How to Choose the Best Home Security System?

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Nowadays, an alarm system is one of the most effective methods of securing a facility against burglary, fire or acts of vandalism. Buildings particularly exposed to all these events are, above all, our houses, business, apartments, warehouses, and all other places that hold a wide variety of expensive belongings and important information that should be treated with care.

Effective protection of your house in addition to a monitoring system also consists of a reliable alarm system. Tough locks, roller shutters and anti-burglary doors, although they are an obstacle for the criminal, in practice only delay their entry into the building. Choosing the right alarm system is not easy, and it is best to consult an experienced specialist. At Chicago Security Expert we will help you choose the security system that’s right for you and your home.

How to choose an alarm system?

When it comes to security systems, it is always necessary to look at the property as a whole. If you want to provide your property with maximum protection, it is worth installing a more extensive alarm system, which will be based on both motion sensors and magnetic field sensors (reed switches), which protect all balcony doors and windows. Prior to camera installation and alarm system installation it’s advised to invest in appropriate external doors and windows, which will improve the overall level of protection of the building against burglary and theft.

The next step is to select solutions that will meet your needs and expectations. If your priority is to increase the safety of the household in the most economical way, it is worth supporting the alarm installation with a system of passive motion sensors (in terms of reliability, wired sensors are more effective). If it is a question of securing a large number of doors and windows, it will certainly be a better choice to base the installation on reed switches, i.e. magnetic sensors. Reed switches are also recommended in those buildings where pets are present, due to the fact that they help to eliminate false alarms that occur despite the advanced technology in the case of motion sensors.

Intrusion Detection SystemThe Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

The IDS, or the Intrusion Detection System, is a set of devices that protect your property against various threats: burglary, flooding, fire, escaping gas or accumulating carbon monoxide. When an unauthorized entry to the building is attempted, or the system detects suspicious persons in a protected area, it will generate an alarm that can be forwarded via radio or telephone. The basic goal of each IDS is to provide comprehensive security in the protected building, not only against crime, but also against an accident.

Basic elements of the alarm system

The Intrusion Detection System consists of a number of components that are designed to: recognize a threat, process the signal and initiate an alarm. The most elements important are:

  • alarm control panel which is responsible for receiving and processing signals. When the sensors detect a threat, they send an impulse, which triggers the alarm. The control panel must be located in a room that is difficult to access so that the criminal won’t have easy access to it. When choosing this element of the system, it is worth choosing a device with a large number of inputs and outputs, which will allow, in the future, to connect new sensors and expand the installation,
  • sensors & cctv cameras (or “eyes and ears” of the alarm system). There are many types of sensors on the market, each specialized in detecting a different type of threat. There are sensors that detect movement, smoke, gas, temperature, twilight, etc. Windows and balcony doors are protected by sensors that react to sound (e.g. broken glass), reed sensors (magnetic – composed of two elements, one is mounted on the window sash, the second one on the frame – their distance from each other triggers an alarm), shocking. CCTV cameras on the other hand provide constant monitoring and real peace of mind.
  • the keypad is nothing but a touch screen or keyboard that enables the programming of the alarm system. It allows the user to manage the installation, arm and disarm the alarm, and monitor its operation,
  • the alarm siren is a device that generates a sound and light signal in order to alert householders, neighbors or the police. Contemporary IDSs can transmit a burglary signal using the GSM cellular network in order to alert the owner who is away from home. In a similar way, they can inform the security agency that will direct the emergency services to the home at risk,
  • power supply is an important element of any alarm system. Without power, the system will not work, so it is worth equipping it with an additional power source, i.e. a battery.

Wireless or Wired Alarm System?

Installing a wired system requires forging walls and wiring. Wired systems will be easier to install in homes that are at the design stage. Otherwise you can choose a wireless alarm system. It is worth noting that both the wired and wireless alarm systems are equally effective. Modern wireless systems cannot be easily disrupted. Each sensor has its own power supply and communicates bidirectionally with the control panel. Any break in communication between the sensor and the control panel will trigger an alarm immediately. The radio signal is additionally authenticated to exclude the possibility of external interference. In practice, the only drawback of the wireless system is the need to periodically replace the batteries powering the sensors.

