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.

Security alarms monitor your home twenty-four hours a day. Whether armed or disarmed, your security system also protects you from tragedies such as a fire, water damage, and high temperature or carbon monoxide levels. Imagine the devastation when you arrive home to your basement ruined from water damage because your sump pump failed; our system can prevent that.

Let’s talk about the security alarm keypad; this device has many functions in addition to the four digit code to disarm your system. The first useful function on your DSC keypads is the convenient quick arm buttons that quickly arm your home in the stay or away mode for ease of use. When you’re walking out the door press the away key and off you go! It’s that easy. DSC Keypads also have a built-in door chime mode. This feature is a bell chime that sounds every time the door is opened and closed. Many don’t understand the value of this feature; however, quite possibly this feature could save the life of a child or elderly. This chime could make you aware that your child has gone out to the backyard where you have a pool, or it could signal you that your two-year old has escaped from the house and is heading towards the road. Or, if you have an elderly person with Alzheimer’s living with you, this chime can make you aware that someone has left the house and prevent a serious tragedy. Your keypad also has ‘Life safety buttons’. These are the Medical, Fire and Duress buttons on your keypad. Pressing these buttons will send an emergency signal to central station, and will provide immediate assistance. When you are in the midst of a medical emergency, if you are scared, or in trouble these buttons are invaluable.

Most insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners that install a monitored security system. It is a well- known fact that houses with visible window decals or lawn sign can deter an intruder. Houses with alarms are more likely to have a thief spend less time in their home, as they know that the alarm will signal a police dispatch. It’s all about convenience and arming your system must be simple. To accomplish this, our system will allow you to add a variety of wireless remote controls that will tailor to your specific needs. Again for a family with young children, remotes are extremely handy. In my case I have a status module in my garage that allows me to verify that the alarm is set. So I help my young children into the car then arm our alarm with the remote while backing out of my garage. With a system like the one I have, it’s nearly impossible to forget to arm the system. For anyone that currently has an alarm, I’m sure you can relate to this…. You’re snuggled in your bed, cozy and warm and you forgot to arm your alarm. So rather than go all the way downstairs, you simply decide that tonight you won’t arm you system. Instead of playing the odds, you can install an wireless wall plate inside your bedroom closet or beside your night table that will allow you to arm or disarm the system and call for help. In addition to this wall mount, you can also add a single button remote that can be worn around the neck for those requiring medical assistance or panic assistance.

We would love to help make your alarm more user friendly and convenient.

Contact SECUR-U to speak with our qualified sales staff. Remember, always arm your alarm.

 DSC the manufacturer that supplies our security system hardware recently released the new PowerSeries Touch Screen keypad which delivers an easy interactive way to manage and control your security system - with the touch of a finger. The Touch Screen keypad – the nerve center of the alarm system – combines the keypad functionality users have come to expect with an intuitive interface. Seamlessly integrated with PowerSeries security systems, the sleek, contemporary and modern look is valued by homeowners.

 The Touch Screen display can be easily customized for the user. For example if the user doesn’t want to see separate partition areas such as the basement in-law suite or the outside garage,  but wants to turn the chimes on and off, simply hide /display the appropriate icons. The clutter-free home screen can be easily modified later by SECUR-U through password-protected setting menus. The background of the home screen can be easily customized by our team to display contact information, pictures, etc.

Easy for Users - The PowerSeries Touch Screen keypad has been designed with the user at ‘top of mind’. Large, clearly recognizable on-screen buttons and intuitive menu-driven screens facilitate ease of use and programming. For example, to access the Fire, Auxiliary, Panic (FAP) keys, users simply press the EMERGENCY button on the sidebar. LED status lights on the bottom of the frame provide a quick visual check on the security system. The integrated digital picture frame gives homeowners the flexibility to display photos as a single photo or a timed slideshow or default background screen.

Just insert an updated standard SD card into the SD slot and follow the on-screen prompts, similar to other ‘off-the shelf’ digital picture frames. In addition, the sleek profile and contemporary design adds a modern touch and comes in either white or silver to seamlessly blend into any décor.

