An Electrical Alarm System for a Residential Building - Case Study Example

Running head: AN ELECTRIC ALARM SYSTEM An electrical alarm system for a residential building Name Institution Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 INTRODUCTION 3 What can a security alarm system comprise? 3 Objective 4 Activities 5 Factors to consider before installing a security system 6 Wireless Burglar Alarm System 7 Advantages of a wireless Burglar Alarm System 7 Consideration that will be made when choosing a Wireless Burglar Alarm 8 House Plan 9 Components of Burglar Alarm System 9 Fire alarm Systems 13 Components of a Fire Alarm system 14 Advantages of a fire alarm System 15 Alarm System Monitoring Services 15 Conclusion 16 References 17 INTRODUCTION An intrusion detection scheme is actually made to detect interference by any illegal person to a particular facility. A detection system provides information terms of how to deal with the malicious attacks and other obstacles posed to the system. An alarm system may also be defined as means which any electrical device is designed or used for the detection of a blaze or unlawful persons into a e.g. a structure. It may also be used to warn others of the commission of an illicit act within a structure; resulting to emission of sound or transmission of a signal or message when actuated and which may result to speedily response by the security personnel (William, 2011). What can a security alarm system comprise? Most systems rely on a blend of contacts positioned at doors, motion sensors and windows. It is recommended that all exterior would-be points of entry have contacts that sense when they are ajar. Break sensors made of glass are also available and recommended for use. Motion sensors should not be used as the sole means of detection because they do not detect a burglar(s) until they are already in the residence (Capel, 1997). A typical electric alarm security system may contain the following basic elements: Control panel: From this location a user is able to monitor and terminate the system wiring, access the backup battery if it’s directly connected to the phone lines. Keypad: From this point the user is able to arm and disarm the system. Siren: This device is able to warn the user of any intruders and therefore transmit a signal indicating there is danger or threat. Inside motion detector: These sense changes help the user to also detect intruders in a room caused by human presence although there are special motion detectors in the market for people who have pets. Door and window contacts: This help the user to detect intruder presence by sounding of the alarm incase the door or window is opened. A central monitoring station (company): This refers to the organization contracted to offer the technical support incase the system is ticked off e.g. due to forceful entry to a premise. This accomplished when the system sends a message to a central monitoring station, which is manned 24 hours a day, resulting to faster response time (s). Additional items that can be added to the basic system are: Closed Circuit TV (CCTV), Pressure mats for under rugs, Alarm screens for windows, Smoke detectors, Glass break detectors and panic buttons Objective To implement an electrical alarm that will offer security. A homeowner will have confidence in leaving his/her own home knowing that one’s belongings are in safe hands. He or she will be at peace as the security devices installed by the security company will work to ensure that protection is of top priority. Activities For the security to be fully achieved, intruders should be put at bay. The use of an alarm system includes manpower e.g. guards and use of security devices such as cameras. Wireless systems are recommended as they easily installed as compared to the wired ones. To begin with, the required tools are needed for the right wireless section. A good manual to ensure that the instructions are followed is necessary. The position where to install the wireless section is first determined. The right position for the detector, alarm siren and the control panel are selected. The best position to place them is where they will be easily be found by every household member but not the visitors or outsiders. The dials are programmed in the siren carefully. Using an electrical exit which is not controlled by the switch, the siren is plugged in. The keypads of the control panels may come in handy in programming the wireless security. The alarm detectors are next to being installed. The windows and door alarm detector’s systems are also fitted at this point. Lastly, a check mode is made on the control panel. All the system feature and detectors are then tested to make sure they fit. If all is well, the security is ready to be used. A system may be a monitor system or unmonitored system (Honey, 2007). Unmonitored systems normally have on-site alarms and/or flashing illumination. It mostly relies on people around to alert the police. Neighbors or any one nearby is not permitted to look into an alarm. It is actually left for the expert to handle the situation. It is advisable to have to have both lights and alarms incase of unmonitored system. The lights should be located in on the streets, preferably towards the house. The alarms should be located in