Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing an Alarm System

Installing an alarm system would bring one piece of mind; however, there are several pitfalls when it comes to choosing or installing such systems. Understanding these pitfalls could ensure your alarm system works just fine for maximum security of your home. Some of the common mistakes made while choosing or installing an alarm system in Malaysia include the following:

1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Alarm System

●     Not researching options: Most people make the hasty decision to buy alarm systems without researching the many types available. Every home has unique needs and rarely does a one-size-fits-all work. Thus, you must consider wired, wireless, and hybrid models by finding the best system that fits your home.

●     Ignoring Compatibility: Some owners completely disregard compatibility issues of the alarm system with other smart home devices. On the other hand, such an oversight can even lead to problems in integration, which diminishes the effectiveness of your security measures. For that reason, checks of compatibility should always be made before purchase.

●     Not Receiving Professional Advice: One always finds it good to seek advice from a security expert; he may keep one away from an expensive mistake. This very important step is usually ignored, and the system performs sub-optimally due to this factor.

2. Wrong Placing of Sensors

●     Placement Too High or Too Low: The proper placement of sensors is very important in the detection of intrusion. Sensors that are placed too high may not be able to catch an intruder who is crawling close to the ground. Likewise, placing it too low invites the possibility of false alarms due to pets and other forms of small animals. Hence, sensors should be installed at the right height for maximum detection.

●     Not accounting for blind spots: every house has those blind spots which a burglar may use to his advantage. Thus, the inability to incorporate them during the installation process may mean that you leave some attributes open to intruders. It is, therefore, an essential matter of interest that you carefully scan your premises to ensure these areas are identified and covered.

●     Neglecting entry points: We all have heard it: windows and doors are entry points for burglars. On the other hand, some homeowners secure only their front entries and neglect the secondary ones, such as back doors or basement windows. Hence, make sure all of the probable entry points are equipped with sensors.

3. Inappropriate Installation of the Control Panel

●     Installation of the Control Panel in an Accessible Location: As much as it may sound unique, this is something that many of us totally ignore. The control panel of your system is technically its brain. If it is easily accessible to intruders, then they could easily destroy it before the alarm goes off. Thus, place the control panel in a hidden location and not near the primary entrance.

●     Not Accounting for Wireless Interference: While a wireless home alarm system might sound good, it is important to know that other wireless devices around the home can interfere with its signal. Therefore, consider placing the control panel in an area where possible interference from other appliances, such as routers or cordless phones, may be kept at a minimum.

4. Not Performing Routine Maintenance

●     Not taking battery life seriously: In wireless systems, batteries matter much. Most homeowners forget to check the status of batteries and change them periodically, therefore the entire system may crash in case of a power outage. In regard to this, remind yourself through setting some reminders to be able to inspect the status of the battery quite often.

●     Not Testing the System Regularly: Regular testing ensures all components of your alarm system are functioning as they should. Unfortunately, some would stand on the assumption that the system would work out perfectly without testing, and that only leads to some welcoming surprises during an actual emergency.

●     Ignoring Software Updates: Like every other smart device, your home alarm system may also get some software updates from time to time that can fix bugs or enhance its efficiency. Omitting such kinds of updates makes your system vulnerable to new threats. So, always keep your system up-to-date.

7. Depending Solely on the Alarm System

●     Neglecting other security measures: An alarm system is an integral part of your security, but it should not solely be the only thing you are doing. The sad thing is that many homeowners tend to get complacent, whereby they ignore other significant habits and practices related to security, such as locking the doors and windows or using lighting outdoors. Consider the alarm system, therefore, part of a big plan rather than a solution on its own.

●     Not a subscription for monitoring services: A number of people opt to have an installed home alarm system and do not subscribe to any monitoring services. This will help them save some money but at the same time, there will be nobody getting alerted in case the alarm goes off when you are out of your house. Hence, a subscription to professional monitoring services is always worth looking into to ensure that if something happens, a proper response will come timely.

8. Not tailor the system to meet your requirements

●     Neglecting the unique features of a home: Most homes have unique features that may require special attention in the alarm system installation process. Some homeowners put in a general setup that is not customised to their specific needs. This mistake can lead to blind spots or weak links. So, take your time and mould it to suit the layout of your home and your lifestyle.

●     Improper Sensitivity Setting: Most alarm systems in Malaysia can be adjusted for sensitivity. However, many people do not bother to change the default setting to one suitable for their home. As such, one may find false alarms if the sensitivity is set too high or too low; sometimes, the system might even fail to detect real threats. It, therefore, requires tuning of its sensitivity in order to act accordingly.

9. Not Giving Importance to Documentation

●     Not keeping the user manual: The user manual is the place where you get crucial information regarding the running and troubleshooting of your alarm system in your home. People, in many cases, dispose of this leaflet right after installation. In case some problem arises later, it can be very problematic. So, always keep these manuals in a safe but accessible location.

●     Not documenting the system settings: When installing the system, you will want to make changes in the many settings that may include sensitivity levels or entry/exit delays. If you don't log down settings, you might forget them and need to reset them later. Therefore, very prudent to make a record of all the settings and store them together with the user manuals.

Conclusion

Paying attention to these common mistakes will help ensure your alarm system gives you the protection you need. Researching, planning, and maintaining your system ensures maximum effectiveness and provides peace of mind. Home security is an ongoing commitment that requires attention and updates on a regular basis. Hence, invest the effort now to prevent problems later and keep your home safe.