How Home Security Systems Work

The basic concept and method that home security alarm systems have utilized has stayed the same for many years.  But, behind the scenes, great strides in technology have improved the accuracy and efficiency in the manner these systems work.  When a home owner has a security system that is monitored by a central station, the way the signal is transmitted to a live operator is over the home owner’s telephone lines.  Today, some systems only send a “plain” signal.  It does not tell the station whether or not it is a fire, medical emergency, burglary or home invasion.  AT IAM, our system recognizes “full coverage” signals.  A “full coverage” signal is a signal that sends a message indicating what type of emergency it is.  This type of signal relays information to the IAM central station operator informing them if the signal was due to a fire, burglary attempt, home invasion (silent signal), CO2 poisoning, gas or water leak or any number of signals that modern devices send.  When a “full coverage” signal is sent, the IAM central station operator attempts to contact the home owner with detailed information about the signal.  Unless the home owner answers and confirms that a false signal was sent, the operator calls the appropriate authorities.  Many lives have been saved and homes prevented from burning down by this method.  This basic type of Alarm system was designed and put in place many years ago.
Many advances have been made to reduce false alarms.  Upgrades to central stations, including the newest technology in hardware and software, has contributed to this effort.  More efficient motion detectors and the introduction of glass break detectors in the home have also helped to improve the accuracy of alarm signals.  Some homes have wireless systems, cellular devices to send the emergency signal, the ability to monitor their own systems with computers and hand held devices.  But, the primary type of the home security system is stilled monitored over standard telephone lines.