Home Security Alarm System

Home Security Alarm System – How to Plan and Install an Intruder Alarm

What is a Home Security Alarm System?

A Home Security Alarm System monitors and detects unauthorized entry to properties—both residential and commercial—and alerts the property owner or authorized third parties to an intrusion. For electrical installers, offering Home Security Alarm System installation as an additional service alongside other electrical work can generate a lucrative revenue stream.

Why Install a Home Security Alarm System?

Although statistics show that burglary rates have been dropping, many properties still lack adequate security measures. Above all, the most effective deterrent against burglars is a Home Security Alarm System. Not only can it be installed cost-effectively, but it also offers peace of mind to both homeowners and business owners.

Only around 10% of residential properties in India are protected by an intruder alarm system. By offering Home Security Alarm System installation services, you can significantly grow your business and increase your profits.

Did You Know?

• Homes and businesses without a Home Security Alarm System are 10 times more likely to be burgled.
• Properties without a burglar alarm are three times more likely to be broken into.
• Around 20% of burglaries occur without forced entry, as burglars take advantage of open windows and easy access points.
• Visible Home Security Alarm Systems make intruders think twice, acting as both a deterrent and an alert system.

Components of a Home Security Alarm System

Alarm system for home consists of detectors, control panels, and communication devices, all working together to secure your property.

Detectors

Detectors identify and respond to security threats such as movement, shock, vibration, smoke, heat, and flood. The types of detectors include:

• Passive Infrared Sensors (PIRs) – Detect movement using infrared heat sensing.
• Dual Technology Sensors – Combine infrared and microwave sensing to reduce false alarms.
• Magnetic Door Contacts – Detect the opening and closing of doors and windows.
• Glass Break Sensors – Detect the sound of breaking glass.
• Shock Sensors – Detect forced entry attempts on doors and windows.
• Smoke Sensors – Can be integrated into the Home Security Alarm System for fire detection.

Control Panel

The control panel acts as the brain of the Home Security Alarm System, analyzing signals from detectors and managing system operations. It is typically operated via a keypad, which may be:

• Integrated into the control panel.
• Remote LED Keypad – Uses LED indicators to display alarm status.
• Remote LCD Keypad – Provides detailed status updates, event logs, and user entry/exit records.

Key features to consider in a control panel:

• Number of zones to protect
• Ability to arm/disarm specific areas of the system
• Number of additional remote keypads
• Event memory log, panic alarm, and tamper detection

Activation & Alerts

Upon alarm activation, keypads identify the problem and alert occupants through audible and visual signals.

Sounders & Sirens

• Use different tones and rhythms to indicate alarm types
• Externally mounted sirens act as a visual deterrent
• Strobe lights help identify the alarm location

Communication Devices

• Speech Dialers send pre-recorded messages to designated contacts via landline or mobile
• Ideal for isolated properties and when homeowners are away

Planning and Installing a Home Security Alarm System

Step 1: Conduct a Site Survey with the Customer

Site Survey Questions:

• Firstly, is the property located in an isolated area or within a built-up neighborhood?

• Next, what specific areas require protection—should the entire property be covered, or only selected zones?

• Then, determine how many entry doors need to be secured.

• Additionally, is there a requirement for fire detection as part of the system?

• After that, assess how many zones will be necessary for optimal security.

• Moreover, what type of keypad does the user prefer—integrated, LED, or LCD?

• In some cases, are additional keypads needed for convenience?

• Following that, decide on a suitable location for the control panel installation.

• Also, should window protection be included in the system setup?

• Consider, how many rooms need motion detectors installed?

• Importantly, are there pets that stay inside when the alarm is armed, which may affect sensor placement?

• Then, clarify what type of alert the user prefers—sound, visual, or remote communication-based?

• Subsequently, determine where the external siren should be positioned for maximum effectiveness.

• If applicable, is there a need for a dummy siren to act as a visual deterrent?

• Finally, should keyfob operation be part of the system for ease of arming and disarming?

By addressing these questions, you can design and install a Home Security Alarm System tailored to the customer’s needs, ensuring maximum protection and peace of mind.

Step 2: Map Out the Property and Select Products

Using the information you have obtained during the site survey, map out the property layout and select the most appropriate products for the Home Security Alarm System installation.

Step 3: Decide where to position the Intruder alarm system components

YOU ARE NOW IN A POSITION WHERE YOU CAN START THE INSTALLATION OF THE INTRUDER ALARM SYSTEM.

