home security alarm system

[chris327 30]

So,

I am looking into a home security system. Any recommendations or advice? I have a few big bay windows i assume the glass break sensors are best but do they work? Any advice on hardwired vs wireless? Self instal vs professional install?

Thanks in advance

[dtown223 12]

Reach out to Nickjc here on the forum, he's a good guy, and knowledgeable on this sort of thing

[alec.mc 180]

I think beltfedmx5 does home security too.

[TK421 2]

Just stay away from ADT. Any effective security system should have layers, perimeter contacts on all windows and doors, glass-break sensors for larger windows or glass sliding/French style doors, motion detectors in strategic locations covering common pathways throughout the area and even internal contacts covering critical areas such as gun rooms or safes. Try to stick with an Ademco/Honeywell or Napco system and while many will argue wireless technology today is acceptable I always prefer hardwired systems whenever possible/cost effective. I would also suggest a GSM radio instead of or in adition to hardwiring through the home phone.

[njpilot 671]

Reach out to Nickjc here on the forum, he's a good guy, and knowledgeable on this sort of thing

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php?/topic/33196-home-security-gun-room-security-offer/

[JrzyGuy30 0]

Wife and I use Protect America and I installed all the sensors myself. Works great and came in handy when someone tried to pry our garage door open one day after the wife left for an errand. Since then I upgraded to a video surveillance system around the home also.

 

My 0.02

[Combat Auto 174]

Ditto on ADT - can't wait till my contract expires so I can get a better system (it is better than nothing though).

[Dan 177]

I have a Visonics Powermax+ wireless system with multiple door, smoke, glass break, and motion sensors for 5 years now and has served me very well. I use Nextalarm CO monitoring at a cost of $149 per year. Whats nice is you own the system , along with the installer code. So you can use whatever monitoring company that you want, or even change later on if you find a better deal. Or simply not use one and just go with the siren.

 

You have options of GSM, broadband/IP, or regular phone line access. Costs may be different depending , for instance GSM requires an active wireless account, etc.

 

I have never had to change batteries in the door sensors as of yet. The motion sensors I typically change every 6 months or so, they use a regular CR123 lithium battery. The glassbreak uses a 9V batt, and I change that once a year.

 

Lots of cool options also. For instance I added a wireless remote external siren last year. It chirps once when arming with the remote keychain keyfob, and chirps twice when you disarm with the remote. Its like a car alarm, but your for your whole house. You can arm/disarm before you even open the front door with your keyfob. I even have mine hooked up with an X10 home control adapter, so the alarm can control the lights in the house. I have every light turn on (that has an X10 module) in the event the alarm triggers.

 

Details for the kit are here : http://www.home-technology-store.com/home-security/ABBRA-KIT.aspx

 

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Good luck in your decision!

[chris327 30]

Thanks guys in comparing a few right now protect america front point Safemart nicks deal and now dans suggestion. I will definitely update this. When I decide

[M1152 713]

Speaking as a Do it Yourself guy, I’d suggest getting and “Industry Standard System” which could be monitored by and UL Listed Central Station. ADT and the others big companies use proprietary stuff that could only be monitored by them. So when your contract is up you just can’t switch to another CS. With an Industry Standard System you could have any UL Listed CS monitor it. Wired is best but sometimes it is difficult to run wire to every location so you will likely end up with Hybrid/both. I did a (wired) self-install over 23-24 years ago and it is still going. So after 5 – 6 batteries, 5 different CS Monitoring companies and an exchange of smoke heads all is good here. Ademco use to make pretty good panels you may want to take a look at them

 

Edit: typo

[M4BGRINGO 139]

I just installed a video system in my business, pretty cool. Wiring took a little while, but wasn't bad. I can monitor it from any pc in the building, plus I can monitor it from home, or from a smart phone. Really cool stuff. Going to do the house next.

[CageFighter 236]

Nick, can we talk about a security system in my new house once I p/u my (2) lowers?

