What Goes into a Commercial Burglar Alarms System?

A commercial burglar alarm system is essential for keeping your business, property, and employees safe from criminals, break ins, vandalism, and theft. Depending on the size of your building and nature of your business, your burglar alarm system may be simple or more complex. Each commercial security system is unique and will require a different solution. It’s important to work with experienced professionals when securing your business. Commercial burglar alarm systems may incorporate several types of sensors designed to detect threats. These are then routed through an alarm control panel which receives signals and activates the appropriate responses. 

Let’s take a closer look at the components of a burglar alarm system-

1. Alarm Control Panel- The panel is the center of any alarm system. Each of the system’s components are routed through the alarm control panel. When the control panel receives signals from different alarm sensors, it will then process them and activate the corresponding response. These responses include activating the alarm sound and alerting the monitoring service and police. Generally, the alarm control panel will have its own power source so it can continue to operate even if the power source to the building has been compromised.

    

2. Alarm Keypad- The alarm system keypad is where you can activate or disarm your alarm system. You can also use the keypad to program the system. Keypads generally have a display panel that will let you know if the system is functioning properly or if there are any areas that need attention (an open window or door). Some keypads are wireless while others are hardwired.

    

3. Door and Window Contacts- Door and window contacts are sensors that detect whether doors and windows are securely shut. One part attaches to a door or window and the other part sits inside the frame. When the doors and windows are shut properly, the contacts touch. When a burglar alarm system is armed, it can detect when the contacts are separated and can trigger an alarm response.

    

4. Glass Break Detectors- These detectors will trigger an alert when an intruder breaks a window. There are two types of glass break detectors. Acoustic detectors use microphones to detect high pitch frequencies. Shock break sensors detect vibrations.

    

5. Motion Detectors- Motion detectors are electronic devices that will alert your alarm system when movements are detected within your property when the burglar alarm system is armed. These sensors use ultrasonic sound waves or infrared waves to detect motion.

    

6. System Interruption Sensors- These are fail safes that are triggered if your burglar alarm loses power for any reason. They will alert you if your system is ever compromised, whether the system has been tampered with by a burglar or if it’s been accidentally damaged.

    

7. Access Control- This can be integrated into your alarm system to control levels of access to your building. You can also access reporting that will let you know who has entered an area.
    
8. Cameras- Security Cameras are a crucial part of any burglar alarm system. They give you and your monitoring company the ability to see what is happening at your property at any given time. If your alarm is triggered, you’ll be able to see in real time what triggered the alarm.

Atkins Systems is a locally owned and operated low voltage company that has serviced Metro Atlanta and North Georgia since 1983. With a company that has been in operation for 30 years, you can have confidence that you are dealing with experienced professionals. For more information on protecting your commercial property contact us today!