This new sleek keypad can be retrofitted into your existing DSC PowerSeries home alarm system or it can be installed with your new security alarm installation.

Please call SECUR-U today for more details.

How do I change the clock on my DSC alarm keypad?

It's that time of year again when you may need to adjust the time on your DSC alarm keypad.   If you have had your security alarm installed within the last few years your system time may automatically adjust if the installer enabled the "Daylight Saving Time" option in the programming.  

If not follow these steps to change the time:

At your keypad, Press (star)*6 then your Master Code (4 digit code), then press "1" for the time & date option, then enter the 24 hour time, then the current MM/DD/YR in two digit increments.   Once you have followed these step sequentially your keypad will beep.   Press "#" (pound) twice to exit to the main menu.   if you leave the keypad alone for a minute or two the system will timeout and return to the regular screen.

Note: if you are pressing (star) *6 and entering a four digit code but are receiving a long beep, you are NOT entering the master code.  You cannot change the time with a general user code.

Here is a link to the DSC website if you would like to download a user manual: (click here)

Here is a live YouTube video link on how to change the time: (click here)

Any further questions please contact us directly: (click here)

Lastly if you have an existing security system that is being montored by SECUR-U (click here) to see how you can receive two free months of service.

Give the Gift of Peace of Mind this Holiday Season with a SECUR-U Security System!

Purchase any Hardwired or Wireless Security system Package this Christmas and receive two free months of monitoring and $100 of FREE upgrades of your choice. (Savings of $150.00 + HST)

"FREE" Hardwired Security Alarm System!
With activation of 36 month agreement.

$24.95/mo Monitoring Rate

1- DSC 6 Zone Control Panel (Expandable)

1 – User Friendly Keypad with Clock and Chime

3 – Door/Window Contacts

1 – Motion Detector for Interior Protection

1 – Audible Deterrent Siren

1 – Power Supply, Plug in, Back-up Battery

Labour included

Certificate for possible 20% insurance discount

Wireless Security Alarm System
Only $199 with activation of 36 month agreement.

$24.95/mo Monitoring Rate

1 – DSC All Wireless Keypad Console with Built-in Clock and Chime

1 – Motion Detector

2 – Door/Window Contacts

1 – Remote to Arm & Disarm

1 – Power Supply, Plug in, Back-up Battery

Labour included

Certificate for possible 20% insurance discount

This online promotion is available from December 1st – December 31st, 2010 only. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Offer applies to residential customers only.

Call Today… 905-878-4634 Ext: 222 – Doug Penson – President @ SECUR-U Inc.

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. 

As your local leader in Security Solutions SECUR-U wants to keep you informed regarding important security issues in our community.

The Halton Regional Police is reporting an increase of Overnight Residential Break and Enters; they have recently reported the following:

June 8, 2010 From: Councillor Allan Elgar Ward 4

Residents being warned to close and lock their garage doors!!!!

There have been several incidents of culprits entering unlocked homes and garages during the overnight hours and removing valuables. Cameras, laptop computers, GPS systems and purses are being stolen from unlocked vehicles inside the garage. All residents are being warned to take the following precautions to prevent being the victim of this type of crime.

* Close and lock all garage doors, ground floor doors and windows before going to bed at night

* Do not leave spare keys to the house in your vehicle

* Keep your vehicles locked at all times

* If you have a garage, park your cars in the garage

* If your home has an alarm, activate the alarm system before going to bed

* If you are away on vacation, have a family member or friend check on your home regularly

These are crimes of opportunity, remove the opportunity, and you may remove the crime.

If you or anyone you know are looking for a reliable supplier of home security alarms in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Georgetown, Acton and Halton Hills, or require service on your existing alarm system with SECUR-U please visit www.securu.com or contact us via phone or email. SECUR-U has been providing highly efficient commercial and residential security alarms, intercom systems, access control, video surveillance and alarm monitoring for over 15 years.