[M1152 713]

Not really true....

 

Too much yo type from phone ....

So you are saying the big guys no longer use proprietary systems and you could switch monitor companies w/o problems? If so that is good for the consumer. I'm not in the business but when I did my panel that is how it was then. ADT residential stuff was junk, or maybe a step above Radio Shack.

 

BTW did you have an Internet Alarm Store currently? I seem to remember buying my last set of smokes from a NJ online company and a guy name Nick. I just checked and that site is still up, what are the odds?

[AverageJoe 95]

Friend I grew up with his family owns Commercial Protective Systems out of Elmwood Park. Excellent work and service, decent rates on 24hr monitoring. Send me a PM if your're interested, I can put in a good word.

[Wojo 98]

When I used to oversee 200 bank branches in the area, ADT was my worst vendor. During merger-mania, I aquired a lot of bank branches that had ADT in there, and by far, they were the worst to deal with. From costs, for new construction, crazy contracts and flat out useless field technicians ADT sucked. Over time, I elected to go with smaller more local firms that used non-proprietary equipment.

[PDM 91]

Curious, exactly what makes ADT "junk." I've used them for 10 years, the wireless system has been very reliable and they always respond very quickly when I test the system or set it off accidentally. I think we've had 2 service calls in 10 years. Customer service has always been great (no call centers in India). And it's $35 a month. The installation cost was minimal so I don't much care if it's proprietary or not because I have little invested in it. Just wondering because I am now planning to upgrade to their remote access service and would be interested to hear -- specifically -- how a local service would be better and as cost effective.

[dimitrge 10]

I use a wireless system from Protection One for both home and business. No complaints and have had great service. I have a few large bay windows and went with more wireless motion sensors that cover paths and also door and window sensors in spots were needed.

[TK421 2]

Curious, exactly what makes ADT "junk." I've used them for 10 years, the wireless system has been very reliable and they always respond very quickly when I test the system or set it off accidentally. I think we've had 2 service calls in 10 years. Customer service has always been great (no call centers in India). And it's $35 a month. The installation cost was minimal so I don't much care if it's proprietary or not because I have little invested in it. Just wondering because I am now planning to upgrade to their remote access service and would be interested to hear -- specifically -- how a local service would be better and as cost effective.

 

ADT is concerned with one thing, reoccurring revenue. They acquire good companies that have excellent customer service and highly knowledgeable people working for them and generally within 18 months most of those people are either fired because they make too much money or working somewhere else because ADT screwed with their salaries and benefits. The net net is most of their average field employees are trunk slammers working for dirt that I wouldn't let staple wires in my chicken coop. I worked for them at the end of their good years when "Pride in Excellence" was their motto and they truly cared about providing world class customer service. In subsequent years they have become a joke in the industry, you are almost embarrassed to tell people you worked there.

[JrzyGuy30 0]

I use a wireless system from Protection One for both home and business. No complaints and have had great service. I have a few large bay windows and went with more wireless motion sensors that cover paths and also door and window sensors in spots were needed.

 

You like protection one? I have friends who work for them... Curious because when my 3 yr contract is up with protect America, might consider switching.

[PDM 91]

TK421 -- you obviously have some first hand experience with them and I can believe that they are crappy to work for, but from my perspective the system they sold me has worked for 10 years and the monthly fees are low, so I don't really understand specifically in what ways another place might be better.

[PDM 91]

Out of curiosity, I just googled ADT reviews. Holy crap, does seem like many people are pissed off with their customer service and marketing techniques. It does seem like many of the problems arise with thrid party resellers and their lousy technicians and over the top high pressure sales tactics. I had a good experience with my initial install 10 years ago -- maybe I got lucky -- and dealt with ADT corporate since then, including on the requested upgrade (which hasn't been installed yet). I can understand why having a reliable local person might be better, but I guess everyone's mleage varies and for me ADT has been fine.

