silentlooker
join:2009-11-01
1 edit | Looking for security alarm advice
I am looking to add security alarm to my house..i did a drawing(used some drawing program but still don't look good..sorry about it)
Anyway as you can see in the left bedroom i got 2 windows, 1 windows in the bathroom. I also have 2 double windows in the kitchen and living room. In addition i got 3 windows on the front of the house plus side window in the same room and also have 1 window near the door.
The house is not pre-wired for the alarm  So i am looking at wireless system. It's 2 floor house but i mainly thinking of putting alarm on first floor, only thing i plan on putting on second floor is alarm keypad and also the main box which i can wire. Thinking of maybe spending between 500-700(is this to little, to much, about right??)
What company should i be looking at?
Thank you |
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KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK | Why not the 2nd floor? Burglars are very good at climbing up to 2nd floor windows and the like. |
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silentlooker
join:2009-11-01
| said by KrK  :Why not the 2nd floor? Burglars are very good at climbing up to 2nd floor windows and the like. The front of the house is totally visible being that it's next to the street so i am thinnking that would be just asking to get caught. As for the back, well they would need to bring a ladder with them. |
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towerdave
join:2002-01-16
O Fallon, IL
 ·AT&T U-Verse
| reply to silentlooker
silentlooker,
What exactly are you planning on installing? Panel, Keypads and what else? Contact sensors on every door and window, 1st and 2nd story, are your first line of defense.
What about glass break detectors. If you have contact sensors, but someone busts a window, you are toast.
Then motion detectors.
Think layers of security.
As for the ladder, do any of your neighbors store a ladder outside? Or anything someone can climb on to get to your 2nd story? Watch the show "It Takes A Thief."
If you do all of that, you are a bit higher than what you have budgeted.
And don't forget monitoring, althought I recommend running the system for a month or so to make sure it's not false alarming all the time. If you are just going to use a regular phone line, there are reputable companies that will monitor for $9/month.
Are you going to install this yourself?
TD |
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Bobcat
Premium
join:2001-02-04
Bedminster, NJ
 ·Verizon Online DSL
1 edit | reply to silentlooker
There are reliable wireless systems. You want a "fully supervised" system, which means the wireless transmitters report their status periodically, and the panel reports a fault if it doesn't hear from them.
I'd suggest contacts on every window (even the second story windows) and door, plus a motion detector or two. I'm having trouble understanding your floor plan, but most houses have an area where everyone, even burglars, will pass through, and you can put a motion detector there. Keep in mind that the master bedroom is probably the number one target for burglars.
It's important for the alarm panel to be in a protected area. You want the alarm to go off before the burglar can reach it.
You might also consider smoke detectors.
Avoid ADT, they're overpriced and they'll nickle and dime you for everything. Avoid Brinks, you don't own the equipment they install.
The main companies will insist that your wife be present when they make their sales pitch. That should give you an idea about their tactics.
Go with a local company. They'll use the same equipment as ADT et al, but it will cost you less. But I'm still thinking $1000+, depending on how many windows you have. |
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silentlooker
join:2009-11-01
| Thanks for both of your reply's, as you can tell i am Noob when it comes to alarms. There is hallway fro garage to the bedroom on the left and also, to the kitchen, living room and extra bedroom.
I do plan on putting contact sensors on every door and window, well was thinking only of first floor might change my mind on that. I guess if they really want to get on second floor they can find away.
Should i just put motion detectors in kitchen and living room and also to cover hallway and the other room?
My problem is, i have no easy way to get cable from first floor to second floor so reason why i am planing on all wireless system and only on first floor except for keypad which i was thinking of going wireless only that can be on first and second floor.
Is their a good website where i can see the prices of the system and see how much each component will cost?
Also thanks for the warning about brings security(boardview security now or whatever they call them self or adt). Will make sure to avoid them. |
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cowboyro
join:2000-10-11
Shelton, CT
·AT&T U-Verse
 ·Comcast
 ·Optimum Voice
| reply to silentlooker
Go wired. Less trouble, more reliable (yes good wireless do report their status periodically but you'll have to constantly replace batteries) and not that difficult to install by someone with the right tools.
