Should I Install a Hardwired Security System Myself?

Are you a Do-it-Yourself person and are thinking of installing a security system to protect your family? If so, then it’s important to understand what is required. Here are a few steps to consider prior to taking on this project:

First, choose a quality system. Do your due-diligence to ensure you are purchasing dependable products for your home. It’s always best to compare systems before making a decision.

Second, read the instructions that are included with the product in detail prior to starting the work to ensure you understand how to correctly install the alarm system components and devices. Search online for do-it-yourself steps or contact the product manufacturer if you require further assistance, please note that some manufacturers will only support security professionals.

The next step is to confirm that there is accessibility to run wires to all of the areas within your home that you are planning to install security alarm devices such as motion detectors, window or door contacts, keypads, glass break detectors and smoke detectors. If you are required to remove any trim or casement around windows and doors to run cable; ensure it is removable and not permanently attached like ceramic baseboard in the foyer or bathroom.

Now you need to confirm that you have the correct tools such as fish tapes, multi-meters, drills, ladder, screwdrivers, flash light and drill bits to properly install the hardware.

Lastly, do you have the time to correctly install this residential security system? With all the wiring and other things involved in installing this type of system, it takes time. You don’t want to rush through the installation or you will end up with a security alarm that doesn’t operate effectively.

Having a properly installed security system is a great idea, so ensure you follow the steps above and complete your research prior to starting. Now that you know what it takes to install a hardwired security system you must decide if it’s a Do-it-yourself project or something you want to hire a professional company like SECUR-U Inc.

Avoiding False Alarms - Tips from your local Security Professional.

Having a security system can certainly provide the peace of mind that many homeowners count on but your alarm system must be a reliable solution that you can trust.   Here are a few simple things that you can do this winter to help prevent a false alarm.    

Your security system uses contacts on windows and doors which activate the alarm when separated.  In our cold climate some door and window frames have the tendency to contract.  This contracting increases the spacing between the door, window and the frame so check that all contacts are spaced correctly. 

To check for proper spacing of the contacts, enable the chime feature on the keypad (if not already on). Once the chime is enabled, close and lock the protected window or doors.  Then try opening the door or window by pulling or pushing on it.  If you do not hear the chime then the spacing alignment is correct.  However, if you can hear the chime then you should consult your security company for an adjustment to the spacing of the contacts.  

The interior of most homes are protected with motion detectors.  You can reduce false alarms by ensuring that the motion detector is mounted at the correct location.  A professional installer is well versed at where to mount the devices so that they are at the right height with the correct settings as recommended by the manufacturer. 

Yet, homeowners can avoid false detection by simply being aware that the motion is sensitive to movement and heat.   For example, moving a table to within six feet of a motion detector could offer your cat or small animal the perfect resting spot.  This new resting spot can activate your motion detector and trigger an alarm.  If you have a pet, you may want to consider one with intelligent signal analysis (ie. LC-100 from DSC) these motions detect pets up to 55 lbs. without triggering an alarm.

Similarly to avoid triggering motion detectors, consider where you hang decorations.  A balloon or streamer offers the perfect sway to set off a motion.  It would be really frustrating to rush home or worse have the police dispatched because your alarm is going off only to find that your party decorations from the night before have come undone and are blowing around your foyer!!

Lastly after 18 years in the business, I always recommend providing each key holder with their own four digit code.  This code should be specific to the key holder and EASY to remember but not generic (i.e. Avoid using 1234 or the year of your birth etc.) By having a code that is easy for you to remember when in a stressful situation such as the alarm going off, you are less likely panic and forget the code.  And please, if you don’t remember any of my tips just remember this one… don’t write your alarm code on or above the DSC Keypad!     

If you have an alarm, use it.  You may never need it, but are you prepared to take that chance?

SECUR-U Inc. has been a local leader of security systems in Milton for over 18 years.  We would be happy to assist you with any questions that you may have.

What you need to know when purchasing a security system. With so many security system providers out there and with each one offering different solutions at completely different pricing, deciding on the right provider can be a bit daunting.

The most important thing when investing in a security system is to understand what level of protection you are receiving.   The right level of protection for your needs should be decided first.  Our recommendation is to secure all doors as they are the most common entry point for an intruder.  Secondly; if you are looking for the utmost amount of coverage while you are home, protect accessible windows so that when arming your security system in the stay mode you have the full perimeter secured. 

