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Choosing a Wireless Alarm System for Apartment Safety


by DoItYourself Staff

When you live in an apartment, a wireless alarm system can be invaluable to the safety of you, your possessions and your family. Many people move into an apartment building because there is a sense of safety that is not present with having your own home. This, however, is not the case as apartment buildings do not generally provide any type of alarm system, especially in individual units. When you are shopping for a wireless alarm system, you will notice that there are many options available. The following article will help you to choose the correct wireless system for your needs.

Magnetic Systems

If you are looking at the bottom line as far as cost, a wireless alarm system that uses magnets may be what you need. You can get an entire system of magnetic alarms for under $20 dollars. This type of system will do a fine job if what you really want is something to startle an intruder or to alert you to an intruder.

A magnetic system consists of small plastic devices that contain a magnet and a sound device. You install the sound device to a wall and the other piece to the door or window. When either is opened, the magnet disconnects, causing an ear-piercing sound to ring out.

Infrared Wireless Alarm System

There are several styles of infrared alarm systems which are made up of multiple pieces. Infrared detects a change of temperature around the general area of the system. These can be calibrated to increase or decrease the intensity of the equipment. You can hook these units up to a central wireless alarm system that calls the authorities upon being sounded, or it can be wired to an audible alarm.

Laser and Beam Wireless Alarm System

This type of wireless alarm system is nearly identical to the magnetic wireless alarm system. The technology is more advanced than magnets, but is not more advanced than infrared.

These units are placed throughout the home wherever you need an alarm station. Each set consists of 2 components: one that disperses a laser or light and one that receives it. Once the beam is broken the alarm is sounded. The cost of this type of wireless alarm system varies by how many units you want to setup and how you want them installed. You can have them connected to an alarm company or to an audible alarm.

Computer Wireless Alarm System

This can either be an economical solution to wireless alarm systems or one of many that cost a fortune. The most generic of this type are wireless web cams which run off Internet networks. You can watch video from a remote location, connect to a service or use an audible alarm. A more expensive option is to use a wireless alarm system that is connected to the computer that utilizes an infrared camera, beam lights or laser lights. All the information is sent to the computer which deciphers the information.

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