Burglar Alarms & Home Security Systems
Home security systems are electronic setups designed to protect your home from intruders, theft, or other dangers. They usually include devices like burglar alarms, motion sensors, and control panels. These systems watch over your home 24/7, alert you if something unusual happens, and help keep your family and property safe.
How to Plan and Install a Home Security Alarm System
PART 1
What is a Security Alarm?
A home security alarm system monitors and detects unauthorised entry into properties – both homes and businesses – and alerts the property owner or authorised third parties to an intrusion. For electrical installers, offering home security systems and house security alarm systems alongside existing electrical work can create a valuable additional revenue stream.
Why install burglar alarms and home security systems?
Although statistics* show that burglary rates are decreasing, many properties still lack proper home security and alarm systems. The best deterrent against intruders is a burglar alarm system, and installing an effective alarm system for home security needn’t cost a fortune. Ultimately, these security systems for home bring peace of mind by protecting families, assets, and businesses.
Only around 10% of residential properties in India are protected by a home security security system. Adding alarm systems for homes to your services can significantly grow your business and profits.
Did you know?
✅ Homes and businesses with no burglar alarm are three times more likely to be broken into.
✅ Properties without any home security system or alarm security system are 10 times more likely to be burgled.
✅ About 20% of house burglaries involve no forced entry – often, a burglar sees an open window or unlocked door.
✅ Visible burglar alarm devices and external sirens act as a strong deterrent, warning intruders and alerting neighbours.
Components of a Burglar Alarm & Home Security Alarm System
A complete security system for home typically includes detectors, control panels, sounders, and communication devices.
Detectors protect various zones and react to specific events like movement, vibration, or fire.
Key types include:
- Passive Infrared Sensors (PIRs) for detecting movement.
- Dual Technology Sensors combining infrared and microwave to reduce false alarms.
- Magnetic door contacts for doors/windows.
- Glass break sensors.
- Shock sensors.
- Smoke detectors linked to the home security alarm system.
The Control Panel
The “brain” of the alarm system for home, analysing signals from detectors. It may have:
- Multiple zones (areas to protect).
- Keypads (integrated, LED, or LCD) to view system status and events.
- Event memory log, panic alarm, and tamper inputs.
Activation & Deterrents
When triggered, the system sends alerts through keypads and sounds:
- Internal sirens.
- External sirens/strobes as a burglar security system deterrent.
Externally mounted sirens show intruders the house is protected by a security system house.
Alerts & Notifications
Speech diallers or communication modules send pre-recorded alerts via phone to homeowners or contacts.
This feature helps even when you’re away, adding an extra layer to your home security system.
Planning and Installing a Home Security System or Burglar Alarm
1: Conduct a site survey
Discuss with your customer:
- Is the property in a built-up area or isolated?
- Which parts need to be covered by the security system for home?
- Number of zones needed?
- Number of doors/windows to protect?
- Need for fire/smoke detection?
- Type and number of keypads (LED, LCD, integrated)?
- External siren and dummy siren requirements?
- Keyfob operation preference?
- Type of alert: sounding, visual, or remote?
2: Map the property and choose products
Use the site survey to decide on:
- Burglar alarm device placement.
- Type of alarm systems for home components.
- Number and type of detectors.
3: Install
Place detectors and devices strategically across zones:
- Entrances, hallways, living rooms.
- Vulnerable windows and external walls.
Why choose a home security alarm system?
A modern home security system or alarm system for home offers:
- Peace of mind.
- Deterrence for burglars.
- Quick alerts to protect your property.
- Integration with smoke/fire detectors.
By installing home security systems or burglar alarms, you protect families, assets, and homes – and grow your business by offering trusted, reliable security systems for homes.
Whether you call it a home security alarm system, house security alarm system, alarm system for home, burglar alarm device, or simply burglar alarms, the goal remains the same: protect what matters most.
Homes with a visible security system in home and properly installed alarm systems for houses are statistically less likely to be targeted by intruders.
