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Home Security questions and answers

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Q: home security?
We live in Australia. You arent allowed to keep guns for protection. recently we had in our suburb a home invasion with a machete and sawn off shotgun. they havent caught the people. We have an alarm system but cant use it because of the cats. I get a bit scared sometimes because I feel we don't have enough security if someone came with a gun. We are thinking of installing a sensor light but are there any other suggestions to make your home safer?

A: Motion sensor lighting is a good start. Why can't you use your alarm system with the cats? If it is a motion reason, motion sensors can be programmed to ignore movement up to a certain size (my security system ignores my two 35 lbs dogs). A dog would help as well. Also, make your home uninviting to robbers, including planting spiney bushes right under your windows, don't advertise your home to robbers by leaving curtains open or valuables out, remove spare keys if left outside the house (under a mat, in a fake rock). A creative idea would to glue a fake Sydney Funnel Web to each window. That should make them think twice about going in that way.

Q: How good are home security alarms in apartment buildings ?
Are home security alarms necessary in apartment buildings. We own our condo and were considering installing a home security alarm. What do home security alarms do, what are they capable of ? Is it worth paying $ 30 a month for an alarm ? Is Brinks a good name in the alarm industry. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or ideas.

A: It really depends on the system. All of the bigger alarm companies use around the same level of product as far as quality. Be advised of the following, what the alarm companys do is sign you to a contract for years at a time. Say 4 yrs for 199.00 Right? ok and what they do is incrementally increase your monthly fee after that. The average total equipment cost for a small residential alarm system is right around that 199.00 wholesale so they lose a few bucks on the initial install to get you signed on for years at a time. They usually tie right into your phone system and if improperly installed , depending on your area they may have fines for false alarms. If you live in an area where home invasion is a possibility I would have one installed for sure. But make sure you shop around, Brinks and ADT are national companys. they sometimes pay installers by the job so sometimes these guys race in and out and are pulling baseboards to route wires all over and if improperly done can be a real mess. Professional installations costs far more, not so much for the equipment as they are typically about the same at the entry level, but for the time for a professional installer to come in and hide every wire. I would insist that not a wire show and that can be done , dont let them tell you different as I have done it, 15 yrs ago I did so. I am now a licensed master electrician and do much larger scale work. So in summation, if you feel unsafe in your neghborhood, have a high crime area, its worth it for the fire and the ability to silently call for help from a key pad. Things to avoid, Wireless systems, more trouble than what they are worth. Get a good Hard wired system installed professionally and make sure you read the total cost of what your signing. make sure they will pay for any fines incurred by an ill operating system. And if you do have one installed make sure they take hours with you to completely train you in the operation of your alarm system. get them to include this service in writing up front. And lastly I hope you never need to use an alarm. Other questions to ask, The systems use a dialer to call in, if in an emergency the alarm will cut off telephone service until it is finished dialing in. Also check and see where and how fast there dial up system is. I have seen where in remote locations its a long distance call to a monitoring center and there are also little system checks that can report in requiring a phone call usually programmed in the night. But if this call is long distance it can add to telephone bill. Also the battery back up on the controls, for 30 dollars a month you should get a new battery installed for free every two years or so, I would also ask for this. Watch for wording in the contract that allows them to raise the rates , and especially after your contract expires expect the rate to rise, they do this to all of there customers. i once went to a clients home to find she had been paying 90 dollars a month, She had been a customer with them for many many years. What i did was replaced her old system with a new one, charged her nothing, and placed her on a new contract... Probably why i dont work there anymore LOL......Anyway I have saved people with alarm systems and I have seen where it was a bad place to have it.Oh if you have pets , dont let anyone fool you into saying they have a special pet lense, its all BS, they always end up setting it off trust me I have taken them out in the old days.. Good Luck

Q: How to rewire home phone wiring system so my home security system can work with Vonage cable phone?
I recently switched from traditional landline phone to Vonage cable internet phone. However, my home security system can not communicate with the monitoring station as a result of disconnecting the phone line. How could I rewire my home phone wires to make my home security system work with the internet phone?

