home CCTV system, home Alarm System, home Autogate System, Door Access System

About Wireless Video Cameras [back to TOP]

What is a Wireless Camera?
Can I make a Regular Camera Wireless?
How far can Wireless Cameras Transmit?
What is Line-of-Sight (LOS) Range?
What is the difference between various frequencies?
Will other electronic devices interfere with Wireless Cameras?
What is the difference between a Wireless Cameraand a Wireless Network Camera?

What is a Wireless Camera? [back to TOP]
Wireless Security cameras are a combination of three components: A camera, a transmitter to send the signal, and a receiver to receive the signal. A Wireless Camera transmits video from a built-in transmitter to a receiver, which is in turn plugged into either a monitor or other recording device.
Wireless Cameras come all shapes and sizes; some look like traditional Security Cameras, while others are inconspicuous, Spy Camera that resemble just about anything. The possibilities are as endless. Wireless Spy Cameras are true masters of disguise, like a chameleon, they observe everything while blending effortlessly with their surroundings.

Can I make a Regular Camera Wireless? [back to TOP]
A separate transmitter and receiver can be added to any camera to make it wireless. By choosing your camera, transmitter, and receiver separately, you can design a system that fits your exact needs. BrickHouse Security offers a full line of Wireless Video Camera for any scenario imaginable.
Some transmitters and receivers can accept specialized antennas, such as High-Gain, Yagi, or Omni-Directional Antennas. The type of antenna you choose will determine your camera's optimal range.
High-Gain Directional Antennas are recommended for most long-range Wireless Video use. Yagi Antennas send or receive a propagated radio signal on the same axis as the corresponding Antenna on the other end (with Line-of-Sight visibility between the two whenever possible).
Omni-Directional Antennas are great for short range broadcasts because of their versatility. These antennas work with wireless equipment, which sends or receives a propagated radio signal in all directions simultaneously. This differs greatly from a High-Gain Directional Antenna, which is only capable of sending or receiving information on the same axis as the corresponding antenna on the other end.

How far can Wireless Cameras Transmit? [back to TOP]
Wireless Video some all shapes and sizes and are capable of transmitting to different distances. The transmission range of a Wireless Camera is usually rated by use the Line-of-Sight (LOS). Standard Wireless Video Cameras have a range of about 700 feet LOS. The signal can be transmitted through most solid objects including glass, plastic, wood, fiberglass, and some metals, but the signal is attenuated. So the actual transmission range depends on the number and type of objects you are transmitting through, such as brick walls, concrete walls, trees, etc. An ordinary 700 ft. LOS Covert Camera can typically transmit signal through about 6 interior walls with ranges up to 300 feet and is designed to work comfortably in a building up to 6,000 square foot (home or office).

What is Line-of-Sight (LOS) Range? [back to TOP]
Line-of-Sight (LOS) Range refers to the ideal broadcast range of wireless audio/video link (transmitter and receiver) systems. Line-of-sight means the range when there is a visible pathway between the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna. Additionally, the Line-of-Sight specification indicates performance outdoor transmission distance of a wireless camera under absolute best conditions: (no walls, trees, or any obstructions). In other words, there is nothing between the transmitter and receiver, for example building top to building top.
Please be aware that just like home cordless telephones, TV reception, and cellular phones, Convert Video can be temperamental and will not operate properly if they are placed too close to another electronic device, such as a cordless phone, television, or microwave.

What is the difference between various frequencies? [back to TOP]
Most cameras operate on a 2.4 GHz frequency, as do cordless phones. There are three other frequencies: 2.4 GHz, 1.2 GHz, 900 MHz, 5.8 GHz, each with their own unique specifications.

2.4 GHz
A 2.4GHz Wireless Video Camera comes equipped with 4 channels. There is no tuning required. We generally recommend 2.4 GHz over 900 MHz because the overall video quality is better. Range varies from 200-700 feet, depending on environmental conditions.
Generally, the worst kind of interference a RF radio signal may encounter is another nearby radio signal operating at or close to its own frequency in the RF spectrum. These 2 (or more) signals then "compete" for use of this frequency. If there is any "winner," it will always be the stronger signal present. For example, a microwave oven is essentially an extremely powerful microwave transmitter tuned to the 2.4 GHz frequency range. Many cordless phones also operate on this frequency and may cause interference, if placed in close proximity to a Wireless Video Camera.