[TK421 2]

TK421 -- you obviously have some first hand experience with them and I can believe that they are crappy to work for, but from my perspective the system they sold me has worked for 10 years and the monthly fees are low, so I don't really understand specifically in what ways another place might be better.

 

OK example.

 

My mother, against my objection, signed a contract with ADT without talking with my step-father. She got the two contacts and a motion wham bam thank you mam installation. My step-father insisted on having all of the windows contacted. ADT sent one of their crack installers who contacted two of the four sets of windows requested. The next guy shows up and installs the other two then leaves. That night they cannot arm the system. ADT schedules a service call the following Monday and come to find out the installer failed to test the system before he left and left it in some sort of programming/test state (not familiar with their current equipment only going by what the service tech told my mother and she relayed to me). So a total of four days off from work over a three week period of time to install a system that a competent service oriented company would have discussed with the home owner prior to the original contract being signed. Bottom line ADT only cared about the contract to monitor the system everything else is a burden for them.

 

On the commercial side SST was a top rated system integrator with very talented people. ADT bought them, created "ADT Advanced Integration" with the SST business then over the following 12-18 months through pay freezes and benefit cuts/cost increases managed to bleed off 80% of their top talent. ADT would not allow ADT AI to bid against ADT proper's accounts but ADT proper routinely underbid ADT AI's jobs and tried to steal their accounts. Sure enough by the 24 month mark ADT all but folded the ADT AI group into ADT proper and have now spun off the commercial integration side into Tyco Integrated Security yet ADT continues to advertise and seek commercial integration work. Then you have Tyco Grinnell which is more focused on commercial fire but also competes against Tyco Integrated Security and ADT for commercial integration/access control work.

[O-gre 7]

I have ADT and am very happy. I have the service agreement and whenever there is a problem they can diagnose over the phone or will send a tech out. For a few bucks more a month it's worth it to me.

[O-gre 7]

Also may I suggest copper and cell. When Sandy hit I had NO cell backup but my wired line was good to go. The best way to buy an ADT system is to know ahead of time what you want and don't deviate. Also Brinks installers are non-union and do a far better job so get them when possible.

[NJDrew1 0]

Just stay away from ADT. Any effective security system should have layers, perimeter contacts on all windows and doors, glass-break sensors for larger windows or glass sliding/French style doors, motion detectors in strategic locations covering common pathways throughout the area and even internal contacts covering critical areas such as gun rooms or safes. Try to stick with an Ademco/Honeywell or Napco system and while many will argue wireless technology today is acceptable I always prefer hardwired systems whenever possible/cost effective. I would also suggest a GSM radio instead of or in adition to hardwiring through the home phone.

What's wrong with ADT? I had them incoorporate redundant layers using wired, wireless and motion.

[TK421 2]

What's wrong with ADT? I had them incoorporate redundant layers using wired, wireless and motion.

 

Think of everything wrong with large dysfunctional corporations focused more on the bottom line than the quality of their service and wrap it up into a security company and you have ADT. If you have been in the industry long enough you know what's wrong with them. I'm not going to repeat it again. Ask anyone that has been doing security work longer than two or three years and they will tell you to just stay the hell away from them. We can't all have the same opinion by coincidence.

[Combat Auto 174]

The main thing I do not like about ADT besides I cought them naping once - did not respond to a LIVE test i created, and the installer did a very crappy job configuring my system (an extra whole in the side of my house which they eventaully payed to fix, the delay settings are rediculous, etc.)...The main issue is:

 

If a bad guy breaks in and smashes your box within 60 seconds - ADT headquarters will never know...This is an intrinsic design fault in their system....There is at least a 60 sec delay before the alarm is reported from your house to ADT headquarters...And there is no "I an OK" signal sent by the box under normal (non-alarmed) situations...So smash the main pannel to smitherines befor the alarm is reported and you are OK...

 

This is whyI will get another vendor when my contract is up...Does anyone know a service vendor that can detect if the box is destroyed before the alarm signal is transported?

[M1152 713]

Most companies today private label from manufacturers and try to pass it off as their own...

