AUDIBLE DEVICE
The siren pictured above is an example of a typical interior audible device.
It alerts dwelling occupants to an alarm condition or a change in status of the alarm system by emitting loud, high-pitched steady tones, warbling tones or a combination thereof.
Bells, buzzers and horns have all been employed in this application in the past; however, speakers and sirens are by far the most common audible devices utilized in today\'s residential installations.
For additional information see the forum\'s Home Security Alarm General FAQ:
What is the difference between an alarm system speaker and siren?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L2: 'CONTROL PANEL
Shown above is a typical metal enclosure (can) housing the control circuit board and alarm system standby battery.
The terms "control panel", "control", "panel" and "board" all refer to the printed circuit board that is, in essence, the computer “brains” of the alarm system.
The system standby battery (connected to the circuit board by red and black wires) maintains system operation during brief power outages.
These batteries have a limited life expectancy and must be replaced every 3 – 5 years (sooner if system indicates Battery Trouble).
For additional information see the following FAQ: Where should I install the control panel for my alarm system?
Image courtesy of diyalarmforum.com. All rights reserved
', L3: 'MAGNETIC CONTACT
The recessed (flush mounted) 3/4-inch diameter steel door contact pictured above with its associated magnet is used on metal clad doors.
Examples of other contact types are shown on the front door and the French Doors in the dining area.
To learn more about magnetic contacts see the following FAQ: What are magnetic contact switches?
Also see:
Sentrol Application Notes
Honeywell\'s Contact Guide
Image courtesy of GE Security Products
', L4: 'MAGNETIC CONTACT
Magnetic contacts are commonly used to protect windows and doors.A recessed 3/8-inch diameter contact and its associated magnet are shown above.
These contacts come in a variety of colors to match various decors and when pressed into the 3/8-inch hole drilled for its installation, all that remains visible is a 7/16-inch diameter, slightly raised dot. If painted over, they can become very difficult to locate.
Check the kitchen/garage door and the French Doors in the dining area for examples of other contact types.
Want to know more? See the forum\'s Home Security Alarm General FAQ:
What are magnetic contact switches ?
Image courtesy of George Risk Industries
', L5: 'KEYPAD
A keypad is the user interface with the alarm system.
The LED keypad pictured above consists of a small keyboard, a piezo electric buzzer and LED indicator lights.
The keypad is used for entering data into the system for purposes of controlling and/or programming and to display system status information.
Want to know more? See the forum\'s Home Security Alarm General FAQ:
What\'s the difference between a Control Panel and a Keypad ?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L6: 'MOTION DETECTOR
A motion detector is a sensor that reacts reacts to changes in the environment within its coverage area.
The passive infrared (PIR) detector shown above is an example of one of the most commonly installed motion detectors.It monitors the background infrared (heat) signature within its detection area and when a rapid change is detected, combined with movement across the sensor\'s coverage pattern, it is detected as movement.
To learn more about motion detectors see the following FAQ:
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L7: 'MAGNETIC CONTACT
The surface mount contact (shown above with its associated magnet) is commonly used on both windows and doors.
They are available in a variety of colors to match various decors, blend in with the background and appear less obtrusive.
Examples of other magnetic contact types are shown on the front door and kitchen/garage door.
For additional information on magnetic contacts see the following FAQ:
What are magnetic contact switches?
Also see:
Sentrol Application Notes
Honeywell\'s Contact Guide
Image courtesy of Ademco/Honeywell
', L8: 'CONTROL PANEL
This control is physically larger and functionally more robust than that installed on the basic system.
It supports more zones, as required to properly accommodate the additional sensors, and more partitions thereby providing the increased flexibility that may be required for typical and enhanced installations.
For additional information see the following Home Security Alarm General FAQ:
What\'s the difference between a Control Panel and a Keypad ?
Image courtesy of diyalarmforum.com. All rights reserved
', L9: 'EXTERIOR AUDIBLE DEVICE
Above is an example of a typical exterior siren.
External speakers and sirens are quite loud and are employed to attract the attention of neighbors and / or passers-by to an alarm condition.
They can be mounted under the eaves if the location is high enough to prevent tampering; however, many prefer to mount them in the attic, out in the eaves, close to vented soffit.
It should be noted that many communities have enacted local “nuisance ordinances” that may limit the time period that external sirens can sound or prohibit their usage altogether.
For additional information see the following FAQ:
What is the difference between an alarm system speaker and siren?
Image courtesy of Elk Products
', L10: 'KEYPAD
The LCD keypad shown above is a Full Message (alpha) keypad.
Consisting of a keyboard, a piezoelectric buzzer, Liquid Crystal Display and indicator lights, it provides more information to the user than the LED or Fixed English keypads.
The second keypad located in the master bedroom is more that just a convenience, it is an enhancement to personal security.
For additional information see the following FAQ:
What\'s the difference between a Control Panel and a Keypad ?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L14: 'WIRELESS (CELL) BACKUP COMMUNICATIONS
The wireless backup communicator show above sends alarm information to a monitoring station through a GSM/GPRS wireless network.
As a backup communicator it can monitor a landline and automatically switch to the GSM cellular service in the event service is interrupted for any reason.
If landline service is not available, it can also function as a stand-alone primary communicator.
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L15: 'ACOUSTIC GLASS BREAK DETECTOR
The acoustic glass break detector shown above is designed to detect the sound patterns made by shattering glass.
It is providing glass break protection for the bedroom window (perimeter protection).
Unlike the on-the-glass shock sensor, the acoustic detector is capable of protecting multiple windows within its detection radius.
For additional information see the following FAQ:
What are glass break detectors?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L16: 'CEILING MOUNT ACOUSTIC GLASS BREAK DETECTOR
Like the glass break detectors located in the bedrooms, this acoustic glass break detector detects the sounds made by shattering glass.
