Control Panel: The brain of a home security system


control panel picture The control panel is the central component of a security system. It is the home to the central processing unit, the brain of the system. This is the one place that you should never cut corners. You are better off spending additional money now for a control that will be capable of performing any function you may want, now or in the future, rather than installing a less powerful one now and having to replace it when you want to expand your system.

The master control panel is usually mounted onto a wall and should be placed where it's not easy for burglar to find such as the basement of your home. Various sensors connect to the control panel from locations throughout your home. If your security system is armed and the sensors detect a problem, they send signals to the control panel. The control panel automatically dials the central monitoring station, where the proper authorities (police, fire, ambulance) are notified.

Most control panels available in the market now offer wire and wireless support. This offer flexibility and allows connection to wireless component when connecting the component with wire is impossible.

The most important feature in a control for home alarm use is the maximum number of zones that the control can support (some panels can support over 100). Remember that a zone can be a single point of protection, or you can combine multiple points into a single zone. For example, if you have 4 windows in your bedroom you could put each window a separate zone or you could combine the all the windows into 1 zone. Zoning becomes important if you start getting false alarms. If each window has its own zone, you will know exactly where the problem is. If you have 6 windows on 1 zone it will take more time to find the problem.

Additional zones will increases the price, but it may be wise to take some steps during the installation to enable you to add zones in the future without major costs. First make sure that the installer runs separate wires from each device to the control panel (home run wiring), so that re-wiring to the devices will not be needed, second get a control which can be expanded to include the total number of zones you will need in the future. This way, adding zones is simply a matter of adding expander boards and re-connecting wires at the control. The powerful M1GSYS2 - ELK M1 Gold Security Automation Control Panel offers a minimum of 16 zones and are expandable to 208 zones. Other than the strong security feature, it also offers powerful home automation functionality . This will come very useful when you want to turn your home into a smarthome.

For someone with basic security system in mind and insist on an economical panel, the NAPCO Gemini P816 control panel icon at an economical price of $74.99 is sufficient. The maximum number of zones is only 16 but what it's lacking in, it make it up with fire protection.



 


Table Of Contents

How an alarm system works
Find out how an alarm system works and understand the difference between closed-circuit and open-circuit system

Control Panel
The brain of a home security system

Keypad
Keypad for home security systems

Sensors
- Motion Sensors
- Glass Break Sensors
- Magnetic Sensors
- Smoke Sensors
- Ultrasonic Sensors
- Microwave Sensors

Respond
Type of responds of a home security system

Connection
Type of connection of a home security system

DIY home security system
Guide to DIY home security system

Driveway Alarm
Your car is at home but is it safe? Is it protected by a driveway alarm?

ADT Home Security System
Home Security System Monitored By ADT

Wireless Motion Activated Security Camera
The best alternative to the conventional security camera

What Features to Look for When Purchasing a Home Security System
Guide To Purchasing a Home Security System

 

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The goal of this website is to help anyone who is concerned about their home and family's safety. We provide guides on how to make your home more secure; Information, tips and home security product recommendation to help you get started. Do check out the Recently Added section for the latest tips and information on home security.

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