DIY Home Security

Home Security: Padlock

Ensuring that your home is safe and secure is essential for your peace of mind as well as the safety of everyone that lives in the house. Home security can be expensive affair in some cases but there are alternatives available. There are many home security devices on the market that are battery operated and fitting them yourself can be easy and quick.

Most home security systems also known as burglar alarms use sensors that detect movement or a magnetic contact plate that will set off the burgler alarm when the connection is broken. The most common movement sensors are known as Passive InfraRed Detectors. These detectors work by detecting the movement of a heat source.

DIY Home Security Plan

Before you go out and start buying sensor's, burglar alarms etc, it is a good idea to develop a home security plan. It is simple to do and can help you to identify any weak areas of your house that could be a potential target for burglars.

Walk around the outside of your house and check for any points that could be accessed easily by a burgler in particular check doors, windows and patio doors. In my old house a burglar was disturbed trying to break in through our patio door at the back of the house! Magnetic contact plates are a good option for securing any external doors and windows of your house.

Within the interior of the house you should consider having Passive infra-red Detectors to pick up any movement in the house when you are out of the house. The sensors are easily fitted in a corner of a room. Make a list of all the the sensors that you will need and this will help you on the way to get the best system to suit your needs.

DIY Focus tip – if you have pets you will have to keep them outside when the alarm system is on or keep them in one room that does not have movement sensors the kitchen is often a good option.

Wired, Part Wired or Wireless Security System

Alarm Keypad: Alarm Keypad
There are a few different options for an alarm system, traditionally alarms were wired into the home's main electricity supply. Now wireless and part-wired alarm systems are widely available.

Wired Alarm System

A wired alarm system may take you longer to install but it also takes away the need to check or recharge batteries. Most professional installers tend to lean more towards a wired home security system.

Part Wired Security Systems

Some part wired systems require the main control panel to be hard wired into your house's power supply. Others come with a rechargeable battery which can be detached from the unit and charged when required.

Wireless Home Security Systems

The easiest home security system to set up. A wireless system can be installed in hours as there is no requirement for cabling or electrical connection. All elements of the alarm system the PIR's, magnetic plates and main alarm control box are all battery operated. In some cases the external alarm box is solar powered so doesn't require batteries. Be aware that these systems require maintenance, batteries need changing or recharging. Most wireless systems however will give a warning when battery power is low.

Fitting your Home Security System

Magnetic Contact Plates
Magnetic contact plates are easy to fit in most cases. The detector should be fitted to the door frame and the magnet should be fitted to the door or window. Always follow the instructions to ensure that you get the correct the alignment and distance between contact plates.

PIR's Passive infra-red Detectors
Getting the correct position is essential check the detection range of the PIR in the manufactures guidelines most will have a good range, also do not position the PIR close to a heat source or in direct sunlight. Fitting the PIR should be relatively easy most can be screwed directly to the wall.

Other Home Security Considerations
We have covered the basics of home security but there are a range of other options that can help to ensure that your house, valuables and family are safe I have listed a couple of additional home security measures below.

• Outdoor Security Lighting – Good if you have a garden or outside area<
• Home Safe – Can help to secure valuables within the house
• CCTV – Can be expensive however DIY options are becoming more available

I hope that you have found our home security guide useful, if you have any tips please feel free to comment below