Security systems: a primer for protection

Find out what you get with a monitored alarm system, how to choose a dealer, and what the costs will be.

Security systems: a primer for protection

Each year, businesses lose billions of dollars to theft and vandalism that could be prevented with the installation of monitored security systems. As an inexpensive way to protect your business, monitored security systems include a series of devices that detect unauthorized entry and send a signal to a central monitoring station when an intruder is detected. These nationwide monitoring centers provide continuous service - 24/7/365 - and will alert local police to dispatch authorities to the scene as necessary.

A monitored burglar security system typically includes:

• Control panels: Power source of the entire system typically located in the roof or server closet and connected to your phone system.
• Security keypads: Panels installed near entrances to allow employees to arm and disarm the security system.
• Motion detectors: Devices that trip the alarm by sensing changes in the infrared energy levels when an intruder is in the area.
• Door and window contacts: Magnetic devices placed along door jams and window frames that trigger the alarm security system when opened.
• Glassbreak sensors: Sensors identifying the acoustic shock waves of glass breaking that set off the system.
• Sirens: Loud horns attached to the inside and outside of the building and may include strobe lights to draw immediate attention to the intrusion.

In addition to these basics, other options are available to protect your security in the event of security system failure and to enhance your level of protection. These include backup components offering 24-hour reserve systems that will kick in if your phone lines get cut or you lose power, and two-way monitoring that allows you to use the security keypad as an intercom system to communicate directly with the monitoring station.

You can purchase a monitored security system for either your office or home – or both. The components are fairly similar. The key difference involves fire alarm protection. While home security systems can include monitoring for fire at a nominal cost, commercial businesses must comply with NFPA-72 – the nationwide code for business security systems. This involves installing special equipment and implementing maintenance and inspection programs that can cost your company thousands of dollars extra.

When you’re ready to buy a security system, you can go directly to a dealer or a small reseller that provides everything from equipment and installation to setting you up with a monitoring service. Make sure you talk to a few different companies before having anything installed. You should also meet with the alarm company in person - never exclusively by phone - to determine the best system for you. And don’t even think about working with an alarm dealer that doesn’t offer a solid warranty covering all parts and labor. Alarm system equipment is sensitive and your safety is far too important to simply assume everything will be in constant working order.

So what will this cost? Well, prices on equipment can vary depending on the quality of the system, additional components requested, and whether or not you need fire protection. Some alarm dealers will provide the basic equipment for free or build the equipment into your monthly monitoring fees. Others will require you to pay for equipment, installation, and setup fees about $100-$4,000 depending on how comprehensive the security system is. Contracts for monitoring service are typically three years long, and cost $25-$50 per month.

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