A Brief Explanation of what each Device actually does.
The Door Contact
Known in the trade as an MRS (Magnetic Reed Switch) this device simply lets the alarm control panel know if a door or window is open or shut. They come in all shapes and sizes to suit the door/window and frame to which they are being fitted and have an operational gap from 15 up to 60mm dependant upon type. These are nearly always fitted to any external doors in the premises, but can be fitted to any door or window that requires security.
The Panic Button
When placed in a good location these Devices can prove a useful addition to your alarm system. Ideal locations for the hardwired devices might be by the front door, or within reach of your bed. You could also ask for the wireless pendant type which you could wear around your neck, and when pressed would work from anywhere within your property, these can have up to 100 yards range so would be handy to have while gardening for instance.
The Shock Sensor
Quite simply this device detects shocks, and is used to hopefully detect an attempted break in by forced entry. The idea is that the shock sensor detects any vibration caused by the intruder trying to gain access and triggers the alarm system before he has actually got in. A worthwhile consideration for any door or window frame.
The PIR
The Passive Infa-Red sensor. Well when used correctly these detectors are in invaluable asset to any alarm system, they detect movement of heat, by looking at the room in Infa-red. The detector lens splits the room up into 20+ areas and basically any movement of heat between these areas will cause an activation of the alarm system. Their are several variants of this detector and the most common are listed below.
| 1: The Standard Pir is as described above. 2: The QUAD, is basically two Standard PIR detectors working together in one unit. The effect is much better reliability as both the detectors need to trigger at the same time which creates a higher resistance to false alarms. Most reputable companies fit these detectors as standard 3: The Dual-Tech, this is two different technology detectors built into the same unit. You get the benefits of a standard pir sensor and also a microwave movement sensing device. False alarms are almost impossible with these detectors. They simply don't trigger unless something has moved. These detectors work great even in the harshest of conditions, such as a garage or shed where the environments they are protecting can change on a daily basis. You can also get a pet immune sensor based on this technology. 4: The Tri-Tech, the same as a dual tech but with an inbuilt pressure sensing device. These detectors take up 2 separate zones on your alarm control panel and are the only single device that is currently approved to allow a confirmed activation in any one area by means of triggering both control panel zones when the two individual detector types have been triggered. Just 1 of these sensors is usually enough in the average home when combined with other detector types, as the pressure sensing device can have a very large range. |
The Beam Type Detector
The Beam Detector is best used when detecting movement across larger areas. They typically have ranges from 20 meters up to several hundred meters. They normally have separate transmitter and receiver units, and movement is detected by something crossing the beam created between the units.
These can be used externally to monitor the perimeter of a premises. A set of such detectors could actually be used to monitor a several hundred meter perimeter using a few correctly placed reflectors or mirrors.
The Glass Break Detector
Ideal for usage in areas with several windows, or perhaps conservatories. These detectors are really single room devices, and not specified to frequently by installation companies for residential use, but they are good and useful detectors which I think should be considered more often.
The Smoke/Heat Detector
Shown above is a smoke detection unit. Smoke detectors are an invaluable addition to any Alarm System so long as they are correctly placed. Most houses would perhaps only need a couple (one in the Hall, and one on the Landing). Heat Detectors are perhaps best situated in the Kitchen, and possibly the lounge.
Feature provided by The Security Installer.
