When you're relying on a home security system to keep your property and posessions safe, you need to know it's reliable. If a problem occurs with your home security system while you're out of town, your belongings could be left vulnerable to burglars or fires. For that reason, it's vital that you understand the common problems with home security systems & how to avoid them. 

False Alarms

False alarms are one of the most common problems people encounter with their home security systems. I'm sure you've all heard of the story of the boy who cried wolf? Well, if your home security system is triggered when there's no threat multiple times, then eventually people might stop responding. Some security companies might even fine you if false alarms are triggered on a regular basis.

How to prevent false alarms

One of the easiest ways to prevent false alarms is to make sure that everyone in your household knows how to operate the alarm system. That way, if a false alarm is triggered, they should be able to disable it before it becomes an issue. In addition, you should choose an appropriate security system for your home. There's no point installing a motion sensor alarm to protect the house if you've got a dog running around while you're out! We can advise you on the best home security system for your property if you're unsure, get in touch.

Blind Spots

Another common issue with home security systems is blind spots. These are areas of the home that aren't protected by your chosen security system, usually because the system has been installed incorrectly or because the chosen equipment is not suitable. For example, if you install motion sensors with a limited range, you might find that the primeter of your house is protected but the central areas are not. The same issue can arise with CCTV cameras, if an assessment of the property isn't done prior to installation, it's likely you'll end up with blond spots that are vulnerable to attackers. 

How to prevent blind spots

Before installing your home security system, make sure you've considered all vulnerable areas thoroughly. Doors and windows are obvious entry points, but are there others that you've not considered, for example, balconies, garages or conservatories? Make a proper plan and do your research to find the most appropriate equipment to cover the areas you need. You might find you get the best protection by combining security systems like CCTV cameras and motion sensors. We offer bespoke home security systems, so we can make sure that your home is provided with the highest level of security by creating a home security system based on your home's layout. Request a quote.

Power Supply

When the power supply to your home security system fails, your house is no longer protected - which is a huge problem. Any system that's not plugged directly into the mains is usually operated by batteries, this includes some fire alarms & most wireless systems. Systems that are plugged into the mains will also fail if your home experiences a power shortage while you're away. Knowing how to keep your systems running in all scenarios is paramount if you want your home to remain protected!

How to prevent power supply problems

When it comes to battery operated systems, you really need to test and service your alarms on a regular basis. Changing batteries and fuses periodically will help ensure that your systems are running as they should be at all times. For home security systems that are connected to your mains supply, we would recommend investing in a backup power supply to ensure that your home is protected in the event of a power outage. 

If you're experiencing any of these problems with your home security system, we can help. Here at IDS Security, we have years of experience designing, installing and monitoring bespoke home security systems. We'll help you avoid common problems & keep your home protected around the clock.

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Read More: What to Look for in a Home Security System

Choosing the right intruder alarm system for your home or business is no easy task. Nowadays, there are so many different high-tech options that it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got a guide to show you some of the different types of intruder alarms and their key features, this should help you make an informed decision on your property's security system.

If you're looking for a bespoke home or commercial security system, complete with an intruder alarm, we can help. Get in touch with the IDS team now.

Passive Infrared (PIR) Detector 

Typically one of the most common types of intruder alarms, passive infrared detectors are mounted on walls around a property and are triggered by a change in radiant heat. A single passive infrared detector is capable of monitoring an area between 10 and 15 metres in front of it, meaning you only need to install a few of these around a single building to achieve maximum protection. 

How do passive infrared detectors work?

This type of intruder alarm has two beams that gather information about the space in front of it and splitting it into different 'planes' (up to 20 different zones). If the alarm will sense a change in radiant heat between its planes or zones, for example, if a person enters the room, the alarm will trigger. As you can imagine, an empty shop shouldn't have people walking around it at night, so these alarms are effective at detecting intruders. 

Where should I install a passive infrared detector?

As you can imagine, the passive infrared detectors we mentioned above aren't suitable for all kinds of places. If you installed a passive infrared detector in a family home, for example, you'd probably find it's triggered by the dog multiple times a day! As such, passive infrared detectors are best suited to locations that are vacant for long periods during the day/night. Commercial properties like shops and offices tend to find passive infrared detectors more effective than residential properties.

Quad Element PIR Detectors

If you're worried about false alarms, there is an advanced PIR detector that might be more reliable. On the whole, quad element PIR detectors are similar to the standard passive infrared detectors, however, there are two detectors working side by side. Both need to be triggered to set off the alarm.

How do quad element passive infrared detectors work?

Unlike a standard PIR detector, the quad element PIR detector has four beam planes working at the same time. So, an anomaly in one of the sensors shouldn't lead to a false alarm as often as it might do with a standard PIR detector. This type of intruder alarm has become a lot more popular over the last few years.

