Door Entry Systems: Learn How They Can Protect Your Business or Home

In today’s uncertain economic climate, many businesses and homeowners are worried about the possibility of an increase in crime. As a result of this, they are taking action to ensure the security of their property: a key facet of this is the installation of an effective door entry system.

Door entry systems can be defined as electronic or mechanical systems that control access to a property: as such, they can also be called door security systems or door access systems. Though in the past they have been most commonly installed by large companies or in large-scale residential developments, advances in technology have combined with increased efficiency in mass production methods to ensure that even a homeowner with a modest income can implement some form of door entry system, resulting in an ability to control access to his or her property, and therefore an increased feeling of safety.

As has been indicated, a door entry system can be installed in buildings or building complexes of various sizes. Simplest are the intercom systems that can be installed to protect single properties: these allow the individual homeowner to permit access after either talking to the visitor through an intercom, viewing them via a video screen, or a combination of the two. Next up the scale, low rise systems are appropriate for low rise blocks of domestic properties, or for medium sized company buildings with a number of entry points or offices. Finally, high rise systems are complex systems that allow access control for full-scale high rise housing developments and also large company buildings with multiple offices and entry points, or even sites with a number of company buildings in close proximity to each other.

No matter what size of property is being protected, there are a number of types of door entry system that may be installed. The most basic is a simple intercom system: this allows the resident to talk to the visitor though an intercom. Video entry systems are an extension of intercom systems which add the functionality of allowing the resident to observe the visitor, via a handily placed video screen.

For large organisations, keycard or keypad systems may be more appropriate as they allow more independence for the visitor: rather than relying on the resident to grant entry, access may be gained by punching a number into a keypad or swiping a card through a card reader. Not only does this leave the resident free to do other things rather than monitor access, the latter especially can allow varying levels of access, granting entry to some parts of a building but denying it to others. In this way different groups of visitors or employees can be controlled in their movement throughout a building with a minimum of fuss.

A new development in this field is the increased implementation of proximity sensors. Instead of remembering a code or carrying a keycard, visitors simply carry an object that grants access. When the visitor or employee comes close to the proximity sensor, it automatically detects the object being carried and opens the door. This method is especially useful in loading bays where it is desirable that drivers can gain access without leaving their vehicles, for instance in high security areas or in extreme environments.

By: Mike Drabble

Educate Yourself about Home Security

People like to think they are safe in their homes. This need to believe can leave homes unprotected against burglars. While home security is something that people don’t like to think about, it is something that people should know about. There are some basics of home security that will help to keep you, and your family safe. Education is the first step in home security.

Is your home a target for burglars? There are areas of home security that people could stand to educate themselves on. The first thing people have to do to keep their homes secure is to recognize the fact that it’s not just high crime areas that are prone to crime. Crimes can occur in the even the most prestigious neighborhoods.

The facts of crime statistics will shock you. Did you know that most homes that are robbed are entered through the front door? The door doesn’t have to be open, or even unlocked, the door frame, and locks might not be up to standard. This allows for easy access to your home. Where else do burglars enter the home?

Windows are another main point of entry. Most people don’t bother to lock their windows, and never even consider closing windows beyond the first floor. Just because a window isn’t on the ground doesn’t mean someone can’t enter through it. Placing an alarm on your windows could deny a burglar access to your home this way.

There are homes that do not even have latches that work correctly on the windows. A burglar bar for the window can prevent access even without a working lock on the window. These bars don’t have to be expensive either.

Window bars are placed into the frame of the window, and help prevent the window from moving in the direction it opens. The glass can still be broken fairly easily so an alarm on the window will offer extra protection against a break in. Alarms on windows detect movement as well as breaking glass which will set off not only a siren, but the rest of the home security system as well.

When the siren goes off burglars usually leave because of the noise. The fact that the rest of the homes security system has been activated means that someone is on the way to your home to check on you.

Burglars will usually avoid homes that display logos from home security companies. A consultation with a home security company will show home owners the areas around their home that invite burglars in. This consultation will also give homeowners suggestions to make their home safer.

Home security consultations will allow the homeowner to go over their options and find one that fits into their budget. The safety of your home is important, so you should do everything that you can to protect it. Checking the access points to your home for proper locking mechanisms, installing removable burglar bars, and investing in even an inexpensive alarm system can go a long way to protecting yourself against burglars.

By: Kieran Adams

Amazing Ideas On How To Improve Your Home Security On A Budget

You don’t have to spend a fortune installing expensive security alarm systems as there are a few cheaper options that can be done to improve your home security. By not addressing your security in the home you are at risk of an intruder break-in and losing all that you have worked so hard to achieve. Don’t leave it to chance and take the gamble that it wont happen to you and your family. So many people wait until they are broken into before they look at ways to improve their home security. Take home security seriously and don’t leave your house wide open for a burglar to gain access and steal your belongings.

Give the illusion that someone is at home. This can be done with you interior lighting using timers to switch the lights on and off at a scheduled interval. There are different types of timer switch – some which plug straight into your wall mains socket in which your lighting/lamp will then plug into and others which plug directly into your ceiling lighting. Your room light bulb then plugs into the timer device. This is a very inexpensive first step to improving your home security.

Next, look at your windows and doors. Have a good look at all of them and ask yourself how easy it would be for you to get through them if you had lost your door key? If you can easily devise a method of penetrating your doors or windows with the minimum of effort then so could a burglar. They are experts and probably know more ways than you of breaking into your house. Firstly, if you have wooden doors or windows that are rotting or are badly in need of repair then you need to replace them. Consider installing additional locks on your windows which can be applied when closed and catches that won’t allow them to be opened more than a few inches. Ideally deadbolt door locks should be fitted to all of your exterior doors to make it extremely difficult for the intruder to break in. Also, don’t forget to close all windows and doors when going out. It’s surprising how many people forget to do this and leave an open invitation to the burglar.

