Why consider an Alarm System in Ireland?
A professionally installed alarm system is a smart investment that brings many advantages for both homeowners and businesses:
For Homeowners
A visible alarm discourages opportunistic burglars from targeting a property, making your home safer and giving you greater peace of mind. It's also worth noting that some insurance providers in Ireland offer premium discounts for certified alarm systems, which is a potential bonus for savvy homeowners.
For Businesses
An alarm system is a proactive way to protect your assets—such as stock, equipment, and sensitive information—while also creating a safer environment for your staff, particularly those working outside regular hours. Preventing break-ins not only avoids immediate losses but also protects against costly repairs, business disruptions, and potential rises in insurance premiums.
The Components of an Alarm System
Sensors & Contacts
An effective alarm system is dependent on sensors. Ensuring your alarm system operates at its best depends on having the right sensors installed in the right place:
- Door and Window Contacts: Their job is to secure all your main entry and exit points. Due to their size, these sensors can be recessed into a door or window frame, thereby maintaining the appearance of your home. These small sensors feature a magnetic component and a reed switch that completes a circuit when the two components connect. When a door or window with one of these sensors is opened, the parts separate, breaking the circuit and quickly sending a signal to the control panel.
- Motion Sensors (Passive Infrared - PIR): These sensors pick up changes in infrared radiation naturally emitted by human bodies. When armed, a PIR sensor detecting movement will trigger an alert. You'll often find them in hallways or large rooms where intruder movement is most noticeable.
- Glass Break Detectors: As the name implies, these sensors detect the sound or vibration caused by breaking glass, such as from windows or doors. There are two main types: acoustic sensors, which listen for the specific sound frequencies of glass breaking and can cover multiple windows in a room, and shock sensors, which are installed on the glass to detect vibrations from impact.
- Other Specialised Sensors: There are also various types of sensors, such as pressure mats and photoelectric beams. Each is designed with specific needs in mind. Pressure mats, often hidden under carpets, detect foot traffic. Photoelectric beams act as invisible perimeter barriers - breaking the beam sets off an alarm. One such example is Ajax’s Curtain Outdoor Jeweller. This technology is beneficial outdoors, protecting gardens or driveways and adding an extra layer of security before anyone even gets close to your home.
The Central Control Panel
The control panel is the heart of the whole system. It gathers signals from all connected sensors, managing whether the system is armed or disarmed, and responds with the appropriate action when something's detected.
The user interface, typically a keypad or touchscreen, makes it easy to arm or disarm the system and tweak settings. Some modern control panels allow you to set up custom security zones, such as arming only the ground floor at night, providing a tailored way to keep your property safe.
There’s an App for that!
Modern security systems now make it really easy to stay connected and control everything remotely using dedicated mobile apps. For instance, HKC’s SecureComm App or Ajax’s Security System app enables you to manage your alarm system directly from your smartphone or tablet, providing you with the freedom to manage your alarm system from anywhere.
These apps provide a complete view of the system’s status, enabling users to remotely arm, disarm, or "part-set" specific security zones. This is useful for both residential and business settings. For example, a homeowner might choose to arm the ground floor of their house while the family sleeps upstairs. Or, a business owner can remotely check the armed status of their premises and receive alerts for "open and close protocols" to ensure the building is secure at the end of the day.
The Alarm Sequence - what happens when an alarm is triggered
Whenever a sensor is triggered while the system is armed, an alarm sequence starts. There's a brief, pre-set entry delay that gives authorised users time to disarm the system using their unique code. If it's not disarmed in time, the full alarm will sound. This countdown is an integral part of the design, balancing quick responses with ease of use for authorised users.
The system's response is thoughtfully layered to work as effectively as possible:
- Audible Deterrence: A loud siren sounds both inside and outside the property to surprise the intruder and quickly alert everyone nearby, including neighbours. The loud noise can be highly effective in deterring unwanted visitors.
- Digital Notification: The system promptly sends alerts to trusted contacts, such as property owners or keyholders, via a smartphone app, text message, or email. This way, the right people are informed right away, regardless of their location. The alerts typically include key details, such as which sensor was triggered and the time, providing immediate insight into the situation.
- Professional Intervention: If the system is connected to an alarm monitoring service, an alert is automatically sent to a 24/7 monitoring centre. Trained professionals then follow established procedures to contact emergency services swiftly, ensuring a quick and effective response.
Wired vs. Wireless Alarm Systems
Deciding between a wired and wireless system depends on your specific use case, personal preference, and comfort level with the installation process.
Wired Systems
- Advantages: Wired systems have historically been the norm and are known for their dependability. As they are powered by a mains electrical supply, there's no need to change batteries in the sensors. For larger commercial buildings where aesthetics may not be a significant concern, or for new constructions, a wired system can be a cost-effective and reliable option.
- Disadvantages: Installing a wired alarm system is often more labour-intensive and will involve running cables. This means that it can be expensive and may cause some disruption, especially in existing buildings. This disruption could be a concern in historic homes or buildings where maintaining aesthetics is important. The same issues also apply to adding new sensors or relocating alarm components.
Wireless Systems
- Advantages: Wireless systems are generally quicker to install and do not involve extensive wiring. This makes them ideal for finished homes and rentals. Their flexible design allows for simple expansion, relocation, and customisation. For homeowners, it's easy to add a sensor to a garden shed or detached garage without extensive wiring or trenching.
- Disadvantages: Wireless systems rely on batteries, which need to be replaced periodically, and they can sometimes experience interference from other wireless devices or thick walls. However, modern technology has greatly minimised these issues.
Conclusion
Alarm technology may seem complicated, but as you can see from this post, it is relatively straightforward. Modern systems, combined with easy-to-use mobile apps and the option for professional monitoring, provide a sophisticated solution to secure your property.