1.2 GHz
High resolution video transmission and outdoor medium range potential makes 1.2GHz Wireless Video System a good choice for multiple system applications.
1.2 GHz makes a huge difference in the range and quality of video image received, especially when going through ceilings, floors and most walls. In an unobstructed site with no other electrical interference, you can expect to clearly transmit up to 300 feet.

900 MHz
This is an amateur band. An amateur license is required to operate. 4 channels are available in the 900 band. The signal goes to a dedicated receiver that is tuned from 902-930. 916.5 MHz is the standard transmitter setting; there are 3 other frequencies. Range varies from 200-700 feet or more depending on environmental conditions.
900 MHz receivers have a tuning knob that you must adjust to attain a clear, sharp picture. There is no interference between 900 MHz cordless phones and 900MHz Wireless Video Surveilance System.

5.8 GHz
5.8 GHz is the latest and greatest in CCTV Wireless Security Equipment. Record and view up to 4 channels of video with an operating frequency between 5725 ~ 5825 (4 Channels), with a range of up to 300 ft. with direct line-of-sight.
When using the 5.8 GHz frequency, you are not sharing a radio frequency that is considered to be part of the public band, eliminating interference from other 2.4 GHz devices. Plus, a 2.4GHz Wireless Video may only transmit a wireless signal up to 500 feet line of site, whereas a 5.8 GHz Wireless Video Camera sends a stronger signal up to 2,000 feet line of site.

Will other electronic devices interfere with Wireless Cameras? [back to TOP]
The signal generated by a 2.4GHz Wireless Camera may be (but not always) disrupted by the 2.4GHz cordless phone or other 2.4 GHz devices. If you are not sure whether or not your cordless phone or any other 2.4 GHz system in your home or office interferes the wireless camera (cannot get good video signal), unplug power to your phone etc. to determine if that is the problem.
Your microwave oven might also generate a conflicting signal; your Wireless Video Camera and the microwave oven operate on the same frequency. This will not damage your camera.

What is the difference between a Wireless Camera and a Wireless Network Camera? [back to TOP]
An ordinary Wireless Camera transmits its A/V data via RCA or COAX cable to a monitor or a recording device (either a VCR or DVR). If you want to view this data remotely, you would need to purchase a special kind of DVR that converts the image data to digital output, and has networking software to broadcast this digital data over a network.
Also called "IP Cameras" or "Ethernet Cameras," a Wireless Network Camera transmits its Audio/Video (A/V) signal via standard computer networking CAT5 cable. It has software built-in on its chip that allows anyone on the network to view the A/V data, just like a computer on a network. There is no special software needed to view the camera. You can view the images in an internet browser by pulling up the IP Address assigned to the camera. To record the video, you can use software such as ReCam - Network Camera Monitoring Software on any computer on the network.

How to choose a suitable security camera?        [back to TOP]

Do I need a Pinhole Camera?
What is a Pinhole Camera?
How to install wired camera?
How wireless camera works?
What is camera resolution meant?
LUX-- How it affects picture quality?
What does it mean by LOS (line of sight)?
What are CCD and CMOS image sensors? What are the impacts on choosing the camera?
How to choose a hidden camera for security or surveillance purpose?
Should I buy a color camera or a B/W camera?
Should I install a Night Vision Projector?
Should I buy a Wired Camera or a Wireless Camera?
What is Video Standard?
How to choose a suitable lens for the camera?

Why I need PinHole Camera? [back to TOP]
Pinhole camera may come with audio or without audio and can be used for a wide variety of purpose in office or at home, for security, surveillance or fun. Pinhole camera is an ideal discreet surveillance camera for the office or home security system, and a must tool for the novice or professional detective. Use it as a nanny camera when you are away from home to make sure that your children or elderly family members are properly taken care of. Installed in the office or the store room, the pinhole camera can monitor whether anyone enters your office or store in your absence. Some surgeons may use the wireless camera with their headlight systems to record their surgery operations on video tapes for teaching or recording purposes.