This ceiling mounted detector\'s 360 degree coverage provides protection for the three windows in the living room as well as glass at the front door (perimeter protection).
For additional information see the following FAQ:
What are glass break detectors?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L17: 'OVERHEAD DOOR MAGNETIC CONTACT
The overhead door contact shown above is frequently used to protect garage doors.
When a garage door is protected, it can be defined as a Delay Zone and thus function as any other Entry / Exit door.
It can also be defined as a Non-Alarm Zone providing door open / closed status indication only.
Image courtesy of GE Security Products
', L18: 'CEILING MOUNT ACOUSTIC GLASS BREAK DETECTOR
This detector\'s 360 degree coverage pattern provides protection for the windows and French Doors in the dining room and the kitchen windows (perimeter protection).
Functionaly similar to the bedroom sensors, it detects the sound patterns made by shattering glass.
For additional information see the following FAQ:
What are glass break detectors?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L19: 'LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER
Front View
The low voltage transformer is the primary power source for the alarm system. It plugs into a 120V AC receptacle and is usually secured to the receptacle by a screw.
While often located at a receptacle near the control, it can be located anywhere on the premises.
Although the transformer supplies power to the system, it is not a power supply. Referring to it by its correct name can avoid confusion.
For another view of this device, check the transformers on the floor plans below.
For suggestions on where to look for your transformer, see the following FAQ: How do I find my low voltage transformer?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L20: 'LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER
Rear View
This low voltage transformer reduces the 120V AC line voltage to 16.5V AC for use by the control (output voltage may vary with alarm model).
Many older transformers were protected by an internal fuse and an over current condition would blow the fuse, render the device useless and necessitate a replacement.
Most new transformers are PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) protected and will reset after an over current condition is corrected.
For additional information and another view of the transformer, check the transformer on the first floor plan.
For suggestions on where to look for your transformer, see the following FAQ: Where should I install the low voltage transformer for my alarm system?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L21: 'AUDIBLE DEVICE
An alarm system audible device is also referred to as a local annunciation device, a sounder and a notification appliance.
The audible device, which may be a speaker, siren, bell, buzzer or klaxon, provides a local indication of an alarm condition.
Most keypads also incorporate an audible device in the form of a piezo electric buzzer and can be programmed to signal alarm conditions, chime to annunciate door/window openings as well as indicate system status.
For additional information see the forum\'s Home Security Alarm General FAQ:
Can I add a siren/speaker to my alarm system?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L22: 'CONTROL PANEL
The control panels utilized in both the "basic" and "typical" installations provide the same essential functions, such as:
For additional information see the following Home Security Alarm General FAQ:
Where should I install the control panel for my alarm system?
Image courtesy of diyalarmforum.com. All rights reserved
', L23: 'MAGNETIC CONTACT
Magnetic contacts are available to meet almost any requirement.
The recessed 3/8-inch diameter contact shown above with its rare earth magnet can be used when hole depth for the recessed magnet is restricted.
Check the front door, kitchen/garage door and the French Doors in the dining area for examples of other contact types.
Want to learn more about available contact types and their applications? Check these links:
Sentrol Application Notes
Honeywell\'s Contact Guide
Image courtesy of Ademco/Honeywell
', L24: 'MOTION DETECTOR
A PIR motion detector is designed to sense changes in infrared radiation levels within its fields of view.
Its designation as passive means that it transmits no energy; it simply monitors the infrared signature of an area and when a rapid change in infrared energy is sensed (increase or decrease), the sensor reacts.
These sensors utilize an optics arrangement to divide the field of view into segments and focus IR energy from these segments onto a detector. The output of the detector is then amplified and processed. Signals meeting processor criteria for motion trigger the device.
To learn more about motion detectors see the following FAQ:
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L25: 'KEYPAD
The LED keypad pictured above is one of two keypads used to operate this home security alarm system.
It utilizes LED indicator lights to display system status, it does not have a Liquid Crystal Display.
Note that this keypad is located just inside most often used entry/exit door.
Want to know more? See the forum\'s Home Security Alarm General FAQ:
What\'s the difference between a Control Panel and a Keypad ?
Image courtesy of Digital Security Controls Ltd. (DSC)
', L26: 'MAGNETIC CONTACT
Magnetic contacts are commonly used to protect windows and doors.A recessed 3/8-inch diameter contact and its associated magnet are shown above.
These contacts come in a variety of colors to match various decors and when pressed into the 3/8-inch hole drilled for its installation, all that remains visible is a 7/16-inch diameter, slightly raised dot. If painted over, they can become very difficult to locate.
Check the homes\'s windows, the kitchen/garage door and the French Doors in the dining area for examples of other contact types.
To learn more about magnetic contacts see the forum\'s Home Security Alarm General FAQ:
What are magnetic contact switches ?
Image courtesy of George Risk Industries
', L27: 'MAGNETIC CONTACT
The flush mounted (recessed) 3/4-inch diameter steel door contact pictured above with its associated magnet is used on metal clad doors.
Examples of other contact types are shown on the the home\'s windows, the front door and the French Doors in the dining area.
To learn more about magnetic contacts see the following FAQ: What are magnetic contact switches?
Also see:
Sentrol Application Notes
Honeywell\'s Contact Guide
Image courtesy of GE Security Products
', L28: 'RJ31X
The RJ31X pictured above provides a quick-disconnect between the alarm system and the telephone system and is usually located near the control panel.
This device is required by FCC Regulations Part 68 and must be installed on any home security system that is connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
To learn more about the RJ31X see the following FAQ:
What is an RJ31X, why do I need one and how do I hook it up?
Image courtesy of Leviton
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