Smart Security Systems go beyond typical CCTV or security camera systems. A Smart Security system uses multiple different Smart Home enabled devices to detect, record and scare intruders from your property. In this project guide we will cover some of the popular Smart Security devices and solutions that we recommend for your next home improvement project.
A Smart Security system is different from a regular CCTV or security camera system because it use Smart Home devices which must be enabled and connected to a Smart Home gateway/controller. A Smart Home controller is the central hub or “brain” of your Smart Security system. It is the gateway which sends and receives all the information from your other devices about the status of your home. Z-Wave technology is a Smart Home, open standard protocol which offers thousands of Smart Home brands and a variety of Smart Home controllers. Some Z-Wave brands we recommend include Vera and Fibaro. Once you have chosen the right Smart Home gateway, for example the Fibaro Home Center 3, you can install and connect your Smart Security devices to this gateway. Once you’ve added these devices to your gateway you can control and monitor these devices through your computer, phone or even voice.
Z-Wave Motion Sensors are affordable and cost effective solutions for better property monitoring. In the case of the Dome motion sensor, it can detect motion using infrared and it can also detect light levels in the room. This means that it can be used in both a smart lighting setup when you’re at home, and as a security sensor when you’re away. They are small, inconspicuous and battery powered which means you do not need to run cables to them and can be safely used by renters without damaging walls!
Once your Z-Wave Gateway has been armed (or set to Away mode) your motion sensors can also become armed and will be ready to notify you should they detect motion. You can even set up scenes which use the detection of motion as a trigger and then activate any other device you choose (such as a siren, lights or both).
Z-Wave Door/Window Sensors are small devices which can be easily installed to any door or window to provide rapid notifications and alerts when triggered. These devices are designed to sit by your door or window and report their status back to the Z-Wave Gateway. They can be either open or closed, armed or disarmed. The Dome D/W Sensor is also battery powered and extremely responsive, giving you an almost instantaneous status update. Just like the motion sensors above, you can use these devices to control lights and other devices when at home, and once away from home, they also become armed and ready to notify should they become triggered. A Door/Window sensor is useful in providing an extra layer of security against intruders who try to pick the lock or break through your door, or through window. These devices are also very affordable and easy to set up.
While a Smart Security system is important to keep you notified of intruders, it can also act as a way to startle and scare intruders away from your property. The loud and obtrusive sound of a siren can be a strong deterrent causing them to run away lest they be noticed by your neighbours or the authorities! There are many sirens from different brands available on the market so it’s important to understand which ones are the right fit for your property. Some sirens, like the Vision Outdoor Siren and Strobe is a very loud, outdoor siren which can easily be heard and seen by neighbours and authorities, this siren rings at >115dB, which is as loud as a Rock concert. Another useful range of sirens are indoor sirens, like the Vision Indoor Siren and Strobe which are also loud and startling for intruders who are already inside your home.
There is a variety of excellent IP Cameras and NVRs available for Smart Security Systems. With Z-Wave home controllers such as the Fibaro Home Center 3 or the Vera Edge you can easily connect a large range of IP cameras and surveillance devices. IP cameras come in a variety of styles such as Dome cameras, Bullet Cameras, Turret Cameras and more. Additionally you can find specific cameras for outdoor and indoor use. We recommend having multiple outdoor cameras to easily monitor your property and suggest having at least one or more indoor cameras in key locations inside your property. These IP cameras are a great additional to a Z-Wave Smart Home system because they allow you to easily connect and monitor your cameras through your phone or computer. While its important to have live monitoring it’s also vital to have a way to record and store local video files. NVRs (Network Video Recorder) are the best way to record your video files and can assist with insurance claims, Police reports and other situations where proof is required. With a complete NVR and IP camera system you can feel confident with the safety of your home or property.
