Table of Contents:
· Essential Components of a Home Security System
1. Control Panel
2. Cameras
3. Door/Window Sensors
4. Motion Sensors
5. Fire/Smoke Sensors
6. Carbon Monoxide Sensors
· ADT Home Security Installation: Best Practices
1. Cameras
2. Door/Window Sensors
3. Fire Sensors
4. Carbon Monoxide Sensors
· Final Thoughts
Having a home security system in place is a necessity despite the reduction in the number of property crimes in the last few years. This is because millions of incidents of break-ins, burglaries, and other property crimes are reported every year throughout the United States.
One of the most popular home security solution providers you may have heard of is ADT Home Security. ADT is one of the biggest home security equipment and services providers and is considered the best one as well. Its modern equipment incorporates the latest technology and its services are top-notch.
A lot of people wonder if they can install their ADT home security systems themselves without the help of a professional. While ADT does provide a professional installation option, you can easily install these modern, wireless security systems yourself. Here are some basic things you should know.
Essential Components of a Home Security System
Modern home security systems are much more than just surveillance CCTV cameras. Before we move onto the installation, here are some of the essential components of a home security system you get with ADT:
Control Panel
Every ADT home security system includes a control panel that you can use to control every component with ease. This control panel used to be a keypad, but nowadays, you get a touchscreen control panel with a variety of added features.
Cameras
Modern home security systems include three different types of cameras: Indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and doorbell cameras. All of these cameras have their own distinct features.
Door/Window Sensors
Door or window sensors are essentially contact sensors that are magnetic. They are placed on the end of the window or door and on the frame of that window or door. Once armed, these sensors immediately trigger an alarm if the contact between the two magnets is interrupted.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are infrared sensors that detect human movement when armed. ADT’s motion sensors are advanced and only detect human movement.
Fire/Smoke Sensors
Fire and smoke sensors detect if there is smoke or a sudden rise in your house’s temperature and immediately set off an alarm if there is to protect you and your family.
Carbon Monoxide Sensors
Carbon monoxide is a deadly poisonous gas that is undetectable to the naked eye because it’s colorless and odorless. CO sensors ensure there’s no carbon monoxide in your house and alert you timely if there is.
ADT Home Security Installation: Best Practices
Here are some tips and best practices for installing your ADT home security equipment yourself:
Cameras
Each type of camera has its own designated place where you should install it. Doorbell cameras, as the name suggests, are to be installed on your main door or the main entry point to your home.
The indoor cameras should be installed at any entry point in your house. Installing the cameras in a place where there’s no entry point from the outside is unnecessary.
Outdoor surveillance cameras should be installed in a manner that all the surroundings of your home are covered.
Door/Window Sensors
Install the door and window sensors on doors that can be used as an entry point to your home. Installing a door sensor on doors inside the house, like your bedroom door, is unnecessary. If you want, you can install this sensor on a door or window where there’s low visibility as well.
Fire Sensors
Install fire sensors where there are the highest chances of fire starting. For example, the kitchen. However, don’t install the fire sensor inside the kitchen and install it just outside it. This ensures that the sensor doesn’t trigger an alarm when you’re cooking.
If you have a fireplace, make sure there’s a fire sensor near the fireplace as well.
Carbon Monoxide Sensors
The carbon monoxide sensor needs to be placed in almost every room where you spend time. Moreover, it needs to be present near the kitchen and the fireplace, if you have one, as well. This is because carbon monoxide is produced through burning of gas, wood, or any other fossil fuel.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best practices for installing an ADT home security system yourself at home. If you need any further instructions, you can reach out to ADT customer support for help or get a professional to install the system for you!
