Electric fence

Electric fence

An electric fence is a barrier that uses electric shocks to deter animals or people from crossing a boundary. It is called by several names – invisible fence, intelligent fence, electric guard dog. Depending on the voltage, getting shocked by an electric fence can cause discomfort or death.   There are regulations and zoning laws in place, though, to ensure that such fences are safe and not lethal.

Typically, the intruder will get a short, sharp, painful but non-lethal, safe high voltage (from 5,000 to 10,000 volts) electric shock upon contact with any of the electric fence wires. This will trigger an alarm and revolving light.

USES

• To keep nuisance or wild animals from farms or from residential spaces which are in close proximity to bushes and forested areas.Also, to prevent pets from straying away although this approach to confining pets is much abhorred by animal welfare protection agencies such as PETA.
• To secure sensitive areas such as prisons and military installations.
• Electric fences are installed along the perimeter of commercial properties as a theft deterrent. It is reported that a property crime occurs in the U.S. every 3.5 seconds and over 80% of stolen property is never recovered (theftzapper.com).
• Also as a theft deterrent, electric fences are used in homes. Though not yet widespread, such fences are already being used to protect prominent residences in countries like Malaysia and Nigeria.

Electric Fence

Other Types of Sensors

Other Types of Sensors

Door and window sensors should not be your sole line-of-defense in your home security system. A shatter sensor detects the sound of a window breaking, alerting your alarm system in the process.

Likewise, it detects strong vibrations that a regular window sensor might not pick up on. Motion sensors often rely on infrared energy detection. As someone moves through a room, the sensor detects the changes in infrared energy and activates an alarm. It works from a distance, whereas door and window sensors solely work for the door or window they’re attached to.

Count the number of doors and windows in your home when planning for a home security system. Include the garage door as well. While reducing the number of sensors you need saves money in the short term, a single unsecured or unmonitored door renders your entire security system useless. Shop around when looking for a new system or when replacing your existing sensors to make sure you get the best deal possible. Ask about any special discounts currently available.

A dealer is likely to cut you a price break if you ask for one because the home security industry is so competitive and he wants your business.

Motion Sensors

A motion sensor (or motion detector) is the linchpin of your security system, because it's the main device that detects when someone is in your home when they shouldn't be. A motion sensor uses one or multiple technologies to detect movement in an area. If a sensor is tripped, a signal is sent to your security system's control panel, which connects to your monitoring canter, alerting you and the monitoring centre to a potential threat in your home.

The following guide will answer all your questions about motion sensors: the different types, proper placement, and how to use them.

The Role of Motion Sensors in Your Home Security

The main purpose of motion detection is to sense an intruder and send an alert to your control panel, which alerts your monitoring center. Sensors work when you are not home, or when you tell the system you are not there. Some security systems can be programmed to record events via a security camera when motion is detected. Motion sensors stand guard, ready to react to various situations, such as movement in your living room, windows or doors being opened or closed, or a broken window. Motion sensors can:

• Alert you in the event that your teen breaks curfew
• Trigger a doorbell when someone approaches the front door
• Alert you when kids enter restricted areas in the home, like the basement, workout room, or medicine cabinet
• Save energy by using motion sensor lighting in unoccupied spaces
• Notify you if pets enter areas where they're not supposed to be

Types of Motion Sensors

Passive Infrared (PIR).- Detects body heat (infrared energy). Passive infrared sensors are the most widely used motion in home security systems. When your system is armed, your motion sensors are activated. Once the sensor warms up, it can detect heat and movement in the surrounding areas, creating a protective "grid." If a moving object blocks too many grid zones and the infrared energy levels change rapidly, the sensors are tripped.

MircoWave (MW).-

  Sends out microwave pulses and measures the reflection off a moving object. They cover a larger area than infrared sensors, but they are vulnerable to electrical interference and are more expensive.

Dual Technology Motion Sensors.-

  Motion sensors can have combined features in an attempt to reduce false alarms. For example, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor could be combined with a microwave sensor. Since each operates in different areas of the spectrum, and one is passive and one is active, Dual Technology motion sensors are not as likely as other types to cause false alarms, because in order for the alarm to be triggered, both sensors have to be tripped. However, this does not mean that they never cause false alarms.

