Security For My Home

There was a time when a DIY Home Security System was unknown.  Well, maybe only the very most diehard DIYer would tackle the project.  But times have changed.  With the advent and subsequent advancement of wireless technologies, home security systems have moved out of the exclusive domain of professional installers.  Even very average DIYers can now confidently and successfully install a home security system.

1. The first, critical step is to plan and design the layout of your system.  A rough drawing of your home’s floor plan may prove to be very helpful.

2. Two major concerns at this point are 1) the location of the control panel, and 2) the entry/exit points of your home.

The location of the control panel is typically near the primary entry point of your home (e.g. front door, entry door from the garage, etc.).  One reason this is important is that the panel needs to be easily and quickly accessible when someone comes home so the system can be turned off upon entering the home before an alarm is sounded.

You may wish for the control panel to be hidden (if possible – such as in a cabinet), or exposed.  Some may consider an exposed panel as unsightly, but it serves as a visible reminder that a security system is in place (tradesmen, deliverymen, or other strangers in homes have been known to case properties while on the job).

The entry/exit points of the home are its vulnerable spots for entrance.  Remember, for a burglar, that’s not just a door.  Don’t forget the windows.  Each of these points should be fitted with door/window sensors.  For windows some people prefer a glass break sensor (actually a shock sensor).

3. Another important planning consideration is areas for motion sensors.  If your home is laid out so a person would have always pass through one or two rooms when moving about the house (like a living room or den, etc.), these rooms would be good candidates for motion sensors.

4. An important piece of information in laying out your DIY home security system is the distance from the control panel location to the furthest sensor.  Wireless systems have ranges, that is, maximum distances over which signals may be sent.  Over-extending your system will render it ineffective.

5. One other thought, you may wish to consider adding smoke or carbon monoxide detectors to your homes security system.  Though most home are equipped with stand alone units, sensors that are a part of an overall system can provide more options for alerts (not just a siren, but automatic phone calls to fire/police departments or your own cell phone).  If you so choose, plan the placement of these detectors as well.

With this kind of forethought, you are know ready to make informed decisions when making a wireless home security system purchase.