• Alarm systems - this is a fundamental element of home protection. Their effectiveness depends on the use of appropriate sensors, such as motion detectors, door and window opening sensors, smoke, gas, and monitoring cameras. Modern alarm systems, compliant with PN-EN 50131, can inform the owner about a threat via phone notifications and cooperate with security agencies.
• Monitoring - with cameras, you can constantly track what's happening around the property. Modern systems allow remote access to cameras via smartphones, enabling home control even in your absence. The installation should comply with PN-EN 62676, which specifies requirements for surveillance systems.
• Smart locks - this is a modern solution that increases the security of home entry. They can be controlled via smartphone apps and are equipped with features such as access codes, fingerprint readers, or facial recognition.
• Outdoor lighting - appropriate outdoor lighting significantly improves security. Lamps with motion sensors automatically turn on when they detect movement, which can deter potential burglars. A well-lit yard and home entrance reduce the risk of unwanted incidents.
• Anti-burglary shutters and blinds - these are an additional barrier for burglars. They are made of durable materials that make them difficult to force open. They can be controlled manually or automatically, for example, via a remote control or mobile app.
• Home automation systems (Smart Home) - home automation systems can increase security by integrating various security devices. They can automatically manage lighting, locks, blinds, and even simulate the presence of residents by turning on lights or playing music.
• Smoke, carbon monoxide, gas, and flood detectors - their task is to detect potential threats and immediately trigger an alarm, allowing for quick intervention and limiting the effects of failures or dangerous situations.
• Notification systems - they can inform the homeowner about any alarming situation, such as a burglary, fire, or water leak. Notifications can be sent to a mobile phone, allowing for immediate reaction.
• High-resistance doors and windows - these are some of the main access points to the house, so they should be made of solid, burglary-resistant materials. Anti-burglary doors and windows with tempered glass or special locks significantly hinder entry into the home.
• Safes - they protect valuable items from burglary, fire, or flood, and their specifications should be adapted to the type of valuables stored.

Each of these security measures can be adapted to individual needs and the specifics of the building, allowing for the creation of a comprehensive protection system. Among the solutions above, several are particularly well-known to us, so we can discuss them in more detail. Let's take a closer look at these selected home security methods.

Alarm systems are the foundation of home security. Thanks to the use of various sensors – motion, flood, smoke, gas, door and window opening, as well as sound detectors – these alarms are able to quickly and effectively respond to potential threats. Modern alarm systems also offer integration with mobile applications, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world. Additionally, connection with security companies ensures immediate response to any alarm.

• Entrance doors and side entrances are some of the most important places that should be protected by detectors. Placing motion and door opening sensors in these locations allows for immediate detection of an attempted intrusion.
• Detectors should be installed near windows, especially those on the ground floor and in easily accessible locations from the outside. Glass break sensors and window opening sensors are particularly effective in detecting burglary attempts.
• Corridors and passages connecting different parts of the house are ideal places for motion detectors. This makes it possible to detect movement when an intruder moves through the house.
• External motion sensors installed in the garden and around the house can detect an intruder before they approach the building. Additionally, lamps with motion sensors can deter potential burglars.
• Smoke detectors should be placed throughout the house, especially in bedrooms, corridors, and near escape routes, in accordance with PN-EN 14604. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be installed in rooms with fuel-burning appliances, such as boiler rooms, kitchens, or rooms with a fireplace, as specified by PN-EN 50291.

Why should you avoid cheap wireless systems?

Wired systems are considered the most stable and resistant to interference, but modern wireless alarms offer an increasingly high level of security. High-class systems, compliant with PN-EN 50131 Grade 2 or 3, use encrypted radio communication (868 MHz and higher), which minimizes the risk of interference and external interference. The choice of an appropriate system should consider several essential aspects:

• Pay attention to certificates and security class – high-quality wireless systems have certificates of compliance with PN-EN 50131 standards (e.g., Grade 2 or Grade 3), which means they meet the security requirements used in professional alarm installations.
• Choose systems with two-way communication – modern alarm systems use encrypted radio communication in the 868 MHz bands or higher, which ensures resistance to interference and allows the control panel to confirm signal reception. Thanks to this, the user receives feedback on the status of devices and any technical problems.
• Select the appropriate alarm control panel – in both wired and wireless systems, the key is to choose a control panel that can handle the required number of sensors, automation modules, and integration with a monitoring system or smart home.
• Opt for proven brands and compatibility – it is worth choosing solutions from reputable manufacturers that offer stable technical support, software updates, and integration with other security systems. Examples include Abax 2 systems from SATEL, Alexor from DSC, or Ropam solutions, which meet high security standards.
• Consider future expansion – when choosing a system, it is worth ensuring that it has the ability to expand, e.g., with additional sensors, home automation control modules, or integration with a mobile application.

Regardless of the choice, it is important to opt for equipment that meets safety standards and to have it professionally installed. Modern wireless systems today offer the same high level of protection as wired ones, provided the right solution is chosen and correctly configured.

