This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Schlage has definitely hyped up the release of their latest keyless entry locking system, titled the “Schlage LiNK”. Once the Schlage LiNK was released to the public, many people dropped from $300-600 on the exciting LiNK that used Z-Wave technology. However, is the Schlage LiNK really worth the money? What are some people saying about their experiences with the Schlage LiNK?

Schlage LiNK Features

The Schlage LiNK has many features, including:

Fully Encrypted Connection
The connection between the Schlage LiNK and a mobile device uses a “fully encrypted” connection, which is similar to the encrypted connection used by banking websites. According to Schlage, this makes the control of the devices extremely secure.

100 Foot Range
The Schlage LiNK bridge component is able to transmit signals up to 100 feet, when transmitting through walls. The product is able to transmit signals further in an environment without walls. These signals are then converted and sent through the user’s internet connection.

Z-Wave
Z-Wave is essentially a communication system for electronics, which can be manipulated via remote control by a human user. Z-Wave can be used with a variety of devices, such as coffee makers, thermostats and home lighting systems.

Customer Feedback

So far, customer feedback about the Schlage LiNK system has been mixed. The most common complaint that many users have, is that they were not aware that they needed to pay a $13 monthly fee in order to get access to the remote features of this system. Also, many customers mistakenly thought that the device could physically lock and unlock the door via remote. The truth is, the Schlage LiNK only gives or removes access for the door to be physically locked or unlocked.

Conclusion

It seems that the main beneficial feature of the Schlage LiNK locking system is its ability to utilize Z-Wave technology. For someone that’s seeking to have the ability to fully control the devices in their home remotely, the LiNK starter kit provides a good base. Being able to control lights, cameras, locks and thermostat systems from a distance could be a great tool that may have exciting applications in the future. However, as a basic locking system, it seems that the Schlage LiNK does need a bit of refinement.

Product Videos

This video from a CrackBerry user displays how you can control the Schlage LiNK locking system, lights, cameras and other devices through an application installed on a mobile phone. It also shows how the alerts are transmitted from the home device to a mobile phone, as well as how to set up a temporary “24-Hour” temporary code from a cell phone.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s a quick video from Schlage that displays how to control the Schlage LiNK system from your PC, and some examples of devices that can be controlled with Z-Wave technology.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Top Photo Source: http://images.crackberry.com/files/u32/schlage-link-starter-kit2.jpg

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

The iPhone has an application for just about anything. Nature lovers can download apps that identify birds and tracks. Harry Potter fans can create spells and challenge friends to a wand duel with their iPhones. Other apps are designed specifically for work outs. With thousands of apps, you can find exactly what you need – including home security.

Vince Hunter, from Dallas, Texas, downloaded the iCam application for $4.99. While Hunter and his wife were 1,500 miles away on vacation, he received a text message from iCam notifying him that the motion detectors at his home had spotted movement. Using his iPhone, he pulled up the webcams he had installed around his home as part of a security system. On his phone’s screen, he saw two burglars at his home.

“I check the footage, and see in real time guys in this area, and they’re kind of hunched over. They’d just broken the glass. I said, ‘Holy cow, I gotta call 911,’” he told reporters.

After calling the police, he went back to watching the live footage. He said, “They’re in the backyard checking things out. They’re throwing bricks…at the tempered glass and they can’t break it three times. Finally, it appears they wind up and kind of go back in that area, and they just hurl this brick through the glass and…this brick ends up in our living room.”

The broken window triggered the alarm system, and the burglars took off. Hunter watched the police arrive at his home, minutes too late.

The Hunter’s home had previously been robbed, so they installed a home security system including motion detectors and cameras. Hunter can watch footage from the cameras from any computer, but with the iCam app, Hunter receives alerts directly to his phone and he can watch footage from anywhere in the world. After the attempted burglary, Hunter commented, “You know, it was surreal. It really was. The first thing I couldn’t believe is that we could do this on our cell phone. Really? A cell phone?”

Hunter’s home was protected, but his neighbor was not as lucky. Her home had been robbed before the burglars tried to break into the Hunter’s home. Police hope to use the footage from the iPhone to identify and arrest the burglars.

Sources:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/texas-man-watches-home-burglary-iphone-wth-icam/story?id=11477014

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Fingerprinting, DNA, GPS tracking and Google Earth have all helped solve crimes and catch criminals. Technology continues to evolve and advance, so what are some of the latest hi-tech equipment that brings criminals to justice?

