Commercial Security
The majority of alarm systems consist of an external siren/strobe
light, an internal siren, keypad(s), a control panel and
of course, sensors. There are also many other elements that
can be added to a system, for example, wire free motion
detectors, panic buttons, additional keypads and smoke detectors.
These are usually placed on the front of a premises, where
they are plainly visible by both would-be attackers and
passing traffic. They consist of a brightly flashing strobe
light and a loud siren.
Usually just a bell, but can sometimes also contain a flashing
strobe. These are used to attract the attention of the occupiers
of the premises. They are usually located in a central location
which can be heard from throughout the premises. Numerous
sirens may be installed as required.
Keypads allow a user to arm and disarm the alarm system.
They also display information valid to the user such as
which zone was activated, when it was activated and currently
activated zones. Numerous keypads may be installed as required.
This is the main processing unit of any alarm centre. All
the other elements communicate with it either wirelessly
or through cables.
There are numerous types of sensors. Some detect motion
in a room, others detect the opening of a door or window
and others detect the breaking of glass. A sensor can be
classed as anything, which when activated, sends a signal
to the control panel. Depending on the state of system,
this may or may not result in an activation of the alarm
system.
Wireless systems remove the need to physically connect each
sensor in an alarm system to the control panel. They can
be incorporated into an existing system, mixed with a wired
system or used totally on their own.