What is a Pinhole Camera? [back to TOP]
A pinhole camera is a video camera with micro lens (pinhole, 1~2 mm viewing diameter). The camera can be as small as 18mm x 18mm x 18mm. Due to the small viewing diameter, pinhole camera can film through very small holes and light-weaved clothing. A pinhole camera will give a real time video image similar to that produced by a camcorder. A pinhole camera may come with audio or without audio capability. You need to connect this camera to the video-in/audio-in connectors of a viewing or recording device such as TV, monitor, VCR, camcorder, computer etc. Pinhole camera is used when a standard security camera is not appropriate for the environment or you wish to hide the camera. You may hide the whole camera inside any object except the pinhole lens opening, which needs to be exposed to the scene where you want to take the video. Basically, the camera can be hidden inside any objects such as clocks, radios, tissue boxes or other household, office items or body worn. This keeps the camera covert for surveillance purpose. There are basically two types of connection between the pinhole camera to the display or recording device: wired and wireless.

How to install Wired Camera         [back to TOP]
For a wired system, you need to connect the camera to your display/recording device (TV, VCR etc.) by means of a RCA cable (or a coax cable). Depending on the model you order, there are 3 cables with RCA connectors coming from the camera: the DC power wire, and the other two for video and audio respectively. Plug the video and the audio connectors to the RCA video-in and audio-in jacks at the back of your TV or VCR. Then connect the power wire to the included power supply, which then be connected to the AC power source. If AC power is not available at the location where you want to install the camera, you may use the included battery box or connector to connect the camera to a 9V battery. For longer battery life, you may connect the camera to a high capacity Sealed Lead Acid rechargeable battery - more info in Resources Page.

How Wireless Camera Works [back to TOP]
For a wireless system, connection between the camera and the display device is done by a transmitter and a receiver. The wireless system consists of a camera, a transmitter and a receiver. Though our pinhole camera is so small, we build in the video/audio transmitter inside some of our models of pinhole camera! The transmitter sends the video & audio signals about 300 feet~5 miles away (depending on which camera model) to a small receiver. The receiver can be easily connected to a TV, monitor, camcorder or standard VCR. Your may view the video live or record it on a regular VHS cassette tape up to a duration of 8 hours. The camera can be hidden inside an object like a clock radio, air filter or CD player etc. Most wireless systems in the market do not include audio capability. There are many models of our wireless camera providing both video and audio transmission. Please make sure you choose the right product.

In all the standard TV, VCR or monitor, you'll find an RCA video-input along with an audio-input usually located at the rear of the unit.

What is Camera Resolution meant? [back to TOP]

Resolution is a measurement unit of the camera's clarity. A cameras resolution is determined by the number of horizontal video lines (320~600 lines) that the camera needs in order to reproduce the desired image. The higher the resolution number, the sharper the image will be.

LUX--How it affects picture quality        [back to TOP]

Simply stated, the lux is the metric unit for measuring the amount of light that falls on an object, and is the European equivalent of the British foot-candle (or lumen). Specifically, 1 lux equals the amount of light that falls on a one-square-meter surface that is one meter away from a single candle. 10 lux equals the amount of light produced by 10 candles one meter away. LUX (1/10 of a foot candle) is a standardized unit to measure a camera's sensitivity to light. The lower the number, the less light it will need to reproduce a clear image. A camera with a LUX of 1 means it can see an image during early evening hours or just before dusk. A camera with 0.5 LUX has the ability to see an image in a dimly lit corridor. A 40W fluorescent lamp will provide sufficient indoor light for a camera with 2 LUX. With the help of infrared light, camera can work with 0 LUX, i.e., under total darkness, even better than the human eyes!

What does it mean by LOS (line of sight) [back to TOP]
LOS refers to the distance between the AV transmitter and the receiver in open space (line of sight). There are a number of factors that may affect the transmission range in actual environment. If there are walls, partitions or other obstacles between the transmitter and the receiver, the effective transmission distance will be much shorter. The effective transmission distance for clear AV signal depends on the structure of the walls, partitions or other obstacles in the transmitter path. For example, a steel-embedded wall will shorten the effective distance more than a wooden wall. Strong radio frequency of similar range in the area will also adversely affect the operating range. In order to improve signal reception, try to place the transmitter/receiver in a higher position whenever possible. Placing the transmitter/receiver to different locations and/or changing the channel may also get a better result. Using a high-gain antenna for the transmitter/receiver will definitely improve the signal transmission/reception.

What are CCD and CMOS image sensors? What are the impacts on choosing the camera?