Automated License Plate Recognition Cameras

Police use automated license plate recognition cameras to find stolen vehicles. The camera snaps a picture of the license plate and runs the photograph through a database of stolen automobiles. These cameras can take pictures from a long distance. Even helicopters can use them. The cameras can also be used at stop lights to record cars that run a red light.

Brain Fingerprinting

This type of technology measures a suspect’s electrical brainwaves. The suspect wears a headband that is embedded with electronic sensors, and the person is then shown images, words or phrases on a computer screen. Brain Fingerprinting is based on the theory that the brain reacts differently to known information than unknown information. Showing a suspect pictures of a crime scene or victims and recording the brain activity could tie the suspect to the crime. Brain Fingerprinting has been used to convict JB Grinder, a serial killer, and has helped prove the innocence of Terry Harrington.

Shot Spotting

Shot Spotting has helped save 250 lives so far. Since it was installed in Nassau County, New York, gun crime dropped 32%. The Shot Spotting detects the sound waves of a gunshot. GPS receivers then forward the exact location of the gunshot to police. This new technology has helped police and medical help arrive faster.

Property Marking System

When something of value, such as a watch or lawn mower, is marked, it makes it harder for the burglar to sell. Items can be permanently marked by engraving identifying information like a phone number, initials or a zip code. Items can also be invisibly marked by using an ultra-violet pen. SmartWater, a company in the United Kingdom, makes an invisible liquid that can only be seen under ultraviolet light. Their product has been used to mark property or even to mark burglars. If the liquid is put in a home’s sprinkler system, it sprays a burglar and the solution will last for months. Each customer has their own uniquely coded liquid.

Vehicle Slowdown

OnStar, a program installed in General Motors cars, assists police in more than one way. Onstar can be used to track the location of a stolen vehicle. It can also slow down an automobile by restricting the car’s fuel reserves. OnStar can slow a vehicle down to five miles an hour, ending high speed chases for police.

Body Odor

A research center in China has collected over 500 body odor scents. Every person has a unique smell, just like they have a unique fingerprint or DNA. A crime scene can be wiped for fingerprints, but a criminal might have a harder time erasing their scent. Using dogs, authorities have caught criminals using the body odor databank.

Police have also used technology in its simplest way to solve crimes. For example, a burglar that broke into a school in Athens, Georgia dropped his cell phone while fleeing. The police picked up his phone, scrolled through the contacts and called “Ma” in his contact list. His mother gave the police his name. As technology continues to advance, criminals that can’t keep up are caught and arrested.

Sources:

http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-latest-crime-fighting-technologies.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_fingerprinting

http://www.shotspotter.com/

http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/how-to-prevent-theft-with-property-marking-2918446.html

http://www.smartwater.com/Home.aspx

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jFbYko2aFw03RsQ3_LCgV-p8E2nwD9HM7P9O0

Photo Source: http://www.plate-recognition.info/anpr_lpr_software.html

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Wireless technology has revolutionized the way we think about home security. Today, security systems are no longer expensive, bulky devices that require extensive installation procedures. Instead, a security system may be installed in your home in less than an hour, with no need for behind-wall wiring or drilling.

A problem that many people worry about is electrical interference that may occur with wireless devices. Since wireless technology is still being refined, its possible that interference could have a small influence on the effectiveness of certain devices. Here are a few quick tips to help you prevent interference with your wireless security system.

Placing Your Control Panel in a Central Location

One of the main things that you can do to reduce interference with your wireless security system is to strategically place your control panel. Most wireless security system control panels also include the access point for all wireless devices connected to the system. It’s best to choose a location that is central inside your home’s setup, providing optimum coverage for all associated wireless devices. If possible, have the control panel elevated off of the floor, especially if you are hoping to have good coverage for second-floor wireless devices.

Avoid Certain Appliances

There are certain appliances that may cause interference with your wireless security system. To ensure its effectiveness, do not place your security system’s control panel near microwave ovens, cordless phones and certain other devices.

Signal Radius

Most wireless home security systems are rated to provide coverage for devices that are within a certain radius. However, its important to remember that the radius is often the maximum distance that a device may be placed from the control panel. Given that internal walls, structural materials and other items may lower the signal’s effectiveness, place all wireless devices as close to the control panel as possible, while still covering all access points in your home.

Phone Interference

Not all cordless phones will have interference from other wireless devices in your home. If you are noticing that your calls contain static, interruptions or other types of interference that may be from your wireless home security system, you may want to consider purchasing a newer or upgraded models. Many of the newer cordless phones are designed to help minimize interference that may occur from other wireless devices.

