Home Security Systems

By Sylvia Rosen

Door alarms are electrical devices which are attached to a door so that if it is opened or damaged then an alarm is activated. There are also door sensors which are not integrated into the security network in this way and work on the principle that the attempted burglary will be aborted if a loud alarm is sounding.

Different types of door alarms

There are a variety of units: most of them work using some kind of magnetic sensing device, but others are also shock absorbers which can detect if a door is being battered or broken.

Sliders can be a type of door alarm that is made up of two units that is affixed to a sliding door and the other side of the room directly opposite. They work by emitting a laser beam at the other one. If the door is opened by sliding, then the beam will break and the alarm will sound. A similar device uses magnets to connect the two parts of the device. When the magnets are separated, the alarm will sound. The disadvantage to this type of alarm is that shattering the glass will not set off the siren.

You can purchase individual sliders as well as wireless door alarms that sound when the seal is broken for as little as $5 each.

Be aware of the pros and cons of both DIY and professionally installed systems:

Home security network integration

All alarms have the potential to be integrated into your home security network. You can hook up alarms using the electric power grid to security control devices located in other parts of the house. Many devices also have wireless functionality, which lets you manage their control without wires that can be cut by criminals.

Door alarms can also be integrated into the security network so that the door can be monitored by surveillance cameras as well. Backup electrical power can also be assured by connections to generators or batteries.

Cost - individual or integrated

It costs much more to get your security alarms integrated by a professional security company into your home security network; the difference can be several thousand dollars. But generally, if you want round-the-clock surveillance and notification of police then going with the integrated system and professional installation is generally the best option.