Burglar Alarms and Home Security

A lot of people still don’t understand the internal workings of their security systems, but it is crucial especially if you want to have complete control over the alarm kit. You can start by learning about burglar alarm circuits.

Today there are various types of security systems, from the indoor and outdoor types each coming with their own type of sensor and motion detector. However complex the devices are, the basic principles still hold true: the burglar alarm circuits of these gadgets work depending on the flow of electricity.

The process is actually very simple to understand; in order for electricity to flow, there has to be a path where it can move between opposing charges. In the case of a light bulb, the switch is what opens and closes the path, controlling the flow. In burglar alarm circuits, it is the action of the individual, i.e., breaking the glass, opening a window etc.

Burglar alarm circuits can function in two ways, the open and closed circuit type. The former has fallen out of favor because it is easy to dismantle; by cutting the wires an open circuit is totally disabled. The closed one, on the other hand, is more secure because of its makeup.

In closed circuit burglar alarms, the electrical current flows uninterrupted for as long as the entry / exit point on which it is stationed remains closed. If there is a breach, the flow stops and it triggers off the alarm.

A good example of burglar alarm circuits that operate in the closed circuit manner are magnetic sensors. You will need a battery, a metal switch attached to the door, a magnet stuck to the door (and alongside the switch), and a buzzer powered by another source using a switch that is relay dependent.

This example works in the following manner: when someone closes the door, the switch is pulled by the magnet and the circuit is closed. If you open the door, the magnet will be moved; the spring sets the switch on and the electrical flow is disturbed. The result is the sound of the alarm.

This is just an example of how burglar alarm circuits work, but the ones produced by manufacturers are far more complex and often use control boxes. These offer protection from tampering and also more control for the end user. Nevertheless, an understanding of the basic layout can give you insights into how the apparatus works.

Tags: Alarm, Alarms, Crime Prevention, House Alarm, Security, Burglaries