Opening sensors, motion detectors, camera, mobile application… The home alarm is now closer to other connected equipment in the home. However, the choice does not only depend on the functions offered. The configuration of the premises, the habits of the occupants, the processing of alerts and the solutions provided in the event of an outage must also guide your decision.
How to choose a home alarm system adapted to the configuration of the premises?
Before choosing an alarm system for your home, you must first observe the layout of the home. A single-storey house with several French windows does not require the same equipment as an apartment located on an upper floor. First identify the main and secondary access points, easy-access windows, the garage, the cellar and any outbuildings.
The floors and passage areas partly determine the location of the detectors. A detector placed in a corridor can monitor frequent passage. An opening sensor provides information on the use of a door or window. Settings should also take into account pets, children and other users. The installation must follow your daily life without multiplying unnecessary manipulations or triggers linked to usual trips.
The system must also correspond to your pace of presence in the accommodation. A second home, an apartment that is often empty during the day and a house occupied by teleworking have different alarm needs. You can define the zones activated at night, the people authorized to supervise the alarm and the alerts you wish to receive.
What equipment makes up a connected home alarm?
In many systems, a control unit or connection box receives the signals sent by the various sensors and controls the planned actions. This function can also be integrated into other equipment, depending on the installation chosen. Motion sensors help monitor an indoor area. The shock and opening sensors signal a vibration or the opening of a door or window. A siren can then emit an audible signal if the system detects one of the situations corresponding to those defined by the user in the settings.
A camera can add images to the alert received. It complements the detectors by providing visual information. But its location must respect the privacy of the occupants. From the mobile app, you can generally turn the alarm on or off, check its status, manage users, and receive notifications.
Fire outbreaks are detected using dedicated equipment. Each home must have at least one smoke detector bearing the CE marking and the reference to standard NF EN 14 604 (1). Depending on the model chosen, it can operate alone or transmit an alert to the connected system.
Self-monitoring or remote monitoring: what happens after an alert?
With self-monitoring, the notification arrives on your phone or that of a designated loved one. You are invited to look at the available information and must decide what action to take. This organization assumes that one of the recipients can become aware of the alert at the right time.
In remote monitoring, an agent receives the alert and first seeks to understand what is happening. It removes doubts based on the information available, for example by contacting the occupants or consulting the images transmitted, according to the means provided for in the contract. If the removal of doubt confirms a worrying situation, the agent can alert the police or emergency services if the circumstances justify it. For suspected damage to property, article L. 613-6 of the Internal Security Code requires prior verification before contacting the police or gendarmerie (2).
Connection, battery and maintenance: what points to check?
A connected alarm can use multiple communication channels, such as the home Internet connection, the mobile network, or both. Before installation, ask the professional or supplier what happens in the event of a router failure, power outage, or network unavailability. A backup battery can temporarily power the control unit. But its autonomy varies depending on the equipment and conditions of use.
Also monitor the frequency of testing, battery replacement, application updates and maintenance arrangements. It is recommended to think about future changes from the start. If your needs are likely to change, it is best to choose a system that can accommodate new detectors, cameras or users.
Finally, test the orders with everyone involved. A well-set alarm should be easy to use when leaving, returning and during the night. Each change of habit must not turn into a technical constraint.
Sources
(1) Public Service – Smoke detector: fire safety in housing: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F19950
(2) Légifrance – Internal Security Code, article L. 613-6: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000025506286