How do you choose a home alarm system?

When planning to install an alarm system at home, you should answer a few questions:

  • Where is your house located? Have there been any break-ins in the neighborhood?
  • Is it possible to wire your home?
  • What is the shape of the house? What is the number of rooms in the building that you want to protect? What is the number of windows and balcony doors?
  • Should the security also cover the area around the building?
  • How big is the area around the building? What is the fence made of? Is the property densely overgrown with vegetation?
  • Is the system only supposed to warn against burglary and theft or is it supposed to comprehensively protect the house against flooding, fire, etc.?
  • How is the system supposed to inform about a security breach? Will it send information only to the owner or should it also inform the security agency?

If you can answer any of these questions, call Chicago Security Expert today and one of our specialists will be able to prepare a design and give you a price quote. We will advise you on what sensors to choose and where to install them. We will also suggest where to place the control panel and how to connect the power supply. Each house is different, therefore the alarm system must be tailored specifically to your property to be effective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Access Control Is Safer For Your Chicago Business Than a Traditional Key

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Modern access control systems are an important element of security systems in companies, public institutions or multi-family residential buildings. They ensure supervision over the access of people to the premises and allow you to analyze user/employee movement in a given area. The card access system allows you to control and manage who has access to your property and to secured zones (e.g. server rooms, warehouses). It makes it possible for you to supervise the flow of people between individual facilities and monitor traffic in a given zone.

How Does a Card Access System Work?

/Users/tlasota/Documents/WizerunekWSieci/Lukasz ADT installer/AccessCards/Access Control Set Up .pngAccess to entire buildings, areas in these buildings, or specific rooms is traditionally controlled with locks and keys. However, this type of access control has several drawbacks:

  • if many people use one entrance, it becomes more complicated to control access to the keys,
  • if one of the users loses a key, most often the cylinder of the entry knob or the entire door lock should be replaced, along with all issued keys (after all, you don’t know if the key has been stolen or found by an unauthorized person),
  • if one of your employees is fired or chooses to move on to another job, you should basically proceed as above – even if the employee returns the key, it’s very easy to have an extra key made,
  • if a certain person has access to many rooms, he/she will most often have to carry a heavy keychain, which is simply not a comfortable solution.

And although the existence of “master key” systems should be mentioned here, the access control system with all of its functionalities far exceeds these systems. The software enables the system administrator to quickly and easily assign individual people to access protected zones and define the access schedules.

Access control systems are more and more often used in various types of companies and enterprises to control access and monitor potential violations. In hospitals, offices and public buildings, the access control system enables the separation of public and business zones. In schools, it helps to keep students safe.

We installing Access cards for Residential, Education, Bank, Retail, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Transportation

Chicago’s Experts provides access cards solution for residential, education, bank, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation

It’s also important to emphasize the fact that modern access control systems are integrated with security alarm systems or CCTV systems, which significantly increases the functionality, usability and security of your property. In the case of integrating an access control system with fire alarm systems, it’s possible to force open all doors in case of fire detection.

The access control system is designed to restrict access of unauthorized users to specific zones and to provide access to protected zones for authorized users. Each system consists of at least two types of devices. First of all, these are input devices that decide on the access to protected zones (encoders, card readers, scanners) and output devices that implement this access (electromagnetic bolts, electric locks, gates). Using the system’s software, the operator can quickly assign and change authorizations to individual users.

Identifying users in an access control system can be done in many ways. In the simplest case, it can be a numeric or alphanumeric encoder, where access to the specified zone is obtained after entering a given code. More complex systems use badges in the form of cards with printed bar codes, magnetic stripe cards, proximity cards or key fobs. The data from these identifiers are read by the appropriate card readers. In systems with a high level of security, biometric readers (scanners) are used. These can be, for example, fingerprint readers, and retinal and iris readers. The basic function of all these readers is to read the identifier (PIN, card, fingerprint, etc.) and send the data to the master device, which compares the received information with the data stored in the database and makes a decision about the system’s reaction.

