Editing A basic guide to understanding alarm systems

<strong>[http://www.chubb.co.za/blog/a-basic-guide-to-understanding-alarm-systems/ Alarm systems]</strong> are made up of a mixture of passive infraRed sensors, magnetic contacts, outdoor beams or detectors, hardwired or portable panic buttons and control panels with keypads. Even though you aren't aware of them, all these elements play a part in securing your home and protecting you from intruders. So, we've put together a basic guide to understand each component. Here's a breakdown: Passive infraRed sensors (PIRs) A Passive InfraRed sensor is an electronic sensor that has the ability to pick up motion and changes in infrared energy, especially body heat. This means that once your alarm is armed your passive infraRed sensors will detect intruders and trigger your alarm. Passive infraRed sensors can be used in both outdoor and indoor security systems. Magnetic contacts Used to monitor doors and windows, magnetic contacts, otherwise known as reed switches, work off a circuit that allows a current to flow through it. When the circuit is broken, the system reacts by triggering your alarm. So for example if the alarm is on, and the door or window is opened, the circuit is broken and the alarm is triggered. Outdoor security beams or outdoor detectors Outdoor security beams are usually mounted on a wall or fence to protect the perimeter of your home. They're used as an early warning system and are linked directly to your alarm system. Outdoor detection allows you valuable time to know that your perimeter security has been breached long before the intruders are able to reach the inside of your home. Hardwired or portable panic buttons Because of their wiring, hardwired panic buttons have fixed locations, while portable panic buttons can be placed anywhere - usually integrated into your garage/driveway remote or as a stand alone remote. Your panic button can trigger a silent alarm or set off the alarm siren. Hardwired panic buttons can also be placed out of site, for example under counter tops or made visible. Hardwired panic buttons are luminous, making them easy to find in the dark. Control panels with keypads Often a wall mounted unit, control panels with keypads are linked to all the sensors, beams and panic buttons in your home. You can programme different zones into your control panel allowing you to leave other areas unarmed so you can continue moving around without triggering the alarm. If you would like to know more about our alarm systems, or any of our other security products and services, please visit www.chubb.co.za/ or call us on 086 100 2211.

| Editing help (opens in new window)