As the name suggests these buttons are used to activate the alarm system in the event of a threat to personal safety. They are simple open or closed switches connected to their own specific zone on the control panel and are operated by hand.

Generally speaking, alarm bells used for intruder alarm systems have a dome size of between six and nine inches, the bigger the louder. As will most other devices in alarm systems they work on 12vDC and draw about 180mA. Again the bigger the bell the more current it will draw. Check when installing to ensure you have a big enough back up battery. (see section on power supplies and batteries).

Cable Installation

The most important point to remember, when running cables for alarm systems, is concealment. That is all cables should be hidden from sight as much as possible. This is especially the case when installing in a domestic premises where the system is put in after the house has been built and decorated. 

Pressure mats are used for detecting the movement of an intruder over a carpeted floor or stairs. 

This is self-adhesive electrically conductive tape made from lead or aluminum and is used to detect the breaking of glass.