Access Control System Functions For Your Business

Card-Access-Reader-Union-AlarmSUPERVISION OVER ACCESS TO SELECTED ROOMS

Restrict entry to secured areas to certain people and grant temporary permission to authorized persons. Personalize access for your employees and control all entry points. Eliminate key management.

CONVENIENCE IN ACCESS MANAGEMENT

Thanks to the access control system, there is no need to manage keys, re-enter or register keys, or to change locks when you need to limit or grant access to a given zone to your employees.

USER / EMPLOYEE MOVEMENT ANALYSIS

Get access to reports that will provide information on the flow of people throughout the property. You will always know who enters and leaves the protected facilities.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Are you afraid that the card access system installation may be too much for you? Trust our experience. We will professionally and properly install both the access control system and its management software for you.

ACCESS MANAGEMENT FOR VISITORS

Manage non-employee traffic in your facility through your access control system by granting periodic access to visitors while restricting them from entering sensitive areas within your company.

DECIDE ON THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE SYSTEM

Choose the features that suit you and pay only for them! You will receive an economical and affordable security system tailored to your specific needs.

What Are The Advantages of the Card Access System?

The main advantage, and at the same time the main function of the access control system, is the effective protection of entire facilities or selected rooms against the entrance of unwanted persons. It gives you the opportunity to automatically secure and monitor your entire property from a central location. Access control is also a convenience – it facilitates the entrance to rooms, for example for authorized employees. It does not require looking for an appropriate key, but only applying an RFID tag in the form of, for example, a card, or key fob, or applying a finger.

The system is convenient to use, fast and largely automated, so that the verification of user permissions takes place almost immediately.

Moreover, you can combine the access control system with other systems to increase its possibilities of use and range of operation. The most common option is to connect to the CCTV and security system.

At Chicago Security Expert we offer a comprehensive range of services. We provide a professional security system, card access control system and fire alarm system installation so you can rest easy knowing that your property is in the best hands possible. Call us today for a free quote and to and learn more about the benefits of having an access control system at your business.

 

IP Surveillance System

Pros and Cons For IP Surveillance System

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People who are considering security cameras installation in their home or business are probably overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available and the confusing technical vocabulary that comes with them. Security camera systems are widely used nowadays and are extremely effective in detecting and responding to threats at Chicago home and business owners’ properties. After all, each of us wants to feel safe in our own home or place of work.

Many CCTV cameras on the market support various video technologies and standards. However, the most popular and competitive are the analog technology – CCTV and technology based on the network protocol – IP. Choosing one of them is not an easy task. Both do their job equally well, but each of these technologies performs better in a different environment. This means that when wiring is not possible, an IP technology, where devices can be connected wirelessly, is more suitable. On the other hand, an unexpected failure of the network or router may result in an important moment not being recorded. Therefore, the choice of the appropriate technology largely depends on your specific needs and requirements for the monitoring system.

In this article, we’ll try to explain why IP cameras are better than other options that are currently available on the market.

IP Cameras

IP security cameras installation chicagoIP cameras are commonly referred to as network cameras or megapixel cameras and are equipped with network modules, thanks to which they are able to transmit a digital signal using a network infrastructure. This enables image transmission in a much higher resolution and quality.

IP cameras are connected to the local network via a single Ethernet cable or, depending on the model, via a built-in WiFi module. They have a unique IP address, which allows remote access and flexibility of storing records. You need to know this address in order to access the recorded images.

Some of the main advantages of IP cameras are: real-time view, high resolution and image quality – thanks to these features you can capture even the smallest details, and the digital optical zoom allows you to record without losing brightness, which in turn results in more in-depth identification and greater accuracy, making the camera capable of automatic analysis and automatic transmission of alarms and alerts.

