Security Terminology

Here's a glossary of security terms with a brief description that we hope will help alleviate any confusion.

2-Way Voice

Usually a common add-on feature, 2-way Voice allows you to speak directly to the monitoring center representative through your control panel. If there's an emergency you can talk to a representative from up to 75 feet away.

24-hour Monitoring

A service provided by the Central Station Monitoring Center that is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Security Equipment sends a message to the Central Station and they then Dispatch the authorities and contact the site owner.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These sensors detect this toxic gas that you cannot otherwise see, smell, or taste. If your home reaches dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, this sensor will warn you so you can get your family to safety.

Cellular Monitoring

Cellular Communicators are wireless and contact a monitoring center through a cellular uplink instead of a landline or a broadband internet connection.

DIY Installation

DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) installation means that you set up your security equipment yourself, without an installer.

Equipment Warranty

When shopping for a security system, make sure you understand the company's warranty before you purchase equipment or monitoring.

Flood / Water Sensor / Water Bug

A water sensor will detect water before it does a massive amount of damage or floods your home. Typically, flood sensors are located in areas that water could collect. Freeze Sensor, or Low Temp sensors detect when your home reaches dangerously low temperatures and notifies you before your pipes freeze, saving you from costly damages.

Glass Break Sensor

Glass break sensors detect the frequency for glass breaking and Vibration, so if someone breaks one of your windows, you'll know about it. Dual technology Glass Break Sensors utilize sound and vibration to detect glass breaking

Heat Detector

A heat Detector is triggered from a rapid increase of temperature. (Rate of Rise and Fixed Temp available)

Home Automation

Home Automation can be designed to automatically adjust heating, turn lighting on and off and other features for convenience and energy savings. Control apps are available for Smartphone or other web-enabled device to remotely access and control your systems.

Personal Security Devices Medical Alert

A personal security device is usually a small pendant you can wear around your neck or place in your pocket. In the event of a medical or personal emergency (in conjunction with medical or life safety monitoring), you can push a small button to alert emergency services that you need help.

Remote Access

Remote access refers to the ability to access your security system through a Smartphone or other web-enabled device.

Sensors Window/Door

Sensors are the part of your security system that detects motion, break-ins, or other emergencies such as flooding, freezing, fire, or carbon monoxide. Your security system is made up of many kinds of sensors. A window or door sensor will detect if a window or door or window is opened.

Smoke Alarm

A smoke sensor detects smoke particles in the air and triggers an alarm built into the device or other connected smoke alarms.

Smoke Detector

A smoke sensor that is connected to a Fire Alarm System .

Motion detector "PIR" Passive infrared technology Triggered by heat and motion

Dual Technology detectors contain two types of detection such as PIR and Microwave