Quantcast
Channel: Secure the Nest » DIY Alarm System
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 3

False Alarms? Time To Upgrade Your Home Alarm

0
0

False Alarms? It may time to upgrade your home alarm system. Now that you have used your home alarm system for while, is it possible  that you’ve had a few False Alarms? I have listed ways to upgrade security systems below that will help prevent certain nuisance alarms. These are upgrades that you can perform yourself. You should consider the upgrades in designing your new security system as well.

False Alarm Causes and Remedies:

Honeywell Lynx Touch

 

False Alarms, also called nuisance alarms – are most often caused by problems arming and disarming your system at the keypad. It has happened to all of us.  A great upgrade to your existing system is a Wireless Keyfob. A Wireless Keyfob transmits Arm and Disarm signals to a Wireless Receiver connected to the Main Panel. A Wireless Keyfob works like a remote keypad in your hand. Instead of rushing in and out of your house before the Entry/Exit Delay expires, you simply push a button on the Wireless Keyfob – while you are still outside the home or business.

Another source of Nuisance Alarms are Motion Detectors. Basic Passive Infra Red Motion Sensors installed with some Security Systems have very little False Alarm Immunity. They can be tripped by pets and environmental factors such as sunlight and heat. It is best to upgrade your security system with Multi Technology Motion Sensors. The most common of these type motion sensors are called Dual Tech Motion Detector. They utilize Passive Infrared technology and Active  Microwave Technology. The Passive Infrared “eye” looks for changes in the ambient temperature of the protected space. The Microwave Transmitter measures the wave as it is sent out into the protected space and returns to the sensor. Any object passing through the protected space must change the ambient temperature AND will disturb the frequency of the microwaves to case an alarm. Since both technologies must “go in to alarm”, a Dual Tech Motion Sensor has built in False Alarm immunity.

Pet Immune Motion Detectors are mandatory if you have more than one small dog or cat or a large dog. Pet Immune Motion Detectors use specific Detection Patterns built into the lens of the Motion Sensor to “look” for human size objects. Most Pet Immune Motion Detectors will ignore the movement of pets up to 90 lbs.

Glass Break Detectors are similar to motion detectors when it comes to upgrades. Basic Glass Break Detectors “listen” for the sound of glass breaking. Glass break sensors go into alarm when audio frequencies created by breaking glass are detected. Unfortunately, barking dogs, snoring husbands, and alarm clocks can sometime create the same audio frequencies. A Dual Technology Glass Break Sensor listens for these frequencies and detects the concussion waves that occur when a window is broken. Since Dual Tech Glass Break Sensors must “hear” the sound of breaking glass and “feel” the concussion wave, they are less susceptible to false alarms.

Door Contacts and Window Contacts may be another source of Nuisance Alarms.

Prevent False Alarm with correct door alarm contact

Prevent False Alarms with correct door alarm contacts

If you have a door or window that does not close tightly, wind, weather, changes in humidity and temperature, or movement/settling of the  building could cause the Alarm Contact to trip. You can remedy this condition by the expensive replacement/repair of the door or window OR you can upgrade security system  Alarm Contacts to ones that have a larger Gap Rating and/or Rare Earth Magnets. If it is an Overhead Door like those found in garages, sheds, and warehouse, you can upgrade to an Overhead Door Contact designed specifically for these type doors or install a Pull Cord Contact to eliminate movement as a source for the false alarm.

Smoke Detectors are also a source of Nuisance Alarms. Over a period of time Smoke Detectors accumulate dust inside the detection chamber. Smoke Detectors cannot distinguish between smoke and dust in most instances. The build up of dust also make the Smoke Detector more sensitive and more like to trip a nuisance alarm. They can be cleaned but ONLY by a qualified technician. It is best to replace them. ALWAYS replace Smoke Detectors with new units listed as compatible with your system. This information is documented in your installation manual. This information is also widely available online for free and from the manufacturer of your system. Additional care must be taken to know if your existing Smoke Detectors are 2-Wire or 4-Wire. They ARE NOT interchangeable.

Other tips for avoiding Nuisance and False Alarms:

Make sure you Entry/Exit Delay has been programmed for an appropriate time period to allow you to enter and exit before the count down expires. Make certain Motion Detectors are installed so they DO NOT face windows or sources of heat. Do not leave balloons or hanging signs in the field of view of Motion Detectors. Keep doors and windows in good repair, making sure they shut tightly and remain locked/latched. Upgrade Security System Devices and replace defective devices.

 

 

 

 

 

The post False Alarms? Time To Upgrade Your Home Alarm appeared first on Secure the Nest.


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 3

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images