Short answer
A good burglar alarm is made up of a panel that suits the place, correctly placed sensors, a siren people can hear and a communication module that alerts you right away. When choosing, think first about the entry points of the place, then about your daily habits.
A burglar alarm is a security system that detects unauthorized entry with door, window and motion sensors, sounds a siren and sends you a notification.
Wired or wireless?
Both types have their place. When deciding, the condition of the building and whether renovation is possible are the key factors.
- Wired system: Suited to new buildings or to renovation work; the sensors do not need batteries.
- Wireless system: Installed in occupied homes and businesses without breaking walls; the sensor batteries need replacing at regular intervals.
- Hybrid system: Combines both methods, with some wired and some wireless sensors.
- 1Doors and windowsOpened without permission
- 2SensorDetects motion
- 3Alarm panelSounds the siren
- 4Your phoneNotifies you instantly
Which sensor goes where?
Sensors are placed according to the routes a burglar could use. The goal is to notice them before they get in, or the moment they do.
- Door-window (magnetic) sensor: Front door, balcony door and ground-floor windows.
- Motion sensor (PIR): Living room, hallway and areas facing the entrance.
- Pet-immune sensor: Reduces false alarms if you have a cat or dog at home.
- Glass-break sensor: Businesses with large shop windows and glass façades.
- Outdoor sensor: For the garden and around storehouses; choose a model that can withstand summer heat and dust.
What happens when the alarm goes off?
The siren deters the burglar and alerts the people around. But if you are not at home or at work, what really matters is that you get the news. With a GSM or internet module, you get a notification, message or call on your phone when the alarm is triggered.
Through the app, you can arm and disarm the alarm remotely and see which sensor was triggered. If you wish, the system can also be connected to an alarm monitoring center; you need to discuss the terms of this service with the monitoring center separately.
Zones and partial arming
At night when you are home, you may want to protect only the doors and windows, and the whole house when you go out. The zone and partial arming features of the alarm panel make this possible.
In businesses, it is handy to arm areas such as the storeroom, office and sales floor separately and to give different employees different codes. It is also logged who armed and disarmed the alarm, and when.
Power cuts and tampering
Alarm panels have a backup battery that takes over when the power goes out. How long the battery lasts depends on the system, and batteries weaken over time, so they need regular checks.
Placing the panel and siren somewhere hard to reach and, in wired systems, running the cables out of sight reduce the risk of tampering. Many panels also trigger an alarm when their box is opened or a cable is cut.
Stronger together with cameras
When the alarm and cameras work together, the moment an alarm comes in you can check the footage on your phone and see whether it is a real break-in or a false alarm. This reduces needless worry and makes it easier to take the right step.
Planning both systems at the same time also simplifies cabling and device placement. For example, a camera facing the door and the door sensor protect the same spot; when an alarm comes in, you know right away which footage to check. In businesses such as shops and storehouses, this also makes it easier to review recordings later.
Selection checklist
Before deciding on your alarm system, clarify the following:
- Have all entry points (doors, windows, roof, storeroom) been identified?
- Can cables be run, or is a wireless system needed?
- Are there pets at home?
- Who should get the notification, and how?
- Is there an existing camera system, and should it work with the alarm?
- Who will use the alarm, and how many codes will be needed?
Let’s choose together
Every place has different entry points and different daily routines. It would not be right to say anything definite without seeing your place; tell us what you need, and let’s work out the right system for you together.
Frequently asked
When do wireless alarm sensor batteries run out?
Battery life depends on the sensor model and how often it is triggered. Most panels give a warning when a battery gets weak; when you see the warning, just replace the battery.
Can an alarm system be installed in a home I rent?
Yes. Wireless systems are installed without breaking walls, and when you move they can be removed and taken to your new home.
Do burglar alarms give false alarms?
Most false alarms come from a sensor placed in the wrong spot or from pets. The right sensor choice, the right placement and verification with a camera greatly reduce false alarms.