Sensors for the door and windows

Sensors for the door and windows

Entrances and exits are your home's weakest points—and to a burglar, an unsecured door or window is like a big "WELCOME" sign. That's why door sensors—also known as "entry sensors," "window sensors," or "contact sensors"— are some of the most popular home security devices. The earliest electronic home security system was entirely made up of door sensors—when someone opened a door or window, it triggered a big vibrating bell in a central part of the home. Luckily, technology has improved since then, and homeowners are faced with a wide array of choices. Here's everything you need to know about today's door sensors: how they work, how to use them, and how to design the best setup for your home. - See more at: http://simplisafe.com/blog/door-sensor-secrets#sthash.LCmJzUri.dpuf

HOW DOES A DOOR SENSOR WORK?

Almost all door and window sensors use a "reed switch" to determine when a protected area has been breached. Reed switches were invented in Bell Telephone Laboratories in 1936, and are used in everything from pedal keyboards to laptops (ever wonder how your computer knows to go to sleep when you close the lid? That's a reed switch working!). A reed switch consists of a set of electrical connectors placed slightly apart. When a magnetic field is placed parallel to the electrical connectors, it pulls them together, closing the circuit. - See more at: http://simplisafe.com/blog/door-sensor-secrets#sthash.LCmJzUri.dpuf

Door sensors have one reed switch and one magnet, creating a closed circuit. If someone opens an armed door or window, the magnet is pulled away from the switch, which breaks the circuit and triggers an event. Depending on your setup and what mode your system is in, this could be a discreet text, a chime alert, or a full-blown alarm. - See more at: http://simplisafe.com/blog/door-sensorsecrets#sthash.LCmJzUri.dpuf

Home Security Cameras Buyer’s

Outdoor security cameras are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting what’s most important—your home, property and family—and they are a crucial part of any home security system. Outdoor surveillance provides the assurance that anything and anybody approaching your property and home will be noted, whether in real time from inside the safety of your home, remotely, from computer or smart phone screen, or recorded digitally to be called upon at a later time, if desired.

How They Work

In simplest terms, outdoor security cameras are installed, either using wired or wireless technology around the home and property to monitor and/or record activity in its area, or “zone.” Connected to a central control center, whether through a DVR or over a wireless network, the homeowner is able to see and access everything the camera(s) sees, recording if desired to access at a later time. These cameras are typically programmable to record at specific times, when they sense motion, or upon demand.

Different Types and Features of Outdoor Security Cameras

As outdoor security cameras continue to grow in popularity, they are practically becoming a household name. As demand rises, so does the number of different needs and application for these cameras. The result is a fast-growing market of different types of outdoor security cameras, which is great news for choosey homeowners, who can better meet their needs today than they could have in what was a much smaller market with less choice even five years ago.

Here is a brief rundown of some of the types of outdoor security cameras available as well as a listing of key features. As you read each one, keep your home and property in mind, paying close attention to the details of each type that may or may not suit the specific applications you need and want.

Wired Cameras: Often requiring professional installation, wired security cameras must be located in places where they can meet the necessary outlets. Wires may be difficult to hide, making surveillance obvious to an intruder, who will try to avoid the range of the cameras. They may offer a clearer picture than wireless cameras, as well as more reliance when it comes to streaming, but in the outdoors, the wires may be in jeopardy due to weather and other outdoor vulnerabilities.

Wireless Cameras: These cameras are ideal for outdoor installation, which can be otherwise challenging. Without wires or reliance on a power source (they run on batteries) to restrict placement, they are quite versatile, covert (no visible wires), easy to install, and a snap to relocate as the homeowner sees fit.

Dome Cameras: These cameras are dome-shaped and are designed to be an “in-your-face” type of protection. Very obvious in their purpose, dome cameras are also most suited to a more protected entryway type mount so they will be immediately visible to anyone who approaches. Unlike the bullet camera, it’s difficult to tell where the camera is pointed, increasing its purpose as a deterrent. “Speed domes” are a variation that spin quickly to capture a broader range of images.