Both CCD (Charge coupled device) or CMOS (Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors are electronic devices that use a variety of technologies to transform an image (light pattern) into an electric image (electronic charge pattern). In the process of reading the value in the image, CCD sensors create high-quality, low-noise images. While CMOS sensors, traditionally, are more susceptible to noise.

In the conversion and reading processes, CCDs consume lots of electric power. CMOSs operate on lower voltage and therefore consume much less power. The difference in consumption is as much as 100 times. Accordingly, CMOSs have much longer battery life than CCDs.

CCD sensors have been in mass production for a long period of time and therefore a more mature product than CMOS sensors. CCD sensors tend to produce higher quality and more pixels. As a result, the images produced by CCD sensors are much better than those from CMOS sensors.

The third major difference between these two sensors is that the manufacturing costs of CMOS is much less expensive than CCD.

Based on these differences, you can see that CCDs tend to be used in cameras that focus on high-quality images. CMOS sensors tend to have lower quality, lower resolution and lower sensitivity. There is a trade-off between higher image quality but higher power consumption (CCD) compared with lower image quality but longer power consumption (CMOS).

How to choose a camera for security purpose? [back to TOP]

There are lots of hidden camera in the market. Which one is suitable for you? These cameras may come with or without audio capability. Make sure you choose the one to suit your needs. Hidden camera basically includes (1) Pinhole Camera. Some are as small as a sugar cube with lens opening of 1 mm. It can be hidden behind any hole larger than 1 mm. (2) Board Camera: A small PC board with built-in mini camera. Suitable for hiding into many objects. (3) Dome Camera: A mini camera is built inside a dome-size plastic obscure protector. Suitable for installation on the ceiling or wall. (4) Standard Surveillance Camera: Visible security camera installed indoor or outdoor to scare away unwanted visitors; (5) Water-resistant Security Camera: Standard surveillance camera with water-resistant protective case. Suitable for outdoor installation. (6) Water-proof Hidden Camera: A small pinhole or mini camera with water-proof case so that it may be put beneath the water, for example, inside a fish tank.

The technology in these models is basically the same for different models, except that the camera may consist of either a CMOS or CCD image sensor, and the product size is also different for different purpose.

Should I buy a color or a B/W camera? [back to TOP]
If you use the camera in an environment where the light condition is very low, it is recommended that you should buy a B/W camera. If a color camera is used under low light condition, the video obtained will be close to B/W anyway. Buy a color camera for a better view if the light condition is fair.

Should I install a Night Vision Projector? [back to TOP]
Night Vision Projector is a device sending out invisible infrared light to compensate the light for the camera. Usually, the light requirement for B/W camera is very low. Some light coming from a dim light bulb or a corridor lamp is already sufficient. If you want to take video from a location where the light is very dim or no light at all, then you need to install an Infrared Night Vision Projector, or a camera with built-in infrared lights. If a color camera is used under low light condition (even with infrared night vision device installed), the video obtained will be in black and white only. Please note that our infrared night projector only works with B/W video camera, NTSC or PAL, but not with color video camera.

Should I buy a Wired Camera or a Wireless Camera? [back to TOP]
The advantages of wireless camera are that (a) it is convenient to be installed in those locations where wiring is difficult, if not impossible; (b) it can be moved to different locations easily, as often as you like; (c) it can be hidden inside a moving object like inside your cloth, cap, briefcase or carrying bag etc. The disadvantages are: (a) video stream may be disturbed or influenced by other moving objects or other strong radio frequencies. A wired camera is more stable in this respect. (b) video/audio transmission is limited within the prescribed transmission range. These disadvantages will not occur to a wired camera.

To overcome the disadvantages of wireless camera, you may:
(a) Buy those wireless models with higher frequency transmission band at least 1.2GHz or above; (b) If you need to take video from the wireless camera a long way from the receiver, or there are walls, metallic or steel obstacles between the wireless camera and the receiver, buy a wireless model with higher transmission power, that is, a transmitter with longer transmission distance; (c) Using a high gain antenna for the transmitter or receiver will improve signal transmission/reception.
Overall, the video/audio signals from a wired camera are more stable than a wireless camera.