Wireless Internet Interference

This short (and funny) video has a few tips that can help prevent interference in your wireless internet network. However, these tips may be useful for helping reduce wireless interference with your security system as well!

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Interference-Free” LCD Wireless Surveillance Camera (Commercial)

This video is a commercial for a Lorex Digital Wireless LCD Surveillance System Camera with Recorder, which claims to be designed to have no interference from other devices.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In a long hallway, the figure of a suit-clad man approaches. The man looks cautiously from side to side, and slips into a concealed room. After neatly dispatching two security guards (using only his hands), he discovers a hidden safe underneath a desk. Whipping out a complicated gadget, he quickly cracks the safe, and removes an ordinary-looking black briefcase. Taking the briefcase in hand, he slinks out of the door, making a dramatic escape with hundreds of security guards in chase. After speeding away in a bullet-ridden sports utility vehicle, he quickly snaps open the briefcase, viewing its invaluable contents.

The scene described above is often seen in Hollywood films, as “vital information” always seems to be concealed in ordinary-looking black briefcases. While not everyone is carting around valuable government secrets in their briefcase, the subject of briefcase security has recently gotten a fair amount of attention. Here are a few biometric briefcases that are worthy of James Bond himself!

Hammacher Schlemmer’s Biometric Briefcase

The company “Hammacher Schlemmer” released a product marketed as the “only biometric business case”, which was a metal case (complete with handle and wheels) that could be only opened by scanning the owner’s fingerprint. This case could be purchased for the bargain price of only $1,100. Though this particular briefcase is no longer available on Hammacher Schlemmer’s company website, other companies have quickly adopted the biometric briefcase trend.

“Made from high-density, flexible polycarbonate, the hard-sided business case withstands 250 lb./ft. of force and reverts to its original shape, thwarting cracks or dents and protecting what’s inside.” - From Hammacher Schlemmer’s Company Website

Chinavasion’s “Infinite Coolness” Fingerprint Briefcase

The company Chinavasion has recently announced their own version of the biometric briefcase, which has a current retail price of around $388. Chinavasion’s briefcase allows for up to twelve registered users, with two users having “admin rights” (to add/remove permissions for other users). Each user with a biometric fingerprint can store two separate fingerprints in their profile. On the company’s website, this briefcase is listed as having “Infinite Coolness”, “Beauty” and “Brains”.

“What really sets this briefcase apart from the rest is biometric fingerprint security functionality which keeps all your valuables safe! Slide the latch sideways to expose the fingerprint panel. Lightly press your finger against it, and the latches open to give you access to your stock certificates, Swiss Bank statements, blueprints for world domination, etc. ” - From Chinavasion’s Company Website

Underwood Biometric Lock Briefcase

Unlike some other biometric briefcases, the Underwood model is priced only for those with an hefty budget. This biometric briefcase has an average retail price of around $12,000! According to the company website, it is marketed as being used for transporting expensive jewelry, watches, sensitive documents and precious gemstones. It has the ability to store up to 90 different registered users, and does not store the scanned fingerprints as images (which further increases its security). One of the main marketable features of this case is its “attractiveness”, and “sleek design”.

“In keeping with the Underwood philosophy of luxurious elegant design, the Biometric lock system has allowed us to develop a sleek design without the need for obtrusive metal locks on the outside of the case…With this system the fingerprint is not stored as an actual image but is coded and transferred into a mathematical algorithm, whereby only certain points of the fingerprint are registered.” – From the Pianki Company Website

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In one of the famous scenes of the 1999 movie “Entrapment”, Catherine Zeta Jones navigates through a field of simulated lasers. The scene was featured in the trailer, on television shows, and has even been mimicked in the 2004 movie “Oceans Twelve”. Though the laser scene was criticized by movie reviewers for focusing a lot on Catherine Zeta Jones’ anatomy, it remains to be an element of popular culture even today.

While the visible lasers often seen in Hollywood movies are a myth, there are lasers that are used to protect homes from unwanted intruders. These laser systems are actually fairly inexpensive, and can provide a comprehensive system of motion detection in certain areas of a home. Furthermore, these laser security systems don’t have to be purchased from a security company, and can often be found at many general electronic retail stores.

How Does it Work?

