What Are Some Good Alarms?

Good alarms can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major catastrophe. Whether you are discussing fire, CO2, or security alarms, a good one can save your life and protect your family. A basic do-it-yourself (DIY) kit from any big box or online retailer can provide minimum safety and security. Stratagem Security trusts the alarm systems offered through our extensive partner network for true protection.

What to Look for in an Alarm

When deciding what type of home security system to install, one of your first thoughts is finding good alarms. You want something that will serve your needs, be cost-effective, and offer a long service life. You can’t just opt for the cheapest package, install it and forget about it. Likewise, buying the most expensive equipment doesn’t guarantee that it will be the best system for you.

Some of the things you will want to take into consideration are:

• Professional installation vs. DIY
• Equipment costs
• Contract requirements for monitoring services
• Smart home features and ease of integration
• Equipment/component type
• Connection (wifi, landline, broadband, etc.)

We recommend speaking with a professional installation company such as Stratagem Security. We work with security systems daily and are familiar with a wide variety of components and systems. Our partner network produces some of the highest-rated equipment in the industry.

Stand-Alone Alarm or an Integrated System

Stand-alone security systems operate independently, which makes them somewhat cumbersome. They may include all the features of an integrated system, such as CCTV, intercoms, and intrusion detection, but each is controlled separately. Additional hardware is required, and separate access controls are necessary for each operation. While great for commercial buildings, they aren’t the most cost-effective and user-friendly system for residential use.

Integrated systems use the same infrastructure for all components and operate on a signal network. There is only one control panel to control all functions. The most significant problem with integrated systems is proprietary equipment. You need to use compatible components throughout the entire system.

Speaking with the installation team at Stratagem Security will help answer all your concerns before purchasing equipment when deciding between a stand-alone or integrated system. Working with their brand partners, they can design a complete commercial or home security system for you with good alarms, fire detectors, motion sensors, outside lighting, and more.

Stratagem Security Brand Partners

Stratagem Security maintains partnerships with several manufacturers that provide high-quality system components. While DIY solutions may offer slight savings in equipment cost, the reliability and functionality might be less of a value in the long run. Let’s explore a few of our brand partners.

Honeywell and Silent Knight

Honeywell specializes in Automation Smart Technology, and Control Solutions. They offer a variety of products, including environmental controls, security, scanning, sensing, and mobility products. They build solutions for commercial and residential properties worldwide.

Silent Knight is a part of Honeywell Fire Systems. Since 1961, Silent Knight has been a leader in the fire alarm industry. They offer a variety of products for home security and fire safety.

Digital Security Controls (DSC)

Digital Security Controls (DSC) supplies control panels for security systems and IP alarm monitoring products. They also lead the field in wireless controls for integrated security systems.

Alarm.com

Alarm.com allows you to interact with your entire house via a phone app. Using cloud technology, you can integrate controls for all the components in your home. They also offer 24/7 monitoring for security, energy management, intelligent automation, and video monitoring through a nationwide network of service providers.

Kantech

Kantech has been in business since 1986 and is a part of Tyco Security Products. Out-of-the-box integrated access control technologies are their specialty. Combined with EntraPass access control software, their systems are perfect for small businesses. KT-300 and KT-400 door controllers provide big-business capabilities at an affordable price point for start-up companies. Compatibility with American Dynamics Intellix video systems makes it easy to integrate video components into an access system.

Samsung

Samsung provides an extensive array of cameras and security solutions for both network-based and analog systems. The reliability of Samsung equipment and integration has a long track record of industry-leading advancements.

dormakaba

The merger of DORMA and Kaba brings us dormakaba. The complementary products offered by the two companies have neatly combined to provide customers with a wide range of security and access control systems. The company’s mission statement says it all — “make access in life smart and secure.” Innovative and practical design allows dormakaba to stand out in a field of larger competitors.

SALTO

SALTO may be a new kid on the block, conceived in 2001, but the original goal to create an easy-to-use, efficient system that exceeded standards has been achieved. Systems marketed by SALTO can be controlled without hard-wiring. They deliver cost-effective complete system solutions that are perfect for many business and residential applications.

SALTO’s SVN platform offers the first battery-powered, stand-alone electronic locks. When access control is your goal, SALTO can help you attain security without crushing your operating budget. SALTO systems can be fully integrated, combining hardware and software, providing real-time manageability for small or large businesses.

Innovative Video Technology (InVid Tech)

Specializing in IP and TVI products, InVid Tech offers innovative solutions, a wealth of knowledge, and a vast well of experience in adding video capability to security systems.

Components Are Key to Any System

While having good alarms is a pillar of a good security system, the remainder of the components all play a role in the system’s overall efficiency. Good alarms need several other components to work together within an integrated system, including:

• Door and window sensors
• Motion sensors
• Cameras (including doorbell cameras)
• Control panel providing whole-system access
• Smoke/fire detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors

Depending on how complex you want your security system, there are additional components that can add other warnings, such as:

• Flood and leak sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Glass break sensors
• Panic pendants

Although a central panic button is usually on the control panel, You can also add pendants that connect directly to the system for elderly or disabled members of your household. The handy pendants allow your family member to signal for help if they fall or need other assistance.

Your home or business security system can be as straightforward or complex as you want.

Stratagem Security Has What You Need

No matter what your needs are, commercial or residential, Stratagem Security offers solutions. Our technicians can design a custom system that addresses all your concerns to provide an integrated system. Contact them today to schedule an appointment. You can use our online Contact Form or call our office at (914) 777-8000. Get your peace of mind today!

Tags: Burglar Alarm Systems White PLains NY, Commercial Security Systems, Good Alarms, Security Systems, Smart Home Systems