Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Window Bars

One of important components of home security system is window bars. This term is often refereed as security bars or burglar bars also. It signifies installation of a physical barrier over a window opening so that unwanted parties or burglars are not able to many unauthorized entry. These bars create a great deterrent to someone who is trying to make wrongful entry through windows. One cannot claim of these bars having 100 percent security but still they provide a great deal of security and a burglar will think many times before he even tries to make entry. The reason is simple. No burglar would like to waste lots of time on entering and exiting your house. They focus on stuffs locked inside the house so a strong deterrent like window bars will definitely discourage them.

The security bars can be installed either inside of the window or on the outside. Those who reside in ground floors must try to get burglar bars because they are more vulnerable to theft. One can also secure the openings of outbuildings as well. If you place bars inside then on one hand it will appear aesthetic and secondly from outside things will look better as well. Similarly, if you place bars outside the window then those who are trying to make unlawful entry will quickly get the visual of the deterrent. Make sure to have bars that have quick release mechanism in case any fire breaks out in the house. Security bars must be compliant with local building codes.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Motion-Activated Lighting


One of the latest entrants in home security systems is motion-activated lighting. It does give you an impression of being futuristic but its effectiveness has already garnered several loyal clienteles. Motion activated lighting system refers to lighting systems that get activated by the movement. These systems do not work on a continuous basis and operate only when needed. Lighting systems tremendously enhance the security systems. On one hand these systems are better than normal lighting in terms of increased security and secondly they helps in controlling visual glare pollution.

Talking about main components of motion activated lighting, motion sensors is the main component. This sensor determines whether any change has been taking place in system’s surrounding. Voltage and current factor need to be balanced or else chances of false alarms are quite high. There must be a transformer attached to the power supply. One of the attractive features of this system is light source. It can use any source like fluorescent, incandescent, low or high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, or even metal halide lights.

The sensor is normally placed at locations like windows and doors where security creates some concern. Normally a quality motion lighting system lasts for no less than fifteen years. But keep in mind vulnerability of transformer or relay that often need to be replaced within six to ten years. Other factors that could affect the system is extremely hot or cold structures.