There are several components that may be used in a laser security system. For generalization purposes, this article will cover the most common features. This includes:

Circuit Board
The circuit board for a laser security system usually includes a microchip, a voltage regulator, a battery, a resistor and a photo cell. It’s possible to make your own circuit board for a laser security system, as long as you have access to the proper tools and materials.

Pet Immunity
Since lasers are so easily triggered, many laser security systems also include a pet immune feature. If your system does not have pet immunity, you may want to place your laser security system at a height where it will not accidentally cause your pets to trigger the alarm.

Audible Alarm
As a deterrent, a laser security system may include an audible alarm. This alarm will be triggered when one of the laser beams is broken, signaling that the system detected movement.

Text Message Alerts
When a laser security system detects movement inside your home, it may be able to send you a text message alert. This can be done even if you have built the system yourself, as long as you have a fair bit of electrical knowledge.

Expansion Capability
Some laser security systems are sold as stand-alone models (without monitoring), while some are sold as a part of a whole security system package. Many laser security systems can be expanded to include non-laser features, such as flood detectors, carbon monoxide sensors and wireless security cameras. If you want a system that has expansion capabilities, you may want to purchase your laser security system from a company that also offers monitoring protection.

Laser Shield Home Alarm System Demo
This video from Brickhouse Security shows how the LaserShield wireless home alarm system works, as well as the proper installation procedures. This particular system can be combined with monitoring, which may either be activated an electronics store, on the internet, or over the phone.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Mythbusters Tests Laser Security
This video is from the popular TV show “Mythbusters”, where the team tests methods that could allow them to bypass a laser security system installed in a narrow room. Many of the methods that they try to use are featured in popular Hollywood movies.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In the year 2000, it was estimated that only 53% of stolen cars were ever able to recovered. Today, the recovery rate for stolen vehicles is around 80%. Though a portion of this percent increase could be attributed to more efficient reporting systems for stolen vehicles, it’s possible that the growing popularity of GPS vehicle recovery systems is also a factor. Today’s technology enables us to have a much higher chance of recovering a stolen vehicle, and in a much shorter amount of time than in previous years.

What is a GPS Recovery System?

Essentially, a GPS vehicle recovery system is composed of a small transmitter that is able to send information which shows its geographical location. When a car is stolen, its owner can use this information to help law enforcement to quickly recover the vehicle.

Popular GPS Vehicle Recovery Systems

AlwaysFind Mini Realtime GPS GSM SMS SOS Covert Vehicle Tracking Locator Tracker
The AlwaysFind Mini is marketed as being the “world’s smallest vehicle tracking device”, measuring 2.5 inches long, and 1.75 inches wide. It is able to lock on to GPS signals even in indoor environments, deep canyons, and even underneath dense foliage environments. It can be programmed to send out an automatic alert once the tracker is moved over 500 meters from its original location.

Zoombak ZMBK200 Advanced GPS Car and Family Locator
The Zoombak ZMBK200 is able to be located by using two separate methods. A 24/7 customer call center can be contacted to find its location, or a customer can look up its location online. It has nation-wide coverage, and comes with a 30-day risk-free guarantee. You can program over 10 customized ‘zones’, which allows the device to send you alerts when your vehicle enters or leaves a ‘zone’.

Zoombak Advanced GPS Universal Locator – GPS tracking Device
This Zoombak device is ‘universal’, which  means that it is commonly used for tracking a variety of personal belongings. While it can be used for tracking vehicles, many people also use it for tracking backpacks, bicycles, motorcycles and even to track a child’s location. This is one of the less expensive of the GPS locating devices, and does not have as many features as some of the more sophisticated devices.

Escort Entourage PS Kit-0019 GPS Vehicle Tracker
The Escort Entourage PS Kit-0019 is designed to cover many areas of vehicle security, besides just GPS tracking. It includes “tamper-sensing” technology, which can alert the owner of a car when their vehicle has been compromised. You can even program to receive instant alerts (by SMS text or email) that will let you know when the security of your vehicle is under attack. The battery of this device lasts for 7 days, which is extremely long compared to some other GPS tracking devices. To locate a vehicle, a customer simply has to use their web browser or mobile phone.

