DIY Perimeter Alarm to Protect Your Home & Camp
Perimeter alarms help increase safety for your home and family. But buying, installing, and maintaining a commercial perimeter alarm system can be expensive and comes with a long-term contract or monitoring commitment. Installing a DIY perimeter alarm is an attractive option since it can be done on the cheap with the right materials and some basic skills.
Safety First
Before proceeding, make sure that you’re comfortable with current safety standards for DIY electrical projects. Taking on electrical projects can be dangerous, so be sure to do your research and take it slow. It’s also important to make sure that there aren’t any existing electrical issues that need to be resolved.
Materials Needed
- Power drill
- Drill bits
- Circuit breaker interrupters
- Multi-strand electrical wire
- Wire nuts
- Motion detectors / security sensors
- Control panel
- Alarm siren
Steps to Building your DIY Alarm
- Gather the necessary materials. A variety of brands and features are available, so choosing the right alarm and accompanying parts is key.
- Install the appropriate motion detectors / security sensors around the perimeter of the home or camp. Magnetic contact switches are a popular option. Be sure to follow all instructions during installation to ensure accurate connections.
- Wire the motion detectors or switches you installed to the control panel through the circuit breaker interrupters, if necessary. Test the connection using the drill and drill bits.
- Install the control panel, connecting the alarm siren to the control panel. Adjust the settings on the panel if necessary.
- Test the system. Move or trip one of the motion sensors to see if the alarm goes off. Check the control panel to make sure that the alarm was sent.
Conclusion
Creating an effective and reliable perimeter alarm doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right materials and DIY know-how, you can be more secure in knowing your home or camp is safe from intruders. Good luck and happy DIY-ing!