 

Laying underground cables in wired systems

Proper laying of underground cables in alarm and monitoring systems is essential for installation reliability. According to PN-EN 60364-5-52, cables should be laid at an appropriate depth and protected against mechanical damage and interference.

 

For wired alarm and CCTV systems, shielded cables (e.g., FTP, STP, XzTKMX) are used, which should be routed separately from power cables to avoid interference. The cable shield should be grounded on one side, and in places exposed to mechanical damage, it is recommended to use protective conduits (HDPE, arot).

 

For IP monitoring, it is worth considering at least Cat. 5e or 6 cables and surge protectors. A well-designed installation compliant with standards ensures the reliability and security of security systems.

 

When is the best time to install alarm and monitoring systems?

Installing an alarm control panel and security system is a fundamental element in ensuring the safety of a newly built home. Choosing the right time for installing these systems has a significant impact on their effectiveness and integration with other building elements. Here are some tips on when it's best to install the alarm control panel:

• The best time to consider installing an alarm control panel is during the planning phase of construction. Including a security system in the architectural design allows for optimal placement of sensors, cameras, and other devices. At this stage, appropriate locations for wires and installations can also be foreseen, which will facilitate later work.
• Installation of the alarm control panel and wiring should begin in the open shell stage, i.e., after the walls have been erected but before interior finishing. This is the best time to install wires, as the walls are still exposed, allowing for easy cable routing without the need for later wall chiseling. At this stage, boxes for the control panel and space for power supplies and other control devices can also be installed.
• Before plastering and painting the walls, it is worth completing the installation of wires and electrical fittings. This will avoid damage to newly finished surfaces. After completing the wiring installation, it is worth performing tests to ensure that all connections are working correctly and there is no damage.
• After installing windows and doors, but before interior finishing, door opening sensors and other elements of the alarm system can be installed. At this point, it is also worth installing external monitoring cameras to provide protection already during the construction phase.
• The final commissioning and configuration of the alarm control panel should take place in the finishing phase, when most construction work is already completed. This will allow for precise tuning of the system, testing of all functions, and ensuring that the system works flawlessly. At this stage, the alarm system can also be integrated with home automation, if planned. Internet access is also mandatory, unless the system supports communication, e.g., 4G/LTE technology.

The best time to install an alarm control panel is during the construction phase, when the walls are still exposed, but the basic structural elements of the house, such as windows and doors, are already installed. Including the alarm system in the construction project allows for optimal placement of devices and avoids later problems related to wiring. By properly planning and implementing the installation at various stages of construction, an effective and reliable security system can be created that will ensure the safety of the house and its residents.

 

The selection and installation of security systems should comply with PN-EN 50131 standards for alarms and PN-EN 62676 for monitoring. It is also invaluable to use the services of a professional installer, which ensures proper configuration, minimizes the risk of errors, and enables optimal use of the system's capabilities.

 

 

How to do all this in practice?

In this chapter, we will analyze two most common situations: developing a project together with an architect and adapting a ready-made project. We will also look at organizational issues related to the installation of security systems.

Case 1: We develop the project together with an architect.

When building a house from scratch, it is worth including the installation of security systems at the design stage. Consulting with an architect and installer will allow for optimal placement of wires and devices, eliminating the need for later modifications.

 

• Information for the shell contractor – if the construction is being carried out by different companies (one responsible for the shell, the other for finishing), it is crucial to provide information about the planned installation of security systems. Making changes at a later stage can be costly and time-consuming.
• Consultation of the electrical installation project – it is worth consulting the project with an installation company to properly place motion sensors, cameras, recorders, and home automation control devices.
• Planning of the telecommunication cabinet – the project should include a dedicated place for the alarm control panel, CCTV recorder, main Wi-Fi router, and other control devices. The cabinet should be properly ventilated and have additional connections, e.g., an HDMI cable to the TV in the living room.

Case 2: We buy a ready-made project.

If we are using a ready-made design, it may be necessary to adapt it to our security requirements.

 

• When to make changes? – the best time to adjust security systems is before construction begins. If construction is already underway, an important stage is the electrical installation, as later changes may require chiseling walls or floors.
• Cooperation with the installer – construction companies do not always have adequate knowledge about the placement of alarm systems or monitoring. Consulting with an installer helps to avoid errors and optimize the project.

Elements worth considering:

• Smoke, carbon monoxide, gas, and flood detectors
• Cables for electric control of roller shutters and blinds
• Mounting boxes of appropriate depth for smart systems
• Additional power supply for PoE switches and NVR/XVR recorders
• Motion, door and window opening sensors

Regardless of whether we are building a house from scratch or implementing a ready-made project, it is crucial to include security systems already at the planning stage. Proper placement of installations, selection of mounting boxes, or additional cables can significantly affect the comfort and functionality of the building in the future. Cooperation with professionals not only facilitates the entire process but also allows for full utilization of modern technologies, ensuring safety and convenience for years to come.