Category: General

As soon as you purchase your gorgeous new smart-phone, a new version goes on the market. It’s just the way of life these days. And it’s the same for security technology. Every day, innovators bring advanced products to make us safer, while simplifying our lives with convenient apps and remote controls.

Buzzwords are everywhere and it can be confusing. It’s important to educate yourself before purchasing a security system so you don’t get taken advantage of buying useless components.

Here’s a list of security equipment you should know:

Central Station

The term “central station” is used interchangeably with the term “monitoring center.” This refers to the location that alarm monitoring companies use to monitor alarm systems. The central monitoring station is responsible for contacting the correct emergency services in a timely manner in case of an alarm.

Wireless Monitoring

Another term for cellular monitoring, where your security system connects to the monitoring center via cellular towers.

24-Hour Monitoring

How many hours a day our monitoring stations monitor your home.

Hardwired System

A system that is installed using physical wires, often hidden mostly behind the walls of the home. Most older home alarm systems rely on hard wiring where most new systems are gravitating towards wireless alarm systems.

Wireless Alarm System

These types of systems are easier to install and generally preferred by homeowners because they do not involve running wires in the home.

Key Pad

The key pad of a home alarm system is the numbered pad on the system that allows for the homeowner to arm, disarm and otherwise communicate with the alarm system.

Master Code

A master code is the main code used for an alarm system that the homeowner uses to arm and disarm the home security system.

Sensors

Devices that detect motion, break-ins, flooding, freezing, fire, and carbon monoxide. Usually placed on doors and windows for intrusion detection.

Chime

This refers to the sound that home security systems can be programmed to make whenever a door or window within the home is opened or closed. This type of sound allows for homeowners to monitor comings and goings in the home.

Communicator

A module within the home security system that digitally dials in to the central station. The communicator is responsible for relaying information about the home that is ascertained by the home security system.

Contacts

These are the small sensors that are placed on doors and windows of the home so that the home security system can monitor whether a door or window is open or closed.

Zone

An area of the home as it is “seen” by the home alarm system. This type of area is generally determined by numbers and is mapped out by alarm components like the sensors in a particular area of the home.

Smoke Detector

Detects the presence of smoke in the home. Many smoke detectors are used without being connected to the alarm system. It is important for at least one smoke detector to be connected to the security system and professionally monitored to avoid a tragedy. Monitoring for fire is included in our basic monitoring cost.

Heat Sensor

Detects the rapid increase of temperature so you know if there’s a fire threat.

Flood Sensor

This is a sensor that detects water levels to ensure your home doesn’t flood. Monitoring for flood is included in our basic monitoring cost.

Door/Window Sensors

Sensors that detect if a door or window is opened.

Glass Break Sensor

A sensor that detects the sound frequency of glass breaking so you’ll know if your window breaks.

Motion Detector

A device that prompts the alarm signal when it detects motion. Typically inside the home and within a certain radius of security cameras.

Backup Battery

A rechargeable battery that provides power to the home security system in the event that the AC power is no longer functioning.

Bypass

Bypassing allows for certain areas of the home to be unmonitored while the rest of the home is monitored.

Entry Delay

A time delay that allows the homeowner a period of time before the alarm triggers due to an event. This is most commonly the period of time that allows for homeowners to get into the home to turn off the alarm system before it sounds.

Exit Delay

This is the delay after an alarm is armed which allows the homeowner to exit the home before the system becomes active.

Remote Access or Interactive Services

This feature lets you access and control your home alarm system through a smartphone or web-enabled device.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector

A sensor that warns you if your house reaches a dangerous level of CO. We monitor for CO at no additional monitoring cost.

2-Way Voice

Many types of home security systems, cameras, and emergency alert devices us two-way voice and audio through the equipment to speak to another person directly.

Purchasing a security system to protect your home and family can be confusing. There are many options. Every home is different and individual needs vary. It’s not easy to sort through the information to get a clear idea of what you need to get up and running.

This guide can help.

We’ll outline the different ways in which you can purchase home security with EMC Security, depending on your home and what security equipment currently exists, including:

1. Starting from scratch with a new security system
2. Fine-tuning the current system in your home
3. Powering up the current system in your home

STARTING FROM SCRATCH?

