You own a home and have pets. You adore your pets, but can a monitored alarm system protect your home and your pet? Will your pet constantly set off the system with false alarms? You understand the importance of a monitored alarm system, but will having a dog or cat make installing a new system impossible?
What is a Home Security System?
The name of any security system contains the most basic definition of it. It is a means or method by which something is secured through a system of interworking components and devices. Home security systems operate on the simple premise of securing entry points into a home with sensors that communicate with a control panel or command centre installed somewhere in the home.
The sensors are typically installed in doors leading to and from a home, as well as easily accessible windows, particularly those that open, particularly those on the ground floor. Motion sensors can be used to secure open areas within homes.
Home Security Features
Most security systems appear to be functional from the outside but fail to function properly once installed. There are various types of security systems on the market, and to make an informed purchase, you should look for the following features.
Control Panel
The control panel is the technology that arms and disarms security systems, communicates with each installed component, sounds the alarm when a security zone is violated and communicates with an alarm monitoring company.
They usually have a touchpad for easy programming and interaction, where passcodes are entered to arm and disarm the system, can work with voice commands, and can be programmed to work with wireless remote controls known as key fobs.
Door and Window Sensors
Door and window sensors are made up of two parts that are installed next to each other. The device is installed with one part on the door or window and the other on the door frame or window sill. When a door or window is closed, the two parts of the sensor connect to form a security circuit.
When the security system is activated at the control panel, these sensors report that the point of entry is secure. When a monitored door or window is abruptly opened, the security circuit is disrupted, and the control panel interprets this as a breach of a secured zone. A high-decibel alarm is sounded, and the alarm monitoring company is usually automatically notified.
Motion Sensors
When activated, these security components create an invisible zone that cannot be breached without sounding an alarm. These are typically used to protect rooms that contain valuables as well as less-frequented areas in larger homes.
Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras, which are available in both wired and wireless configurations, can be used in a variety of ways as part of an overall security system.
Remote access to surveillance cameras is possible via computers, smartphones, and tablets. They can be used to record any security breaches, resulting in footage of a home invasion, including a good look at the burglars and possibly even the vehicle they drove.
How Do Pet Security Systems Work?
You’ve probably heard stories about pets setting off security systems, resulting in false alarms, a stressed pet, irritated neighbours, and a lot of wasted time, energy, and money. Do pets, on the other hand, set off alarms?
In a nutshell, yes. According to research, pets cause one-fifth of false burglar alarms. However, whether it will work well with your pets is entirely dependent on the security system you have and how it is configured.
Many ‘pet-friendly’ security systems are available on the market, and they include a variety of features and technologies that allow a security system to remain secure while preventing it from being triggered by a pet.
A ‘pet-friendly’ security system is not significantly different from a standard security system. The primary distinction is the type of motion sensors used.
Regular motion sensors detect any movement, which sets off an alarm. This is great for detecting intruders, but if you have a pet running around the house, jumping on countertops and pawing at doors, you’ll get a lot of alarm notifications. This is due to their inability to distinguish between a human and your four-legged companion.
Pets and false alarms have become a problem for security system manufacturers. As a result, they’ve spent a lot of time and money developing ‘pet-friendly’ or ‘pet-immune’ motion detectors and sensors to solve the problem for homeowners.
These new systems are effective and were developed by analysing the movement and behaviours of various domestic animals and converting these observations into sophisticated, coded algorithms capable of distinguishing between human and animal movements.
The technology in these motion sensors will determine the weight, speed, mass, movement, and body temperature of the detected moving object, allowing the cause to be ruled out as pets. Most security systems will use weight to determine whether a detected movement was caused by a human or an animal. Many will not sound an intruder alarm if the pet weighs less than 35kg, making them especially useful for owners of cats, small dogs, birds, and reptiles.
However, if a pet weighs more than this, such as a large dog, pet owners may encounter difficulties. This is not to say that there is no solution. A good home security company will be able to find you a solution that is compatible with your home, pets, and way of life.
Another type of technology that can be used to prevent pets from setting off false alarms is PIR (passive infrared) detectors. They are intended to detect the movement of body heat by constantly monitoring for changes in the thermal environment. As a result of a larger thermal change when entering a room than an animal, the types of motion detection can be distinguished and identified.
It’s critical to inform your security system provider about the types of pets you have and their habits so that they can design a security system that works for you and your lifestyle, including your pets.
Once they have a complete picture, they can recommend the best technologies to reduce the number of false alarms caused by pet interference. Does your cat, for example, jump on the counter? Is your dog confined to one room or free to roam wherever they want when you’re not home?
Your security provider will carefully place motion sensors throughout your home to provide you with the most effective yet pet-friendly security system.
