Introduction
Ranging from the high tech to the conventional, the world of home and business security is a lucrative and well-established industry. Here are some of the most common aspects of security systems that are used to protect both domestic and commercial property.
It should be noted that no single security gadget will solve all of your security requirements. It’s often a blend of security technology, personnel and common sense that gives you true security.
Unauthorised Entry Detection
This is one of the most basic and well known technologies used when dealing with security systems. Entry detection devices are used to determine whenever someone uses a traditional point of entry such as a window or a door. There are multiple devices that will achieve this task, each with their own unique traits.
Magnetic seals or Reed Switches
Magnetic seals for windows and doors are some of the more common devices used for property security. Traditionally, there are two pieces to this setup, a magnet and a sensor. The sensor is placed on the stationary part of the entry way such as a window ledge or door jam, while the magnet is placed on the window or door itself.
When the window or door opens, the magnet is moved away from the sensor, which will trigger an alarm in the security system.
Pressure Pads
This is simply a pad that when pressure is applied, will cause a break in the circuit it’s connected to. This will alert the security system to the presence of something at that location. One of the nice things about pressure pads is that they can easily be hidden under rugs or mats, so there is no visible sign of the device.
Pressure pads can also be bought in various sizes, including ones that can be set on individual steps on a staircase. This also makes them perfect for detection in areas that might not have a door to hang magnetic or other devices on.
Vibration Detectors
Vibration detectors are also useful tools in entry detection. When attached to a door or window, these devices can detect movement. One other handy feature is that they can also have their sensitivity adjusted, which allows them to not only detect movement, but shocks and vibrations. Vibration detectors are perfect for not only detecting if a door has been opened, but if it is being struck or jarred for some other reason.
Motion Detection Systems
Unlike the entry detection systems, many motion detection system can actually be used to secure larger areas. So if it’s a hallway, a large room or even a garage you need secured, these might be just what you’re looking for.
Pyroelectric Infrared Detector
A Pyroelectric InfraRed sensor (also known as a PIR sensor) is an electronic device that measures infrared light radiating from anything in its field of view. Since PIR sensors do not emit any energy, they are often mistakenly called Passive Infrared Sensors. Essentially, these devices are able to detect sudden changes in the temperature in the area that the PIR sensor is monitoring.
So if a person walks in front of a normal room temperature wall, their body heat triggers the device. PIR sensors are designed to monitor large open areas that fan out from the detector.
Break Beam Detectors
The last motion detector is one that you are likely familiar with already if you watch spy and thriller movies. When the criminal is breaking into the museum to steal a rare painting or a museum artefact, you’ll usually see some kind of impressive fence of red or green laser beams. However, in reality, lasers are typically not used. If lasers are used for break-beam detectors, infrared rather than visible light lasers are used.
Break beam detectors are made up of two parts. The transmitter produces a pulsed beam of light which is received and monitored by the receiver. If there’s a momentary break in the beam of light, the receiver detects the break and triggers the alarm.
Security Guards
If you have the resources and the need, security guards can be one of the best investments when trying to protect your property. One thing that all the detectors and sensors don’t have is the ability to reason. The human element can make all the difference when security is involved. Sometimes, just the presence of a living person can be used as a deterrent.
An attentive and educated guard can also help maintain secure premises, ensuring that everything is working properly and efficiently. A real person can identify subtle things that are out of place or suspicious, something an electronic device just cannot do (yet!). It’s pretty common to see security personnel doing security patrols with guard dogs too. Guard dogs offer an extra deterrent, as they can also intimidate would-be thieves and trespassers.
CCTV and Surveillance
Closed Circuit TV, or CCTV for short, is easily the most common method of crime prevention and control. Closed Circuit surveillance cameras are hooked up to digital video recorders that stamp the time and date onto the video footage. This is so that video footage can be used as evidence for prosecutions in a court of law.
You can now get software for CCTV systems that analyses video footage for suspicious individuals. Face recognition software can be used to flag individuals who are dangerous or otherwise not allowed on the premises. The software can make it easier for security guards to identify potential security breaches long before they happen.
