Intruder Alarm Systems: What Smart Homeowners and Business Owners Should Know

Components of an Intruder Alarm System

As its name implies, an intruder alarm system comprises various devices and tools that work together to monitor, alert, and defend you in the event of an intrusion. Traditional systems consisted of seven components to protect both homeowners and business owners.

• Control Panel: As the brain of an intruder alarm monitoring system, the control panel communicates with other devices in the unit. It receives signals from these components and triggers alarms if a threat is detected.
  
• Alarm Keypad: This component features buttons that enable you to arm or disarm the alarm system using a passcode. It’s usually found near the main door for convenience.
  
• Door and Window Contacts: These magnetic door and window sensors, placed at doors and windows, trigger an alarm when broken, usually through forced entry by a burglar.
  
• Glass Break Detectors: If a burglar shatters a window, glass break sensors “hear” the frequency this sound makes and send a signal to the control panel, triggering an alarm.
  
• Motion Detectors: Intruder alarm systems feature motion detectors that sense movement within their designated range. They detect changes in infrared energy, which can trigger an alarm.
  
• System Interruption Sensors: To prevent loss of coverage or protection, an intruder alarm system features system interruption sensors that alert you to severed wires or low batteries before they impact functionality.
  
• Backup Battery: You can find a backup battery to keep your alarm system operational in the event of a power failure. 

While these components form the foundation of a security system, today’s smart intrusion alarm solutions, like those offered by PasWord Protection, go far beyond. They integrate with video surveillance, mobile control, and environmental hazard detection for comprehensive protection.

Image Source: Unsplash

Features of a Smart Home Intrusion Alarm Monitoring System

Any home security system can have the basic features mentioned above, but only smart ones offer these additional capabilities.

• Security Cameras: Today's smart home intrusion detection system almost always has a security camera. Modern options allow you to record video footage, verify alarms, and view your property remotely on a mobile app.
  
• Smart Locks: A smart lock enables you to lock and unlock your home or business remotely, providing enhanced security and protection.
  
• Panic Buttons: With panic buttons, you can trigger an immediate alarm activation during an emergency.
  
• Doorbell Cameras: A doorbell camera provides video and audio footage of visitors at your main door.
  
• Automated Lights: When an alarm goes off, smart lighting systems can illuminate your premises entirely or in targeted areas.
  
• Professional Monitoring Services: A 24/7 professional services team monitors your intrusion system for threats and can dispatch law enforcement if necessary.
  
• Water Sensors: If a leak is imminent or already occurring, water sensors can detect it early, preventing water damage.
  
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Although not an intrusion issue, smoke and CO2 sensors warn occupants of these emissions, allowing them to evacuate safely. 

Adding smart security features to your intruder alarm system provides more comprehensive protection. Consider this: a traditional alarm system can scare off intruders, but a smart-enabled one allows you to monitor them before they break in and secure your occupants from a distance.

Image Source: Unsplash

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of intruders can mean the difference between a criminal retreating and a full-out break-in. When intruders are spotted early, you can respond immediately by activating smart locks to seal off entry points or triggering an alarm to ward off the intruder. The same rings true for the detection of environmental hazards. 

However, if you’re unable to detect these threats ahead of time (perhaps, due to an inefficient intruder alarm system), then the risk of a full-out break-in skyrockets because the burglar can enter your premises much more easily. 

PasWord’s intrusion alarm systems provide advanced warnings, so burglars have no choice but to run away. Our systems utilize security devices, including motion sensors, cameras, video doorbells, and perimeter protection, so that you can see the bigger picture. We also operate a ULC-certified monitoring team that operates 24/7 and can dispatch emergency responders if necessary.

Benefits of a Robust Intruder Alarm System

A robust intruder alarm system significantly reduces your risk of break-ins, vandalism, property damage, and theft. Second, and more importantly, they keep your loved ones and occupants (in the case of business) safe from criminals who may physically threaten or harm them with violence. 

In addition to these, an intruder alarm system provides further benefits to homeowners and business owners.

• Protects Against Environmental Hazards: Fires, floods, and gas leaks can occur seemingly without warning, leading to extensive property damage or an increased risk of injury to occupants. However, modern intrusion alarm systems can detect environmental hazards well in advance, allowing you to react to them before they escalate out of control.
  
• Lowers Your Insurance Premiums: The tighter your home and business security, the cheaper your insurance premiums. Insurance providers view homes and businesses with better security as less of a risk; therefore, they tend to offer cheaper insurance quotes to these customers. 

🛡️Learn more: First-Time Homeowners Security Systems

Confusion About Intrusion Alarm Monitoring Systems

Modern intrusion alarm systems are marvels of security technology, capable of securing almost any type of establishment. Nevertheless, there is confusion and misinformation surrounding their effectiveness.

• “Intruder alarms only stop amateur or 'sloppy' criminals.” Studies consistently show that 60% of burglars will completely avoid a property containing a visible security system and signage. An alarm (and cameras or other devices) are powerful deterrents, not mere ornaments. 
  
• “Burglars can easily disarm intruder alarm systems.” Unlike film and television depictions, burglars can’t typically disarm a robust security system. Encrypted wireless signals, cellular backups, and tamper-proof housings make modern security devices difficult to disarm or hack.
  
• “False alarms are a hassle and common.” Proper installation makes false alarms rare and virtually non-existent, especially with modern smart features. They’re also easy to install with professional help and have user-friendly interfaces. 

Today’s intruder alarm systems are built for simplicity, efficiency, and reliability. So owning a home or business without one is a disservice (not to mention a risk) to you and those who occupy your establishment.

Turn Your Establishment Into a Fortress With The Best Intruder Alarm System

While burglars will always pose a threat to homeowners and business owners alike, a strong home security system can make a significant difference. Homes and offices equipped with a robust intrusion alarm system deter thieves from attempting to break in and scare them off if the alarm is triggered. That’s why investing in such a system with the right provider is more crucial than ever. 

For over 60 years, PasWord Protection has helped safeguard homes and businesses across the Golden Horseshoe with trusted, locally delivered security solutions. Our track record is built on reliability, certified expertise, and proactive service. From real-time monitoring and live video surveillance to advanced intrusion detection, we continue to invest in technologies that help our clients stay protected, day and night.

Contact us today so we can help you build an intruder alarm system that keeps criminals at bay!