Sometimes people forget the depth and breadth of services your electrician can provide. We’re not only here for your lighting design, wiring repairs, electrical panel servicing and to trouble-shoot electrical difficulties. We can also help keep your property safe with home security electrical work. There are various devices we can install to not only keep prowlers at bay, they will also decrease your accident risk and provide ways to beautify your property.
Security Cameras
Security cameras in homes are becoming more and more common. Once cost-prohibitive, they are now far more affordable – and versatile. And they definitely work as a deterrent to thieves. According to an article published by The Guardian, former burglars agree that the best preventative measure a home or business owner can take against break-ins is installing a security camera system.
Security cameras can either be directly wired in to your electrical system or operate wirelessly. Regardless of what kind of system you choose, we will make sure cameras are placed so that they cannot be tampered with and that everything is working properly before we leave.
Top outdoor locations for your security cameras include:
- Front doors
- Back doors
- Garage doors
- Driveways
- Porches
- Pathways
Wiring in your security cameras is difficult, and requires the expertise of a professional. We can seamlessly integrate your home security electrical needs with your system so that you will barely even notice the cameras … unless you want to.
Different types of home security cameras include:
- Dome cameras, which allow for up to a 92-degree view and are ideal for entryways
- Bullet cameras, which are best for walls and ceilings
- Wide-angle lens cameras, which are good for wide-open spaces like pathways and driveways
- Infrared cameras, which work well in the dark
One smart move for your home security electrical is to have your system connected to emergency back-up batteries in case the power goes out.
Motion Activated Lights
Motion activated lights are also called security lights, and for good reason. They detect when someone is there who shouldn’t be, and provide a warning to intruders that you have taken precautions to keep your property safe.
Motion activated lights can be wired directly into your system so that you never have to worry about turning them on or off. We suggest those with sensors that detect when it is dark and only operate when needed. Different types include:
- Passive infrared, which detect body heat
- Microwave, which send out pulses to identify motion
- Dual technology, which combine both infrared and microwave technologies
- Ultrasonic, which send pulses of ultrasonic waves to reflect off a moving object
- Vibration, which sense movement through vibration sensors
Solar Lighting
In areas where wiring is not practical, solar lights can be used. These are ideal for pathway, patio, shed and stair lighting. Solar lights may simply turn on when the sun goes down, or there are motion detector varieties that will only illuminate when someone passes by. Solar lights also provide pretty accent lighting and lower the chances of someone tripping and falling on your property while on pathways or stairs.
Programmable Timer Switches
For use for both your indoor and outdoor lights, programmable timer switches automatically turn lights on and off for you. This gives the impression that you are home even when you are not there, and are ideal for when you are away. For home security electrical needs we like the switches with the timer built directly into the faceplate. They are wired directly into your electrical system for ease of use, are sleek and elegant, and there’s little chance for error when programming.
Photocells
An alternative to programmable timer switches and solar lighting for both outdoor and indoor lights are photocells, which are electronic devices that generate electricity when sunlight starts to dim. These will, again, make it appear that you are at home when you are not.
Smart Switches
There are lots of great smart devices available that can help you reduce your energy use while also providing peace of mind. Smart switches can be programmed from a phone or tablet to turn lights on and off intermittently when you are away. And, if you are going to be later than anticipated, you can also turn some lights on to welcome you back.
Light occupancy sensor switches can also work for home security electricity requirements. They detect natural light and will turn on if there is a lack of sunlight coming through windows. They also sense when someone is entering or leaving a room, turning on and off with motion, the surprise of which may just be enough to scare off a prowler who has somehow made it in to your home.
Choose A-Star for Your Home Security Electrical Needs
We at A-Star Electric are a group of certified journeyman or apprentice Calgary electricians that are committed to providing the very best in electrical service for your home or business. We offer electrical panel repairs and replacements, aluminum wiring repairs, wiring upgrades, lighting design and installation, electrical work for renovations and overhead line services. Contact us for more information.
