Where should alarm monitors be placed?
The type of security system you’re wanting to be installed in your home often involves a lot of research and contemplation on what will work best for you. A key factor that is often overlooked or not considered during the installation is the placement of alarm monitors.
The placement of alarm monitors will vary depending on the type of system you’re using. The key consideration of home alarm installation is to put yourself in the mindset of a potential intruder with the following questions:
- What are the weak points in the house for a break in?
- What part of the house provides a clear escape route (in any)?
- What area are you overlooking (etc second floor windows)?
Types of Alarm Monitors
There are many different components to a home security system such as keypads, sirens, door and window sensors and motion detectors. The most common type of security system involves a keypad and a separate control panel.
Keypad Alarm Monitors
The best spots to mount an alarm keypad are the most logical places and the ones most accessed to reduce the stress of trying to avoid false alarms by not reaching the keypad in time. The front door, back door, and garage are all popular access points to the house depending on your property and recommended spots to install an alarm monitor or keypad.
It is also important to note that if you live in a second story house, it may be very handy to install a keypad somewhere on the second floor for easy and fast access.
- If you’re installing an alarm system with a main control panel and keypads, you should never install the control panel close to the other keypads as this enables easy access for intruders to break or disarm.
- Most keypads have an extra safety setting that will still emit a distress signal to your chosen security company even if smashed, however, the control panel is the intelligence behind the alarm system and must be protected from destruction.
- Consider storing your control system alarm panel in a hidden bedroom cupboard or closet area for easy access in an emergency and for peace of mind that it’s in a safe space. If you have a wireless keypad, this can make installation in a closet or hidden area much easier. If you’re installing an alarm system with a main control panel and keypads, you should never install the control panel close to the other keypads as this enables easy access for intruders to break or disarm.
- If you’re deciding to install door and window sensors or motion detectors, you should install an alarm monitor at all points of entry, windows and doors. Thanks to new technology, you don’t need to worry about the family dog setting off the alarm with pet-friendly settings available.
If you’re installing a siren alarm monitor system, consider installing one internally in the home and one externally. The internal home alarm will sound if the alarm is tripped to alert you of an intruder, while the external alarm alerts neighbours of break-ins and ideally will scare off the intruder with unwanted attention caused by the noise. As a side note, you should not install any security siren near your control panel as intruders will follow the noise.
Why do I need a professional to install my alarm monitors?
It’s very important to do your research and choose a licensed security installation expert to avoid any potential problems caused by an unqualified or unlicensed installer. If you do choose an unlicensed electrician or security installer in the hopes of saving a few bucks, this could void your home and contents insurance and render it invalid if you’re broken into costing you a whole lot more money down the track.
You should always check a company's credentials before allowing them to install your security system. If they are unlicensed then they have not undergone a police check which is a security issue in itself. Do you really want to risk it?
Alltronic Security and Electric have been installing quality security systems for happy customers for years. The team is fully qualified, experienced and licensed in both security and electrical installation making them a company you can trust with your home safety.
What are the benefits of using an alarm monitoring centre?
Alltronic Security and Electrical strongly believe that if you’re actively seeking to protect your home and family through the installation of a security alarm system, you should consider an alarm monitoring service through a trusted security company.
By having professionally trained alarm monitoring staff on call in a monitoring centre, they are ready to act quickly in the event of a break-in while you may be understandably frightened and unable to think clearly or you may be out of the area.
Alltronic Security and Electrical are experienced in home security to keep your home safe 24 hours a day through back-to-base monitored surveillance. If you have any queries about our alarm monitoring centre or security system installation, contact us at 07 3353 3248 or complete our quote request form today.