PART 2: Installing and Positioning Components of a Home Security Alarm System

The first part of this guide covered the basics of an intruder alarm, including the benefits, key components, and how to plan and lay out a Security Alarm System.

Part Two will guide you through the correct positioning, installation, and commissioning of each component within a Home Security Alarm System, while providing practical tips, best practices, and how to avoid common mistakes.

1. Control Panels

Positioning
a) For control panels with onboard keypads, install them near the main access point where both power supply and user access are convenient.
b) For control panels using remote keypads, conceal the panel inside a cupboard or loft space—close to the power supply and with easy cable routing to the siren.

Best Practice
Always install the control panel of the Home Security Alarm System first.

Hints and Tips

• Confirm panel voltage before installing other components. Disconnect power before connecting peripherals.
• Link out any unused zones using wire links.
• Pre-charge standby batteries to avoid delays during installation.

2. Remote LCD Keypads

Positioning
Install near frequently used entrances such as the front door, back door, and master bedroom to allow quick access to the Home Security Alarm System.

Hints and Tips

• Ensure the tamper spring is correctly engaged.
• Use the tamper spring when mounting on walls to trigger alerts if tampered.

3. PIR Motion Sensors

Positioning

• Mount sensors between 2.3m and 2.7m in height.
• Avoid exposure to direct/reflected sunlight and heating/cooling devices.
• Ensure a clear, unobstructed view of the protected area.

Avoiding Mistakes

• Ensure the “look-down” zone is not blocked.
• Avoid blind spots; adjust sensitivity based on surrounding influences.
• Close or link out tamper circuits depending on your configuration.

Hints and Tips

• Adjust plastic housing if the wall isn’t square to ensure tamper click.
• Use the black jumper to manage LED indicator settings.
• Allow a minute for the PIR to calibrate once powered.

4. Pet-Tolerant Detectors

Positioning
Follow PIR sensor placement guidance.
Set the correct pet-tolerance level using the jumper to avoid false triggers in your House Security Alarm System.

5. Smoke Sensors

Positioning
Install in hallways or near sleeping areas—top of stairs is ideal.
Do NOT place smoke sensors in kitchens or bathrooms to avoid false alarms.

6. Door Contacts

Positioning

• Mount the main sensor on the fixed frame.
• Mount the magnet on the moving part of the door/window—within 3” of the sensor.
• Ensure alignment and leave only a small gap.

Hints and Tips

• Hide wires to prevent damage or tampering.
• Follow specific wiring instructions (e.g., Honeywell contacts with two terminals).
• Wrap wire clockwise around screws for solid connections.

7. External Sirens & Bells

Positioning
Install high enough to be both visible and audible from a distance. A properly installed siren acts as a strong deterrent and a core part of the House Security Alarm System.

Hint
Ensure the tamper circuit is secured properly.

8. Internal Siren

Positioning
Install centrally within the property and out of reach to avoid tampering.

9. Speech Dialler Communications

Positioning
Place where it’s easily accessible for users and close to the phone line.
Avoid connecting multiple devices on the same line if possible.

Best Practice

• Connect directly to the control panel.
• Test dial-out function before programming messages.

Avoiding Mistakes

• Always connect the speech dialler to the first slave socket in the telephone line sequence. This ensures it can “snatch the line” when an alarm is triggered.

General Installation Advice for a Home Security Alarm System

Installing a Home Security Alarm System is straightforward for qualified professionals but must follow health and safety standards.

General Hints and Tips

• Use multi-core alarm cable; standard color code is red (+12V) and black (0V).
• Always “tin” wire ends before connecting.
• Do not over-tighten terminal screws.
• The global tamper circuit must form a continuous loop through all devices (PIRs, contacts, PA devices, etc.).
• Never work with live circuits.
• Pre-run all necessary wiring to the device locations.
• Mount control panel and keypad in agreed locations.
• Connect and power on all system peripherals (detectors, sirens, communication devices, etc.).
• Conduct a full walk test and ensure all zones and functions of the Home Security Alarm System are operational.

Final Step: Commissioning the Alarm System for Home

After verifying that all devices are connected and powered, finalize the installation by commissioning the Home Security Alarm System. This includes:

• Testing each zone
• Checking tamper and alert mechanisms
• Verifying communication and sounder response
• Programming user codes and alert messages

A well-installed House Security Alarm System ensures reliability, enhances user safety, and offers long-term peace of mind.

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