Where should I install a quad element passive infrared detector?

Since these alarm systems are more reliable and less prone to false alarms, they can be installed pretty much anywhere!

Monitored Intruder Alarms

Most intruder alarms are great for alerting people in the local area, but that doesn't always mean that someone will respond and stop the incident in its tracks. If you're looking for the best type of intruder alarm to prevent active break-ins, we'd recommend a monitored intruder alarm.

These are regular intruder alarms that are accompanied by a monitoring contract. Here, someone will monitor and respond to suspicious activity in real-time without you having to lift a finger. With this type of intruder alarm & contract, you can rest assured that the relevant emergency services will be on the scene as quickly as possible.

Read More: Burglar Alarm Monitoring from IDS Security

Where should I install a monitored intruder alarm?

Monitored intruder alarms can provide an additional layer of security in any location. Whether it's an office block, your home, or your shop. If you're looking for a simple & cost-effective type of intruder alarm, this might not be the best option for you - simply because the monitoring contract is an ongoing cost. That being said, if you're looking for the highest level of security and you're happy to pay for the additional monitoring service, then this is one of the best intruder alarm options on the market.

Here at IDS Security, we offer a number of different types of intruder alarms to suit your security needs perfectly! Our technicians will work with you to help you create a bespoke security system for your home or business. By tailoring our systems to suit you, we can offer the maximum level of security and reassurance.

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When you've put your heart and soul into your small business, the last thing you want to do is leave it vulnerable to burglars, fires or other potential hazards. Investing in a good security system can really limit the potential risks and help keep all of your small business assets safe!

Here at IDS Security Systems, we offer a wide range of business security systems that can be tailored to suit the needs of your small business perfectly. Today we're going to look at the elements that make up the best security systems for small businesses. If you'd like our help designing a security system for your small business, give us a call on 029 20 753 251.

Preventing Break-Ins

Most small business premises contain a range of valuable items that are (unfortunately) very attractive to burglars. Laptops, products, and cash registers can be stolen and re-sold for a hefty price if criminals get their hands on them. Don't worry, there are things you can do to make a break-in at your small business premises less likely, starting with a good, reliable intruder alarm!

Before the days of intruder alarms, it was very easy for criminals to target a vacant store and make their way in to claim their bounty - nowadays (with a good intruder alarm) their chances of breaking in without detection are much lower.

Modern-day intruder alarms are triggered by motion sensors, meaning any unusual activity within your small business will be flagged up right away. Thanks to smart technology, you can even have intruder alerts sent directly to your mobile phone in real-time, meaning you can assess the situation and call the necessary emergency services quickly.

Intruder alarms are a great deterrent for criminals, and the loud noise they emit will do a great job of driving unwanted visitors back out onto the streets. Some neighbours or passers-by might hear the alarm and be able to intervene before the incident goes any further. For these reasons, intruder alarms are an important element of the best security systems designed for small businesses.

More On Intruder Alarms >

Fire Safety

While your small business is in its early phases, you might not give much thought to the fire safety system on your premises. After all, they're not really necessary if no one's working there, right? Wrong! It's absolutely vital that your small business premises has a suitable fire safety system in place from day one. Fires can still start without human intervention, and whether you're renting or buying your business premises, you want to make sure it won't go up in flames.

Our team of installers have implemented fire safety systems at a broad range of premises, both commercial and residential, so we're happy to help you make your business safer whatever the size. We first start by assessing the building and surrounding grounds, then we can make a detailed plan to show you where all of the vulnerable areas are. From this point, we can arrange to install a fire safety system that will keep your premises safe no matter where a fire breaks out.

More On Fire Safety Systems >

CCTV Systems

CCTV cameras are essentially the eyes and ears of your small business when you're not around. With CCTV installed at vulnerable entry points, you can keep an eagle-eye on your small business 24/7. Some small business owners consider using smart devices to create a CCTV network on their premises, however, these aren't always effective, so we wouldn't recommend them if you're looking for the best security system for your small business. 

Time and time again, we are asked to rectify problems created by these smart devices because they've either been installed incorrectly, or they've malfunctioned and the business owner can't find the right support to get them up and running again online. Unfortunately, this is part of the package when you choose to take your small business security into your own hands. If you're looking for the highest level of protection and the best small security system on the market, we'd highly recommend choosing a CCTV system from a professional company. 

More On CCTV Systems >

Read More: Do Smart Devices Make Good Security Systems?

So there you have it, a round-up of the things to include if you want to create the best security system for your small business. There are a lot of different security companies out there, but if you choose to work with us, we'll take all aspects of your small business into consideration and help you install the best, bespoke security system for your needs.

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