It is a well proven fact that homes and commercial buildings that have a professionally fitted burglar alarm system are less likely to be broken into. Most burglars will choose an easy target, so a house with a burglar alarm acts as a good deterrent.

It is important to remember that an alarm is not the only thing you can do to make your home more secure, security lighting, good locks and window locks are a few other things that can be done to keep your home safe and secure.

How do burglar alarms work?

A burglar alarm will always contain the following basic components, regardless of how complex the system may be.

• Detection sensors- A sensor that detects movement, pressure and/or door contacts
• Control - A control panel that acts as the brains of the alarm system
• Signal / alarm - The internal external sounder.
  

Detection Sensors

The majority of alarm systems have at least two detection device types and the most common sensors that are used are:-

• Magnetic contacts - Magnets are fitted to the part of the door/window that opens and then a switch is fitted to the frame. When the door/window is then opened, the magnet and switch are separated which activates the alarm and makes it sound.
• PIR's or Passive Infra-Red Receivers - These are commonly fitted in to the corner of a room and are used to look for temperature changes - this would pick up on heat radiated from a burglars body heat.
  

Control Panel

The alarm control panel is where you activate and deactivate the alarm system, this is usually done by entering a code in to a keypad. The control equipment is the brain of the alarm system and monitors the detection sensors and will activate the alarm if necessary.

Signal / Alarm

• Audible alarms - alarms fitted with a bell / siren attached to the exterior of a building to attract attention and scare off burglars.
• Monitored alarms - this type of alarm includes a telephone connection to a 24 hour monitoring station. Operators can contact either the key holders or tell the garda if the alarm has been activated. There is an annual fee for having a monitored alarm service.
  

All burglar alarms fitted by our members across Ireland are fitted and maintained to British standard specifications.