No need to go crazy with glass break sensors if you place the PIR's in the right locations. MC's on all access doors... PIR's are *cheap* ($10-15).
Leaving a floor unprotected isn't a good idea especially since it doesn't cost that much extra.
Since you mentioned wiring the box I assume you are handy. If you DIY you could fit the $700 budget maybe even including cellular backup. If a company installs it.. forget it, I wouldn't be surprised to see a $70-100 extra charge for each $10 PIR, they think a $200 panel and $50 worth of sensors is a $1000 value... |
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silentlooker
join:2009-11-01
| Thank you for that reply, the house plan makes wired option nearly impossible(it's just to spread out), so unfortunately while i rather not deal with batteries i don't think i will have a choice unless they make "hybrid" sensors? Can i wire sensor for power but keep it wireless for system connections? |
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Waldothe3rd
Premium
join:2009-02-16
Sun N Sand
·ViaTalk
| reply to silentlooker
You'd be surprised what a professional installer can do to hide any evidence of his installation. My recommendation is to go with a full perimeter (mag switches on windows and doors) installation, and Passive InfraReds inside. That way, if you wish, you can have them all on when you're not there, or use just the perimeter when you're home. I second going with a local company. They'll all try to convince you to go with a monitoring plan for ~$20/mo but the main thing you want to do is have your system make a lot of noise to get any intruder out! |
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Bobcat
Premium
join:2001-02-04
Bedminster, NJ
·Verizon Online DSL
| reply to silentlooker
Don't worry about the batteries, they last for years.
One nice thing with the wireless system is that each contact is its own zone. So when you have a window open, you know which one it is. (Wired systems usually tie several contacts together into a single zone.) That also means you can bypass one zone and leave a window open, while the rest of the system is armed. |
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KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
·AT&T Yahoo
·AT&T DSL Service
·Cox HSI
·AT&T Southwest
| reply to silentlooker
A common misconception is that 2nd floors are "safe" because it's to hard for a burglar to get up there.
Then I watched a show called it takes a thief. That guy used anything, I mean anything. He'd climb on top of fences and then onto the roof, he'd stack trashcans or climb on a BBQ and then up to a porch, he'd climb on a garden shed, etc etc
Of course, it was amazing how many people had ladders in their sheds and backyards. Then it was easy. First, he'd check the shed, oh look, a ladder..... IMHO you need motion sensors for when you aren't home, and sensors to protect areas when you're asleep, etc. My alarm system was installed by a local company called Advance Alarms who provide a lot of Commercial and residential alarm service here.
It's a balance of security and convenience. It has some trade offs but it consists of monitored doors and motion and smoke detectors. The home is well protected when I am away or asleep in the master bedroom, but less so when people are home. You'd like to think a burglar wouldn't break in while you're there and active..... :/
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"Fascism should more properly be called corporatism because it is the merger of state and corporate power." -- Benito Mussolini
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silentlooker
join:2009-11-01
| reply to Bobcat
said by Bobcat :Don't worry about the batteries, they last for years. One nice thing with the wireless system is that each contact is its own zone. So when you have a window open, you know which one it is. (Wired systems usually tie several contacts together into a single zone.) That also means you can bypass one zone and leave a window open, while the rest of the system is armed. Thank you for that reply, can you suggest a company i should look at? |
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dgilbert
Good Bye My Friend
Premium,MVM
join:2002-06-15
none
clubs:
1 edit | stay away from teh big name alarm companies. you get eh equipment/install dirt cheap but pay 2-3x as much monthly for monitoring.
