Types of Alarm Systems

The variety and types of alarm systems available in the modern marketplace are staggering. The consumer needs to be educated in order to make the right buying decision when it comes to purchasing a security system. In order to choose or create the appropriate configuration, it is helpful to understand the basic components of the different types of alarm systems.

Motion Detectors

Motion detectors are a common component in the types of alarm systems created to protect against home intrusion. They can work in a few different ways, but the outcome is that they pick up movement in a room and interpret it as a threat. The device itself can use either a physical mechanism or an electronic sensor.

The motion detectors used in the various types of alarm systems will fall into one of three categories: passive infrared, ultrasonic, and microwave. The passive infrared sensors are able to pick up body heat when a person enters a room. In this way, the phrase "motion detector" is a bit of a misnomer. An ultrasonic sensor actually creates pulses and measures how they bounce back. They will be interrupted by a moving object. Finally, a microwave sensor also sends out pulses and measures them as they bounce back. The microwave sensor can be compared to a police officer's radar gun.

When comparing the different types of alarm systems, realize that it is possible for some motion detectors to utilize more than one of these technologies at once.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are another of the various types of alarm systems. These generally work in one of two ways. Either the smoke detector is able to "see" the smoke, or it is able to recognize the chemical process that takes place during a fire. The first type of smoke detector is called photoelectric, and it involves the smoke detector emitting a beam of light. If the beam is scattered or not reflected back due to smoke, then the alarm is tripped.

The second type of detector recognizes smoke particles in the air, even when they're too small to be picked up by photoelectric devices. It utilizes ionization to determine when these smoke particles are present. There are some downsides to this type of detector because it may have some negative environmental effects. Other detectors can determine if there are elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the air.

Heat Detectors

Another method used for fire protection in some types of alarm systems is the heat detector. These devices are able to monitor a room.s temperature and react if certain changes take place. A baseline is established, and if the temperature rises either too quickly or to a predetermined level, the alarm will be triggered. Heat detectors are not meant to be used instead of smoke detectors, rather they are added in conjunction with the other devices. They are particularly useful in kitchens, garages, and other spaces where smoke detectors may not be recommended.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is both invisible and odorless. For this reason, it is important to utilize special detectors. There are three main types of carbon monoxide detectors. Biomimetic detectors mimic a human reaction to carbon monoxide and change colors when in its presence. This may also be accompanied by an alarm. Electrochemical sensors use a current to determine the amount of carbon monoxide in the air. A semiconductor can detect CO by measuring resistance on an electrical current.

These are just a few of the options that can be included in the various types of alarm systems. Of course, the final intention is that they are able to create some sort of warning when there is an emergency in your home. Whether this is the simple wail of a smoke detector, a flashing warning light on a carbon monoxide detector, or a two-way intercom between you and an alarm company's monitoring center, the result is a sense of security and real help should it be needed.