OPTION 1: PROFESSIONAL INSTALLED SYSTEM

No security equipment? Do you prefer a professional to install the equipment? Are you considering the addition of home-automation or security cameras?

KICK BACK AND LET EMC SECURITY INSTALL IT FOR YOU

What Do I Need? The type of system and components will depend on the construction of your home, your particular needs (security, fire, cameras, automation, etc.), and lifestyle (children, pets, etc.).

Hard-Wired vs Wireless. A hard-wired system connects all devices to the control panel via wires. Wireless systems connect via radio frequency, using minimum wiring.

Communication Method. You can connect to our monitoring centers via phone line, internet, or cell towers. Cellular is the most reliable since it does not rely on a power source to communicate.

Cameras & Automation. Interactive controls, cameras and home automation can be added to most security systems for a complete smart-security system, controlled from your mobile device.

What’s the Process? Contact us at 770.963.0305 to schedule an in-home evaluation to determine what equipment is needed. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for phone and Wi-Fi connection, $23.95 for cellular.

In-Home Technician. At this appointment, the system will be installed and tested, interactive services will be applied and the homeowner will be fully trained on system operation.

OPTION 2: DIY SELF-INSTALLED SYSTEM

No security equipment? Do you want the latest, most advanced wireless/portable technology? Do you want to use interactive mobile controls and home-automation?

IS THE DO-IT-YOURSELF SECURITY SYSTEM RIGHT FOR YOU?

Advanced Technology. Wireless DIY security is the hottest security product on the market. Everyone loves its ease of use, convenience, affordability, effortless home-automation, and interactive features.

Wi-Fi Communication. DIY Self-Install systems communicate to our monitoring centers via Wi-Fi technology with a cellular option.

Cameras & Automation. The DIY system is the hub for home automation devices and cameras that integrate to your security and are controlled via one mobile app.

All the Heavy Lifting. Is done. We’ll program and label each device specifically for your home, so all you have to do is open the box, peel and stick the equipment in place, plug it in, connect to your Wi-Fi, and go.

Where to Buy. The DIY system can be purchased either by visiting emcsecurity.com or by contacting us at 770.963.0305. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for Wi-Fi, $23.95 for cellular option.

Beware of Imitations. Don’t be led into a false sense of security. Never purchase a system from a company that does not require 24/7 professional monitoring, nor provide technical support.

HAVE A SYSTEM? FINE TUNE AND UPGRADE

SECURITY SYSTEM CONVERSION

Is your security system looking a little worn-out? Does it need special treatment or updating?

REPLACE OR MODIFY YOUR EXISTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS

What’s a Conversion? Replacing or modifying the control panel and keypad(s) of an existing security system. Door/window sensors, motion detectors, wiring, and smoke detectors may or may not need to be replaced.

Why Do I Need This? Some systems do not accept a simple reprogramming because of proprietary equipment specific to a ertain alarm company. Therefore, it’s necessary to replace the control panel and keypad(s).

What About Updates? Some systems may not necessarily require a conversion but the customer chooses a conversion to upgrade to newer technology.

Examples and Ideas.

• Upgrade to a touchscreen keypad
• Revise communication method
• Integrate security cameras
• Add home-automation and interactive services

What’s the Process? Contact us at 770.963.0305 to schedule an in-home appointment to inspect the security system and determine your needs. Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for phone and Wi-Fi connection, $23.95 for cellular connection.

In-Home Technician. At this appointment, the conversion will be completed and tested, interactive services will be applied and the homeowner will be fully trained on system operation.

HAVE A SYSTEM? POWER-UP WHAT YOU’VE GOT

SECURITY SYSTEM TAKEOVER

What’s a Takeover? Reprogramming an existing functional security system to allow for a change in monitoring companies.

Why Do a Takeover? A takeover is the most affordable way to switch monitoring companies. If you are searching for a great value you aren’t getting now, switching to EMC Security may be the answer.

What’s Included?

• A full system diagnostic
• Reprogamming & testing
• Battery replacement if needed
• Training on system operation
• EMC Security yard signs and stickers

What’s the Process? Just give us a call at 770.963.0305. We’ll determine if your system can be reprogrammed, go over the details, and schedule the takeover appointment.

