Alarms, Intercoms and Keyless Entry

Alarms, Intercoms and Keyless Entry

Once you've got the basics of home security and business security right - solid doors and windows, quality locks and adequate lighting - you can start thinking about extra protection. Here's a sample of some more advanced security products, systems and services.

Alarm systems

Alarms are suitable for homes and businesses. Intruders are less likely to break in if they see you have an alarm. They are more likely to stop mid-theft if an alarm is triggered.

Alarm systems start from simple hard-wired or wireless units that detect movement and set off a loud and annoying siren. Or you can go for a comprehensive system that incorporates burglary and fire detection and sends a signal to a monitoring station that then activates a speedy response. Sensors can include door and window switches, movement or shock sensors, smoke and heat detectors, and glass breakage sensors.

The type of alarm for you will depend on the size of your home or business, the things you want to protect and what you want to protect them from.

Alarm systems can be cabled or wireless. Cabled systems are the most reliable and are easy to install in new premises. Cabling can be difficult to install in older, multi-storey or double brick buildings. That's where wireless becomes the best option.

Alarms should comply with Australian Standards 2201 and be professionally installed.

Intercom systems

Intercom systems are ideal if you want to see who is trying to enter your property. They can be audio and/or visual and are simple to operate. Intercom systems include an electric front gate lock, a button on an exterior wall near the gate that visitors can press and, inside, a handset or monitor for you to find out who it is before releasing the lock.

Keys or keyless?

Keys can be old-fashioned and live on a key ring, they can be high security enabling only restricted access and authorised copying. You can re-key locks so that they all take one key. You can opt for a system that does away with the key and uses keypads, PINs, magnetic swipe cards. It all depends on who you want to use the door and when, whether you want to control access and keep track of who is coming and going.

Biometrics

Biometrics technology takes security and access control to a new level. Biometric security systems use personal and unique information, such as a person's fingerprint or palm, to identify authorised personnel and deny or allow access.