risk that someone will pull them or that they will come off over time on their own. To these, add the higher cost of installing a wired alarm as well as that of cables, and you will have a more comprehensive picture of the costs. If it is a new construction or area under renovation, experts recommend internal wiring and wired, combined with wireless, devices for greater autonomy but also more complete coverage. In this case, a hybrid control unit with integrated GPRS is recommended. So, if possible, invest in a hybrid alarm..
Can I change the batteries by myself?
In case of multiple wireless devices, it is possible that component smaller batteries (not the control unit) will need more frequent replacement as their lifespan also depends on other factors, such as whether there were many power outages during this period or the alarm went off. You can change the batteries of peripherals yourself, if this has to be done earlier than the regular check, since it is a simple process. Leave the replacement of the control-unit battery to the specialist who is also responsible for your maintenance.
How often does a security system need to be maintained?
To ensure that your system is ready at all times to respond to any violation, regular service should be provided by a specialist every two years. Maintenance includes changing the system consumables (batteries) as well as general check of zones so as to ensure that everything is working properly.
