In this how to we are answering questions from a friend that is considering buying and installing their own security system. They would like to own the equipment and have as much versatility in expanding it and choosing the method of monitoring. They also have questions about security cameras and home automation. We will try to cover the basic considerations when you are choosing a system that you will self install and what options you might not want to include with a Security System.
Conventional Alarm System Installs
The first thing you want to evaluate is how will your system be monitored. Conventionally if you were a home owner you would have contacted an alarm monitoring company and they would come to your home and provide you an estimate for the hardware cost and then give you a few options for monitoring. In this case similar to a Cellphone plan the equipment may or may not be owned by you after many monthly payments. However even if the equipment cost does eventually come off your bill after maybe two years you are still going to pay a monitoring cost and your equipment would need to be unlocked by your provider to be used with another company’s monitoring service. Normally it is a difficult process to get your alarm unlocked to use with another company and may require the main panel to be replaced.
Self Monitored Alarm Systems
For self monitoring there are a few options but the primary thing is you will be purchasing the equipment out of pocket at the time of install. This means it is your choice as to what equipment you install, all of the options, manufacturers and services you use will be up to you. In this description you have to also understand that Self Monitoring can be just that. It can mean that in an emergency your alarm system will call you and no one else. It can also mean that your system could call an alarm monitoring service which you have a monthly contract for and they will call emergency services on your behalf. Normally the cost for alarm monitoring only starts at about $20 and can increase base on the equipment options you have such as cameras and other devices.
Home Automation Vs Alarm Systems
There are two basic paths today when installing your own equipment and the choice is very important to keep in mind. One is where you purchase an Alarm System and the second is where you purchase a Home Automation System that also includes Alarm System Options.
Again very important to understand the difference between these systems. I personally believe that you should separate the choices and if you do need Home Automation that you install a completely different system just for this reason and then install a professional grade alarm system for your Alarm needs. The reason I say this is because Home Automation Systems are trying to be everything to everyone. Unfortunately devices that try to be everything to everyone never seem to work that well for anyone. For example if you have ever seen these king cab pickup trucks with the tiny 4 foot beds. They do not provide the same comfort that an SUV would offer and at the same time you can’t haul anything in them so they are no good for being used as a Pickup Truck. They might be the perfect solution for a tiny number of buyers but for the rest of us it is just headaches and frustration.
One thing to keep in mind is that a professional grade alarm system will have its limitations. Although many devices can be added especially with open communications offered through Z-Wave. Not all Z-Wave devices can be picked up by an alarm system.
One option would be a whole home water shutoff valve. If you want to be able to shut the water off to your house you can buy a remote controlled water valve but these valves are normally associated with home automation and not with Alarm Systems. You might have the option for water detection that would be placed in your basement and if you had a flood it would alert your alarm. However if you want to shut off your water the valves on the market at this time only work with a handful of home automation systems. This means you will need two systems in your home or you can go the route of a home automation system performing like an alarm system but I don’t suggest that.
Professional Alarm System Vs DIY Peal And Stick Systems
If you are in the market for an Alarm System and you have decided to go with an actual alarm system instead of a home automation system there is another choice you have to make.
Do you go with a professional grade system or do you go with one of the picked it up while buying some screws and lumber at the local big box store systems? I am guessing you have already understood that your best bet is to go with a Professional Grade Alarm System but there are a few reasons to pick the other type.
Professional Grade Systems are the same systems that might be installed in a Commercial Setting like a Bank or a Store or an Office Building. Now those system are not exactly what you are looking for. You don’t need to have the same security system that a Las Vegas Casino has but you do want the same equipment that your local gun shop might be installing.
There are only a few commercial grade system makers on the market and this website at the time of writing this how to is not affiliated directly with any of them.
Honeywell, DSC, Interlogix, Elk, 2Gig are the primary names and there are a few others such as Qolsys which is relatively new to the market. Honeywell is one of the oldest and largest suppliers and their systems are used in many settings. Interlogix formerly GE has a long past too but they were just purchased or divided from GE. DSC and ELK do really well with hardwired systems and also support wireless and cellular options. 2Gig is also a very big company that has been providing equipment for many of the alarm services that install systems in your home. 2Gig is also compatible with many Honeywell and third party products.
Peal and Stick Systems I won’t even mention but they can be found at many retail establishments both brick and mortar and online. They vary in quality but most of them do not stand up to the riggers of a commercial install.
Look at it this way if a National Alarm Company isn’t going to install millions of these things in people’s homes or if a business would never choose the alarm you are looking at then maybe you should go with a better option for your home.
THE EXCEPTION would be someone that lives in an apartment or someone that needs a quick to install alarm system for a temporary period of time. In this case its probably ok to go with a off the shelf system you can hook up quick but systems from 2Gig and others are just as easy to install and are probably a better overall solution. That is just my opinion and you need to do your own research.
How Does The Alarm Communicate With The Outside World?
Having a system really isn’t all there is you also need to be able to be alerted by your system when there is a problem.
Some system will offer a variety of different methods to monitor your home. Some work off of the regular copper land lines, Others work off of Cellphone Systems GSM, CDMA and others work off of Internet Access which could be fiber or cable tv to your home or even a cellular hotspot.
Whatever method is used there is often a possibility for a backup system to also be used. For instance a system that uses Internet access as its primary communications could also use Cellular communications for its backup.
The option you choose will be dependent on what is the best service in your area. Some people in rural areas only have Landlines and Cellphone coverage and you may need to supplement your system to work reliably.
Final Note
I hope that this how to gives you some information to start your search for an alarm system. Since every home, business and location is different the choices you make will be unique to your needs. Remember that you can always call a professional alarm installer for advice and a quote on how they would address your needs. And research about all your options is a requirement on your part. Don’t take our word for it … do your own research because its an important choice.
Changes in the availability of products can happen quickly and home automation systems may eventually be a better option. However at this point is it really a necessity to be able to change the mood lighting in your living room or order a pair of shoes and rechargeable batteries over your alarm system.. or should your alarm system be dedicated to protecting you and your home.
There are always choices and like tiny bed pickups you have to think hard before you make them.