Alarm System Keypad

The keypad for a home alarm system is where the homeowner enters the alarm code to turn on and off the system.  Most keypads are operated by using buttons and simple numeric codes to arm and disarm the system, check the back-up battery status, and verify that all zones are clear and operational.  Often, there is a panic button located on the keypad which can be programmed to contact your home monitoring service, police, fire, or emergency response personnel with a single touch.  For basic alarm systems, the control panel and the main keyboard are one in the same unit.  You can buy additional keypads to enroll into the system, including wireless remote keypads. 

          Keypads come wired or wireless and can be operated by an AC adapter or by a battery.  For most battery operated keypads, the unit enters sleep mode 15 seconds or so after it is last used.  The keypad will then immediately become operational again by pressing any key.  This will preserve the life of the battery.  Home alarm systems can utilize a mix of wireless and wired keypads.

          Basic alarm systems with basic keypads can cost anywhere from $60 to about $200.  But there are also some very high tech keypads that are on the market today.  One new keypad from Paradox shows a personalized schematic of your home or business that is displayed on a LCD screen.  The screen will show any doors, windows, or motion sensors that are currently active right on the screen, therefore eliminating the need to match LED “zone lights” with doors and windows.  Another high-tech keypad offers a touch screen that is capable of controlling your lights, recording messages, using as a speaker phone, and accessing the internet.  Keep in mind, some of the more advanced keypads cost between $700 and $1000.

          When coming home and the alarm system is active, the keypad beeps when the door is opened.  That beeping is meant to remind the homeowner to turn the system off.  Most alarms have a 30, 45, 60, or even 90 second delay that is pre-set by the user.  This gives the user time to disarm, helping to avoid false alarms.  If the system is not disarmed the siren sounds and the control panel prompts a call for help.

          Because the keypad is the focal point of the alarm system, the placement of it is very important.  If you have just one keypad then it should be placed close to the most used door and should be mounted at about shoulder height.  One or two keypads are probably all you need for an apartment, condo, or small house.  On the other hand, multiple keypads provide the greatest flexibility for those living in a bigger house.  Common places for keypads include, the front door, master bedroom, back of the house, and inside the garage right by the door leading into the house.  Wherever you place the keypads, they absolutely should not be placed in a spot that is visible from outside the home.  Doing so would give a potential burglar a direct view of the code you punch in.

        For a business, just like for a house, keypads should be placed at the most convenient areas that you will want to control the system from.  For example, near the employee entrance, near the front office door, or in high security areas.  Remember, placing and using an alarm keypad properly makes the process of operating an alarm system convenient, simple, and safe.