If you have a security system on your house, your neighbors probably already hate you. False alarms on most systems are much more prevalent than true ones. By keeping your security system in top operating condition you'll not only sleep better, your neighbors will too.

How Does It Work?

The central control unit has wire connections from each of the sensors.

A security system is a set of sensors designed to trigger an alarm if someone unauthorized tries to gain entry into a home. Sensors placed at strategic locations throughout the house or an automobile, check current status (okay, not okay) and report back to the central control unit. The control unit keeps track of all the sensors and their current status. If it decides there is a problem, it activates an audible alarm and/or an automatic telephone dialer that can summon help by phone.

The two primary types of security systems are wired and wireless. A wired system is connected by small, low-voltage wires routed discretely throughout the house. A wireless model uses tiny radio transmitters to signal the central control unit when activated. Control units typically have a battery backup activated if there is a power failure or if the wires are cut.

What Can Go Wrong?

You also can install single sensor controls that manage security at a single location such as a specific door or window.

False alarms happen more often than not. Some are due to user error while others are caused by nonthreatening events such as high winds or a thunderstorm. Other than that, most security systems have self-diagnostics built in that can be used to determine the cause of a problem.

Fix-It Tip

If your security system has an entry code (most home alarm systems do), make sure it's one you can easily remember, such as a birth date, social security number suffix, or keyboard pattern. And, of course, make sure it's easy for other members of your household to remember. There's no panic like standing at the system keypad trying to disarm an alarm when you're not sure of the code--at two in the morning!