Oct 17, 2011

Window Alarms

Window alarms are a vital component of any home or commercial alarm systems. These are alarms that are deployed on all external windows that offer direct entry into a home or office building. They are designed to trigger silent or audible alerts when an intruder tries to force open or break a window in order to gain access to the interior of a building. In many cases, window alarms are also used to ensure that teenagers and small children do not sneak away from a house through a window without their parents’ knowledge.

Magnetic Contact Alarms

Window alarms can be installed as part of a broader home or office monitoring system, or they can be installed as a standalone security measure. The alarms are available in a range of sizes and capabilities that are designed to meet different security objectives. Many alarms for homes are typically based on magnetic contact circuits. The alarm consists of two small sealed enclosures, one of which contains a magnet and the other a switch. The enclosures are affixed about an inch apart on both sides of a window. When the window is opened, the magnetic contact between the two enclosures is broken, resulting in the alarm being triggered.

Wired and Wireless Alarms

Such window alarms can be either wired or wireless. Wired alarms are usually used by alarm monitoring companies to protect a home or office building. Wired alarms for windows are typically connected to a central security console located inside the building. When someone opens a window, these alarms send a silent alert to the console, which then notifies the security company’s monitoring center of the intrusion. Wired alarms can be deployed in silent mode, or they can be set in audible mode to scare away intruders.

Wireless window alarms are very easy to install and are usually deployed as a standalone security precaution. Many of these alarms can be set up in a matter of minutes and can be taken down as easily as well. Wireless alarms are a very useful option for those looking to bolster the security of their home or office building, but do not want to invest in a full-fledged security monitoring service.

Glass Break Alarms

In addition to magnetic contact alarms, many vendors also offer window alarms that are designed to detect window breakage, tampering or excessive vibrations. Glass break alarms can be either acoustic or shock-based. An acoustic alarm is programmed to trigger an alert at the sound of glass breaking. Shock-based alarms are meant for use on windows with large sheets of glass. They respond to the vibrations caused when a pane of glass is shattered. Glass breakage alarms are very useful in situations where a burglar attempts to break in to a building by simply shattering a window instead of opening it.

Choosing Your Options

Have a clear goal in mind when choosing a window alarm. In many cases, do-it-yourself wireless window alarms offer significant protection for substantially less than a fully wired system. A fully wired window alarm system that is backed by a security monitoring service will cost more, but will offer much better protection. If you already have a plan with one of the many home security companies, you can add window monitoring services for a little extra each month. Regardless of the option you choose, windows alarms can significantly bolster the security of your home or office building.

Home Security News

Installing a Home Security System?

Did you know that installing a security system is not only a great way to minimize the risk of a break-in or burglary, but it can also lower your home insurance payments? Insurance companies recognize that homes are indeed more secure when they have a home security system installed by one of the top alarm companies.

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