Friday, February 18, 2011

DIY Home Security Solutions

Why take any risks when it comes to the safety of your home and family? It doesn't require vast sums of money or effort to keep burglars away from your home. And we are sure that you'd rather rest peacefully, knowing you've done what you can to protect the people and possessions in your life that are most precious to you. Therefore let's look at just some of the cost effective ways in which you can achieve your goal of home security:
Security Lights
Security lights may be used in residential, commercial, industrial settings. Some types of security lighting include floodlights. Most lights intended to be left on all night are fitted with low energy bulbs as these have good energy efficiency, therefore reducing the cost of running a light for such long periods.
Some other lights may be activated by sensors such as Passive Infrared Sensors; these sensors are known as PIR sensors, which turn on only when a person approaches. PIR activated lamps will usually be incandescent bulbs so that they can activate instantly; energy saving is less important as these type of lights will not be on all the time. PIR sensor activation can increase both the deterrent effect as the intruder becomes aware that they have been detected and the detection effect as a neighbour will be attracted to the sudden increase in light. Some PIR units can be set up to sound a chime in your home and even take photographs/ video of the area they have been set to cover, as well as turn on the light. Most modern units have a photocell so that they only activate when it is dark.
Security Cameras
Cameras for home security come in many forms, with the most popular being, the dummy camera which is a great visual deterrent to any thief viewing your property. They are very cost effective and extremely simple to fit with no running costs, a large variety of models are available covering internal, external use and even ones with mock infrared lights for night time filming.
For those on a larger budget digital security cameras may suit your needs, these cameras can be linked to your home TV to allow you to view areas of your property from the comfort and safety of your home, you can also record your CCTV filming on to a DVR for your records.
With recent advances in electronics you can now purchase models that combine flood light, camera, pir and speaker in the same unit for around the £100.00 this must be a very cost effective solution to adding peace of mind to any home.
Wireless Alarm Systems
In the past the cost of a burglar alarms was expensive and involved having a professional alarm company in your home running cables all over the house and charging you an annual maintenance fee.
With new fast developing wireless technology we are all now using on a daily basis, this has changed the home alarm system market dramatically, wireless alarm systems are now available which are wire free, easy to install, and suitable to take with you should you move property, these systems range from a simple alarm for your drive to tell you in advance that someone is coming to your door to a full multi zone system which can include out buildings and is simply set with a remote control unit as leave your property.