Q & A Facts
Q. Why Should I Have A Security System?
A. A Security System may decrease the chance
of a burglary or break-in. In the event an intruder does enter,
it may decrease the length of time the intruder is in your
home or business.
Q. What Else Can I Do To Protect My Home?
A. There are a variety of things you can do,
in addition to a security system, to protect your assets.
Here are just a few:
When moving into a new home, have the locks changed!
Install good quality locks, security hinges and deadbolts.
Always lock doors and windows when you leave.
Use automatic lights when away from home.
Cut back hedges or bushes to allow visibility to the perimeter
of your home to prevent burglars from hiding behind them and
going unnoticed.
Arrange to have your grass mowed when you are going to be
away from home for an extended period of time.
Have a trusted neighbor pick up the mail and newspaper, or
arrange to have them held by the post office and newspaper
carrier, when you are on vacation or away for an extended
time Ask the local police to increase patrol in your neighborhood.
Call the police if you see suspicious activity in or around
your neighborhood.
Q. What Should A Security Alarm Include?
A. It is best that all exterior points of entry be protected by door and window contacts that detect when they are opened. Glass break detectors are also recommended. Motion detectors should be used to protect the interior spaces, but not relied on as the primary means of detection.
Q. What Are The Basic Elements Used In A Security System?
A. These are the basic elements of a Security System:
Control Panel - The heart of the system. It is where all wiring is terminated and where the back up battery and the system is connected to the phone line.
Keypad - Where the system is turned off and on.
Interior Sounder - Siren
Motion Detector - Located inside the home to detect changes in a room caused by human presence. Detectors are available for people who have pets.
Door and Window Contacts - Detects when a window or door is opened.
Glass Break Detector - Detects the impact and frequency of breaking glass.
A Central Monitoring Station - When the alarm is set off, the control panel sends a signal to a 24/7 central monitoring station whose personnel will contact the premise and/or dispatch the appropriate authorities (Police, Fire, Medic, etc).
Q. What Additional Items Can Be Added To The Security System?
A. There is a variety of equipment that you can add to your basic security system for additional protection:
Back up Communicator (cellular or radio)
Smoke Detectors
Glass break Detectors
Panic Buttons
Pressure mats under rugs
Closed Circuit TV
Alarm Screens for windows.
Q. What Happens If The Phone Lines Are Cut?
A. The central station will not receive an alarm signal and the premise phones will not work. A Cellular backup is available and recommended so the alarm can still communicate to the central monitoring station in the event the phone lines are cut or down.
Q. What Happens If I Get A Voice Over IP (VOIP) Phone?
A. Your alarm will not be able to communicate with the central monitoring station. You need to contact us immediately to review the communication of your alarm system. It is not recommended to use VOIP with an alarm system.
Q. How Often Should I Test My Alarm System?
A. You should test your complete system weekly, including the alarm signals to the central station.
Q. My Alarm Went Off And The Central Monitoring Station Did Not Call?
A. Contact iWire Systems and let us investigate. It may be something as easy as you turned off the system quickly enough to cancel the alarm signal.
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