What is Video Standard? [back to TOP]

Different areas of the world use different video standards. North America uses NTSC, Europe uses PAL and SECAM, South America uses PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL and NTSC. Almost every area of the world has a mixture of video standards. If your TV/VCR/camcorder support multi-systems, you can use either PAL or NTSC camera. With a multi-system video recorder, you expect an PAL tape to be reproduced as a standard PAL signal, and the same machine if fed with a NTSC tape will reproduce it as a standard NTSC signal. A multi-system VCR can also be expected to make a perfectly normal PAL recording of an PAL input signal, and a perfectly normal NTSC recording of a NTSC input signal.
NTSC and PAL standard are not interchangeable. For example, you can't display video input from a PAL camera on a NTSC only TV.

What is PAL, NTSC and SECAM?

NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) is a standard used in North America and Japan. It has the ability to display up to 525 lines of resolution. PAL (Phase Alternating Line), a standard used almost everywhere else in the world, has the ability to display 625 lines of resolution. SECAM (Sequential Color Memory) is used sparingly around the world and can be found in France, parts of Greece, Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa and a few other parts of the world. However, any SECAM country can display PAL tapes in full color, but not all PAL countries can display all SECAM tapes in color. Only if they are true SECAM and not MESECAM can those VCR's display SECAM.
Note: You don't need to worry about the video standard of our camera because we will supply camera system corresponding to the video standard of your country. Unless it is indicated in the product description that the camera is available for certain video format only, we will ship camera according to the common video format currently used in your country. For example, NTSC camera for orders from United States and Canada. For orders from U.K., we will ship PAL standard camera.

How to choose a suitable lens for the camera? [back to TOP]

Lens with fixed focal length
Choosing a suitable lens for your security camera, you need first to determine how far you want to monitor the scene. A 4mm lens will give a 72 degree visual angle of view for a person's face detail in about 30 feet. This will be adequate for most home or small office surveillance system. Based on this calculation, a 8mm lens will give a 40 degree visual angle and zoom in 2 times of the view in the same distance. Accordingly, a 16mm lens will give a 20 degree visual angle and zoom in about 4 times of the view in the same distance.

Varifocal lens
If you need to change the monitoring distance at times, you may choose a varifocal lens instead of lens with fixed focal length. With a few simple adjustments of the lens, you will be able to zoom in and zoom out and focus a clear picture of the scene. There are various focal ranges offered by the varifocal lens, i.e. 3~8mm, 8~15mm etc.

Auto iris lens
An auto iris lens is a lens that automatically adjusts the lens aperture based on the strength of the incoming light source. If the security camera is installed in the office, you probably don't need an auto iris lens because the light source is stable. If the camera is installed outdoor, you may need an auto iris lens because the light source may change through the day.

Types of House Alarms [back to TOP]
This article was picked from http://www.professorshouse.com

A home alarm is a system that guards your home from trespassing, burglary and other kinds of dangers. There are different types of home alarm systems available to choose from, all of them with different operational concepts. However, they are all designed to serve just one purpose; and that is to protect your home. There are electric circuits, motion detectors, infrared alarms and other types that are all quite effective. Read below to find out more about them and see which type might suit you the best.

The first type to discuss is the monitored system, which alerts a central call center if an alarm has been triggered. The call center then checks with the homeowner to see if everything is ok by calling them. Since the call center is alerted of an alarm through the phone wires, a clever burglar may be able to locate the outdoor phone wires if they are exposed and cut them. By doing this, the call center is never alerted and the burglar is free to enter the home.

Remember however, there is always the option of using a cellular or radio back up for a monitored alarm system. Besides the threat of burglars cutting your phone line before they enter your home, the phone service can be disabled for other reasons such as inclement weather, accidents, equipment failures and various other reasons. A back-up system, using either cellular or radio technology, can be used to provide constant monitoring of your service and can even alert the security company when the standard phone system is disabled.

Another disadvantage of having your home alarm system monitored is that even after the alarm has been set off, the burglar still has some time to get into your house, steal some valuables and escape undetected. This can happen because once the alarm has been set off; the security company usually waits for 30 to 45 seconds before contacting the homeowner by phone to receive a previously arranged password. They have to wait this long to allow the homeowner time to deactivate the alarm, if it was a false alarm. If the monitoring company does not receive the correct password, or the phone is not answered, then they would contact the police or some other third party. An experienced thief could easily make off with many valuables in the few minutes it takes for the police to actually arrive.

