How Does A Burglar Alarm Use Sensors?

November 7th, 2023



A burglar alarm has different components: the main control panel and the alarm box. The latter covers the sensors and the siren. Basically, the control panel is the “brain” of the system. It receives information from the sensors, processes them, and makes a decision on what to do next—like sounding a siren, but how does a burglar alarm use sensors?

Actually, sensors used in burglar alarms are monitoring devices. Some of them are mechanical while some of them operate electronically. Perhaps the most popular burglar alarm sensor you can find in all sorts of alarm devices is the door/window sensor.

Door/window sensors are usually mechanical in operation. They utilize a magnet to make or break a contact within the sensors to sense whether a door or window moved (opened or closed). The control panel of the burglar alarm monitors the signals coming from the sensors to determine whether a contact is made or broken. However, some sensors are classified as entry/exit door sensors. A sensor like this allows the homeowner to get inside and disarm the alarm without needing to set the siren off.

Another kind of alarm sensor is the one called passive infrared sensor or PIR. This kind of sensor detects the movement happening within an area by monitoring the changes in temperature (heat) in front of it. It gets triggered if a sudden change in heat occurs like when someone touches, walks or stands in front of it. This kind of sensor does not sense a gradual alteration of the temperature so it will not turn the alarm on when there is a steady change of ambient temperature.

Other forms of sensors work by detecting shocks. They are directly installed onto a door or window and are expected to go off when someone attempts to smash into the house. They detect the vibration and this is what sets the alarm off.

Other burglar alarm systems used in home security have additional safety sensors like carbon monoxide or smoke detection. They are great at detecting fire and are absolutely well worth it because they can help save lives. As some security systems can automatically dispatch firemen, police, and rescuers upon the detection of a breach in security, lives can be spared.

Anyway, when choosing the kind of sensors that make up your home security system, your first priority is to set your expectations. Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Consider the area that you live in as well as the lifestyle that you have. Do you live in an apartment building? Do you travel a lot? These things are important so you can choose the right devices for you. You can learn more about how does a burglar alarm use sensors and how they actually work from professionals. You can consult with a security company and talk about your options. Installing an alarm system in your home is not the cheapest thing on earth. You surely would want to get your money’s worth. Besides, who would not want to be secured these days?

"Steve I just wanted to thank you and your partner Ray Kindsfather for the fine work you men did installing the security cameras around my home. The quality of the pictures is excellent, the clarity in day or infrared mode is exactly what I was looking for. What good is a camera if you can't identify the person and these cameras will greatly assist the police in identifying a perpetrator. The computer side of the job is easy and fast with very little adjustment time for me in finding what I want to see. Software and hardware get A+++++ no doubt about. The Ring is equally easy to use and the quality of the camera is equally strong. The installation was clean and fast. You maintain a clean site, it’s like you were never here. You answered all my questions with pin point accuracy. Integrity suits you well. Your answers were honest and to the point. Refreshing in today’s world. All and all you and Ray make a strong team at DWS Technology LLC. I have no problem recommending you to friend or family, home or business. God bless you both with your business. I will call you for future installations. "

Cliff Mulvaney

Homeowner

"Ray, in reviewing several different security cameras there were many good products, but none met my criteria of clarity and no long-term contract. Raymond, you showed me one product that caught my attention with the clarity and distance viewing that I could not get with other systems. The zoom after a few feet became distorted with the other systems but with the Alibi NVR package you demoed, we could zoom in and out with clarity which made this product stand out from all the rest. The NVR system is so simple, in fact, anyone can configure the system to suit their needs. You can monitor your home from your smartphone or tablet and having security cameras makes it a great deterrent for criminal activity. DWS Technology delivered as promised! Your installation crew worked clean and treated my home as if it was their own. Great attention to detail! I will recommend DWS Technology to anyone! Great job guys!"

Eli R.

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Building Superintendent, Catholic Charities

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