Home security alarms are devices that will be installed to prevent theft, burglary, and break-ins and also to avert any possible damage due to fire or harmful gases. These alarms are triggered whenever they sense any of these conditions in your home.

In recent years home security alarm systems have proved to be one of the most effective ways to protect your house and loved ones. Wired security alarms, wireless security alarms and hybrid security alarms are the three basic types of home security systems. For homes with a dry walled finished basement ceiling which limits the accessibility to run cable, a wireless home security alarm would be the best solution. Wireless home security alarms allow our clients to install wireless window/door transmitters that will protect the perimeter of the home and wireless motion detection to cover the interior without the need to remove millwork to prevent the possibility of damage occurring. SECUR-U sells wireless security packages that can be tailored to protect your needs.

To understand the basic operation of our system and how wireless works is very similar to how a cordless phone operates. With security in mind, the wireless window/door transmitter communicates to a receiving unit located inside your home that is programmed to identify the serial number of the protection device which we refer to as a zone. Other wireless devices located in or around your property may communicate with a different wireless frequency that will not compromise your security or create false alarm conditions. Each wireless device has a battery and the control panel monitors the battery condition to ensure effective operation. Once a low battery is detected you will be notified with a trouble condition on your keypad prior to failure.

Wireless home security alarms are preferred by many home owners for one reason. If you decide to move to a new home, these security alarms can be easily removed and re-installed into your new property. For added safety and security additional features like video surveillance, intercom systems and medical systems can be incorporated into your home. Wireless home security alarms have become imperative to protect your house from intruders and other threats like fire and flood.

If you are looking for a reliable supplier of wireless home security alarms in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Georgetown, Acton and Halton Hills, please visit www.securu.com or contact us via phone or email. SECUR-U has been providing highly efficient commercial and residential security alarms, intercom systems, video surveillance and alarm monitoring for over 15 years.

All Homeowners are Susceptible to Break-ins

Over the past week 2 local clients have been victims of a home break in. Unfortunately neither had an alarm system installed prior to the event but now see the importance of securing their homes and protecting their families.

These 2 occurances happened in 2 completely different locations; one in the Thompson and McCuaig area (a subdivision) and one in the Campbellville area (a country home). The similarity however between the two events was that both invasions took place during the day. Statistics show that most break-in's occur between the hours of 2pm and 4pm and these 2 events followed suit. At SECUR-U we encourage our existing and potential clients to be proactive instead of reactive. Theives will be detered by the presence of a security alarm so both of these occurances could possibly have been avoided. If you have an existing alarm system that you would like to ensure is functioning properly or if you would like information on having one installed in your home/business please contact us.

Residential Alarm Companies in Milton

SECUR-U Inc provides FREE hardwired security systems for only $24.95 per month with an initial term agreement of thirty-six months.  Click here to see what's included in our basic protection package.

Secur-U has been providing efficient residential and commercial security alarms and medical alarms to residences in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Georgetown, Acton, and Halton Hills since 1994. Request a quote for our alarm monitoring service and download a coupon that will help you get started.

The change of season usually signals the need for a tune up on your car but when was the last time you had your security alarm tested and tuned up? In one of my earlier blog posts I touched on the fact that winter can lead to window/door contacts requiring an adjustment to operate properly; the same is true once the cold weather is behind us and warmer temperatures are on the rise. Ensure that when your doors are in the closed/locked position and you push or pull on them the contact remains closed. If you hear your chime being activated you will know that an adjustment is needed to ensure false alarms do not occur.

It is also a good idea to review your call list and be sure that all contact names and phone numbers are current. In the event of an alarm, the monitoring station will call based on the contact list they have on file so to ensure they reach the proper individuals in a timely manner it is important to have up-to-date information on file.

Our technicians can be scheduled to attend your site and do a thorough test on your home or business security alarm system. This will ensure that the central station is receiving all signals from your panel and you can rest assured that your alarm operating properly. If there is a problem they will be able to identify and rectify the issue for you.

To book your service call with a SECUR-U technician or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

As seen in the March 9 2010 edition of the Milton Champion a very useful video is now available on the internet.

