Essential Information about Security Systems:

To be properly secure a home needs full perimeter coverage Using Door/Window Sensors on Each and Every window and Door.

To properly protect your home or business you MUST have every door and window covered by an alarm contact!!!

There is no exception to this rule! For example, if your home has three doors and fifteen windows then you need to have an alarm contact on all three doors and fifteen windows total of 18 contacts. There is no exception to this rule and we urge you to confirm this fact with your local police department. If a consultant from any company tries to tell you different think hard before hiring this company!

Many companies offer "Special Packages" of a few door and window contacts for free along with the basic panel keypad and a motion detector and tell you that this will protect your home. This is incorrect and does not properly secure your home. You cannot be sure which door or window a burglar will come from.

A motion detector is often offered as coverage but the truth is that this cannot be used when you are at home! It is to be used in addition to alarm contacts not as replacement. Thumbscrews should not be used in a residence!! In case of fire you will be unable to leave the premises quickly! For a full description of each security component please see our section on Security Components and Uses.

Phone Cut off protection should always be installed
Phone cut off protection should always be included in an alarm installation. If a burglar cuts the phone lines it will automatically set off the siren. Make sure that any company that you hire uses Phone cut off protection to maximize protection.

An exterior siren should always be used in conjunction with the interior siren. An interior siren can only be heard from the inside of the home. For additional protection an exterior siren should always be included. This is a very loud siren that is located on the outside of your home and can be heard by your neighbors etc.

Lifetime Warranty
All Security equipment should have a lifetime warranty. If your alarm company does not include this warranty be aware that if your alarm system has any problems after the one year manufacturers warranty you may be responsible for large service / equipment fees. Know all information before you sign any contract. Is the warranty lifetime? How much you pay for each trip and the cost for equipment repair or replacement?

Security Components and Uses:

Keypad: Panel where commands are entered for the alarm (comes with all basic systems) should be mounted on the wall. We do not recommend a table top unit.

Panel: Brain of the alarm system (comes with all basic systems) we do not recommend using a tabletop unit.

Door/Window Contacts: Sensors that activate the alarm if the door or window is opened. Each and every door and window should have a separate contact. If you do not have a contact for each and every door and window you are not properly secure. There is no exception to this rule.

Motion Detector: Detects movement within a large area (These should never be used in replacement of door and window sensors as you can not use motion detectors when you are at home) There are several versions of Motion detectors including pet immune. None of these can be used when you are home. Keep in mind your security is as important when you are at home as when you are away. Never accept motion sensors in place of actual contacts!!!

Glass Break: Listening device that picks up the sound of breaking glass

Shock Sensor: Vibration sensor that picks up "Banging or hitting" on doors and windows

Exterior Siren: A high decibel siren that is mounted on the outside of your home. This siren can be heard clearly from the inside of your home as well as outside. Your neighbors etc. will hear this siren. Always ask if the siren that comes with your alarm system is an exterior siren or an interior siren. If only one siren is being used we recommend using the exterior siren.

Interior Siren: Low decibel siren that can be heard from the inside of your home. This is the siren that is included with most basic alarm systems. Always insist on this being replaced with an exterior siren as the more people that can hear the alarm the better!

Remote Control: Key chain that can activate and deactivate your alarm system. It also has a panic button that can be activated from outside your home. Remote Control Plus: Key chain that has the same functions as the remote control. The only difference is that the plus system can open and close your garage door.

Medical Alert Pendant: Waterproof pendant that is worn around the neck. The button can be pressed to notify the monitoring station that you are in need of medical help. This is ideal for elderly people who have concerns about falling and being unable to get up.

It is our opinion that an educated customer is our best customer. Please contact us with any technical questions that you may have. (954) 344-0593.