an inaccessible place .One should discuss with the neighbors the best place to allocate the security devices for them to be effective as required. This will help to decrease security in the neighborhood. Factors to consider before installing a security system Firstly, it is important to determine what exactly is being protected. For example will the system be confined to certain rooms or will it cover the entire house, will it be used for possessions outside the house like garage and sheds. A second consideration to make is to assess the areas in the building that are easily accessible by intruders such as flat roofs and weak doors or window. This will help in determination of where the systems are most needed and to know which alarm system is most applicable. When choosing on the alarm system to install, it will be of paramount importance to research on a residential alarm company that offers great quality and outstanding services. Licensing of the programs installed by such a company should be ascertained thoroughly, ideally from the local police department. Finally, it should be remembered that fire is risk factor within homes that should be monitored appropriately like any other eventuality. A residential alarm system consists of two main parts: actual components of the system and the alarm system monitoring which is usually done by the security company (Honey, 1998). Considering the residential building in question, I would recommend installation of a wireless burglar alarm system and a fire alarm system putting in mind various considerations as explained below. Wireless Burglar Alarm System Contrary to the past perception of wireless alarms, it has now been proven that they are just as reliable as the hard wired systems and are more widely used. Advantages of a wireless Burglar Alarm System They are easy to install since no wires are involved. Their installation and set up can be done by anyone with the help of a control manual unlike their hard wire counterparts that require extensive DIY task to route the wiring. Ease of movement after installation. When moving from one room to another, it will be much easy to uninstall the wireless system than the wired system. Unrestricted positioning of sensors. Since this method does not depend on strategic wiring, the sensors will be placed in optimal locations that ensure maximum security coverage. Attractive appearance. The components of a wireless alarm system are designed for least obstruction unlike the scenes of wires going into sensors in the hard-wired systems. Possibility of use with other with wireless alarm devices. These systems will be linked with devices such as smoke and flood alarms for an effective overall household security system. Consideration that will be made when choosing a Wireless Burglar Alarm To begin with, the operating distance between of the wireless burglar system will be ascertained. The system will be installed in such a way that the radio signals can communicate with the control box without any disruption. When buying the system, it will be important to get the right number of rooms, windows, and doors in the houses in order to know the number of motion sensors and door /window sensors required. The alarm siren will be at least 100 decibels to ensure that is loud enough to be heard by neighbors. More sophisticated ones come with an auto -dialer which calls a programmed telephone number or leaves a prerecorded message when the alarm is triggered. Though some wireless alarm systems are purchased with a subscription to a security monitoring firm, some come without such a subscription hence will require the owner to look for a security firm for purposes of monitoring the system. House Plan Components of Burglar Alarm System There are three main components of a burglar alarm system. a) The control panel It is the most vital part in the system and functions as a simple relay switch which activates the signaling when the signal from a detector changes state that is, from a closed circuit to an open circuit. Features of a control panel include: Programmable zones. Each of the detectors acts as a separate zone and is connected to control panel in series such that if any of the circuits is broken, a signal is relayed to the control panel. How the control panel responds to the signal depends on how the zones are programmed. Codes. Modern systems operate via a keyboard. The control panel will be programmed to accept a set code. This system will allows entry into premises by people who know the code hence keeping away any intruders. The codes will be used the main door to the house units. Non volatile memory (NVM). This minute memory chip retains the programmed settings when the power goes off or is removed from the panel. Part Set. It allows for the setting of a number of pre–programmed zones. Remote keypad. They are either bought together with the panel or can be installed after purchasing it. Chime. Their function is to allow the zones to be set to chime. In so doing the detectors in such a zone are able to sound the low volume internal sounders whenever the detectors are triggered. b) Motion Detector A motion detection equipment is the most appropriate security device in a residential house since it is very specific to movement or motion within the