Which Burglar Alarm System to Install And Where?

Firstly decide on what exactly you would like to protect. Do you want to protect only your house? All rooms or one room? Would you like an alarm to secure you garden, garage or shed? Carry out a simple risk assessment to decide what burglar alarm system you need.

For protecting outside areas you will probably need a simple all weather PIR (Passive Infrared) movement detector. These can set to trigger a chime in the house when someone is in the vicinity of the protected area. Alternatively, a 130 dB alarm can be fitted to a garage or garden shed which is usually enough to scare away the opportunist thief immediately, as well as alerting you or your neighbor. Garage and shed alarms usually operate when a magnetic sensor is separated by opening a door although a PIR could be fitted internally.

If you are to protect the whole house pay attention to weaknesses and easy access points such as weak doors or windows, flat roofs, etc…Use PIR movement sensors or magnetic door/window contacts as weak areas usually require specific protection. If you put yourself in the mind of the burglar, imagine how you would break in your house. This will help highlight potential entry points for intruders.

Usually an alarm system will be made up of magnetic door contacts on the front and possible rear door and movement detection in the rooms within the house, especially in the hallway and landing area. It is very important to protect the hallway and landing because an intruder will have to cross this area when moving between rooms.

When fitting the alarm control keypad it is advised to locate it in the hallway to allow easy access to arm/disarm the system when entering and leaving your house. Often the control keypad will include an internal sounder so that entry/exit tones can be heard when arming/disarming the system or alternatively a separate sounder can be installed. When choosing a location for the external siren you should consider that it is installed as high as practically possible. Also hide any visible wires so that cannot be cut through. Wireless alarms systems are best so that cables are not visible. Wireless alarm systems are the easiest for DIY installation and are available inexpensively.