How Intruder Alert Systems Have Evolved

Older burglar alarms were fairly elementary. A door or window was opened at the wrong time and an alarm went off, either in the house or at a remote location or both. Installing them required adding wiring and attached devices – an expensive proposition. But security systems have evolved greatly over the past twenty years, incorporating much more sophisticated technology.

Modern homes are often being manufactured today with pre-installed wiring for a home security system. The same cables and ordinary wiring used for home and professional networks can provide a medium for connecting intruder alert systems composed of PCs, video/audio, panels and more. But there are also wireless systems that might be a better option for those whose homes don’t have that feature.

Wireless security systems are often simple enough for a do-it-yourself type to install him or herself. They offer the ability to construct a home system in stages, too. That means you can construct the system as your time and budget allows. You could, say, protect the doors on the lower floor, then follow with the windows. Later, you could expand to the second floor or other vulnerable areas.

Adding to a wireless alarm system is much simpler than adding additional cabling and wiring. That’s especially true if the latter means (as it usually does) going inside the walls.

Tearing out fragile drywall to install new or additional wiring is messy and potentially time-consuming and expensive since it means replacing and repainting/covering. It’s something that is usually best left to a professional. But that means extra expense and can mean, for those who are single, staying home to supervise.

Contemporary systems can now alert you at home, at the office or even on the road via your cell phone. In times past, it was often necessary to hire a professional company to receive signals of a break-in. There are still good reasons to do so.

But now you have the option to act as your own responder, or at a minimum at least to know at the same instant as the company you hired.

Video systems have also gone beyond what was offered in the past. Beyond the ability to turn off and on at pre-programmed times, contemporary systems can incorporate motion detection and even thermal imaging on the same unit.

Since many burglaries are at night, a standard video system may be useless just when it’s needed most. Thermal imaging, usually via infrared receptors and recorders, can detect body heat.

That makes the thief visible at the very time they think they are best cloaked. Motion detection systems can pick up the movement of that heat, or via sounds, and have the camera follow along.

Such alarm systems are much improved over their older cousins. Today, they can provide resolution and detail that is nearly as good as an ordinary video. That means getting a good image of the thief that can be used for purposes of criminal identification and prosecution.

Vibration detection on windows and floors, thermal imaging, computer controlled timing and more are all part of the state-of-the-art system today. Find out which one suits your needs and budget best. The peace of mind gained is worth the effort and expense, knowing your home is protected.