In choosing a security alarm system it is important that you understand the different types and features of a system so you can figure out what you need and don’t need.

          First, you should choose whether you want to buy a wireless or wired security alarm system.  Wireless alarm systems have become more popular because there is less mess when installing.  With wireless, there are no wires to deal with, which mean more homeowners can install the systems themselves.  On the other hand, not all wireless sensors will be able to communicate with the control panel because of black spots or walls that block the signal. 

          If you choose a wired alarm system here is the basic breakdown.

          A control panel:  The location where your system wiring terminates, your backup battery is located, and where the panel connects to the phone line if the alarm is monitored. 

          Keypad: This is where the system is armed and disarmed.

          Siren:  This is where the alarm noise comes from.  (For wireless alarms the system is self-contained.  It includes the control panel, keypad, and siren.  Included separately are the sensors and motion detector.) 

          Sensors:  This sounds the alarm when a door or window is open.

          Motion Detectors:  Passive infrared, microwave or photoelectric detectors sense changes in a room caused by human presence. 

          You also need to decide whether you want a monitored alarm system, non-monitored or if you want a dialer.  If you choose a monitored system, your alarm system is monitored 24 hours days for a monthly fee.  Then there is a dialer alarm system which calls pre-programmed phone numbers.  In this case (for wired and wireless) the control panel is connected to a phone line.  You also have the option of a non-monitored alarm system.  In this case, a homeowner will rely on neighbors to hear the alarm siren and call for help or perhaps the siren itself will scare the thief away.