Most people understand that an alarm system is a key safety measure to protect property and loved ones from threats. The way an alarm system does so is likely less known. Alarm systems typically include a control panel, motion sensors and door contacts, glass-break sensors, and smoke and CO detectors — creating an integrated network to keep users safe. Below are descriptions of different components and features an alarm system is composed of, including:
What Does the Control Panel Do in a Home Alarm System?
Think of the control panel as the main headquarters of an alarm system. It’s where users will manage the system as a whole, along with its many features. For instance, the control panel can be used to:
- Arm or disarm the system with the keypad
- Utilize the panic button, which sends a signal to your security company's monitoring center and notifies them of the emergency
- Check to see what point(s) of entry in the home is open/closed
How Do Motion Sensors and Door Contacts Work in an Alarm System?
A motion sensor’s purpose is to sense when there is motion in a particular room or area and signal this behavior via alarm. This type of device is supposed to be an unseen safety measure that, when activated, quietly observes a space for any unexpected movement that could pose a threat to the people inside the building — whether it's a residential or commercial structure. Motion sensors can be installed by front and back doors and windows, as well as other areas in a building, such as doors. Some intrusion alarm systems include door contacts that detect when a door is opened or closed.
How Do Glass Break Sensors Work in a Home Alarm System?
Glass break sensors are similar to motion sensors, but focus on sound rather than movement. For example, if a burglar is trying to break into a home through a window and breaks or cracks the glass in the process, the glass break sensor would identify such an occurrence and sound the alarm to notify the homeowner.
How Do Smoke Detectors Work as Part of an Alarm System?
A smoke detector can also connect to an alarm system in both commercial and residential spaces. Although it doesn’t scan for outside intruders, it does play a key role in keeping those inside a building safe from internal threats. Smoke detectors monitor a building for signs of smoke and, therefore, a potential fire. If smoke is present, the detector is programmed to notify those inside the building via a beeping noise.
"Nearly three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarm or one that failed to operate."
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarm or one that failed to operate.
These statistics show how critical it is to have a smoke detector and to ensure it’s installed and working properly.
How Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work in an Alarm System?
Fire isn’t the only internal threat that could injure or claim the lives of those inside. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer devoid of taste, odor, or color. Without a CO detector, there’s little chance of knowing the gas is present until someone is affected by it. Like a smoke detector, a CO detector alerts nearby people that CO is present, as well as the security company’s monitoring center. Homeowners and business owners can even be notified of an emergency on their desktop computer, smartphone, or tablet if they aren’t on the premises, keeping them informed at all times.
CO detectors are deemed so important for safety that, as the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a bipartisan resource for state legislators, explains, “most states have adopted requirements mandating the use of carbon monoxide detectors” in private dwellings — including California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Several additional states regulate CO detectors through other means, such as “regulatory rule-making” or inclusion in a state building or fire code, per NCSL.
Each component and feature of an alarm system is essential in keeping people safe from a wide range of life-threatening events, including burglaries, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Just like any other device, if one isn’t functioning correctly or becomes disconnected, the entire system won't be as effective.
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General Security provides and installs alarm products, with alarm monitoring services and fire and life safety capabilities, for businesses and homeowners throughout the United States.
