DIY (Do it Yourself)
Q&A (Questions and Answers)
Some people simply
prefer to do things on their own. We call this type of person a
'DIY enthusiast'. If you fall into this category then this page
is for you. Here we will give some common questions and answers
for buying and installing your own home security system. The first
thing that you might want to do is to take a look at the products
and devices that are available for you to buy online. Then you
might want to take a look at the home security monitoring
companies so that you can compare options.
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For
ONLY $99.99 you DIY enthusiasts can get a three-way home protection
system that includes a piercing siren, flashing lights and an
automatic voice dialer that can call up to four numbers in order
to alert you that there is trouble. Since the sensors are wireless,
it's easy for anyone to install. Plus, you get the added benefit
of having no monthly fees! |
Are DIY Home
Security Systems Hard to Install?
Most people are capable of reading and following instructions. If
you can do that then there is a good chance that you can install
a basic home security system yourself. The security
devices usually come with instructions that are fairly easy
to read and understand. If you have any questions about your security
system then you can call the company where you purchased it and
they will usually be happy to answer any questions that you may
have. In general, the more robust the system, the more technical
knowledge you will need in order to complete the installation.
Should I buy
a Wired or Wireless Home Security System?
A hardwired home security system needs to be wired into the existing
wiring of your home. This can be quite difficult for the average
person. However, if you happen to be building a new home, the wiring
is much easier to do. This is especially true if the interior sheetrock
has yet to be hung. It can also be done after the home is finished
but this requires quite a bit more work and time since the wiring
would need to be fed through the walls. On the other hand, wireless
home security systems usually just need to be plugged in and mounted
on a wall. A wireless security system can usually be installed in
a matter of just a few hours. The choice is all yours and greatly
depends on your skill level and how much time you would like to
dedicate to this project.
What are the
Basic Steps for Installing a Security System?
The first step is to plan everything out. Decide where you want
to put your control panel. It is usually best to install the control
panel close to a door that is used the most. This location should
also be close to an electrical outlet that is not controlled by
a switch. It might be a good idea to install your control panel
in plain sight so that the bad guys will see that you have an alarm
system. Burglars usually skip houses that have a home security system
installed.
After you have
decided on a good location, the next step is to install the control
panel. You should install the control panel at the height where
it will be easy to access the keypad and read the display. The only
part of a 'wireless' home security system that is not actually 'wireless'
is the control panel. It has a wire that needs to be connected to
an outlet. It is best to run this wire through the wall (drilling
required). Your control panel will typically be hardwired into your
electrical system but will also come with a battery backup in case
of power failure.
Next you will
want to install the actual alarm. You will need to have a look at
the manufacturer's instruction manual in order to get the directions
for programming the alarm. You can usually use a small screwdriver
in order to set the house code. The alarms need to be plugged into
an electrical outlet that is not controlled by a switch.
Then program
the control panel. Using the keypad, program the features of the
alarm system. Your wireless home security system should come with
detailed instructions on how to program your system through your
control panel. Just follow the instructions and if you have any
problems, don't be afraid to call the company that you bought your
system from.
Now you need
to install the sensors of your home security system. There will
typically be door and window sensors to install. The sensors usually
include a magnet and a transmitter. Attach the transmitter to the
edge of the window frame and/or door frame. The magnet needs to
be attached to the actual window or door. The basic concept to keep
in mind here is that when these two devices touch, the transmitter
sends a signal to the main panel and says, "everything is good,
the door or window is closed". When they are separated, the
transmitter sends a signal that says, "everything may not be
so good, the window or door is open".
Test your new
home security system. Your last step is to test your newly installed
wireless home security system in order to prove to yourself that
you are a jack of all trades. Refer to your instruction manual.
Have a look at your control panel and try to find a button that
says something like "test mode". It is a good idea to
test all of the sensors and all of the functions that are part of
the particular home security system that you have installed. If
everything works, congratulations, you are a jack of all trades.
Continue to
test your system about once per month. If everything is not working
as you thought it would, go back and retrace your steps to see if
there is anything that you missed. If you can't find your error
then it is possible that you may need to call the company that you
bought the system from.
DIY or Professional
Installation
If you choose to go with DIY security system installation, there
are some drawbacks you need to be aware of. Sometimes wireless home
security systems can be more expensive than hardwired systems. Another
possible drawback is that the security system installation process
can be time consuming and you need to follow the instruction manual
faithfully.
There can be
a bit of a learning curve when it comes to knowing how to arm, disarm
and properly use your security system in general. If you opt for
professional installation then the installer will make sure that
you thoroughly understand how to use your home security system.
For some people
and for certain types of homes, professional home security system
installation is a better solution. You need to really take a close
look at the benefits and the drawbacks of these two different options.
One of the biggest
advantages of going with professional installation is that you have
a provider to rely on if something happens to go wrong with your
security system. Keep in mind that if you go with one of the well
known security service providers you will have less options when
it comes to the types of devices that you can choose from. Sure,
they almost all offer top of the line equipment but if you go the
DIY route then you can pick and choose exactly how much you want
to spend on your equipment. Of course, that doesn't really matter
all that much if the provider offers free equipment.
In the end, the
choice is really up to you. You can go with a full blown, well known
home security company who will install, test and monitor your system
giving you the piece of mind in knowing that you are being looked
after 24 hours a day. Or, you can save a few bucks and do it all
yourself and still have a reasonable amount of security.
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