The most common operating range of IP cameras is from 1.3 MP (1280 x 1024) to 5.0 MP (2592 x 1944), but some manufacturers offer up to 20 megapixels. It’s important to know that the higher the resolution, the more memory and bandwidth will be required. Together with the parameters of the camera, the price also increases significantly.

What Are The Advantages of IP Technology?

Contrary to what it may seem, IP monitoring appeared on the market much earlier than CCTV and was one of the pioneers in the field of security camera systems, enabling the processing of high-resolution images. The main difference between High Resolution CCTV and IP monitoring is that IP cameras are equipped with network modules that enable the transmission of a digital signal through the network infrastructure. This means that the image directly from the camera is sent in the form of a data packet to a router or switch device via a standard twisted pair cable. An important element when choosing this type of security system, however, is the need to have a network infrastructure with high capacity, which will be able to handle the transmission of such a large amount of data and thus ensure the best quality image.

Discover The Possibilities of the IP Camera

Excellent image quality, the possibility of remote viewing and advanced image processing functions are the main advantages of IP cameras. They allow you to get an extremely sharp and precise image, thanks to the fact that some of them can boast of image generation even in 4K resolution. In addition, they also have image processing functions, including counting people visible in the image or recognizing faces. The recording can be accessed via a web browser or mobile applications, which allows constant access at any time from anywhere. At the same time, it is possible to remotely control the rotating heads and set the optimal work schedule for each user.

IP Business Cameras Installation/Home Cameras Installation

OFFICE PROPERTY SECURITY CAMERA INSTALLATIONAn important advantage of IP monitoring is also a simple installation, which only requires access to a power source. This is important especially for buildings where forging and running additional wiring is not possible or if you only want to monitor a small area. Thanks to this, IP cameras can be installed virtually anywhere, without the need for additional installation work. Due to the fact that IP cameras are widely available, more and more Chicago business and home owners decide to buy them.

Benefits:

  • Higher image resolution than traditional analog solutions
  • Transmission of power source, video and data over a single Ethernet cable
  • Real-time view
  • Ability to function independently
  • A network device that does not require a DVR

Disadvantages:

  • Configuration problems
  • Signal transmission delay
  • Requires significant network bandwidth
  • More expensive compared to traditional analog solutions

If you’re looking to create a professional security system on your property, it is worth considering the purchase of IP cameras, which have recently broken popularity records and replaced the analog systems popular a few years ago.

When buying a new IP camera, the first thing you should pay attention to is the sensor. Nowadays, both IP cameras and analog cameras can be equipped with identical sensors, but it should be remembered that more and more often IP cameras are equipped with CMOS sensors, which will guarantee much better image parameters. This is extremely important, especially for people who want to create a truly reliable monitoring system.

The image that we get with an IP camera is characterized by a much better resolution than the previously mentioned analog (CCTV) cameras. Higher resolution can guarantee much greater detail of the image, thanks to which you will be able to zoom in and out without losing image quality. Thanks to the higher resolution of IP cameras, you will be able to cover much larger areas of the area with monitoring. Statistically, one IP camera (2 Megapixel) is able to cover the same area as 3 traditional CCTV cameras.

ChicagoSecurityLogoBest High Definition Security Cameras in Chicago

If you’re not sure which home or office security camera system to choose – call Chicago Security Experts today. We’ll answer all of your questions and stop by for a no-obligation free consultation on effective security for your property.

 

Does An Alarm System Increase The Value Of Your House_

Does An Alarm System Increase The Value Of Your House?

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If you are considering putting your house on the market, you are most likely exploring the different possibilities and ways for increasing its value in order to get the best possible deal. This is what you can see in all the TV shows about buying and selling homes. However, in these shows, people mainly focus on aesthetics and invest in remodeling projects that make the house more attractive to potential buyers. As a future seller, it is, therefore, necessary to ask yourself if installing an alarm system in the house you are going to sell will greatly improve its resale value. Read on to learn in what ways you can boost your house value with a security home cameras installation.