 

For example today ADT is using Admeco VISTA panels private labeled with a proprietary programming chip...........there is a work around

 

The defacto standard is NOW DMP....used to be Radionics/Bosch....as well as Ademco....Gemini, Napco etc all old school...

 

The panels themselves ALL transmit in multiple formats to be accmodated by Central Offices...such as Contact ID, Admeco 4x2, modem II etc....

 

The rub is in the details....MAKE SURE YOU OWN THE SYSTEM with whatever you do, so you can then migrate to whatever CO you want.

 

Also forget PHONES...COPPER is dead....think network or cell...... wireless today is a viable option as it is POLL/RESPONSE and not the old one way wireless...

 

If you need more info, just hollar....

 

OH yeah by the way.....like access control biometrics....just about getting there to working flawlessly, (for midrange cost systems)...facial recognition analytics is far from perfect....and requires VERY robust arhcitecture and algorithms to work..that basically put it far and above the cost of most normal companies....albeit the GOV has deep pockets...

 

And most of the cameras you see on police cars, as I have been told are for google earth street mapping.... Although there are license plate recognitions analytics that DO work...

Thanks for the detailed reply back. I have and old FBI XL system hat has provided nearly 24 years of daily service, it is a dinosaur by today’s standards but I have good coverage and it works. I did the install and know how to manually reprogram the panel via the keypad when I need to switch monitoring companies. As far as the POTS vs. cellular vs. IP for burglary (IMO) it really doesn’t matter because once the thieves hear the alarm they know they have a few minutes to get in and out. The proof of that is another family member got burglarized and the panel reported to the codes and their sirens were blaring. Guess what the noise or the CS dispatch didn’t stop the bad guys, they went in anyway. Looking back at the home’s location I think may have made it look like an attractive target itself and we think the thieves planned their escape route in advance because of the layout. The thieves knew they had some time before the police could respond. The B&E happened near Trenton. 45 minutes after the B&E the wife’s credit cards were being maxed out in NY, needless to say once the CC company seen all the action on the cards they shut them down. A week or two later the same crew hit another house only a few doors away and those folks had NO alarm so the thieves were in there a while and did pretty good from what we heard.

 

I have an indoor and outdoor sirens, the indoor siren is powered by the panel with its own siren driver @ the standard 12 volts. The outdoor sirens horns are powered by a Moose siren driver with their own separate power supply @ 18 volts. I forget how my db it is but it is very loud; you could hear dogs hollowing two blocks over when I put it on test. You make a good case for Cams on top and alarm system. I had been thinking about adding them and may do it sooner than later. Also have another family member in LE and states B&E's are up, in fact I installed an FBI XL for him back in 2003 and their system is still going as well. Maybe the new gun laws will stop the B&E's, LOL.

If a bad guy breaks in and smashes your box within 60 seconds - ADT headquarters will never know...This is an intrinsic design fault in their system....There is at least a 60 sec delay before the alarm is reported from your house to ADT headquarters...And there is no "I an OK" signal sent by the box under normal (non-alarmed) situations...So smash the main panel to smitherines before the alarm is reported and you are OK...

 

This is whyI will get another vendor when my contract is up...Does anyone know a service vendor that can detect if the box is destroyed before the alarm signal is transported?

IMO 60 seconds on entry is way too long, I’m a DIY guy but the Pros like Mr Nickjc would be able to give you the best answer. I know In the old days folks like ADT Business would call that a “supervised line” or “dedicated line” which I assume are mostly used for businesses. The line itself is monitored, back then when I first heard about supervised systems they were copper. so today they could they do it with cellular or IP, perhaps? I'm sure Nickjc will give you more info on that

[O-gre 7]

That's why you have a motion sensor in the basement that has an instant trigger. Prob solved. Add cameras that take pics and email you whenever someone trips a camera motion and you are better off than a bank!

[bjones1500 0]

If you live in ocean county, ocean security systems