YOU ARE NOW IN A POSITION WHERE YOU CAN START THE INSTALLATION OF THE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM.
PART 2
The first part of this guide gave you the basics of a home security system, including the benefits of home security alarm systems, main home security and alarm systems components, and how to plan and lay out a house security alarm system.
Part two will help you correctly position, install, and commission the components of your home security system, plus visual hints and tips on best practices and how to avoid common pitfalls when setting up your burglar alarm and alarm security system.
Positioning and Installing the Home Security System Components
1. Control Panels
POSITIONING
- For control panels with onboard keyboards, install near the main access point with convenient mains electricity supply for user operation.
- For panels operated by remote keypads, conceal in a cupboard or loft, making it easier to wire to external burglar alarm devices like sirens.
BEST PRACTICE
- Always install the control panel first in your security system house setup.
HINTS AND TIPS
- Check panel voltage to confirm power before adding peripherals.
- Disconnect power before wiring the home security system.
- Link out unused zones on your burglar security system.
- Charge the standby battery before installation.
2. Remote LCD Keypads
POSITIONING
- Install close to the main door, back door, and master bedroom for easy operation of your alarm system for home.
HINTS AND TIPS
- Ensure the tamper spring is closed to secure your home security alarm system.
- Tamper protection helps safeguard your security systems for homes.
3. PIR Motion Sensors
POSITIONING
- Mount at 2.3m–2.7m height, away from heat, sunlight, and windows.
- Provide a clear view of protected areas.
HINTS AND TIPS
- Avoid blind spots and obstructions, especially in the “look down” zone.
- Adjust sensitivity based on environment.
- Check the tamper circuit or link out at the control panel if not used.
4. Pet Tolerant Detectors
POSITIONING
- Follow PIR sensor guidelines to secure your alarm systems for homes.
- Adjust the pet setting to ensure the home security system won’t trigger false alarms.
5. Smoke Sensors
POSITIONING
- Place near or outside bedrooms, hallways, and stair tops.
HINTS AND TIPS
- Avoid kitchens and bathrooms to prevent false alarms in your home security systems.
6. Door Contacts
POSITIONING
- Fix the wired part on the door frame and the magnet on the door.
HINTS AND TIPS
- Keep wires hidden and properly connected to the burglar alarm device.
- Twist and insulate tamper wires if terminals are limited.
7. External Sirens & Bells
POSITIONING
- Mount high where the strobe is visible and the siren audible to enhance the burglar system alarm.
HINTS AND TIPS
- Close the tamper switch to protect the alarm security system.
8. Internal Siren
POSITIONING
- Place centrally out of easy reach, as part of your home security security systems.
9. Speech Dialler Communications
POSITIONING
- Install where it’s easy to use and wire directly to the phone line.
BEST PRACTICE
- Connect directly into the control panel.
- Test dialing and program messages for triggers like burglary alarm, fire, or flood.
HOW TO AVOID MISTAKES
- Ensure the speech dialler is the first device on the phone line so it can “snatch the line” during an alert.
Installation Advice and Best Practice
When installing your alarm systems for home security, follow all Health and Safety rules. Installation is straightforward for a qualified electrician.
GENERAL HINTS AND TIPS
- Use multi-core alarm cable. Convention: red = +12V, black = 0V.
- “Tin” the wires for better connection.
- Avoid over-tightening screws to prevent wire damage.
- Wire all tamper circuits into a global tamper loop.
Installation Steps for Your Home Security System
- Do not work on live circuits.
- Run cables to device locations.
- Mount the control panel.
- Mount the keypad where users can easily reach it.
- Wire up devices: detectors, sirens, burglar alarms, and communication modules.
- Activate power.
- Walk-test your home security system to ensure everything works.
After installing and powering up your security systems for home, commission the system by testing each component—ensuring your alarm system for home security is ready to protect against intrusion, fire, and emergencies.
With proper planning and careful installation, your home security and alarm systems will deliver reliable protection, giving peace of mind that your security system in home is ready for anything.