From the early times, different musical instruments were used as alarms. First, there were drums, bells, or other instruments that made loud noises that captured attention.
Then in the 19th century, with the advancement in technology, most notably with the advent of electronic technology, numerous alarm systems and devices have been invented. These include horns, sirens, buzzers, and others.
In this article, we will discuss alarm systems in detail. You’ll learn how they work to different detection systems.
Let’s get started.
How Does The Alarm System Work?
An electronic alarm system comprises three parts designed to detect and determine criminal activity or other threatening security issues. Alarm systems are designed in such a way that they can detect any problems such as fire, gas, invasion, or any change in the environment.
They’ll figure out the changes and determine if the event is threatening, then they’ll send you a notification about the situation.
There are different types of sensors that you need to know so you can use them properly to protect your home.
Windows and Doors Detection
Door and window contacts are like switches that indicate the closing and opening of the window or door.
The buttons are attached to the door using a magnet attached to the frame.
When you open or close the door and the magnet leaves its place, the switch opens, which is censored by the control panel of alarms.
Glass Break Detectors
They are designed to hear the sound of breaking glass. When someone breaks a window, and the detector hears the glass breaking, the control panel is alerted with a signal to sound the alarm.
Shock Sensors
These sensors can detect an intruder utilizing a force to make it through a roof, wall, or other areas of the specific structure.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These detectors detect carbon monoxide, which includes an invisible, colorless, and odorless gas. When the CO is present, the sensor will send signals to the control panel, emitting an audible alarm.
Make sure to check security measures and the alarm installation frequently to know whether all the gas outlets are secure and safe.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors detect fires. In these alarm systems, there are two types of sensors. One is ionization, and the other is photoelectric.
The one which is most commonly used is ionization. It is the best for the detection of fire without smoke. Therefore, the most efficient smoke detector is the one that combines both sensors.
Detect, Determine, Deter
Sensors are one of the main components of alarm systems that figure out what may be happening.
The alarm system’s control panel can be called the system’s brain. It identifies the decoding function by proceeding with the information it receives from numerous sensors.
Alarm systems and devices have automatic communicators responsible for receiving and transferring signals through phones.
If there is any threatening situation, then a dispatcher will contact you to verify the condition, and if necessary, It’ll get the fire station or police department involved for you.
An alarm system or panel responds to a triggered alarm by activating physical security alarms, including strobe lights or sirens.
These sirens or alarms help you to keep intruders away from your premises. It also lets you know about any threatening situation, such as fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide.
All the components of an alarm system work together to detect, determine, and deter possible danger.
Make sure to test your alarm devices frequently so they’ll make fiction accurately in threatening situations. You can test alarm equipment by yourself or hire professionals.
Standard Alarm Devices Used
You’ve seen various alarm devices fitted on different buildings or at home. In addition, many commercial buildings have sophisticated alarm systems ranging from detecting privacy invasion to smoke.
If any building catches fire, these systems will automatically detect it. Also, these systems can fight and extinguish the fire with water or gasses. Now we’ll discuss a few commonly used alarm devices at our homes or offices for various purposes.
Fire Alarm
You see fire alarms in commercial buildings, malls, hospitals, or schools/colleges. These alarm systems give early indications to the residents or occupants of that building about a potential fire. It’ll help and give them time to abandon that place at their earliest.
Monitored Alarm
Monitored alarm systems aren’t similar to the ones like traditional security systems. Instead, these systems have automatic workers who help you to connect with the system when the alarm is off.
In addition, a monitored alarm will inform you and the local authorities whether it goes off by mistake or someone has done it intentionally.
Warning Devices And Sirens
Warning devices are generally used on vehicles. These devices will inform you whenever your car moves in the wrong or unexpected direction, such as reversing.
Flickering and colored lights are seen with sirens. They are visible on emergency vehicles such as an ambulance or police cars.
Intruder Alarm
If you are worried about a burglary at your home or business, then this type of security system has got you covered.
A burglary alarm system can be wired or wireless and has motion detectors for doors and windows. Once you activate the system, if there is any forced entry, the best security systems will raise the alarm and quickly inform the authorities.
Conclusion
Home security systems, alarm devices, and cameras have a shared history. In the earlier days, people used various musical instruments for alarms.
However, those instruments made unnecessary loud noises that disturbed the surrounding areas too. With technological advancement, we’ve successfully invented various advanced-level alarm systems and security devices.
Although the working mechanisms may differ, they are all used to warn and protect you about potential danger.
So the benefits are enormous, whether it’s a smoke alarm that informs you about a fire or a home security camera that lets you know about intruders.
Joseph Ferdinando
Joseph Ferdinando is the visionary founder of Building Security Services, a leading security company renowned for its comprehensive security services. With an illustrious career spanning over 40 years in the security industry, Joseph has been instrumental in elevating the standards of security guard services for a broad spectrum of businesses and organizations. As an influential member of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) in both New York and New Jersey chapters, Joseph has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and practices.