How to Hook Up a Home Security System

Adding a security system to your house can make it a much less desirable target for thieves. It will alert the authorities if your home is broken into while you are away, and it will alert you immediately if someone breaks in while you are home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A burgler alarm system
• Sensors for each door and window
• Motion sensors to cover the entire house
• Glass break sensors (optional)

1. Decide if you want to go fully wired, fully wireless, or a hybrid of the two.
2. Install the main alarm component in a closet or someplace inconspicuous.
3. Install a key pad close to each outside door. If wired, run wires to the main alarm panel.
4. Install a open/close sensor on each door and window. If wired, run a wire for each back to the main alarm panel.
5. Install motion sensors throughout the house to catch anybody moving in the house who didn't set off one of the other perimiter alarms. Make sure your coverage doesn't have holes large enough for someone to make their way through most of the house without being detected.
6. If wired, wire up each component to the control panel and write down which component is connected to each input.
7. Consult your alarm instructions for information on how to program the system.
8. Set up a "home" armed mode that arms only the perimiter sensors (windows/doors).
9. Set up an "away" armed mode that arms every sensor (windows/doors/motion).
10. Set up monitoring with a company that will be alerted if your alarm goes off. Burgler alarms cannot be set up to alert police directly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are hardwiring, run wires from the main panel up into the attic, over to the appropriate locations, then down into the walls.
• Place labels on your windows/doors indicating an alarm is installed.
• Wired systems are harder to install, but they are more secure, you don't have to change batteries, and each sensor is much smaller.
• Wireless system are much easier to install, but you have to make sure to keep fresh batteries in each sensor. Also, the sensors are larger since they house batteries and a transmitter. Batteries usually last a couple years.
• Add a backup battery to the main unit, so the whole system can still operate in the event of a power outage.
• An alarm system doesn't do any good if it is not armed. Always arm your system when you leave the house, or at night.
• An alarm system does not make you invulnerable to intruders. It is a layer of home security. Be prepared to deal with any potential threat that may enter the house.