Hiring a professional to install the traditional home security system has many benefits, but several DIY home security systems are available. These DIY systems are easy to install and do not require expertise or special installation.
Many DIY home security systems are wireless. This means you don’t have to drill holes in your wall during installation.
Below, we highlight some components of a DIY home system. Knowing their uses will deepen your understanding of the steps to set up one.
Components of a DIY Home Security System
The components of DIY home security systems vary, from the robust to basic variants. Many companies offer components separately to allow you to customize your home alarm system.
However, the basic components in any DIY home security system include:
- Main Panel with keypad
The security’s main panel and the keypad serve as the brain of the DIY security system. The keypad is necessary for activating the security system, and if you purchase an advanced system, you can carry out different functions like programming the alarm system.
- Sensors
Every home security system must have door and window sensors that react from opening the doors and windows. The number of motion sensors needed will depend on how many doors and windows you have and your preference.
- Motion Detectors
These are usually for corners. Motion detectors go off when they detect motion in the room. The advanced sensors have security cameras and record videos when they detect motion.
After purchasing the DIY security system, follow these basic steps for setting up a home security system.
- Install the Wireless Security Panel
Choose a spot close to the main entry door and your power source for the security panel installation. You may need a hammer to nail the security panel into the wall for the installation. If putting holes in your wall is not an option, use a removable double-sided adhesive to hold the panel to the wall.
- Place Detectors and Sensors in Different Areas in Your Home
The DIY home security systems often have basic window and door alarm sensors. Some may also include motion detectors. These sensors and detectors have a ‘peel and stick’ backing to hold them to the windows or doors.
You can use the home security system’s manual guidelines to place the sensors in the right spots.
- Test-Run the Security System
Following the information in the owner’s manual, test the security system to ensure it works perfectly.
Opting for a DIY Home Security System
Although easy to install and affordable and can protect your home, the DIY home security system may not be the perfect choice for everyone. Even with a simple installation process that doesn’t require technical expertise, some people may set up the system wrongly, risking their property and lives for easy invasion.
Some systems are advanced but may not meet the standard of most traditional systems and lack features like carbon monoxide and fire monitoring, motion sensors immune to pet activity, and panic buttons.
If any component of the DIY security system fails, you have to repair it or get a new one. Still, with the conventional system, the security company is responsible for repairs and replacement at no or low cost.