What are Alarm Based Home Security Systems?

Last Updated: November 27, 2025

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Michael Rosenberg

Specializes in translating complex information into readable, engaging content. Michael@top10us.com

When it comes to home security systems, you should be sure to find one that perfectly fits your needs. They come are various types and work in different ways in order to secure homes from potential intruders. Statistics show homes without security systems have a 300% higher chance of being burglarized. These studies have developed over time and this is clearly the reason that more and more people resort to home security systems for the safety and security of their homes.

One of the most common and most effective types of home security systems is the alarm system. This system works by creating a loud and disturbing sound that attracts the attention of people whenever it suspects intrusion. Other systems include :

  • CCTV cameras
  • Motion detectors
  • Signs and stickers, Etc

The alarm security system also offers its users various options to select from, depending on their needs. If you’re thinking about installing an alarm system, but you aren’t sure which one to opt-in for, here’s a simple guide on different home alarm systems to help you make the right choice that’s suitable for you.

Types of Alarm systems

1. The Monitored alarm system :

In this type of system, the alarm is monitored by a trusted professional or a monitoring center operator. When your alarm is triggered, it screams for attention. The professional or monitoring center operator then checks out via a connected CCTV camera to know what’s going on in your home immediately. If there’s any need to contact the authorities for intervention, they do so on your behalf.

Some monitored alarms are capable of sending a notification to you and your monitoring center operator whenever it suspects a threat. This will keep you abreast of the security status of your home from anywhere you are. You also get the chance to call the authorities for help in case you monitor your system yourself.

2. The Unmonitored alarm system

No one monitors this alarm system; hence, referred to as “local alarms.” They are relatively cheaper than the monitored systems and function slightly differently from them. They depend on the intervention of someone near your space when the alarms are triggered. Whenever the system suspects intrusion, it creates a loud and disturbing sound that attracts the attention of neighbors and passersby. These neighbors then call the emergency unit for intervention.

Although, unmonitored systems are relatively less safe than the monitored ones, they might be your best option in certain situations – especially when your cell reception is bad or when you are unable to respond to your notifications on time. The loud blare that comes from your local alarm system is enough to scare the intruder out of your home – the key here is deterrence.

3.Wired alarm system

The wired alarm system works with wire cables. These cables are laid through the corners of the house and are on the floor. They protect your doorways, windows, and any other entry points in the house. The system creates a low-voltage electrical circuit within your house. When doors and windows are shut, current flows with no interruption. And as soon as a door or window or any other entry point is opened, the system is disturbed and the alarm is triggered.

Wired systems are an old type of security system and are relatively difficult to install. And when connected to monitoring centers, they depend on Landline phone connections to carry their signals to the center.

Some challenges with this system are:

  • Destruction of wires and cables by burglars
  • Weather interference
  • Landline interference

4. Unwired or wireless alarm system:

You probably are guessing these are the opposite of the wired systems and you’re right. Wireless systems are systems that don’t run on wires. A Wireless alarm system uses a central panel known as the “control” panel. The control panel is connected to sensors preinstalled at spots within the house and thus communicate with the control panel via the in-built radio frequency transmitters.

Whenever the system suspects a threat, the sensor transmits a signal to your control panel and the alarm becomes activated. 

Wireless systems come with lots of benefits such as:

  • Ability to control and maintain your system remotely using your mobile phone
  • Ability to link up your alarm system with other smart home functions such as CCTV cameras for
    • video surveillance, Lights, thermostats.
  • An easy installation process that doesn’t need heavy wires and cables

Although wireless systems are more expensive than the wired systems, the protection they offer, however, is far greater. Also, the risks involved with wireless systems are far lesser than those with the wired ones.

A home security system is critical today, and will become more critical as time goes by. the security for yourself and your family is unprecedented by anything else.

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