Another inexpensive installation that can be done to improve your home security is to fit exterior security lighting to your yard or garden. A burglar wants to break into a property without being seen. They typically go for unlit exteriors so installing a outside security lamp will defiantly put them off entering onto your land. Purchase a security light with PIR motion detection capability – these are not expensive and will switch the lamp on if movement is detected in the range of the sensor. They also act as a handy welcome home light when you return back to your property at night.

Make sure sheds and outbuildings are securely locked. Again, if you could break into them so could a burglar. Sheds contain some of the most useful items to aid a burglar breaking into a house. You will no doubt have various tools, garden implements, ladders etc… which are all useful for the burglar. Burglar’s travel light so they are on the look out for implements within your property to help them break in.

Take a look at your garden and if there are any overgrown trees, shrubs or bushes that would aid a burglar gaining access to your property then cut them right back. Plant prickly, thorny bushes under windows so to put the intruder off getting close to your windows. Put gravel around your property so you can hear if anyone is walking around your home.

By: andyj00

Home Security Burglar Alarms & Is Wireless Better Than Hard Wired?

No one wants to be burgled - it simply is your worse nightmare. Think about it - the invasion of your privacy by some mindless intruder to gain entry into your home, to take your belongings. It creates so much upheaval and heartache that it will affect you for months, years even. Just stop for one minute and check the following… have you got up to date home insurance and have you got an up to date inventory of your belongings? You will need these if you get burgled. However, all this could be prevented by simply improving your home security and installing a home burglar alarm system.

So what choices are there of burglar alarm available today? There are essentially two main types of burglar alarm system and these are wireless and hard wired. Both have their pros and cons.

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Hard wired alarms are usually thought of as a more reliable alarm system. These are the traditional alarm system whereby the sensors that trigger the alarm are connected to the alarm control panel by cables. There is no chance for inference, unlike a wireless system, however there will be considerable disruption during the installation as walls will need to be channelled and shirting and floorboards lifted. It is advised that a professional alarm installation contractor is employed to carry out this work thus increasing the overall cost of installation. It will be a more permanent installation, but cannot be easily taken out without further disruption when, for example you move house.

A wireless alarm system is a home security package that again consists of a control panel and sensors, but are connected wirelessly thus virtually eliminating the need for wiring. A wireless burglar alarm system can be self installed by the keen do-it-yourself’er so will reduce the overall cost of your security system significantly. You can buy a starter kit and simply add to it whenever finances permit. It can also be easily de-installed and took with you if you move house so this is ideal if you are in rented accommodation. Wireless security systems are becoming extremely popular due to their flexibility, ease of installation and cost. Like a hardwired alarm, a variety of sensors can be added to the system such as door/window sensors, PIR movement detection sensors, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. But the beauty of a wireless system is you don’t need to install them all at the same time, unlike the hardwired system. The only main downside to a wireless system is you will need to change the batteries in the sensors regularly. The reliability has improved considerably over recent years as technology has improved so interference is virtually a thing of the past. Wireless systems are great if you are extending your property as you can simply install additional sensors to the new build very quickly and easily.

An alarm system is a vital home improvement that so many people neglect. If you haven’t yet installed an alarm system then take action - why wait until you get burgled?

By: andyj00

Increase Your Personal Security By Installing A Wireless Home Security System

A wireless home security system can greatly enhance the security of your home. Relatively easy to install due to their wireless nature, they are also relatively inexpensive. A wireless home security system generally consists of several key components. These include wireless door and/or window transmitters, a wireless passive IR motion detector, and a base unit, which is the “brains” of the system.

The wireless door or windows transmitters are mounted on a door or window and send a signal to the base unit if the door or window is opened. The passive IR motion detector can be mounted in a room or hallway, and is designed to detect motion by sensing body heat. They are also designed to send a signal to the base unit, this time whenever motion is sensed. These passive IR motion sensors are adjustable to prevent false triggering by indoor pets.

Whenever the base unit is armed, and receives a signal from one of the transmitters, it will go into an alarm condition. The base unit can usually be programmed for one of several responses to an alarm condition. If connected to the phone line, it can issue a silent alarm by dialing a series of pre-programmed telephone numbers until it makes contact with one, delivering a message that the alarm has been triggered. The base unit can also usually be programmed to issue an audible alarm when triggered, which is generally a 90-120dB alarm designed to bring attention to the intruder and scare them away.

While most local law enforcement entities do not accept calls directly from a home alarm system, you could have the base unit alert you or a neighbor and you or your neighbor could call the police directly. Or, by paying a small monthly fee, you could have the base unit call an alarm monitoring company, and they can alert the police to a possible intruder.

Installation of a wireless home security system is relatively easy. The door/window transmitters are two-piece devices. One piece attaches to the door or window and the other piece to the wall near the first piece when the door or window is in the closed position. The passive IR motion detector can be installed on the wall in a room or a hallway where it can achieve a good “view” of the area. The wireless transmitters are usually battery operated, so you do not need to run power wires to them.

The base unit can be mounted in a central location, where it can be connected to power and to the telephone line. It needs to be fairly close to your usual entry door, because you use a keypad on the base unit to arm and disarm the system. There is a delay period programmed into the base unit which allows you to alarm the system and leave the premises. It will ignore the movement and the door opening during the delay period. The same happens in reverse when you re-enter your home, there is a slight delay period before the alarm sounds which will allow you time to disarm the system.

If you have been considering the purchase of a home security system, consider purchasing a wireless home security system and installing it yourself. You could save a good deal over a professionally-installed system, and achieve the same results.

By: Randy Boulter