It was released by the Office of the Fire Marshal and encourages families to have a fire escape plan in place. Titled "No Time To Spare", it touches on the extreme importance of maintaining working smoke detectors and installing residential sprinklers. To view this video goto www.milton.ca/fire/prevention.htm.

Another way to further protect your family and home from fire is by integrating smoke detectors into your security alarm system. Whether hardwired or wireless, both options are available and will alert the monitoring station in the event of a fire. When this signal is received the central station will dispatch the fire department immediately. Especially during the night or when no one is home, this would drastically reduce the chances of serious harm being done to your family or home.

For more information on adding smoke detectors to your alarm system or to schedule an installation please contact SECUR-U Inc. We are happy to help you increase the safety of your family.

Hi Doug, 

Just wanted to let you know your guys were here and installed the system and maneuvered around all the obstacles without a fuss! They were professional and friendly too boot.  

I wanted to let you know Dave and Derek were excellent.

Sandy

Sandy Martin

Executive Director

Milton Chamber of Commerce

Phone: 905-878-0581

Fax: 905-878-4972

sandy@miltonchamber.ca

Explore our exciting new websites at www.escarpmentcountry.ca and www.miltonchamber.ca Click and enjoy!

From SECUR-U: to book your seamless and tailored security system, please contact SECUR-U today.

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.

What is the best security system?

I hear this question over and over again, so here is a little explanation.  In my opinion the best security system is a product like DSC that will handle the majority of end user requirements with ease of use.    The first question I ask my prospective residential clients is how do you plan on using your system? Are you're looking to arm your system while you’re at home, work or a combination of both?  If you are looking for greater security while your home then consider protecting all opening perimeter windows and doors as when you are home the motions are bypassed in the stay mode and will add no enhanced protection to you.  If you are looking for protection while you are at work, consider protecting all the perimeter doors then add one or more motion detectors to cover the interior if an intruder was to enter through a broken window and travel throughout your home.

The keypad that gets installed with our security alarms is really simple.  When arming you have three options, simply press the button with the empty house to arm in the “away” mode, press the button with the person in the house for the “stay” mode or simply enter your code.  Our SECUR-U security system is smart, after entering the code if the system does not detect a door opening during the delay period it knows that you haven’t left and it will bypass the motion detectors for you so that you can walk around without tripping the alarm.   If you open the door during the exit delay the system knows you left the property and will turn on the motions for added security.

To disarm your system enter your four digit code, once the red armed indicator goes out the system is effectively disarmed.

Want to make your security alarms easier?  Consider purchasing a remote control, then with the simple push of a button while pulling out of the driveway you can arm your system.  We sell a significant amount of remotes because your system must be easy and if easy is what you are looking for then do yourself a favor and get the remote installed.

Click here to view our online videos for further assistance.

Security Systems Milton

As your local leader installing security systems Milton, Oakville, Georgetown, Burlington and surrounding areas SECUR-U Inc strives to provide a professional and seamless installation for your security system solutions.  It is critical that your residential security systems be installed in a timely and clean manner with both convenience and functionality.

Our competitors such as ADT, Alarmforce, Chubb, Voxcom and SafeTech do offer similar products and solutions but where the homeowner benefits is with our quality DSC products, installations and professional customer service both pre and post installation.

We recommend checking out the competition as you will find that our products are priced accordingly to market but without the politics of dealing with a larger corporation.

SECUR-U Inc. "Working Together for a Safer Community”, contacts us now for your security system installation.

Adding a water sensor for additional protection to your monitored home security system is a great idea.  Let SECUR-U do the worrying for you and leave the protection up to us.  Whether your system is in an armed/disarmed state your water sensor will be ready to detect a flood and protect that beautifully renovated basement, games room or apartment.

For a little installation cost this proactive device could provide a big savings if a flood was to occur, contact us today for further information.

