Understanding Security Systems

Security systems come in all shapes and sizes and at times it can be hard to establish what you need from what you don't. We here at Security Co-Op have recognized the possible confusion and have taken the time to put together a list of the potential parts in a security system, as well as the main manufactures of these parts.

Security Alarm

Security alarms, used in an electronic form, are becoming more and more popular everyday. It's a great idea to protect your investments and getting a security alarm is the best way to protect these investments. Using sensors that are connected to a control unit using a low voltage hardware or narrowband radio frequency signal the sensor can interact with a response device. The features of a security system are endless while the most typical ones indicate the opening of a door or window or detect motion using passive infrared technology. When constructing houses or buildings hardwired security systems are most typically installed while in houses and buildings that are already completed wireless security systems are usually installed. The use of a security system doesn't just begin and end with preventing theft and intrusion; security systems are also capable of detecting fire, heat levels, carbon monoxide levels, and more.

Top Brands: Ademco, GE Security, Sony, Optex, DSC, Visonic

Wireless Home Security Systems

Wireless home security systems have provided a new wave of security systems. With the use of battery-powered sensors, over hardwired, you are fully able to erect a security system anywhere. Without the use of hard wires, wireless security systems provide you with the security you need while still presenting a value of flexibility and easy installation.

Top Brands: Visonic, GE, Dtexx, Ademco

Hardwired Home Security Systems

Hardwired security systems have been around for years and are perhaps the best in the business. They provide the potential to protect the investments of small homes all the way to large business offices and allow for a great deal of privacy. Hardwired security systems have the technology to provide you with a basic form of protection however they also provide a substantial amount of flexibility allowing you to expand your security in any direction you please.

Top Brands: Admeco, DSC, GE

Motion Detectors

Motion detectors, next to security cameras, are one of the primary keys to a security system. With endless designs and features you are sure to find an attractive, intelligent, installer friendly motion detector. One that not only looks good but works seamlessly as well.

Top Brands: Visonic, DSC, Optex

Glass Break Detectors

Windows and glass provide perfect entry points for any intruded. Protecting these entry points has become very important when it comes to security. Using a small sensor you are able to know exactly when someone has broken a window in attempt to enter your premises. One of the largest advantages of glass break detectors is that you are able to know when someone is trying to enter your premises, while with motion detectors you will only know after they are already in moving about.

Top Brands: Visonic, DSC, U.S. Products, Mace

Photoelectric Detectors

Photoelectric detectors use infrared technology to launch a beam from one sensor to another. When this beam is broken, perhaps when someone walks through it, an alarm will trigger. Photoelectric detectors offer a substantial amount of security for anyone looking to go the extra mile in security.

Top Brand: Optex

Sirens, Speakers, & Strobes

Sirens, speakers, and strobes are key components to all security systems. Not only will you be alarmed of an intruder but you also have the ability let the intruder know that their presence is know, if you wish. Sirens, speakers, & strobes not only increase your safety they help eliminate the possibility of intruders.

Top Brands: DSC, Amseco, ELK, Ademco

Video Surveillance Cameras

In today's age video surveillance cameras exists all over and its no surprise that they have become an important, if not the most important, part of security system. With the ability to use live viewing as well as recording, video surveillance cameras allow you to keep a close eye on your property and investments.

Top Brands: Resi-cam

Door & Window Contacts and Control Devices

Using sensors that create a magnetic seal you are able to provide protection to your most vulnerable entry points, doors and windows. The seals detect the movement of doors and windows, triggering an alarm if necessary.

Top Brands: Ademco, Winland

Smoke, Heat, & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Statistics show that approximately 4,000 Americans die every year in fires and over 25,000 more people are injured due to a fire. The thought using fire protection has probably crossed your mind however how many of us truly take advantage of the capabilities used to detect fires or carbon monoxide levels? In an event of a fire its always better to be safe than sorry.

Top Brands: DSC, ESL

Driveway Alarm, Door Chime & Announcers

Driveway alarms and door chime and announcers come in all shapes and sizes, all of which provide protection of your property and alert you to any presence. Using wireless or handheld models ranging from 1,000 feet to 2 miles away you are sure to find an alarm or chime that works best for you.

Top Brands: Optex, Amseco, Dakota

Dialers, Voice & Pager

The only way to know if your alarm is triggered is to have an autodialer. When your alarm is set off your autodialer will alert you, the authorities, or whom ever you wish that there were an intrusion.

Top Brands: U.S. Products, Visonic, Sensaphone