its sensitivity range and subsequently triggers the alarm. The motion detector is not only specific but also accurate and reasonable compared to other security devices. This is due to its ability to intrusion around the restricted area hence whenever the alarm is sounded, one can be certain that an intruder is within the house premises. They come in different designs and are connected to the main control panel via wires or through wireless connections (Philips, (2002). The detectors that will be most appropriate to use in the building are: Passive infrared sensor The PIR will be installed on the ceiling above the furthest corner on the right of the living room door whereby it will provide a 360-degree coverage zone. This location is the most appropriate since it the family’s storage room for precious valuables and would therefore attract any intruder immediately on intrusion. The PIR works is designed in such a way that it is able to infrared radiations emitted by living things. It contains a mirror or a lens collects the emission and transfers it to a solid-state chip on circuit board that subsequently records the change. This movement is then recorded on the processor and the alarm is triggered. In the case of the residential house the sensor will be set to record data during night time when no member of the house is expected to be around the area at that time. For effectiveness and to avoid false infrared motion sensor alarms, the coverage region should be free from cold or heat from sunlight or air conditioning. Pets should not climb onto the restricted zone. Microwave sensor system The sensor emits radiations that bounce back to the system from time to time changes are monitored closely. If changes in the normal pattern are detected then the alarm system is activated and triggered. Since microwave radiations do not penetrate metals, robbers wearing suits made of armor may go undetected. These systems will therefore be combined with infrared system which cannot miss unusual motions. For complete security, a combined PIR and microwave detectors will be installed at the main entrance door on the sitting room and another one at the balcony door of the kitchen. Balanced Magnetic switch They consist of a switch assembly with a magnet incorporated within it. The systems will be mounted on the external doors; the sitting room and the kitchen one. The balanced magnetic switch operates in manner whereby the switch placed between two magnets is balanced in the open position of their magnetic field. For effectiveness and enhanced security, these magnetic switches will be conjunction with the combined PIR and microwave detectors located inside the house in case the intruder bypasses the switch. Extreme weather conditions such as strong winds and rain are possible causes of nuisance alarms. In addition, doors and windows that have been fitted poorly are primary sources or nuisance alarms. Grass Break These sensors detect radiations of glass that is broken during an intrusion. They will be mounted on the living room ceiling to cover the living room and kitchen area since they are more prone to intrusion. Glass break contain a microphone that is sensitive to frequencies emanating from breaking glass. Its processor is designed in such a way that it only filters frequency within a given range. In case the system receives a signal similar to its characteristic signal, the alarm is sounded. These sensors may be used in conjunction with magnetic contacts in situations where intrusion is by opening the window and not by breaking it. Incorrect installation or calibration of the sensor as well as sharp impact noise will generate nuisance alarms. A typical defeat measure is when an intruder detaches a window pane in such a low frequency that cannot be detected by the sensor. Wall Vibration They will be mounted on all the four external walls of the house in order to detect mechanical vibrations resulting from attempts of physical intrusion such as ramming, drilling, sawing and chopping. It contains a transducer that basically detects low frequency vibrations generated from attempted physical intrusion via the wall, roof or floor. The transducer converts seismic vibration received into and electrical signal. The signal is then relayed onto a screening filter that determines if the spectrum corresponds to that of an intrusion attempt. If the frequency meets this condition, the alarm is activated. Vibration sensors should not be mounted on wall that experience frequent vibrations such as those from passing trains so as to avoid nuisance alarms (Trimmer, 1999). c) Signaling devices Signaling devices that I would recommend for the building would be sounders, speech dialers and digital communicators. Sounders will comprise of a self-contained unit and incorporate a Self Actuating Bell (SAB). The SAB will incorporate a small battery, a control circuitry and charging system. If the cable is cut the sounder is triggered. While speech dialers will deliver a pre-recorded message to the monitoring security company whenever they are triggered, digital communicators will send digitalized information to the facility. Fire alarm Systems Being a residential house, the possibility of a fire breakout cannot be overlooked hence it will be important to install a fire alarm system. Components of a Fire Alarm system 1. Heat detectors: They will be installed in areas that experience high temperatures frequently such as the kitchen. They respond either to a fixed temperature or a rising temperature at a constant rate. They work on the principle of thermal lag. Under this condition, the air temperature must exceed that of the detector heat rating in order to activate the system and raise the alarm (Honey, 2007). 