A smart security system ties cameras, locks, sensors and alarms into one setup, so you can see what is happening at home and act on it. Here is what each part does.
Watching the house from your phone
With cameras around the property you can check on your home in real time from anywhere, using your smartphone. You get live footage when you want it and an alert if anything suspicious is picked up, which is useful while you are at work or away on holiday.
What the cameras can do
Modern surveillance cameras record in high definition, see in the dark and carry two-way audio. Placed carefully, they cover every entry point and the vulnerable spots around the house. The better models can tell the difference between a person, an animal and a vehicle, so the alerts you get are more accurate.
Smart locks
Smart locks let you lock and unlock your doors from wherever you are. You can give family, friends or someone coming out to do a job temporary access, then take that access away when it is no longer needed. Some locks open with a PIN code or biometric recognition instead of a key, which means there is no key to lose or have stolen.
Alarms and environmental sensors
An alarm adds another layer of protection. It can be set off by motion sensors, by door and window sensors, or by hand with a panic button. Once triggered, it sends a notification to your phone. If the system is on a monitored plan, it also signals the monitoring centre, who follow up from there.
Environmental sensors are worth including as well. They detect smoke, carbon monoxide and water leaks, and warn you early enough to do something about it. Because they run through the same system, you can watch all of it from a single interface.
Tying security in with the rest of the house
Smart security systems work with other smart home devices, so you can build routines around them. Lights can switch on when motion is detected. Every door can lock itself at a set time each night.
M&J Electrical Works supplies and installs a range of smart security equipment.