A Security System Will Increase the Perceived Value of Your Property

An alarm system greatly improves the perceived value because of its functional benefits. Home security systems are installed to provide maximum protection for your property and your family. Sometimes buyers will consider the monetary value of the security system installed and see if the dollar value it adds is enough to rationalize the monetary value of your property. Another aspect a new potential owner might be considering is the functional advantages that come with a home security alarm system.

Perhaps other buyers will consider the benefits of a residential security camera system. They will focus in particular on the increased security and peace of mind that comes with it. This will improve the perceived value of the house and prospect owners won’t question whether or not to buy a home that doesn’t have an alarm system installed.

Increase the Actual Value of Your House With a Security Camera Installation

installation security cameras Chicago contractorHome security systems are exploding in popularity and many buyers are looking for homes where alarm systems are already installed. So, just like renovating a roof, building a patio or remodeling a bathroom can improve the value of your property when selling, installing a professional security system can greatly increase your quality of life and home value. In fact, buyers are more willing to spend a bit more for a safe and secure home.

Paying for the equipment and for the labor to install the alarm means less expenses and less work for the future buyer. However, it also means that during the official sale of the house, it will be necessary to give access to the alarm system to the new owner. This means providing all the alarm codes, installer codes, and the contact phone number of the surveillance camera company. In other words, the buyer must be able to change the access codes for the alarm. You should therefore no longer be able to have any access anymore.

So to sum up, for a home with an alarm installed, you save time and money for the future buyer. You therefore allow potential buyers to have a security system that can be adapted to their needs.

Homeowner Insurance Discounts

Home security systems can detect numerous hazards depending on their equipment. Modern installations can perform functions like access control, controlling lighting and heating, entertainment systems, and appliances, and many more. Therefore installing a system often results in a reduction in your insurance premiums. These modernized systems less property damage or theft, so insurance companies are ready to charge you less. The amount discounted is completely dependent on the insurance company and the policy, but can be up to 20%. This doesn’t directly increase the monetary value of your home, but if potential buyers are aware of this reduced insurance cost, they might want to invest more.

Security Systems Add Value to Your Life- Smart Home Technologies

Low Voltage Pre-Wiring for Your New HomeInstallation of an alarm system is a significant investment in the security of your premises. But a home security system can do much more than just boost the property value. With useful home automation features like heating and AC control, light control, CCTV systems and more, these professional systems can give you invaluable peace-of-mind and security for your property and make your home smarter and safer.

When deciding to install an alarm system in your home, you should consider a few issues that will be key in choosing the right equipment and installation:

 

  • How big is the house?
  • How many entrance doors and windows are there?
  • Is there a balcony? (A balcony door is an element that must be secured)
  • How many floors are there?
  • Do you have solid security doors and reinforced windows?
  • Will any neighbors react and call for help when the alarm siren goes off?
  • What is the strength of the walls and the ceiling?
  • How often do you leave the house for a longer period of time?
  • What is the estimated value of the equipment on your property?
  • Is your house located in a dangerous neighborhood?
  • Have there been any thefts and break-ins in your neighborhood?

Depending on the answers provided, a specialist will be able to choose an appropriate alarm system that will effectively protect your property.

A home security system is a set of components that, appropriately selected and configured, will ensure your property stays secure at all times. The basic set includes: the control panel, which is the heart of the system, sensors (various types), a keypad, an alarm siren, and an emergency power supply. At this stage, it is worth considering whether the system that we want to install should manage all components of a smart house or only to protect against burglary. Modern systems can control window blinds, lighting, air conditioning, etc.

ChicagoSecurityExpertLogoHere at Chicago Security Expert, we create customized and unique solutions that will satisfy your family’s needs and requirements. No job is too big or too small and we can design something that will work just for you. If you are looking for an expert alarm company in Chicago, contact us today to get a FREE quote.