Home Automation-The Alarm Industry and the future...What's in it for me?

Electronic security has exploded in the last several years with All-In-One wireless systems making security installations easy and convenient for homeowners with existing construction. Wireless panels typically give you the option of an on-board GSM (or cellular) unit which makes the installation even easier because no phone wire needs to be pulled to the demarc location to complete the install. The additional monthly monitoring cost for a cellular unit averages $12 or so with the national brand alarm companies. This is more than offset by most customers simply by eliminating the now largely unnecessary land line phone in favor of using a mobile, resulting in a net savings for the customer. The proliferation of GSM units has a further benefit because you are now fully prepared for the sunset of analog P.O.T.S (Plain Old Telephone Service) land lines the telco industry is pushing for. This could happen as soon as 2014.

In addition on board GSM units installed in an all-in-one wireless panel can be used in internet connected households in conjunction with an enabled central station to allow the alarm panel status to be monitored from internet connected devices such as smart phones, tablets and notebook computers. The user can arm and disarm the system and get text notifications for any event the user desires. (This could be a disarm event when a child gets home for example.)

More recently alarm panels have become more capable still. Thanks to wireless Z-wave technology you can use a modern touch screen wireless all-in-one alarm panel to control thermostats, lights, door locks and monitor IP video cameras.  You can hop on your iPhone or iPad or similar Android device before you leave the office, check your cameras, turn on your air conditioner and lights. Once you get home you can disarm the alarm and unlock the door from the same device! These new systems give the customer conveniences and peace of mind. As of this writing, basic home automation has been made affordable for the masses via the integration of home automation technology into security systems.

ADT (Pulse) and Vivint (Home Automation Package) are among the national brands offering modern streamlined touch screen panels with all of the features mentioned above. There is typically some up-front cost involved for equipment and/or installation fees. The monitoring of systems with home automation can be more than double the cost of standard home security monitoring. A typical basic home-automation and security system has an up-front cost of about $200, and a recurring monthly cost of approximately $70/month on a 36 month monitoring agreement that includes an IP camera, a wireless thermostat, light control modules and wireless door locks.

Honeywell Lynx Touch is used by ADT Pulse

2Gig's Go is used by Vivint Home Automation

These technologies will ensure the relevance of electronic home security in the future. If you haven't seen this technology in action, check out www.adtpulse.com  or www.vivint.com. You'll be glad you did.

What else is there?

Another common question is, "What else is there?" Once a homeowner has a burglar alarm installed, there are other devices that can be added to further protect your home and family. Here are some examples:


Monitored Smoke/Heat/Fire Detector(s)-These to me should not be optional. Consider having at least one monitored fire point added to your home alarm at the time of installation. These devices will trigger an audible fire alarm and notify the monitoring station to dispatch the fire department whether you are home or not. Typically the point of installation is a great time to get a bargain while the technician is already in your home programming and installing your other devices.

Monitored Carbon Monoxide Detector(s)-Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that has been called "The Silent Killer." Sources of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and gas and kerosene room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned indoors. The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide toxicity are flu-like and as a result 170 Americans die each year from CO poisoning. Another 500 are hospitalized and treated for serious Carbon Monoxide toxicity. A monitored Carbon Monoxide detector will sound an audible alarm when CO reaches toxic levels and also notify the monitoring central station so you can be notified if you are not home.

Light Control Modules-These devices allow you to control selected home lights from your alarm panel. Some light control module systems also incorporate this functionality into a key fob remote control that is also used to arm and disarm the system.

Audio Verification Module(s)-Adds two-way voice capability to hard wired alarm panels. Typically all-in-one wireless units have this capability built in.

Window Contacts or Glass Break detectors?

This is a common question from homeowners. Should I install contacts on my windows or install acoustic glass break detectors? Or both?  The answer depends on the specific needs and budget of the homeowner.

Window contacts and glass break devices are both 'perimeter' devices. This means these devices are intended to sound the alarm instantly when the perimeter of your home is breached and/or entered by an unauthorized person or persons. Statistically, 85% of home burglars enter through a door. The proliferation of decorative and window glass in exterior doors has made this route easy and practical for a burglar. Still, windows continue to be used for entry in residential burglaries and window security should always be considered when choosing the components of your intrusion alarm system.


The default installation model for many years has been door contacts on all doors, window contacts on any ground floor windows with motion sensors as a backup system in the home to sound the alarm by detecting unauthorized movement. The known flaw of using window contacts is that the window must be opened to sound the alarm. A savvy crook can simply knock all of the glass out of the window frame before entering-without opening the window or triggering the perimeter burglar alarm. This allows an intruder into your home forcing you to rely on an alarm triggered by a backup device such as a passive infrared motion detector.  A properly installed glass break detector eliminates this issue because it will sound the alarm immediately when the specific sound pattern of glass breaking is detected-before the burglar gains entrance.

Glass breaks are an excellent complement to any burglar alarm system and should be used anytime you have large panes of fixed glass such as picture windows or a sun room. Glass breaks can be a cost effective alternative to window contacts in rooms with 2-3 or more windows or in newer residences with large and wide open common areas. Older residences with small rooms, compact hallways and 1-2 windows in each room may require multiple glass break detectors which may be less cost effective. In a budget constrained situation, window contacts are then recommended with glass breaks in the 'hot spots' or areas most likely to be broken into. A professional security technician can advise you what is best for your home and budget.

Pictured here is a typical wireless acoustic glass break device. These are wall mountable and the typical models can hear glass breaking in an unobstructed 20'-35' 180 degree arc. This device cannot hear through walls or through structural obstructions so each one must be mounted in a room or living area with the front and sides of the detector unobstructed. Acoustic glass breaks trigger the alarm by 'hearing' the sound of glass breaking.



This device is a typical round hard wired glass break detector. These are usually ceiling mounted in the room or area you desire glass break protection.  These also trigger the burglar alarm by 'hearing' the sound of glass breaking.

Window contacts operate when a magnet is separated from the body of the contact by the physical act of opening the window. These can be hard wired or wireless. The hard wired contacts pictured here are typically used for windows and doors.

I welcome your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to contact me at (504) 383-4234 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (504) 383-4234      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Please allow me to introduce myself...

I am a security technician by trade. I install and service home intrusion alarms in homes and commercial businesses. Every day I routinely talk to customers who have common questions and misconceptions about burglar alarms. This blog is my way of empowering the public with information that you can use to decide which options are best for you. I will post regularly with different topics. I look forward to hearing from you all!