Door alarms
Door alarms are used to protect the home from intruders. A variety of such products are available on the market, but they fall into two general categories. The first type is a magnetic contact sensor that is usually incorporated into a home based security system. When the contact between the two mounted magnets is severed an alarm sounds within the residence. The system works by maintaining a completed electric circuit. When the contacts are no longer touching, the circuit is broken and the alarm sounds.
Door alarms are commonly set up on any entry door to a home. The front door, garage door and any sliding glass doors are good places to attach door alarms. If you are currently living in an apartment a wireless system is particularly useful, as they are easily removed when you depart. It is possible to combine a standard door alarm system with an electromechanical door lock system to keep doors further inside the residence from being opened if the initial alarm is triggered.
Today’s technology allows you to set up an alarm system in your home wirelessly. Previous systems required setting up wires all over the home and integrating them into a main terminal. Sensors can be applied to every door and window as well as sliding glass doors. The system can be activated by key pad or remote, depending on the set up you choose. Systems can be connected to monitoring companies, law enforcement or be free standing. When such a system is free standing you rely upon the noise level to frighten away anyone attempting to enter.
Another style of door alarm is the door stop alarm. Unlike the magnetic contact sensor alarm, the door stop is shaped like a wedge and isn’t attached to a specific door. When someone attempts to open the door in question this alarm does two things. First, it blocks further opening of the door, second, it sets off a loud siren. Both functions are designed to discourage entry. The advantage to this system is its portability. The same unit can be used at various locations, which makes it particularly useful when traveling.