Think like a criminal! Critique this security system... (windows, phone, install)

[HX_Guy]

You guys were very helpful when I asked about security systems not too long ago so I wanted to get your opinions again. This is the plan I've come up with (actually came up with three, but chose this one).

All entry doors into house have a contact sensor. Motion in office, two motions in living/kitchen. Contacts on all window shutters in master bedroom and bed 3 & bed 2. Contact on bed 1 & motion sensor since there is no shutter on the window.

D = Door contact sensor
W = Window contact sensor
M = Motion sensor



The goal here is to be alerted of a break in when we are not home and also for safety when we are home sleeping. We would active the motions at night. There are no pets or kids in the house. Will also add a monitored smoke alarm and also a panic button.

I know, seems a bit paranoid, but my wife really wants to do it and it's sort of one of those things that if something happens, it's like "Why the heck didn't we do that security system?" Sort of like not having health insurance or a back up on your computer.

[Border Scot]

You have a motion sensor near the laundry room that looks like it's looking directly at a group of windows. Without knowing about house orientation etc., you might want to consider moving this sensor to the perimeter wall like the one in your office but in the kitchen thereby avoiding sunlight. Likewise, the motion detector in your office might be better off placed on the wall just around the corner from your front door, looking toward where you currently have it placed, again avoiding looking at a group of windows. Also, by doing this you should be able to keep it on an instant circuit rather than a delay.

Just my $0.02.

Jerry

[HX_Guy]

Thanks for the reply Jerry.

Why is looking toward the windows a bad thing? Sunlight won't be a problem as these will be places above the windows plus there are window screens and shutters in place...but I didn't know sunlight is a problem for these sensors.

[Zippyman]

Looks good - id consider both a "garage butler" -( automatic door closer ) and a motion sensor in the garage, in case that door is defeated - typically there are lots of pawn able items in a garage.

Also consider panic buttons in the bathrooms- not for break ins, but because that's where everyone ends up if they're feeling sick.

But yeah, looking at your plan, I'd steal your a/c coil & stay out of the house. ;-)

[sailordave]

Two questions: 1. How easily accessible is your electrical connection to your home (where the meter is located) & 2. Does any of this high tech stuff have it's own electrical back-up power to continue to work and send a signal to the alarm monitoring company?

A smart thief can see you have an alarm system, access your electric meter panel to disconnect power to your home, and then enter your home safely. Some systems have a limited battery power supply. If you're away on vacation, they can disconnect your power for a day or two and then get what they want from your home. Deadbolts and landscaping would do much to deter thieves. Hidden outside cameras with night vision would catch the thieves in the act even if they ct the power to the home. Don't think they'd cut power? Ask the homeowners whose home was stripped of copper wires and piping while they were gone.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by sailordave

Two questions: 1. How easily accessible is your electrical connection to your home (where the meter is located) & 2. Does any of this high tech stuff have it's own electrical back-up power to continue to work and send a signal to the alarm monitoring company?

A smart thief can see you have an alarm system, access your electric meter panel to disconnect power to your home, and then enter your home safely. Some systems have a limited battery power supply. If you're away on vacation, they can disconnect your power for a day or two and then get what they want from your home. Deadbolts and landscaping would do much to deter thieves. Hidden outside cameras with night vision would catch the thieves in the act even if they ct the power to the home. Don't think they'd cut power? Ask the homeowners whose home was stripped of copper wires and piping while they were gone.

The security systems I've seen had a "SLA" (sealed lead acid) battery in the locked control panel that would run the system for days, even if the power was cut - and the OP was planning on a cellular system, that would work just fine if the phone lines were cut as well.

[wit-nit]

The pro would cut the telephone line so you should consider adding to the system a back up where the alarm signal is sent to the monitoring company via satellite. Your monitoring company would install it for a nominal fee.

[SuperSparkle928]

Do you have any pets? Never believed in the 'pet alley' thing.
Also, with the proper system, the monitoring company can tell if your phone line has been cut, and battery backup will keep the system alive for hours. I get a cell phone call from the system if something is not 'right'.

[K'ledgeBldr]

"Think like a criminal!"

OK, I did. Now, do you really want me to publish it on an open forum so everybody knows how to do it?
Some people ask the most ridiculous questions on forums.

[harry chickpea]

You go to the bathroom in the hallway???

Rosebushes. Window film. A few other things.