i JUST put one in my house last week, after we got robbed. i went with a mix of wired and wireless, where possible i used hardwire because it is cheaper and reliable. but the wireless devices do indicate trouble on the keypad it the battery is low/missing or if they are out of range. the ones i have have a set of terminals in them so that you can hardwire 1 ore more sensors to it or just use the magnet right next to it. i should have used just 1 for my shop and series several hardwire sensors off it, but i went ahead and got 4 of them so i could have one on each window, the door, and the AC. i had to go wireless in my den as well due to teh vaulted ceiling. but other than that i pulled about 25 runs of wire. yes, each wireless device is on it's own zone, but you can do the same thign with wired if you buy the right panel or if your panel supports zone extenders.
are you going to install this yourself? if so, i highly recommend getting a pro to come in and program teh panel for you when done. i know how to program them, but i still got my security guy to come do mine as he was able to do it in about 30 mins compared to what would have taken me a couple hours. i went with cellular backup, so that added 14.00 a month to the monitoring fee, bringing it to a toatl of 31.00 per month. once i get the certs to my insurance company, the discount on my homeowners should offset most(if not all) of that.
if you go with wired, run 4 wire to the double windows. this way you can drop 1 cable and attach 2 sensors.
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine! |
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silentlooker
join:2009-11-01
1 edit | dgilbert Yes i am planing on doing instulation myself, i am not sure if i will get a pro to program it or will do it my self(yes it will take me longer) but i for sure will learn how to do it 
Thanks for the warning about staying away from big alarm company. |
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MNark
join:2003-11-10
Saint Charles, MO
| Check out »www.smarthome.com
They sell all kinds of wired & wireless alarms, home automation gadgets and accessories. They also offer a monitoring service for about 9 bucks a month or so.
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No tree's were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were extremely inconvenienced. |
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cabot
join:2002-07-11
Apo, AE
| reply to silentlooker
If you are going wireless, one thing to think about is alarm screens (can be connected to your x-mitter). Better than a contact on the window and you can have a window open(and armed) without bypassing. More convenient than PIR's as they dont have to be bypassed or armed "stay mode" PIR's are also tricky if you have pets. Glass breaks are a waste (IMHO) as they are susceptible to false alarms. May be a bit pricey for ya (about 55-75 bux a shot) but the concept is to detect an intruder before he enters your house all the while not impeding on the home owner. Good wireless equipment can be purchased by DIY'rs, just beware, it may not all be "wireless". Another thing to think about is, if you do not want monitoring, make sure your system can call your cell and text you whatever message you want. |
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silentlooker
join:2009-11-01
| Thanks for all of the replys i am getting here!
The main thing i want to go wireless is sensors(such as windows, motion etc in term of connection with keypad), i have no problem hard wiring the power to the siren, keypad. I will look at the sensors you talking about, yes 55-75 is bit price being how many windows i have.
If glass breakers are a waste, should i add more motion detectors? Basically have motion detectors cover all the rooms and in big room, overall each other?
One more question, i have smoke detectors all over the house inter connected with each other. Can i replace one of them with wireless smoke detector to tie in with the alarm system? |
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cabot
join:2002-07-11
Apo, AE | Yes, but no need to replace, just add. New code says smokes in all floors, all sleeping areas. |
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silentlooker
join:2009-11-01
| said by cabot :Yes, but no need to replace, just add. New code says smokes in all floors, all sleeping areas. I have smoke detector in every single room, hallway etc. So basically i have a lot of them. I just basically need a way to connect it to the alarm system so if fires starts it alert the monitoring company. |
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dgilbert
Good Bye My Friend
Premium,MVM
join:2002-06-15
none
clubs:
| reply to cabot
cheaper than the screens, and JUST as effective, is to do what i did and mount 2 magnets. one lines up with teh sensor when the window is closed, the other lines up when the windows is open about 4-5 inches. i did not go any wider than that because it is getting more common for thieves to shove a small kid in a window. so you want it wide enough to allow air flow, but narrow enough a small kid can't fit thru.
i agree on the GB, my cousin that i got teh system from said he never uses them anymore unless the person just demands them. i remember my stepdad setting off their GB one time when he sneezed!
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine! |
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