Advantages

It is in a thief’s best interests to pick the easiest targets possible. Houses with security systems are typically not worth the trouble for house thieves unless there is something specific in the house they are targeting that makes the house worth the risk. Placing a sign in your front lawn or by your front door advertising a home security system will usually make an intruder think twice about trespassing onto your property. Security systems often cost hundreds of dollars, while a quality sign could run you less than five dollars.

Disadvantages

Relying on a sign as your main source of home protection is a risky proposition. The sign is only effective if a potential home intruder believes it is genuine. Some companies sell fake home security signs, and the signs are often recognized by experienced burglars. Therefore, security signs that advertise generic systems and lack a brand identity are more likely to be perceived as fake. Once that happens, the sign is useless.

While a security sign does work as a deterrent, it also alerts a thief that a system is present if he decides to go through with the break-in anyway. This means he is less likely to be caught by surprise by an alarm activating. If a thief is familiar with particular types of security systems, the sign lets him know what he can expect once he tries entering the home.

control panel

Types of panel control

 The Control Panel is a part of the Microsoft Windows, in older versions, which allows users to view and manipulate basic system settings and controls via applets, such as adding hardware, adding and removing software, controlling user accounts, and changing accessibility options. Additional applets can be provided by third party software.

The Control Panel has been an inherent part of the Microsoft Windows operating system since Windows 2.0,^[1] with many of the current applets being added in later versions. Beginning with Windows 95, the Control Panel is implemented as a special folder, i.e. the folder does not physically exist, but only contains shortcuts to various applets such as Add or Remove Programs and Internet Options. Physically, these applets are stored as .cpl files. For example, the Add or Remove Programs applet is stored under the name appwiz.cpl in the SYSTEM32 folder.

In recent versions of Windows, the Control Panel has two views, Classic View and Category View, and it is possible to switch between these through an option that appears on either the left side or top of the window.

Many of the individual Control Panel applets can be accessed in other ways. For instance, Display Properties can be accessed by right-clicking on an empty area of the desktop and choosing Properties.

The classic view consists of shortcuts to the various control panel applets, usually without any description (other than the name). The categories are seen if the user use "Details" view.

Control panel with a clean interface: Vivint Go! Control

The Vivint Go! Control has a sleek and simple design. The panel is the first all-in-one security and home management system and comes with integrated 2-wWy voice capabilities to connect homeowners to operators. The control also has a user-friendly color touch-screen interface and a cellular GMS radio, the most reliable communication option available in the security industry. The control’s built-in Z-Wave RF protocol gives users to control HVAC, lighting and other Z-Wave appliances from the panel.

Control Panel with wireless capabilities: FrontPoint Security GE Simon XT Home Security Panel

The FrontPoint Security’s GE Simon XT Home Security Panel alerts FrontPoint’s monitoring center in case of any emergencies. And because the panel is wireless and uses a cellular connection, potential burglars can’t cut the wires to the system and deactivate the security system. Other features of the FrontPoint control panel include a large backlit LCD screen, 212-word spoken vocabulary, and the ability to connect to 39 individual sensor devices throughout your home or office.

Control panel with sophistication: LifeShield Home Security Console

The LifeShield Home Security Console comes with a piercing 100 decibel alarm and a one-touch panic button. Other features include a full-featured phone with speakerphone capabilities, 60-sensor support capability and a remote system access and control. The system also doesn’t fail if your base is disconnected. The console will still pick up the signal and alert the monitoring system using its multiple system components.

Home Security Systems

What is a security system?

The most basic definition of any security system is found in its name. It is literally a means or method by which something is secured through a system of interworking components and devices. In this instance, we're talking about home security systems, which are networks of integrated electronic devices working together with a central control panel to protect against burglars and other potential home intruders.

A typical home security system includes:

• A typical home security system includes
• A control panel, which is the primary controller of a home's security syste
• Door and window sensors
• Motion sensors, both interior and exterior
• Wired or wireless security cameras
• A high-decibel siren or alarm
• A yard sign and window stickers

How does a security system work?

Home security systems work on the simple concept of securing entry points into a home with sensors that communicate with a control panel or command center installed in a convenient location somewhere in the home. The sensors are typically placed in doors that lead to and from a house as well as easily accessible windows, particularly any that open, especially those at ground level. Open spaces inside of homes can be secured with motion sensors.