Escort Entourage CIS Kit-0016 GPS Vehicle Tracker
This unique device by Escort is able to arm and disarm automatically by using a key fob on your keychain. Like some other models, this device can be programmed to notify you by text message or email when your vehicle has been moved or otherwise tampered with. Tracking is provided in real-time, allowing you to know the exact location of your vehicle at all times. You can share this location information with other family members, who can also access your vehicle’s GPS tracking. Installation of this GPS device is very simple, which is the reason why it is popular among many consumers.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Two years ago, the city of Denver, Colerado was struck by an unthinkable tragedy. An entire family of four had succumbed to the deadly effects of carbon monoxide poisoning over the Thanksgiving holiday. City officials assume that several components of the residence weren’t working properly, which caused the death of all four family members. Following this tragedy, many people may have asked the question, “How could this happen?”. This tragic event prompted Denver residents to push for stricter and more dedicated guidelines about installing carbon monoxide sensors in homes. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real threat, and you may not be able to detect it until it’s too late.

Before installing a carbon monoxide sensor in your home, it’s important that you understand how this type of detector functions. Here is a general guide to the features of a carbon monoxide detector.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is nearly undetectable to the human senses (one of the main reasons why it’s sometimes called ‘the silent killer’). It’s estimated that around 170 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning (in indoor, non-automotive environments). It can accumulate from burning a number of substances, including oil, coal, wood, propane, paraffin and natural gas. It is also a by-product of most automotive vehicles.

Alarm System of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Some of the older types of carbon monoxide detectors only had visual cues (such as a test paper fading to a certain color) that indicated high levels of carbon monoxide. However, audible alarms have now become an industry standard.

The main difficulty with carbon monoxide detectors is that they aren’t designed simply to detect an “alert”, such as the function of smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide exists naturally in nearly every home, the main danger is when it reaches high concentrations. Most audible carbon monoxide detectors won’t sound an alert until they detect around 400 ppm (parts per million).

Four Types of Sensors

There are four main types of carbon monoxide sensors that are used in residential or commercial detectors. They are:

Biomimetic
This type of sensor operates by using a modified hemoglobin material. This special material (which is gel-like) reacts to the presence of carbon monoxide in the air. When levels of carbon monoxide are high, the gel darkens visibly. When levels return to normal (or are within normal ranges) the gel lightens. This is the least popular type of carbon monoxide detector, since it does not include an audible alarm.

Electrochemical
An electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor works with a special type of fuel cell. This fuel cell, however, isn’t designed to power the device. Instead, it produces an electric current which is directly related to the amount of carbon monoxide in the air around the device. By measuring fluctuations in this current, the device is able to detect the amount of carbon monoxide present.

Semiconductor
A semiconductor carbon monoxide detector uses a sophisticated system in order to detect the presence of carbon monoxide. The sensing element is made of a special type of material (tin dioxide) that needs to be heated in order to operate. The system runs an electric current through the sensing element, and measures its resistance. The presence of oxygen in the air increases the resistance of the tin dioxide, while carbon monoxide decreases resistance. This allows the sensor to operate within a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Opto-Chemical
This type of sensor is similar to the biomimetic carbon monoxide sensor, in that it only provides a visual indication of the presence of carbon monoxide. Since it has an even lower accuracy level than the biomimetic sensor, it is also fairly unpopular for home use.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Technology during this generation has undergone some truly amazing changes. However, it could be argued that the iPhone played a huge part in revolutionizing the smartphone industry. The iPhone was first announced in January of 2007 at the MacWorld convention, and has been the subject of extensive media coverage ever since. In June, Apple announced that the iPhone would support third-party applications. Today, there are thousands of different applications for the iPhone, which can do anything from recording song lyrics, to turning your iPhone into a lightsaber. However, one of the more practical applications for the iPhone has been related to monitor a user’s home security.

There are a several different applications for the iPhone whihc allow a user to access their security system. One of the most popular applications is from iControl Networks. This special application has the following features:

Allows Arming/Disarming of Security System
Have you ever left your home, and forgotten to arm your security system? With iControl’s security app, you can arm or disarm your security system directly from your iPhone. This helps you to have greater versatility in ensuring that your home is protected.

Control Locks
If your security system supports it, you may also be able to lock or unlock specific areas of your home by entering a command on your iPhone. This feature may also require you to have compatible locking mechanisms.

View Video
Directly from your iPhone, you will also be able to view a live feed of the video being captured by your video surveillance system. You can even selectively record specific segments of video, or take a screen capture photo.

Control Lights
With the correct setup, iControl also allows you to turn the lights in your home on/off.

Text Message Alerts
The iControl app is also able to send you text messages updating you about the security of your home. These text messages can be programmed to be activated when an event does/does not happen. For example, you may be able to receive a text message when your daughter hasn’t returned home from school by 5pm.

