A modern security system, with its array of electronic components, is designed to sense, decide, and act. The security system senses events such as motion in a room, decides if the event poses a threat, and then acts on that decision. While a security system for your business isn’t a do-it-yourself affair, you should understand the language of security in order to communicate your needs to a security professional, understand any proposals you may receive, and make the most of your security system after it is installed.

In this introduction to security systems, I will take the the sense-decide-act process as an outline and describe the electronic hardware that performs each function.

Sense: The security system components that perform the sense function are called, not surprisingly, sensors. Here are some of the most common sensors that may be used to protect your business:

Door and window contacts: A door/window contact is a switch that can indicate the opening of door or window. All door/window contacts, no matter how sophisticated, operate on the same principle. The switch is mounted to a door or window and is held closed by a magnet attached to door or window frame. When the door or window moves away from the magnet, the switch opens. The alarm control panel (which we’ll talk about in a moment) knows if the contact is open or shut, and keeps track of the doors and windows.

Door contacts should be installed on every ground level, exterior door. Ideally, window contacts should also be installed on all ground level windows, unless the security system design calls for glass break or motion sensors.

Motion Sensors: A motion sensor (often called a space detector, or a motion detector) is designed to sense a person moving in a room. The best motion detectors use two technologies to verify movement: passive infrared (PIR) and microwave. The passive infrared component can sense heat, while the microwave senses movement. When the detector recognizes both heat and movement, it sends an electronic signal to the alarm panel.

The motion detector allows you to protect a large area with one sensor. They are the logical choice for spaces that intruders can access from several directions, such as rooms with many windows.

Glass Break Sensors: A glass break sensor is another alternative for protecting large spaces with multiple, fixed windows. As the name implies, it constantly listens for the sound of breaking glass that indicates forced entry. When the glass break sensor detects the sound pattern caused by shattering glass, it sends an electronic signal to the alarm control panel.

Other Sensors: Door/window contacts, motion detectors, and glass break sensors are among the most common sensors used in a modern security system. However, you have other devices at your disposal such as shock sensors, that detect an intruder trying to pound his way through a wall, and panic buttons which allow you to send a fast, discreet call for help. In addition, a modern security system can incorporate environmental sensors that react to the presence of water (which may indicate a broken pipe) or a rise in temperature (which may be caused by an air conditioning failure). Environmental senors are especially critical in server rooms and other areas that house sensitive electronics.

Keypads: The keypad is where you arm or disarm your system. Your security system should be armed when your facility is empty and disarmed when you, or an authorized person, enter the site.

Most keypads give you the option of using a duress code. A duress code will disarm your security system, but also send a silent signal that you are in trouble. You only enter your duress code if your are being forced to disarm the security system against your will. In order to make the code easy to remember in a stressful situation, it is usually one digit higher than your normal disarm code. So, if you normally enter 1234 to disarm your system, 1235 will disarm as normal, but also send the silent duress signal which will dispatch the police.

A modern keypad also has an illuminated display to inform you of the security system status. This is important because you cannot arm the system if, for example, a door or window sensor is not closed. The keypad display will tell you which door or window you need to check before you can arm your system.

Your installer will normally mount the keypad near your entry door so that you can disarm quickly after entering the premises.

Article Source: William Deutsch – www.about.com

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