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Common Security System Problems

Common Security System Problems

Thursday, 08 September 2022 20:20

Security systems are getting more and more technologically advanced year after year, and there is a good reason why. We desire to protect our homes and businesses from property damage and theft. 

Security systems are vital pieces of equipment, ensuring that your home or business is protected. While it can't be proven empirically, property crime has dropped more than 6%, and we believe that security systems have helped pave the way for that drop in crime.

Today’s security systems are no longer just cameras and alarms, but also biometric systems and can be integrated into your smart home. This technology acts as a hub for the greater automation of your home, which can help with convenience and energy savings. There are a plethora of benefits to installing a security system:

  • Protection
  • Deterrence
  • Reduced Insurance Premiums
  • Ability to Check In

Even with the finest, most expensive security system, things can still go wrong. Equipment can be installed incorrectly, or users may be untrained. Regardless of the issue, it is important to get ahead of issues with a security system as they can lead to economic loss and legal liabilities.

To help get past many of the most common issues, we have put together a list of five common security system problems, and a few tips on how to avoid them.

Common Security System Problems 

1. Installed Incorrectly Or In a Bad Location

It is vital that your equipment is installed in the correct location and your camera angles provide a wide enough field of view to cover the desired area. No matter how many cameras you may have set up, if they are not in the correct location or pointing in the right direction, they may be rendered ineffective. 

Security cameras should be placed high and should capture a wide field of view. For residential purposes, some areas to focus on are:

  • Ground Floor Doors and Windows
  • Main Stairs And Hallways
  • Common Areas
  • Driveway

Just as you would with residential, security cameras for commercial purposes should also be higher up and capture a wide space. Some areas to focus on are:

  • Entrances and Exits
  • Point of Sale
  • Reception
  • Warehouses
  • Office Where Safe Is Located
  • Other Secluded Spots

2. Not Recording Or Saving Data

You could have all of the high-end cameras set up in all the right places, but if your data is not being sent back to some sort of recording device, you are wasting your time. A good security system should come with some form of a recording system that saves your data to a hard drive and some sort of backup. 

In addition to good data, having a fully integrated system with on-site alarms and cloud-based management is going to bring your protection to the palm of your hand. 

3. False Alarms

False alarms happen all the time. Anywhere from 90-99 percent of alarm calls to police end up being false alarms, according to an Urban Institute report. Not only do these calls cause panic and annoyance, but they can also sometimes lead to expensive bills from the authorities.

Even worse than the fines and fees is the “cry wolf” effect. Just imagine having a faulty alarm system and thinking that every time it goes off, it is illegitimate. What happens if one of those times there is a true threat? This is a huge problem. 

Human error is typically the reason for false alarms. Other causes may include low batteries, incorrect installations, loose contacts, or sensors capturing dust near air vents. Two-way verification can help reduce false alarms, as well as amend any of the issues above.

4. Power Outages

A major issue that comes up from time to time with improperly installed security systems is when the power goes out, the system goes down. This is huge. If a criminal knew that your system was rendered useless when the power went out, there would be a huge proverbial target on your property. 

A properly planned and installed system should have some sort of battery backup to ensure that your system is always powered, even when the power is out. In addition to power, having access to communication networks when power is down is key to receiving important information about your home or business. 

5. Not Enough Sensors

You cannot have enough sensors to protect your home or business from criminals. However, you can have too few. Alarm sensor placement should be well thought out and installed in many places around the property. Some key spots to consider installing sensors are:

  • Corner Spaces
  • Near Valuables
  • Entrances and Exits
  • Outside Patios

Security systems are a great way to protect your home and business,  but there are still some pitfalls that can come up. By hiring the right security company, you can ensure that these common security system problems can be dealt with ahead of time. 

If you are ready to work with professionals instead of dealing with security on your own, Integrity Security is here to help. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience in residential and commercial security. Our mission is to be honest and straightforward while providing maximum protection at an affordable price.

We are happy to answer your questions regarding security systems and more. Contact the team at Integrity Security today to level up your residential or commercial security!