Looking Into the Best Home Security System Products for Contractors by Matt Peters

Contractors these days offer more than building and maintaining homes. It is not surprising, for example, that contractors also offer security services by form of installing security systems into the homes they build or repair. The home security system products for contractors to offer to homeowners has been going for years. With the current trend of technologically-enhanced and cheaper security products out in the market, contractors now have to compete just as well.

Alarms

Most homes will have the basic security systems built into them already. This includes different home security products like alarms. There are all sorts of alarms as well. The typical alarm is the burglar alarm, either hard-wired or wireless. They are installed by contractors to give homeowners a sense of security against burglars and intruders. Then there are other alarms, such as smoke or fire alarms. Fire alarms may not be so typical in homes but smoke alarms are pretty much basic and you may find these things installed in places like the bedroom and kitchen. These are safeguards that will help to warn people that there is a possible fire, prompting them to call the fire department or authorities for help.

Detectors

But more importantly, it is not the alarms but how they are triggered. For burglar alarms, homeowners can also ask their contractors to wire their house in such a way that when the wires are tripped (or cut in any way), the alarm will go off. However, it is more typical to see motion detectors now since technology has improved alarm systems. These motion detectors act much like wires but they use infrared beams instead of wires. Once these beams are crossed or disturbed in any way by some object, the alarms will go off. Motion detectors are not to be used in a house that is full of pets. Detectors are a great gadget because they can also be connected wirelessly to other components like wireless cameras and computers.

Locks

Contractors know that every house needs good locks. These home security system products for contractors are great to offer homeowners. Electronic locks are becoming more commonplace in areas around the world where house break-ins are just as common. Electronic locks are useful in that they can be controlled only by those who know their combinations. This means that everybody else who cannot use the electronic lock will more than likely set off an alarm. Contractors can use these locks as incentives for people to take advantage of their home building services.

Home security system products for contractors are becoming more sophisticated with each year that companies introduce new security products. What some of these contractors do is learn how to use and install these products and add them as a package with the houses that they help to build or repair. This is a great opportunity for them to gain more business aside from construction and maintenance. As a homeowner, get to know what contractors are offering as far as security is concerned so that you can make the decision on whom to go to for your home building and home protection needs.

Fire Alarm Systems - Why You Should Get One Now by David Faulkner

Just a few years back, a fire alarm system was considered a luxury and was generally seen only in affluent neighborhoods. But times have changed since then. Now, an efficient fire alarm system not only adds value to your property. It protects your home from fire and can even give you and your family security from intruders. How do fire alarm systems work?

Basically, fire alarm systems detect the occurrence of fire in your home, and alert you before the fire spreads. But how do they do that? It's really very simple.

Fire alarm systems use devices such as heat sensors and smoke detectors to track fire or smoke in the house. These devices are located in prime spots all throughout the house, and they are all connected to a central fire alarm control panel.

Once the sensors perceive a fire indicator, like extreme heat or smoke, the fire alarm system is activated. The sensors send a message to the control panel, then the control panel activates the alarms in the house. In many fire alarm systems, the fire alarm control panel is also programmed to send an alert to the local fire department.

In addition, in some fire alarm systems, the heat sensors and smoke indicators are connected to a sprinkler system which automatically turns on as soon as the alarms go off.

Back in the old days, fire alarm systems were very pricey, and that is why only the very rich could afford them. Now, you can have a fire alarm system installed for less than $1500! If you want your system monitored regularly, there will be an additional monthly fee to pay.

If a fire appears one day and burns down your house, imagine the losses you would have to suffer. It could be a very traumatic experience - emotionally, physically, psychologically, and financially.

You can avoid all that just by installing a reliable fire alarm system in your home. The fees you will have to pay will be nothing compared to the savings you will have in case of a fire.

If you want to save even more, you can do it by combining your fire alarm system with your burglar alarm system. In many cases, these alarm systems are able to share the same control panel and the same alarms within the house.

However, while the fire alarm system sends an alert to the fire department, the burglar alarm will go off in the police department. Combining these two alarm systems doubles the protection you can give your home and your family.

Some people might say, Oh, a fire will never happen to us...we check our electrical wiring regularly...we're careful with our matches...and so on and so forth. These people usually think that a fire alarm system is just not a practical investment. They couldn't be more wrong.

Fires can occur in any home, at any time. Even the most vigilant homeowner can fall victim to a fire. It's always best to be prepared. When the time comes that a fire does occur, it's better to be properly protected.