Home Security: Alarms, Sensors and Systems (Paperback)

by Vivian Capel (Author) "It is surprising the number of people who install expensive alarm systems and yet neglect basic physical security measures..." (more)
Key Phrases: lockable bolts, inertia detectors, internal buzzer, Sureguard Mark (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Every reason now exists to make homes more secure: the crime rate is increasing, insurance companies are insisting on adequate protection, and more householders are improving home security, so criminals are seeking out the easier jobs. This book provides practical, independent guidance, shows how burglars work, and how to thwart them and offers jargon-free descriptions of selection and installation of alarm systems. This book explains the pros and cons of alarm systems, including how to avoid faults, and find them if they occur.

From the Publisher
As well as describing the bewildering range of security devices on offer, more technical readers may consider their own solutions using descriptions and circuits for two simple tested designs are given, one for the home and one for a foolproof public hall system. There is a plethora of security devices now on offer. Large sums can be spent on elaborate systems, yet weak links can be left unrecognized - except by the housebreaker! Good independent advice is scarce, as most security firms favor their own products. This book explains the pros and cons of alarm systems, including how to avoid faults, and find them if they occur. `Friendly security' is particularly featured, and other security devices are given a critical scrutiny. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2nd edition (May 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750618094
• ISBN-13: 978-0750618090
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,528,441 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book is a good discussion on home security in general, October 23, 2003

By	Phil Lee (Minneapolis, Minn, Silicon Tundra, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Home Security, Second Edition: Alarms, sensors and systems (Newnes) (Paperback)

The author is based in the UK and gives a provincial view on their home security industry. Very little is given on suppliers, components, and systems based in the States. I'd highly recommend going to a Honeywell affiliated website ADILink dot com for the security products in the US. You have to register to get pricing.

Though what she goes into is in detail and gives both pluses and minus and discusses component alternatives with diagrams, tables, and drawings. Where she falls downs in is the control box or panel. There is only a light discussion on the alarm controller in Chap 9 in one page. She relies on Chap 13 which covers the British Stds, BS 4737, on alarm systems, some 9 pages worth of specs-not really useful info for the systems designer or installer.

Furthermore, her Chap 14 covers a SureGuard alarm system complete with circuits with transistors, diodes, capacitors, switches, and power transformers. Certainly she doesn't expect a home owner to build this! Evidently this is not available in commercially or in a kit form. Her final chapter is on smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. I read this book at the local library.