Works with Security System
So far, it looks like the security systems that will able to work with the iControl app include:

• GE Simon 3
• GE Simon XT
• GE Concord
• Honeywell Vista
• Honeywell Lynx

Thermostat Control
If you return home from work late on a chilly winter night, it can be nice to walk in to a nice heated living room. However, leaving your heat on all day isn’t very energy efficient. With iControl, you can have direct control over your thermostat’s settings.

Automate Your Energy Settings
Aside from giving you direct control over lights and thermostat settings, iControl can also be used to automate your home. You can schedule your lights to turn on at a specific time each day, which can be changed right from your iPhone. You may also set your thermostat to turn up or down automatically depending on the time of day.

Home Health Care Settings
If you are caring for an elderly family member, you may be concerned with leaving them at home alone. The iControl app allows you integrate with devices such as medicine cabinet sensors, motion detectors, wireless health monitors and other devices. These devices can be programmed to alert you on your iPhone via text message if there are any significant changes.

A Review from CPI Security of their “inTouch” service, which offers similiar features (such as arming/disarming a security system from your mobile phone).

Click here to view the embedded video.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

The first battery was developed in 1800, by an Italian physicist named Alessandro Volta. The device was called a Voltaic Pile, which consisted of layered discs of copper (or silver) and zinc stacked in a pile. The discs were sandwiched between pieces of cloth, which were soaked in brine. It wasn’t until Benjamin Franklin invented a simliar system that used Leyden jars (as capacitors) that the name “battery” was applied to power-storing devices.

You may not realize it, but each day, you use dozens of appliances that run off of battery power. Devices such as cell phones, portable gaming devices, electric toothbrushes, wireless transmitters, TV remotes and wireless game controllers all rely on batteries in order to operate. Even your computer has a tiny battery inside it, which allows the computer to keep track of certain things (such as the time) even when its power is turned off.

What is a UPS System?

A UPS (which stands for “Uninterruptible Power Supply”) could essentially be described as a large battery that is designed to be used as a temporary source of power. Most UPS systems will charge when they have access to an electrical power source. A UPS battery backup system may be integrated into a device (such as in some monitored security systems), or be a stand-alone battery that can power multiple devices.

Types of UPS Systems

These are three of the most commonly used types of UPS Battery Backup Systems:

Offline/Standby
This is the most basic type of UPS system. An offline/standby UPS (sometimes called a SPS) protects device(s) from small power surges, and provides a short-term supply of power in case the main power supply is cut off. A SPS usually activates when the incoming voltage it receives from the main power supply drops below a certain level. This causes the system to turn on its DC-AC inverter circuitry. There is a very small delay in between when the voltage drops, and when the SPS activates. SPS systems are most commonly applicable for personal use, such as providing short-term power to home computers after a power outage.

An illustration of the electrical function of a Standby UPS (SPS) system. Source: Wikipedia

Line-Interactive
A Line-Interactive UPS system has most of the same components as a SPS system, but with a few key differences. Line Interactive UPS systems are able to adjust their output voltage in order to compensate for fluctuations in the main power supply. Essentially, this means that if the voltage coming from an electrical outlet dropped slightly for a few minutes, a Line-Interactive UPS system would only output enough voltage to bring the total voltage to an acceptable level. This allows the system to conserve its internal battery power. The component of this system that makes this possible is called a multi-tap variable-voltage autotransformer. Line-interactive UPS systems are commonly used by companies and businesses for short-term electrical disruption protection.

Double Conversion
This type of UPS is a bit more complicated, though has the same basic components as other UPS systems. A double conversion UPS has a rectifier (AC – DC converter) and an inverter (DC – AC converter). However, both of these converters are designed to run continuously, without any delay in switching between electrical conversions. This type of UPS is most commonly used for devices that can’t tolerate even small power fluctuations, such as data centers. Double Conversion UPS systems are usually fairly expensive, though have recently become available for the personal consumer market.

How are UPS Systems Used in Home Security?

Many monitored home security companies have recognized that their systems are essentially ineffective without a constant source of power. In some cases, a “brown-out” may even be enough to cause a security system to reset, or to not function properly. To help correct this problem, many home security systems are now being integrated with a type of UPS battery backup system. This system allows the security control panel to still function for a designated amount of time after electricity has been shut off. The amount of time that the security system can continue to function varies with the type of hardware that is installed. In some cases, you may be able to combine a stand-alone UPS with your home security system, in order to help ensure that it will be effective even if your home loses electrical power.