Types of Home Security Systems – San Diego Home Service

With crime rates spiking in certain parts of the country, many people are looking to install or upgrade a home security systems. Types of home security systems include security cameras, CCTV systems, alarm systems, and other devices to improve their security. But problems arise when the decision regarding what type of security is better arise: monitored vs. unmonitored home security. Some people feel that unmonitored security offers benefits that outweigh the drawbacks, while others feel much safer with monitored security. In order to help you decide, here are the pros and cons of both types of security:

Monitored Home Security

Monitored home security means that the security system is connected to a location where it is being monitored. Whether it is a single guard sitting and watching a CCTV system or a home alarm system wired to a central alert station, where there are dozens of people keeping watch, there are a number of advantages to having monitored home security:

1. Excellent Security – The main reason that most people opt for monitored home systems is that they get better security. They can’t be watching their home at all hours of the day, much less if they are out of town. With someone monitoring their home, they can rest assured that they will always be protected.
2. Immediate Assistance – If the home security is breached, it is easy for those monitoring the home to instantly provide assistance. Most monitored security systems are connected to the police, and they provide instant alerts to the police if someone breaks into the house.
3. Peace of Mind – Most people who contract home security are worried about their home being broken into, but monitored systems can provide you with a good deal of peace of mind that your home is always being watched. As long as there is someone keeping an eye on your home, you can always feel safe and secure.
4. Always Vigilant – The monitored home security systems are always being watched, even when you are not at home. With a monitored system, you can go on vacation, leave the house unattended, and even spend months away from home and still come back to a home that is safe and protected.
5. Prevents Isolation – Many people that live far from neighbors will not have people to keep an eye on their home, and this isolation often means that they are a more tempting target for thieves. However, the monitored security systems ensure that isolation is not a problem, as the home can be watched even if there is no one nearby to keep an eye on it.

Unmonitored Home Security

Unmonitored security systems are also excellent to help you keep your home safe, though they will only be effective if someone can hear or see them. For example, an unmonitored home security system may include a loud alarm that goes off when your home is broken into. Here are some reasons you may want to consider an unmonitored home security system:

1. Much Cheaper – If you are contracting a monitored home security system, you are paying for a much costlier service than installing a simple alarm. You can end up paying a one time fee for an unmonitored home security system instead of the monthly fee that you are charged with a monitored service.
2. More Convenient – Monitored security systems require a telephone connection to alert your security company that your home is being broken into. However, with an unmonitored system, there is no need for that phone line. The unmonitored systems are also a good deal easier to install, and you can get your unmonitored home security system set up quickly and easily.
3. Equally Effective – Most unmonitored security systems will not be quite as effective in every case, as they will not provide the same amount of deterrent as a monitored system. However, imagine if you were a thief breaking into a home and an incredibly loud noise went off as the home alarm. This is often more than enough to terrify thieves, thus making many of the unmonitored home security systems equally or nearly as effective as the monitored ones.

As you can see, there are clear pros and cons in these two types of home security systems . You have to decide which of the various advantages above are the most important to you, and that will help you to make your choice of which type of home security system will be the best for you: the monitored or unmonitored security system.

 

Those working in the installation and repair of lightning protection systems are performing a sophisticated technical part of the electric trade. Special training is available from the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), which then tests the knowledge of installation techniques. A certificate shows successful completion of each exam, ranging from journeyman installer through designer/inspector.  

Job duties require walking on rooftops, working while standing on platforms and climbing ladders. Lightning protection contractors install, repair and alter requires knowledge of different types or rods and their placement and the ability to read blueprints and follow detailed instructions regarding installation of cables, rods and connectors. Maintenance of electrical and electronic wiring, such as cable, is another requirement.

To create protection from lightning, it is essential to know the square footage of the house or building, location of underground metal pipes and well casings, and the height of each structural section. Sinking metal underground is another step in this process, as is the process of making a continuous loop to divert and carry the electrical charge from the lightning safely into the ground.  

Tools used to Install and Repair Lightning Protection

The use of hand power tools such as power saws and drills are essential to this type of job. Skill in testing electrical systems and continuity of circuits with voltmeters, oscilloscopes and ohmmeters give the lightning protection technician the feedback needed to verify the system is working properly and help locate a problem area, since a break destroys effectiveness.  

Items to consider adding include whole house surge protector and lightning protection rods to safely absorb and carry the charge from the lightning.

A quality stepladder is very important, as it provides safe access to areas that are part of the lightning protective system. Always check the weight rating of the ladder to confirm all workers can safely use it and that the ladder is tall enough to allow reach while standing on a safe step.