In addition to protecting the perimeter, motion detectors when properly placed are the most effective way to secure the interior space.  Motion detectors do just that – detect motion.   It is important to understand that if you arm your alarm while you are in the house in the ‘stay’ mode, you have bypassed the motion detectors which allow you to walk around in your home while the system is armed, so effectively you are only protecting the perimeter and not the interior.  But, if you have a keypad in your bedroom or a wireless remote control you can arm your alarm system in the away mode before you head to bed which will enable the motions.  However, you must be aware that, as soon as you walk within range of your motion detectors by heading to the fridge for a late night snack, you may trip your alarm.
  
Your security system must be convenient and simple to use.  Keypads should be placed at common entry areas to easily arm and disarm as you enter and exit your home.  We also carry wireless remotes that attach to your keychain so that you can arm and disarm your system as you are pulling out of your driveway, or coming into your house with arms full of groceries. 

This is where we need to pay attention; let’s talk about the costs. Most providers will provide you with a basic package at no cost or with a small activation or installation fee plus a monthly monitoring service with a term of three to five years.   In addition to the basic components, it is common that alarm system companies will charge for additional material over and above the basic package.   Some companies offer these additional components for ‘free’ to sweeten the deal.  But be aware that they often build these costs into your monitoring fee by increasing your monitoring rate.  It doesn’t seem like much but if you are paying $7.00 per month more than the average rate of $24.95 over a ten years term you have spent $840.00 for those few additional components.

Here are some Questions to ask your potential provider: What are the monthly fees? What is my term? Will the monthly fees increase over the duration or following the initial agreement? Do I own my system after the term is complete or am I renting the system? Lastly, I would suggest that you always read the ‘fine print’ and get a quote with details of the equipment in writing.

For more information contact me directly at info@securu.com

Be safe, and always arm your alarm. 

Doug Penson
President
SECUR-U Inc.

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your

carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator

Security Systems are generally programmed to send an automatic weekly test to the central station to verify regular communication at a random hour selected by the technician,

If the weekly test or any signal does not transmit to the station your security alarm keypad should indicate a trouble signal that will bring the awareness to the home or business owner that a problem has occurred on their alarm system.    A trouble light can symbolize several issues with your security system from a power failure, low battery, zone fault, clock error or failure to communicate.   All of these issues should be addressed in a timely fashion so that the integrity of the system is not affected. 

Will my pet set off my Alarm System?

Pets are safe from false alarms with SECUR-U in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Georgetown 

You can have pets with our SECUR-U security alarms, our DSC wireless motion detector (model #WS4904PW) and hardwired motion detector (model # BV-300DP) feature pet immunity up to 60 lbs which is a combined weight of all animals.

Being an animal lover myself, our family includes a sturdy chocolate Lab that weights more than 60 lbs and I have installed many motion detectors protecting the interior of our home, but saying that because of the size of our four legged friend we must remember to arm our security system in the stay mode whenever our dog is home to bypass the motion detectors in our residential security alarm or a false alarm will occur.   We chose to install the motion detectors so that we would have added protection to our house when our dog or family members are not there.

Specifications from the DSC manufacturer:

The Digital Bravo3P PIR detector is specifically designed to provide optimum catch performance

and enhanced false alarm prevention in environments containing pets. It utilizes digital technology, a microprocessor, Multi Level Signal Processing (MLSP)*, dual operating parameters, automatic temperature compensation and a unique pet rejection lens to provide effective and reliable detection of human motion and good protection against nuisance alarm associated with pets weighing up to 60lbs (27.3kg).

The detector also provides excellent immunity to such false alarm producing influences as RF, static and electrical transient. This technology, plus exceptional design care and careful factory testing, ensure years of trouble free performance.

Where should I locate the motion detector for best coverage?

Select a detector location that will provide the coverage required and will allow the detector to be mounted a minimum of 6.5ft high and not higher than 10ft (7.5ft recommended). Consider the following to avoid false alarms:

• Do not aim the detector at a stairway which a pet has access to. Do not place furniture or objects higher than 3 ft, which a pet can climb onto (e.g. a cat on a couch), closer than 6 ft to the detector.

• Mount the detector flat on a wall or in a corner. Do not angle it downwards or use mounting brackets with this detector.

• Do not aim the detector at reflective surfaces such as mirrors or windows as this may distort the coverage pattern or reflect sunlight directly onto the detector.

• Avoid locations that are subject to direct high air flow such as near an air duct outlet.

• Do not locate the detector near sources of moisture such as steam or oil.

• Do not locate the detector in the path of direct or reflected (mirror) sunlight.

• Do not limit the coverage by having large obstructions in the detection area, such as plants or cabinets.