Another type of home alarm system is the unmonitored system, which makes a loud siren noise both inside and outside of the house when the alarm is triggered. The responsibility to contact the police falls on your neighbors. This type of alarm system may also include flashing lights so people are aware of where the alarm is coming from. The biggest advantage is that you do not have to pay monitoring fees. Another advantage is that burglars often become deterred when the sirens start blaring. Their goal is to get in and get out with some valuables, and of course without being noticed. This is made quite difficult once the alarm has been tripped. The big disadvantage of this type of alarm is that your neighbors must be home and willing to get involved by calling the police. [back to TOP]

Another distinction between types of alarm systems is the hard-wired versus the wireless. The wireless home security systems use battery-powered radio transmitters and receivers to connect the various components such as cameras, sensors, motion detectors, sirens, central controllers, smoke and fire detectors, keypads, and even video displays. These types of security systems are usually available at most local hardware stores, or on the internet, and are often designed for a do-it-yourself type of installation.

The basic advantages of wireless security systems are that they are very easy to install and they avoid the expensive and time-consuming task of installing new wires in the walls of existing homes. Wireless systems also enable you to take the system with you when moving to a new location. Some wireless security systems can be set up to call programmed numbers in the event of an alarm, which can save the cost of hiring a professional monitoring service.

Some disadvantages of using wireless alarm systems are the design limitations in the distance allowed between sensors, cameras, and the central control panel. Wireless systems can also be vulnerable to electromagnetic interference in certain locations. Additionally, they also require periodic replacement of batteries, which could be expensive depending on the system.

Hard-wired alarm systems use wires installed inside the walls and crawl spaces to connect the sensors to a central control panel. A hard-wired system design normally uses power from the home electrical wiring as the primary source with a rechargeable battery pack for backup during power outages. The main components of a hard-wired system are similar to a wireless system but without the radio receiver and transmitter components.

The main advantages for a hard-wired alarm system are that they are considered by most contractors to be more reliable than wireless systems. They are usually installed by a professional security system contractor with warranties and maintenance support. They also avoid the problem of electromagnetic interference and radio range limitations inherent in some wireless security systems. Hard-wired components are also much less visible and more aesthetically pleasing than their wireless counterparts. [back to TOP]

Some disadvantages of a hard-wired security system are that they are generally more expensive than wireless systems. The hard-wired system remains an integral part of the home, and therefore the components are not capable of being moved to another home when the owner relocates. Problems can also arise in the installation of sensors in certain homes where there are areas that are not accessible for pulling wires inside the walls. In those cases, they often will rely on having a wireless component added to the system.

The electric current home alarm systems are by far the most popular type of home alarms available. They can be placed in entryways all around your home such as the front door, basement door, garage door, and windows too. These alarms will create a steady current to each of the entryways, and if there is an intrusion, it will cause an interruption to the electrical current if someone opens a doorway without disabling the alarm first. Generally, these types of alarms will first make some kind of loud noise, which will hopefully scare of a burglar, or give a warning to the homeowner. This type can also have a silent alarm that will automatically notify the police when an intrusion is detected.

Another great way to keep your house protected is with the use of motion detector alarms. Motion detector alarms work by sending out patterns of light or microwaves of ultrasonic sound into the surroundings of your home. If someone enters a protected area without first disabling the alarm, they will create a disruption in these patterns that will automatically cause the alarm to sound. There are also infrared motion detectors that work by detecting body heat. If there is a significant change in the surrounding temperature in a room, it will trigger the alarm. [back to TOP]

Other popular types of home alarms include:
Panic buttons: they can be manually activated if you detect or suspect an intruder and can be placed near beds or doorways. Sometimes these buttons consist of a wireless unit that can be worn on the body.
Glass break sensors: these components are placed on windows, which can detect vibrations if the glass is broken.
Stress sensors: these are placed under rugs, carpets, or floor joists that activate when stepped upon.
When considering a new alarm for your home, be sure to also think about adding some fire alarm components. There are basically two types of smoke detectors available, which include the ionization and the photo-electronic. Ionization units use chemical reactions to detect the presence of smoke and respond best to fast-flaming fires, such as paper. On the other hand, the photo-electronic detectors work best for slower, smoldering fires, which are more common in typical residences. There are also heat detectors available that activate once a room's temperature reaches a predetermined temperature.

Deciding which type of alarm system is right for your home and family can certainly be a confusing and frustrating task. Remember that the installation of a good residential alarm system that incorporates both burglar and fire alarm components is one of the most prudent steps you can take to help protect your property and your loved ones. [back to TOP]