Precautionary Measures

Have the proper equipment and gear for walking along the sloped levels of roofing, which helps avoid accidents caused by slipping and falling. Keep the braided copper cable near the area in which you are working to limit the steps needed traveling back and forth along the roof to gather material.

Do not crush the roofing while installing the lightning rods, also known as air terminals. Fasten rods on the chimney with anchor straps so that they are secure. Get a lightning protection setup that is UL approved. Have the system checked regularly according to the manual to confirm it is working properly.

Benefits of Lightning Protection

Proper design, grounding and installation are vital if a system that has protection from lightning is going to work. Although the rod does not attract the lighting or repel it, it does create the path of least resistance by intercepting the strike before it hits the building.

The system depends on air terminals, which most of us refer to as lightning protection rods, on top of the roof, cables and connectors, and at least two rods sunk deep into the ground. The current safely follows the path to the ground and below. Some of the things near or in houses and buildings that conduct lightning include:

• Metals in pipes such as copper and iron
• Phone, cable, TV and computer wiring
• Metal siding, gutters, doors and windows

Protect your home further by installing lightning arrestors or a whole house surge protector on incoming phone, power and cable lines to deter lightning traveling along power lines.

Installing surveillance security systems is a great way of maintaining a secure property, keeping an eye out for intruders or watching your children outside of the house.

Communication and low voltage contractors perform various duties in installing a surveillance security system. These responsibilities include installation and repair of closed-circuit video systems, such as spy and nanny hidden video cameras, closed circuit TV (CCTV), and home theater systems. Low voltage systems use 91 volts or less of energy and include other systems like satellite dish antennas and low voltage landscape lighting.

Those working in installation and repair of surveillance security cameras need to know how to install the different types of cameras and determine which ones are the best for the job. Camera types include SeekTech security cameras or hidden video cameras, for example. Surveillance system contractors also need to measure the space to be covered, determining how to work around obstacles that prevent good coverage, and finding the right place for installation are the beginning steps.

Climbing ladders, reaching upwards or outwards to connect wires and working with electricity are tasks needed for repairing and installing the cameras. Explaining how to operate the equipment and why the layout design is best for the customer’s needs is essential. Reading manuals, following directions and knowledge of assembly are essential skills.

Tools used for the Installation and Repair of Surveillance Security Cameras

A few of the more common tools used with the installation and repair of surveillance cameras are flathead and Phillips screwdrivers and a cordless drill with the standard array of bits.  Both stepladders and extension ladders are essential, since they enable access to indoor and outdoor areas of installation. Verify the weight allowance of the ladder is valid for all users and that it is tall enough to install the cable and lines safely.

Precautionary Measures

Set the surveillance security cameras where they will not be in the way of sports equipment used around the yard. Mount the camera so it will not shake, which can interfere with good pictures. Surveillance security cameras placed outside should have:

• Hardened casing to deter tampering and stand up to destructive attempts
• Weatherproof casings to protect from rain and other adverse weather

Also, if you chose to install hidden video cameras, make note of where they are located and make sure they are protected from damaged, as they are not easily visible. You should also make note of where the camera wires are running, if you do not have a SeekTech security camera.

Sometimes repair can be as easy as installing new batteries or fixing the low voltage transformer. Wear the proper gloves for either one of those tasks.

Benefits of Having a Surveillance Security System

List the reasons you want a surveillance security system and base your design plan accordingly. Install the surveillance camera or cameras to cover the area, with the lens close enough to have good visibility while offering the camera the opportunity for great focus. If there are any obstructions in the way that offer a hiding spot for danger, consider a camera from the other side to allow better observation.

The camera is not always recording, but allows you to watch the kids play in the yard while you prepare dinner. If you want, set the cameras to start recording when motion detectors activate. Get a recording system that is compatible with your security camera.

Licensing Requirements

The California Contractors State License Board requires passing the exam and four years of journeyman level experience to get the specialty C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractors license required for a business dealing with installation, servicing or repairing low voltage systems such as security systems and surveillance cameras.

San Diego Electromagnetic Alarm Systems

Magnetic contact systems are often used on doors to apartment buildings and secure areas like local government offices. This is a simple, yet effective product using a magnet in a sealed case, with a switch on the opposite side. When the contact for the magnet is removed from the switch, the alarm will sound. The reason this is used more often in these typoes of installations is because of the simplicity of the design and the limited ways in which this type of security can be fooled.

When opening a door that is protected by an electromagnetic system or latch, a button is usually pressed which signals the magnet to release itself from the alarm or locking mechanisim. This allows the visitor to enter the building without triggering a siren. Usually this choice of alarm systems is used to replace the standard lock and key.

It is always important to consider a home security expert or an installation contractor licensed to handle the product you choose for your business.