What is a alarm system?
An alarm system is a device on a building that gives a warning, such as making a loud noise or flashing a light, or notifies 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 activation by an intruder or other person results in an audible sound, such as a bell or siren.
- A silent alarm, also known as a remote or monitored alarm, is one where activation results in a signal being transmitted to a monitoring station, where the operator informs the police or initiates some other response.
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, while the remote monitoring ensures that the scene is attended by a police officer or other personnel.
The other choice in alarm systems concerns the type of sensor or sensors used, and this depends on a number of factors, such as the nature of the 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 protected devices/installations, to detect the 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 either a “button” or another 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 onsite control room, or they may activate an audible bell/siren only. The system can also be configured to activate a CCTV recorder to record the event. The alarm can be used to request emergency assistance from local security, police, or emergency services.