A: Internet phone service in not considered reliable for security systems. These type of phone systems can have a hiccup in the audio just like a cell phone does.This can mean a loss of data during the sending of the signal.

Q: How do they install home security systems?
I am thinking of purchasing a home security system. I wondering if anyone knew how they install it. Do they have to go through your walls? Any opinions on ADT Home security?

A: If it's a wired system, then yes they have to go through/behind the walls/floors/etc. It's much easier for them to do this if you have unfinished space (eg attic or unfinished basement). Most will sell you wireless systems as well, which of course is easier to install. ADT is one of the top "name brand" companies, but their prices reflect that. Lower priced local companies can provide the same or similar service at a much lower price.

Q: Could a home security system interfere with my home theater system?
I recently installed a wireless home security systems (ADT), and now I am noticing a clicking emanating from my home theater system. I am wondering if it is caused by the new security, and if so, how can I fix it? A bit of detail on the clicking: it is similar to, but not the same as, the phone interference caused by certain (GSM) phones.

A: This is one of the many reasons I stay away from Wireless Security Systems. The thing is, the industry is well aware of the problems wireless security systems cause. Unfortuntately the ease of installation and quick monitoring revenues tends to win out over providing a decent system. I'm not going to profess to being an expert in home theatre, I don't know where the interference is entering the system. If you have RF audio or video transmission I could see that as the culprit. As for changing the frequency, I don't know if this can be done but if so, that might just fix your problem. Another solution would be to block RF out of the media room, although costly, metal walls might do the trick. Honestly, I would suggest you contact the company who sold you the system. If you are positive the alarm system is causing the problem, they can test it out by powering the ENTIRE system down. This includes the wireless door contacts, motion sensor and anything else that would be sending that pulse. If the problem goes away, tell them to make the system go away. Opt for a hardwired security system. Yes there is more work involved in the installation, but the quality is better.

Q: How do I wire my home for a security system?
I need to wire my home for an security system, specificly for Brinks Home Security. Can you tell me the needed parts.

A: Stay away from Brinks or ADT. Talk to a small alarm installation company and look for someone with a reputable and local monitoring station. I have a few ideas and pointers on my web page. http://members.rennlist.org/warren/security.html

Q: What is the best system for home security?
Preferably something I can install myself What is the best system for home security? Regardless of price. Can you provide a link? I already have a dog fyi OK I guess I also have to add I have a 380 and a double barrel shotgun. So if you could just answer the question thanks. If you cant you should stick to answering questions you understand. oh I also have my ccl-conceal carry license- but that doesn't really matter on the home front because I'm not always home.

A: http://www.platinumprotect.com/ Also includes On-Star & some glass break mini-system. I have this btw. ...

Q: What is the most effective home security?
We are going to be buying a house this year and are going to have a security system installed. Which is the best company or type of alarm? I have seen the coating for windows that makes them almost impossible to break through, how much does it cost and does it really work? Any suggestions on home security will be appreciated. We will be getting an English bulldog and have 2 cats so motion detectors inside are out.

A: Know who you let in your home. 90% of all home burglaries are committed by someone who has been in the home in the recent past. Most are by amateurs who turn out to be juveniles and it happens in the mid afternoon. Car prowls on the other hand happen at night when the car is parked on the street. Basic intrusion systems involve window and door sensors that are activated by opening them. Other than yourselves, what is in your home that you wish to protect? What items could be stolen. Highly desirable items such as TV's stereos and computers are the primary targets besides cash.

Q: I am looking for a good diy home security system with indoor lasers and a siren anyone know a good site?
Thank you my family has been a victim of a robbery when we were not home during the day . We are allready getting a dog and now we need the security. I dont want a system that someone else monitors if its monitored I want to be the one that is notified of a intrusion not a home security company.Any info on this would be great .

A: Try this site www.protectusfromevil.com We have purchased some other things from them and I know they have security cameras and systems that you can monitor from your computer or phone.