2. Smoke detectors: These comprise one of the best fire alarm systems that sense low levels of smoke and sound an alarm. They will be installed on the wall of the entire house. Ionization smoke detectors have an ionization chamber and a radiation source. The ionization chamber contains two plates about a centimeter away from each other. Positively charged nitrogen and oxygen atoms present in the air are attracted to the negative plate while negatively charged electrons move to the positive plate hence generating an electric current. when enters the chamber, the ions contained are neutralized so that they are deterred from reaching the plate. This leads to a drop in current and the alarm is triggered. Nuisance alarms may occur due to steam and high humidity which results to condensation in the sensor. 3. Pull stations: They will be located on the wall of the building and will be designed in such a way that the alarm is triggered when the handle is pulled. They should be pulled only when there is an actual fire. The system operates by establishing and maintaining a prime on all the pumps connected to it. A vacuum is created as the system draws water up the suction line. As air is eliminated from the pump and more vacuum created, the pump is completely loaded with and the priming valve closes. Dry alarms are connected to the pump to provide remote monitoring via the control panel. In a situation where the priming valve fails, water begins to flow in the system and the switch installed in the air receiver signals the visual and audible alarm. 4. Audible and visual Alarms: These are systems that notify the residence of fire in the house. They will include speakers, horns and flashing strobe lights. Every fire alarm system will have this device for effectiveness. 5. Flow switches: If the building has sprinkler systems, switches contained in them may detect the flow of water and subsequently activate the fire alarm system (Philips, 2006). Advantages of a fire alarm System They will increase reliability of the alarm system in the building. Since it a part of the overall security system, the Residents will feel more secure knowing that they are protected in all dimensions incase of any eventuality. The fire alarm system will be a good way of alerting concerned parties like fire brigades in case of fire in the building. When a fire alarm goes off, then people can evacuate the building as fast as possible before the fire spreads out (Kolboy, 2005). Alarm System Monitoring Services No matter how advanced the alarm system is, it will be vital to contract a monitoring service company that will works hand in hand with the installed systems and monitors their operations closely (Davidson et al 2001). Operations of the monitoring service will comprise: I. Maintenance- For optimal performance, the alarm system will be tested and cleaned at least once in a year. Therefore, the offer should only be given to the company that carries out this task. II. System testing: The monitoring company will ensure that the systems are fully operational at all times and that correct procedures are put in place in case the alarm system fails. III. Cellular or radio back-up: The company will monitor alarm systems through phone lines. A back-up system provides a constant check and will detect a disabled phone line (Walter et al 2009). Conclusion Considering that the building is located in an area that is prone to theft and house break-ins, I would recommend an alarm system that works for the best interest of its occupants. A good alarm system will be able to send information as fast as possible and have an immediate feedback against any intrusion or fire eventuality. References Capel, V.(1997). Home Security: Alarms, Sensors and Systems. Newness, 192 Davidson, T & Gentry, L. (2001).The complete idiot's guide to home security. Apha Books. Canada , 279 Honey, G. ( 1998). Electronic Protection and Security Systems: A Handbook for Installers and Users, 208. Honey, G. (2007). Intruder Alarm. Newnes- Technology & Engineering .New York, 368 Kolboy, J. (2005). Master the LSAT EBook: Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings. Nova Press. Los Angels Philips, B. (2002). The complete book of electronic security. McGraw-Hill Professional. Burlington, 324 Philips, B. (2006). The complete book of home, site, and office security: selecting, installing, and troubleshooting systems and devices. McGraw-Hill Professional. London, 309 Trimmer, W. (1999). Understanding and servicing alarm systems. Butterworth-Heinemann. New York, 255 Walter, T., Alison G., Kwok, B. (2009). Operation of Burglar Alarm. John Wiley and Sons. Canada, 1766. William Deutsch, 2011. How to Secure Your Building and Property accessed on 7th April 2011 from http://bizsecurity.about.com/od/physicalsecurity/a/What_is_physical_security.htm Read More