Security Systems must be convenient so please keep this in mind when making a decision to install your monitored home security system.   Our new DSC six zone hardwired security system is expandable to sixteen zones with both hardwired and wireless capabilities.   To make your system more user friendly consider adding a wireless receiver to your hardwired security system that will give you the flexibility to tie in remote controls to arm and disarm your system.   Wireless remotes are great for those customers that like the bells and whistles but remotes will also allow you the convenience to arm with the press of a button from your car or bedside.  

Your monitored home security system should have a keypad at every entry, this way your system will be easy for you and other key holders to arm and disarm.  Most residential alarms will provide you with an audible entry and exit delay so that you can hear a reminder of the time to disarm or exit the home.

All accessible doors should be protected but consider the pros and cons of protecting the second level windows in bedrooms if you like fresh air while sleeping.  If you wish to have your system on while a protected window is open you will need to bypass this device each time before arming.  Bypassing is simple but not always convenient and may prevent you from arming your system.

Remember, we are all living busy lives with somewhere to be at a certain time, whether you're running out the door to a business meeting our loading the kids in the car to go shopping your system must be simple and easy to use. 

Have one of our sales representatives call you today for your free quotation.

Our wireless DSC smoke detectors are ideal for residential or commercial alarm clients with applications where running wire to a smoke detector location is either difficult or impossible. With no wires to run, our installers are able to provide you with a clean and professional installation.

False Alarm Reduction

Our manufacturer DSC is committed to reducing false alarms and has integrated a number of features into the wireless smoke detector to provide reliable detection. One important feature is drift compensation. It provides a constant level of sensitivity performance for extended operation. As dust accumulates in a detector it adjusts to maintain the original factory-set sensitivity, thereby minimizing the potential for false alarms. If the detector reaches its limit of compensation, it will Indicate a trouble condition well before the sensitivity increases to a level where false alarms will be generated.

If you wish to have a wireless smoke detector added to your monitored security alarm, please call our office today.

• Your insurance provider may provide further discounts to your insurance policy if you have alarm monitoring with fire protection.

A great way to reduce false alarms with your monitored home security alarm is to activate two signal dispatch

Two signal dispatch functions as follows:

* When only one signal or zone is received from your monitored security alarm to the alarm monitoring company (ex: foyer motion detector) the central station will notify the premise and key holders but will not dispatch the police unless directed to do so by the keyholder that the station representative contacts.

* When two signals or zones are received from your monitored security alarm to the alarm monitoring company (Ex: foyer motion detector and front door contact) the central station will dispatch police, notify the premise and phone keyholders.

This service is only recommended if you have sufficient zone protection and coverage.   This service is not recommended if you are only protecting windows and doors and do not have any interior security such as motion detectors or glass break detectors.

For more information regarding this service contact us online.

SECUR-U provides the opportunity to lease your new video surveillance system, access control system, alarm system or intercom systems.  

A common questions is why should I lease rather than purchase? We did some leg work to find you the answers from our source National Leasing.

Here are some quick reasons:

Conserve Cash - Leasing allows you to conserve cash and leverage up the buying power of your operating or capital budgets, thereby overcoming budget limitations. A $30,000 annual equipment budget is leveraged up considerably through leasing

Residential security alarms have two primary options of arming which are the "Stay" and "Away" mode.  The main difference of these functions is that the motion detector(s) protecting the interior of the home will be bypassed in the "Stay" mode,  Bypassing motion detector(s) allows the homeowner to have the perimeter armed and maintain the comfort and protection while in the home. 

When arming your securtiy alarm in the "Away" mode both perimeter and interior devices such as window contacts, door contacts and motion detetors will protect the perimeter and interior of your home. 

If you choose to arm your alarm system by entering a four digit code instead of a quick arm button such as "Stay" or "Away" your system is intelligent enough to determine if you have opened a door and left within the exit time permitted.  If you do not open a door within the established delay period the security alarm panel will bypass the motion detector(s) inside the home automatically to prevent a false alarm.

If you have an alarm wireless system you will have the option of a wireless remote or pendant which is available for convenient arming with the push of a button.  This pendant can be added to your key ring for easy use when entering or exiting your home.

 Check out our online videos for futher assistance with arming or disarming.