Q: Anyone ever installed a home security alarm inside a car?
Im planning on doing it. Installing a home security system that has door sensors and a motion senor inside my ultilty van that is full of equipment. The system can run on either 120AC or 12VDC (stated as backup battery since installing them in vehicles is never really talked about) anyone have any tips or suggestions? will it run my battery dead? does it pull much power? will it work?

A: This will work. It used to be done all the time in the large RV's that were used as mobile showrooms for mechanic's tools (Snap-On, etc.). Depending on the alarm control panel you are using, you may get various types of "trouble" signals if the panel doesn't see the AC signal. This shouldn't interfere with operation, but could be annoying. With a single motion detector, current draw will probably be in the 20 to 30 milliampere range. Your car battery should probably be able to power the alarm for several days without a problem, but just to be on the safe side, you may want to put in a separate battery just for the alarm. This could be charged when the van was running. Good luck with the project! Silva Consultants

Q: What is the best security system for your home?
I was recently mugged and am worried the attackers will come to my home because I fought back since they have my id among other things. What are the rates for home security systems and which is the best???

A: Sorry for your unpleasant experience, it can take a while to get over the heebie jeebies from something like that. I would go for the dog idea, companionship and security in one! Sturdy locks, good window latches, a can of pepper spray and some confidence building self defense courses!

Q: How much for a good home security system?
What do I need for a basic home security system. I don't want anything elaborate as I live in a "safe" area. I want something like a remote operated button that my elderly mom can push in an event someone breaks in. A loud alarm that will go off both inside and outside to "scare" any robbers and alert her neighbors.

A: We paid about 800 for a basic system - our windows, sliding doors and outside doors needed to be wired. We had a three keypads put in. We do not have a panic button but we do have an outside alarm that goes off really loudly (my kids have set it off). I would be careful about a panic button depending on how likely your mom is to set it off. Our town charges to send out cops to your home for a false alarm call. Your get one "free" visit" and any thereafter are $50.00. Our quarterly charge to have it monitored are about $100. We only had the first floor and the basement done and the second floor windows are not alarmed. You can also get a self installed alarm at Radio Shack. Or even cheaper just get motion alarms that you can place on doors and windows. Good luck - I like our system, we live in a rural area and even our neighbors can hear our alarm and do call when it has gone off.

Q: What is the best home security system?
I just bought a house in a "bad" neighborhood and would like to know ways to prevent "bad" things from happening. Any home security system worth getting to prevent such issue? What if the thief succeeded in obtaining what they strive to obtain, am i insurred under the security system company? any opinion and suggestion?

A: ADT we have one but dont really need it not only does my dad have a 9mm pistol by his bed and i have a shotgun in my closet so thats good enough for me. when we first got it my sister set it off and didnt know the code and she said a cop car was there in 3min. i would recomend to anyone it will def make you sleep better

Q: How do I set the code on my home security system?
I purchased a home that has a security system installed. It has motion sensors in some rooms, and door sensors on every exterior door. I know it is functional as I see it respond to the various sensors, but do not know the code to arm it. The previous owner's disconnected the service to the company that calls the police and forgot the code. I just want to use it as a passive system that sounds the alarm when breached, but cannot arm it without the code. Any guesses on how i can set it? The manufacturer of the alarm is no longer in business, but is Apollo Security.

A: What type of alarm system is it? Not the sticker on the window, take a look at the keypad and the main panel circuit board. Once you have done that I can tell you how to change the code. Typically you will need the master code to change it so you may need to contact the realtor. There is a link to a Blogger blog on my website (in the archive) www.keepsafesystems.ca where I can easily answer your question.

Q: What is the best home security system out there that is budget friendly? I live in Central New Jersey. Thanks!
Just purchased a home and am interested in installing a home security system. Since there are so many companies out there, I was looking for other's personal experiences with home security companies. Good and bad? Also something that won't break the bank!! Thanks everyone!

A: Google it! As for being budget friendly they don't cost that much to montor its just the install price. Call around!