What is a alarm system?
Alarm System is a device on a building that gives a warning such as making a loud noise or flashing a light, or tells the police, if someone tries to enter the building illegally.
Type of alarm systems
There are different types of alarm systems available. There are two main types; audible and silent.
An audible alarm is one where the activation by an intruder or other person results in an audible sound such as a bell or siren.
A silent alarm, also known as remote or monitored alarm, is one where an activation results in signal being transmitted to a monitoring station where the person monitoring the signal informs the police or initiates some other response to the alarm.
Alarms can also be a combination of both types; the idea is that the audible alarm acts as a deterrent to intruders causing them to flee from the scene whilst the remote monitoring of the system ensures that the scene is attended by a police officer or other person.
The other choice in alarm systems concerns the type of sensor or sensors used and this would depend on a number of factors such as the nature of protection required, budget, etc.
Alarm systems can be used in a variety of situations; to detect unauthorised entry into premises of any kind, to detect tampering with safes or other devices/installations requiring protection, to detect removal of items, for example paintings in a gallery or expensive items in a shop, and so on.
Panic Alarm
A panic alarm normally consists of a either a “button” or other device such as a “kick bar” which allows an employee to discreetly activate an alarm when a threatening situation exists, for example, during a robbery. Panic alarms are commonly used in financial institutions, jewellery stores and establishments where goods of high value are kept or stored. They may also be installed as part of a domestic alarm system. Panic alarms can be connected to a monitoring centre or to an on site control room or they may activate an audible bell/siren only. The system can also be configured to activate CCTV recorder to record the event. The alarm can be used to request emergency assistance from local security, police or emergency services.
