Home Security, Second Edition: Alarms, sensors and systems (Newnes) (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
As crime rates soar every householder looks at ways to protect their home and its contents. This practical guide, in straightforward language, spells out the simple steps you can take to guard your home. It shows how burglars work, and how to thwart them. The selection and installation of alarm systems are described simply. This handy volume may provide the information you need to avoid costly and upsetting break-ins.

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 unrecognised - except by the housebreaker! Good independent advice is scarce, as most security firms favour 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.

Explains simply and in straightforward language how to select and install systems
Describes range of security devices on offer
Explains pros and cons of alarm systems and how to avoid faults

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Newnes; 2 edition (August 5, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750635460
• ISBN-13: 978-0750635462
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #820,459 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

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.