Home Security: Beyond Floodlights

Question: I am considering using a monitored security system instead of outdoor floodlights. Wireless systems seem good. What are the best home security systems? Are there less expensive options?

Answer: There are better and more efficient security methods than switching on outdoor floodlights at night. In addition to providing protection from burglars, security systems can help monitor your home, children, heating and cooling system, appliances, etc., and alert you to fire or flood.

Newer wireless systems rival hardwired ones for reliability and are much easier to install. You can install a wireless kit yourself, but it is often better to have it professionally installed. The experts know exactly where to place sensors, and you may end up needing fewer than you assumed.

The new wireless sensors are small and barely noticeable. My old wireless system required battery changes every year, and my cats set off the motion sensors. My new system uses three-year batteries and my cats (or anything less than 40 pounds) will not trigger the motion sensors.

Many systems, like mine, have hardwired control panels, but all the window, door, motion, smoke and fire sensors are wireless (batteries). Select a model with a lighted keypad and LCD display for convenience. All systems have a continuously recharging back-up battery that powers the control panels and siren if your electric power goes off, so protection continues.

For a large family, select a security system that incorporates a message center and personal paging. This allows you to control the system remotely from any telephone with your security code. A secondary code can be given to other family members that gives them control over restricted functions.

Several security systems are integrated into an whole-house control system. These can also control the heating and cooling and can turn on appliances and lights in your home. They can be controlled from a PC or telephone. They can alert your pager when your children arrive home from school.

Mini-indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras improve security and safety. One camera mounts at your front door with a monitor by the door to view visitors before you open the door. Another wireless camera can be placed anywhere in your home. Its remote-control base will change the camera's angle to pan an entire room and view it on a television. It can also be viewed or controlled from a PC.

Other lower-cost security devices include a barking dog. When you hear an unusual noise at night, push a button and a recording of a startled vicious barking dog starts. Simple motion-sensing lamp adapters can switch on an interior light and scare off an intruder.

Write for (or download at http://www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 499, a buyer's guide of 16 home security systems, camera and device manufacturers listing descriptions, features, prices, and do-it-yourself home security tips. Send $3 and a business-sized, stamped, self-addressed envelope, to the address below.

Copyright 2003 Times Publishing Company St. Petersburg Times (Florida) May 3, 2003 Saturday, BYLINE: JAMES DULLEY, James Dulley is a mechanical engineer and do-it-yourselfer. Send questions to James Dulley, The Sensible Home, St. Petersburg Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244. His Web site is http://www.dulley.com.