A backup generator can keep your alarm up and running if your home loses power.
(photo: Tom Lemos)
Backup systems. A typical monitored home security system offers a 24-hour backup component that kicks in should your phone lines get cut. A radio or cellular backup system will send a signal to the central monitoring station that the phone line was dropped. If you lose all electrical power, a backup battery system will keep your alarm up and running. A backup system is also essential if your home relies on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as your primary phone system. Most home security alarm systems are considered incompatible with VoIP since the technology is not governed by the same FCC standards as a standard phone line; VoIP customers require a backup system for the monitored signal to go through.
You can activate and deactivate your alarm with a small remote control that attaches to your house keys.
Two-way monitoring. A two-way monitoring system allows the central monitoring station to instantly communicate with your home. Your security keypad acts as an intercom system, so the monitoring service can verify a person's identity if they accidentally trip the alarm in the home.
Remote control. A small "key fob," similar to a car alarm remote, allows you to disarm your home intrusion alarm from several feet away without entering your passcode. Key fobs don't indicate whether the system is on or off, so if you accidentally push the button multiple times, you may trip the alarm. You can request larger key fobs that are bi-directional, but they are very bulky. The downside of key fobs is if they are stolen, the thief can disarm your system.
Other monitored home security system add-ons
A separate fire alarm communicates with your security system when it detects smoke or fire.
Fire alarm. You can add a monitored smoke detector to your home security system. When the detector senses smoke in your home, it sends a signal to your alarm's control panel, which then contacts the central monitoring station to contact your local fire department.
Pet immunity. This device discriminates between humans and small-to-medium sized pets up to 100 pounds to prevent pets from triggering the home intrusion alarm. A typical pet immunity device features dual-element sensors that require two sets of beams to be tripped simultaneously. Most house pets aren't long enough to trigger both beams, although multiple pets playing or fighting could set it off. Another way to allow your pets to roam around freely is to build a pet alley - placing beams high enough above the floor so that pets' movement won't be detected.
CCTV cameras provide an extra layer of security by recording intruder activity.
Video surveillance. To monitor what's going on, you can supplement your monitored home security system with a wide range of surveillance equipment, from a single video camera and monitor to complex closed circuit television (CCTV) systems with several cameras, multiple operators, and digital recorders. (For more information on video surveillance and to get quotes for video surveillance, see our Video Surveillance section)
