DIY Perimeter Alarm to Protect Your Home & Camp
In this day and age, it’s more important than ever to ensure you have a sound home and camp security system set up. But good home alarm systems can be expensive. The good news is, it’s possible to create a DIY perimeter alarm using a few components and tools you may already have around the house. Whether you’re looking to secure your home or an outdoor camp site, a DIY perimeter alarm system is an easy and cost-effective way to beef up security.
A perimeter alarm is a node-based system that utilizes motion sensors and/or door / window sensors to detect an intruder. The bells and whistles of professional systems with all their features and sensors can be a bit daunting and overkill for many people. A simplified DIY alarm system provides all the protection you really need and is more cost effective and easier to install.
A few of the components necessary for a DIY perimeter alarm include:
- Motion Sensor – This is the most important component of the system. The idea behind it is that the sensor is positioned so that when anyone intrudes within range it will be detected.
- Alarm siren – The siren will be triggered if any of the sensors are tripped. It should be loud enough to simultaneously alert you and scare away potential intruders.
- Control Box – This is the main part of the system responsible for connecting the components together.
- Battery – Necessary for keeping your system functioning during power outages.
To install your system, follow these steps:
- Position the motion sensor in a strategic spot. This should be an area just outside the doors and windows of your home or camp site.
- Connect the sensor to the control box, noting all necessary wiring must be sealed from the weather.
- Mount the alarm siren to the wall or ceiling in a location close to the main entrance.
- Connect the siren to the control box and make sure it works properly.
- Attach the alarm system batteries to ensure the system will work in the event of a power outage.
- Test the system by activating the motion sensor.
For an absolute beginner, the entire process of setting up a DIY perimeter alarm may take a few hours, however, once it is fully functional, you will be able to rest easy knowing your home or camp site is safe from intruders. Setting up a perimeter alarm system is definitely a job for DIY enthusiasts, but if you’re not feeling comfortable attempting it, it’s best to consult a professional for installation.
