Security + Alarm Systems Reference
Why this matters
Security systems protect customer home + family. Wrong components OR install = ineffective coverage OR false alarms. The installer who understands components + install + monitoring delivers value + builds long-term service relationships. This is the field card.
System types
Wired (hardwired): traditional; sensors + control panel + keypads + siren connected by cable.
Wireless (radio): battery-powered sensors; transmit to panel; common modern retrofit.
Hybrid: wired core + wireless add-ons.
DIY (Ring, Simplisafe, Abode): customer-installed; cellular OR Wi-Fi monitoring.
Pro-installed + monitored: ADT, Vivint, Brinks; professional install + 24/7 monitoring service.
Self-monitored (Ring app, Wyze): customer gets alerts directly; no professional dispatch.
System components
Control panel: brain; receives sensor signals; calls monitoring station OR alerts customer. Keypad: arm/disarm; status display; access codes. Sensors: door/window contact, motion PIR, glass break (audio), smoke, heat, CO, water leak, vibration/impact. Sirens: interior (louder for occupants + intruder scare) + exterior (neighbors + deterrent). Cameras (covered in smart home devices). Doorbell camera: deterrent + identification. Smart locks: integration with security system. Panic buttons: silent alarm trigger. Cellular backup: alternative to landline/Wi-Fi for monitoring.
Wired system install
Cable type: 4-conductor 22 AWG security cable; alarm cable.
Sensor wiring: home run from each sensor to control panel OR daisy-chain (some).
Cable run path: through wall, attic, basement; protected.
Power: 16 OR 24V transformer from outlet.
Backup battery: 12V 4 - 8 Ah; 24-hour minimum during outage.
Phone line / cellular / Wi-Fi: connection to monitoring.
Wireless system install
Battery-powered sensors: lithium AA OR specific battery type; 2 - 5 yr life.
Sensor placement: door / window 3 ft max from frame; motion 12 - 25 ft range.
Hub placement: central; line-of-sight if possible.
Range: typical 500 - 1,500 ft sensor to hub.
Repeater: for large homes; extends range.
Cellular OR Wi-Fi: for monitoring connection.
Monitoring
Professional 24/7 monitoring: monitoring center receives alarms; calls customer + dispatches per protocol.
Cellular path: backup for landline failure.
Wi-Fi + cellular: redundant for reliability.
Response time: 60 - 180 seconds from alarm to call typical.
Customer code system: verbal verification before dispatch.
False alarm fees: city / police charge for excessive false dispatches.
Sensor placement strategy
Door contacts on every exterior door (primary protection). Window contacts on high-risk windows (street-facing, basement). Motion sensors in hallway/large rooms/basement (covers intruder paths). Glass break sensors in rooms with many windows. Smoke/heat/CO per code. Water leak near water heater + washing machine + dishwasher. Layered defense: outer (door/window) + inner (motion) + alarm response.
Common sensor types
Magnetic door/window contact: magnet + reed switch; closed/open triggers; recessed OR surface-mount. PIR motion: body heat movement; 15 - 40 ft range; pet-immune models; don't aim at heat sources (radiators, sunny windows). Dual-tech motion: PIR + microwave; reduces false alarms. Glass break sensor: audio detects breaking glass frequency; 15 - 25 ft range; covers multiple windows; false-triggers from dish breaking. Smoke detector (system-integrated): 4-wire (power + signal) OR wireless; photoelectric OR ionization; compatible with control panel.
Common alarm system mistakes
Skipping sensor placement plan (gaps in coverage). False alarms from poorly-placed PIR (sunny window, pet zone). Forgetting battery backup. Skipping cellular backup (single point of failure). Not testing system regularly (sensors degrade). No customer training (false alarms from misuse). Incompatible smoke detector with system. Not maintaining (battery dies; sensor stops sending).
False alarm causes
PIR triggered by: pet (use pet-immune model), HVAC vent blowing curtain, sunny window heating object.
Glass break triggered by: dropping glass, dishes, similar audio.
Door contact: not sealing fully when door closes.
Motion detector dust: clean periodically.
Smoke: dust buildup; cooking nearby; high humidity.
Customer error: arming with door open; forgetting code.
Service tasks
Annual system test: arm + trigger each sensor; verify monitoring contact.
Battery replacement: backup battery 3 - 5 yr; sensor batteries 2 - 5 yr.
Sensor cleaning: dust + cobweb removal.
Communication test: monthly automatic test signal to monitoring center.
False alarm troubleshooting: identify sensor + adjust placement OR replace.
System upgrade: panel + sensors aged 10+ yr; technology improvements.
Customer education
Codes: master + secondary; explain hierarchy.
Arming modes: stay vs away vs night.
Bypass: how to ignore a sensor temporarily.
False alarm response: enter code to cancel.
Test schedule: monthly recommended.
Battery indicator: low battery alerts.
Verbal verification: monitoring center will call before dispatch.
Pet safe: confirm pet-immune sensors active.
Cybersecurity considerations
Default passwords: change at install (not "1234").
Account access: limit to homeowner + close family.
Cloud monitoring: encrypted connection to monitoring center.
Hub firmware: update periodically.
Wi-Fi security: WPA3; strong password.
Common service-call scenarios
False alarm: identify trigger + adjust.
Sensor offline: battery dead OR communication issue.
Keypad won't accept code: master reset OR programming reset.
Siren constantly on: stuck sensor OR panel fault.
No connection to monitoring: cellular OR Wi-Fi issue; check antenna OR router.
Pet triggering alarm: replace with pet-immune motion sensor.
Code + insurance considerations
Some jurisdictions: alarm permit required + false alarm fee.
Insurance discounts: monitored alarm systems may reduce premium.
UL certification: monitoring center; product safety.
Fire alarm: must be UL Listed; not just security combined.
Sprinkler integration: commercial; coordinate with fire suppression.
Pro install vs DIY
Pro install: hardwired (concealed wiring); custom programming; warranty.
DIY (Ring, Simplisafe): lower cost; easier add-ons; customer manages.
Combined: pro install hardwired + DIY add-ons (cameras).
Truck stock for alarm install
References
- UL 681 (Security Alarms)
- NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm + Signaling Code)
- Manufacturer technical data (Honeywell, DSC, Bosch, Ring, Simplisafe)
- Local jurisdiction alarm ordinances
- Manuall internal: Smart Home Devices Reference, Smoke + CO Detectors