Studies suggest that having a security system installed in your home is the best possible deterrent to home intrusions. If you know what to look for, then installing a home security system on your own isn’t too complicated of a job. Wired systems can actually be quite a chore as they require cutting and drilling into walls, fishing for wires, and then knowing how to safely connect everything to your home’s power box. So if you want to save quite a bit of money on installation fees, for simplicity’s sake, go with a wireless system.
There are several different types of DIY wireless home security system out on the market that could be suitable for your needs. What you should definitely get is a system that has a keypad control panel interface that is wall mountable, and also features a battery backup supply if the electrical supply is disconnected. Some will either feature motion detectors, traditional window and door sensors that trigger when a contact point is broken, or a combination of both. There are pros and cons to each so research which options would be the best for you. I worked in the home and commercial industry for several years, and will also be publishing on article on choosing the best security products for your home.
Now let us tackle the installation of each of the more common DIY home security components.
Installing the Control Panel –
You will want to install the control panel to your DIY home security system where it can not be so easily seen by an intruder. So don’t place it near any access doors to the home where a burglar can quickly spot it and try to disable it.
You’ll also need to install it close to an electrical outlet. When you mount the control panel, try to drill the mounting screws into a wall stud or studs. Electronic stud sensors are usually under $10 at the local hard ware supply store. If this is impossible, then consider using molly bolts, you want to make it as tough as possible for a home invader to be able to quickly yank the control panel off the wall to disable it, which they will want to do if you followed my advice and went for a unit with a battery backup power supply.
You can also add the illusion of a DIY wireless home security system being hard wired by drilling a hole into the wall, and running the power cord into the hole and down to an electrical wall socket. Put a decoration or small piece of furniture in front of the electrical wall outlet, and a home invader may never even spot it. Make sure that you are using the right tools and equipment so you will be able to set up the device properly. You can find the best DeWalt impact driver at Impact Driver Guide. This tool is considered to be quality and effective in doing DIY projetcs.
Installing Motion Detectors –
The type that are included in DIY home security systems are usually very easy to install, but there is some strategy to their placement that you’ll want to keep in mind. Be cautious about placing them in an area of your home where they could be triggered too easily due to a pet running free, or with a window in the motion detector’s direct field of view where it could pick up infrared movement from outside the window such as from passing people on a nearby sidewalk or the curious neighborhood cat, etc. Instead of pointing a motion detector right at a window, consider installing it in a corner of the room where it is scanning into the interior of the home, such as down a hallway.
To install the motion detectors, put the battery in and simply screw them into the wall at the ceiling line, as this will put them out of direct sight and there is usually a stud running along the ceiling that will provide good mounting support. Pretty much all motion detectors have a hinge system that will allow you to make adjustments to the motion detectors field of view after it is mounted.
Installing Window and Door Sensors –
I’ve seen a few different kinds of these sensors. These will usually be in two parts for each sensor. In DIY kits one smaller part (Usually just an adhesive backed magnet in plastic housing), will mount to the inside of the window or door with the larger part, (Consisting of the same materials plus the transmitter) to the outside of the window or door frame.
These are generally rather easy to install. Make sure the control panel is turned off or disabled. Put the battery in the transmitter part of the sensor. Then check to make sure that these two parts of each of the sensors make contact first where you want to mount them, before you actually do.
Testing, Tips, and Maintenance –
Turn the alarm on at the DIY home security system to check that everything is working properly. With window and door sensors, when the contact is broken, such as with the opening or closing of the door or window, the alarm should sound. When you walk in front of a motion detector’s field of view, the alarm should sound as well. Make any adjustments as needed.
And regularly test your home security system! Do so once a month to make sure everything is working including the batteries. Change the batteries at least every 2-3 months, just to be safe.
You probably will get some stickers and / or yard signs in your DIY home security kit to place around your home. It is up to you if you want to put those up or not. BUT consider that if you do put up those signs, you could be advertising exactly what kind of home security system you have in the home to a potential home invader. Consider a generic type warning sign which does not disclose the make of your home security system as an alternative.
