| Do you want to protect your home and family? Are | | | | The following points must be kept in mind when |
| you a do-it-yourselfer? | | | | installing the DIY burglar alarm system: |
| A home burglar alarm system ranges from an | | | | * Signal strength and background noise levels of the |
| expensive, professionally-installed system, to a | | | | proposed location should be checked before the |
| low-cost do-it-yourself (DIY) system that can be | | | | devices are mounted. |
| installed for $200 or less. | | | | * The transmitting and receiving devices should not be |
| The most common do-it-yourself option is the | | | | mounted under metal lintels, placed on top of windows, |
| hard-wired system. As the name suggests, the alarm | | | | doors etc. because these affect transmission of |
| is connected directly with an electrical power circuit. | | | | signals. |
| These alarm systems also include sensors such as | | | | * Any wiring to or from the transmitters and receivers |
| magnetic switches and motion or smoke detectors to | | | | should be kept away from the aerials. |
| safeguard the home from threats like fire. | | | | * Receivers, or receiver aerials, should not be mounted |
| Another do-it-yourself option is the wireless alarm | | | | near electrical distribution equipment, televisions, |
| system. It uses radio waves and requires no major | | | | computer equipment, or large amounts of metal. |
| skills to install. Supervised alarm systems are those | | | | * Make sure that the remote aerial is mounted in the |
| wireless systems which can monitor its sensors to | | | | proper orientation. Never clip any other cable close to |
| ensure that they are communicating properly with the | | | | the aerial or close to the aerial cable. Also, try not to |
| control panel. Some supervised systems are | | | | run your aerial cable next to main power cables. |
| inexpensive and can be connected to full-time | | | | * In the case of very thick walls where the signal |
| monitoring stations at a security company. | | | | strength is weak, the receiver or its aerial should be |
| Another do-it-yourself possibility is the self-contained | | | | mounted high up in the attic. |
| burglar alarm system. It can be plugged into any outlet | | | | * Survey the premises carefully before installing your |
| and can be removed whenever needed. These | | | | detection devices. |
| systems can be purchased for $150 or less. | | | | |