How to Design a Wireless Home Security Alarm System

Want to feel safe in your home, and know that your home will be safe while you are away? Here are some simple steps you can take to design a wireless home alarm system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check inside and out to determine which of your home's doors and windows would be easy to access if someone wanted to break in.

2. Secure your doors and windows, even your garage door.

3. Determine which doors and windows you will need sensors for: typically your front and back doors, first-floor windows, basement windows and any others that you determine could be easily accessed.

4. Choose a wireless alarm system. Options to consider include motion sensing, heat sensing or just a closed circuit that, when broken, will alert you to a break-in.

5. Determine your wiring needs. Where will you install the keypad and how it will be powered?

6. Install door sensors and window sensors, and be sure that they are properly powered with batteries.

Tips & Warnings

• Want to be sure you have all your bases covered? Consult your local police station. Many times the police will do a free walk-through of your home if you ask.
• Determine how many sensors, lights and cameras you will need before purchasing a system, or make sure that additional sensors can be purchased later.
• Remember that the sensors in a wireless system run on batteries. Develop a schedule for changing the batteries so you can be sure they have the power they need.
• If you are not comfortable installing any wiring that might be necessary, contact a licensed electrician to install it.