DIY Intruder Alarm Systems
Installing your own intruder alarm system will undoubtedly ease your mind when it comes to the safety of your family and personal property. There are many options available for the kind of system to install, which should be carefully weighed depending on your level of experience and your personal needs. For instance, a single person who travels often would have different alarm system needs than a young family with pets and babysitters coming and going all day.
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Wired, Wireless or a Combination
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The first decision you should make is whether you will use a wired alarm system, a wireless sytem or a combination of both. Wireless components can cost five times as much as wired components, however, they are five times faster and much easier to install. You can also choose to use both, depending on the needs of each particular room and entry point. For a beginning do-it-yourselfer with limited (or no) electrical and wiring experience, save yourself the trouble by installing a wireless system. Even skilled electricians can save time and energy with wireless options.
Wireless systems offer extra perks, such as wireless keyfobs, which are basically key chain remotes that can arm or disarm your system without the use of security codes. Another feature available to some wireless systems is the ability to check the status and control your alarm system, the lights and even the thermostat within your home from any touch tone or cell phone.
Equipment Options
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Walk around the perimeter of your home and carefully examine each room inside. Decide if your system will use perimeter protection, meaning entry points (doors and windows) are protected, but the interior of the home offers no additional protection. Another option is interior-only protection, which includes the use of motion detectors. This is the least-expensive option, however, it means intruders will only be detected once they are already inside your home. It also leaves you vulnerable when you are home as you won't likely have the motion sensors active. One major flaw with an interior-only system is that you can find yourself trapped within your home with an intruder and absolutely no warning someone else is there, until it's too late.
Typically, the best option is to use perimeter and interior coverage. Entry points, meaning all easily accessed doors or windows should be covered with magnetic contacts. Inside, passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors should cover any open space where an intruder would likely have to pass, such as the family room or living room. There are pet-friendly versions available that aren't quite as sensitive to allow for pet movement. Sensors that detect breaking glass are another option you can add for extra protection.
Once you determine which kind of equipment would best suit your security needs, count how many door and window magnetic sensors you'll need, along with motion detectors and glass breakage sensors. You may also opt for smoke detectors that can be programmed into your alarm system for additional peace of mind.
Monitored or Not
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Installing a system that will be monitored by an outside central monitoring agency can be pricey, however, it ensures if an alarm is tripped emergency personnel such as the police and fire departments will respond. A less-expensive option is a system that is not monitored by any outside agency, but sounds a loud alarm when the system is tripped. This option will typically scare away an intruder, however, no one will respond unless a neighbor or passer-by happens to call the police. If you consider how often you hear house or car alarms, and the number of times you've called the authorities, it may be worth the cost to know that someone is always "watching" your system to call for help if it's ever needed.
Other Considerations
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Installing an intruder alarm system yourself isn't that difficult if you have basic home improvement skills and time to learn. If you can run phone or cable wires, you'll likely have no problem installing your own security system, even if you opt for a completely wired system.
The electric voltage used for alarm systems is low, therefore, electrocution is not of concern unless there is faulty electrical wiring in the first place.
Purchase your equipment from a reputable dealer to avoid faulty or dangerous components.
Security cameras can also be installed around the perimeter of your home for additional security.
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