Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [security]

235 questions
37
votes
11 answers

How do I secure my house against intruders?

What are some suggestions for securing your house from an intruder? Right now we have a GE Simon XT alarm system, but it doesn't cover breaking a window. We put some PVC pipes in the tracks of the lower floor windows as well. What other suggestions…
esac
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4 answers

Permanently disable security system

We moved house about a year ago. The previous owner had an alarm system, which we assumed was inactive, but whenever we lose/regain power, the panels beep intermittently. We've somehow armed the system though, and now the alarm goes off whenever we…
user123965
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8 answers

Can a locksmith open a deadbolt lock?

I wonder how secure my deadbolt lock is. How difficult is it for a professional to open such a lock?
TCL
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11
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5 answers

What internet-connected home security system options exist?

Background: Old, Hard-to-use Home Security System We moved into a house with an existing "wired" home security system. This system includes an circa-1991 panel from Ademco (model 4140). The wires are in place; the sensors work. We could use it "as…
user1142
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11
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4 answers

How should I position a motion sensor?

When planning motion sensor placement for a security system, is it preferable to install it facing windows, or not?
Steve
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10
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7 answers

Detecting unauthorized access to storage room

I have a storage room in my apartment block (each apartment in the building has a private storage room in the basement). I suspect that someone may have entered there, maybe the landlord who lives in the same block, or another person who may have…
eliblanco87
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1 answer

Are there any alarm system panels, control boxes, etc. that have a kind of API for software to access?

I am basically looking to build an advanced alarm system for my home. I have previously used FrontPoint Security which offers a service through alarm.com. This basically gives me access to arming and disarming remotely and the ability to watch…
Michael J. Gray
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4
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8 answers

Should I lock the door between my garage and my house?

My house has a garage. The garage has a "garage opener" - so when I leave home, I press a button and the gate lowers. There's a door between the garage and house. What level of security do people usually give this door? What kind of lock do I need.…
V Maharajh
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4
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7 answers

Can an indoor camera be placed in the eave of a house and continue to function?

I'm thinking about placing an indoor camera outside under the eave of the house. I'm hoping that it will be covered enough by the roof and partially by the house. Maybe even extend the dimensions with some scrap wood or a nirdhouse-like…
Bradley Busha
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1 answer

What to look for in a home security system?

We're in the process of researching home security systems for a house. We're in the process of remodeling (door change, painting, etc), so I'd like to do that at the same time. Our contractor has a standard solution that they are pushing on us. I…
JDelage
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2 answers

Where should I position a recessed contact sensor in a door?

Is there a recommended location on a door to install a recessed contact sensor? I see many installing on the top of the door. Any reason it can't be installed in the bottom corner?
Steve
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5800MICRA Transmitter in Door with Transom

I'm installing a home security system based around Honeywell products. I'd like to use 5800MICRA recessed transmitters for all windows/doors to maintain a clean install. Attached is a picture of my front door during the construction of the home…
ph0t0n
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What type of security sensors should be used in a three bedroom house?

I have just purchased a house and am hoping to install SimpliSafe throughout. I have 3 bedrooms: mine, my children's, and my office. Would window sensors be best in all these rooms, and then motion detectors in the kitchen and living room? Are…
Acornrevolution
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Outdoor HD ip camera - what do I need to take into consideration?

I'm in the market for an outdoor weather proof HD IP camera that can be remote controlled from a web-browser and can join a WLAN but gets power over a cable. I'm good with computers but new to the outdoor camera field. What requirements should I…
DisplayName
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How to prevent security cameras from being jammed?

We have some really old rose bushes in the front yard that were growing very well, however someone keeps cutting branches from it everyday. Since it's winter, we don't even understand why they would cut it since there's not any in bloom. They've cut…
hegerber
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