The EMC Security Difference:

• Monthly monitoring is $16.95 for phone and Wi-Fi , $23.95 for cellular connection.
• No-Contract option
• Response averaging 14 seconds
• Free alarm text notifications

Contact EMC Security. 770.963.0305 | emcsecurity.com

Alarm monitoring is the quick and detailed communication between your alarm system and EMC Security’s central station. Once the alarm control panel identifies an emergency event, it will send a signal to the central monitoring station, who will notify you and if needed, the appropriate authorities, and send them to your home or business. Technically speaking, each reputable security provider differs slightly, but the basic principles remain the same.How does the system communicate with the central station? The control panel of your security system houses the communication device (a phone line, wifi or cellular communicator). All of the alarm sensors, such as door open/close alerts, smoke detectors, glass break sensors, or heat detectors, all operate on this network and communicate signals back to the control panel when triggered.For example, if a smoke detector is triggered, the device will send a signal to the control panel, which will instantly send an alert to the monitoring personnel at the central station. This alert includes your account identification, contact information, your address, as well as the location of the triggered device.Our experienced staff will immediately call or text to notify you, and to confirm whether it’s a real emergency or a false alarm. If you don’t respond, the monitoring station will contact the proper authorities to assist immediately, so there’s no delay in getting help. There is a law in Georgia requiring two phone calls before dispatching authorities. This will help prevent false alarm fines.EMC Security’s Secure Path technology allows for multiple communication paths from your security system to our central stations:

1. Traditional phone line
2. Wifi/Internet communication
3. Cellular communicator

Your choice of communication depends on your home and your needs, making EMC Security a more convenient choice.

Your Passcode:

In order to cancel an alarm, you must provide a verbal password you assign to your account upon activation.

A building holds some of our most precious treasures, whether that’s a home with our family inside or a business with our hopes and dreams.

However, some of our most valued assets may be in danger or experience times of tragedy, typically when it’s least expected. Whether it be fire or burglary, danger can take on many forms. That’s why it is vital to every home and business owner to cloak their buildings with 24/7 alarm monitoring where our watchful eye is always there at a moment’s notice.

How It Works:

Choosing a passcode to your security system is extremely important. How should you go about making your alarm passcode? Here are some pointers:

• Choose a passcode that means something to you that isn’t your birthdate or your anniversary. You’re more likely to remember a meaningful code to you and your family, such as favorite numbers or special dates that aren’t easily guessed.
• Be aware of what is online about your life. In this age of oversharing social media accounts, try to choose a number combination that doesn’t appear on your profiles. Intruders may try to consult the internet to try to figure out your unique number combinations. If there is no record of the combination or anything close to it on your profile, you are far less likely to have someone be able to guess your passcode.
• Don’t write down your passcodes or leave them out in the open. If you must, keep your codes in a secure and private location or utilize a secure password manager.
• EMC Security allows multiple passwords for individuals in your home. This is very convenient for remembering in time of distress.

EMC Security offers 24/7 monitoring along with customized security solutions so you can have your individualized security needs not only met but exceeded. Our reliable team of security professionals provides creative solutions to unique problems that other one-size-fits-all security solutions would not be able to cover.

At home or away, awake or asleep, EMC Security’s got your back. Call today to set up professional monitoring at your home today.

Your home should feel safe and secure with your security system installed.

New security systems give you even more power over the cameras and sensors in your home than before. Recent advances have been made that will improve your security experience dramatically.

Here are some of the reasons it is vital to update your security system and get the latest surveillance technology.

Implement New Technology in Your Home

The current wave of technology means that cameras and security systems are quickly being replaced by newer, more advanced versions. If it has been many years since you’ve upgraded your security system, it’s time to consider an upgrade that could benefit you and your family.

When you upgrade an existing system, you have a lot of control over what changes in your system and what stays the same.

Wireless Monitoring

If you have a very old home surveillance system, it might still operate via a landline. This means that someone could cut or rearrange the wires controlling your security system to disable it. That is a vulnerability that is very easy to avoid when you use wireless monitoring.

Monitors can be set up to alert you to less urgent circumstances than a break-in. For example, if you, like 40% of Americans, have concerns about leaving your garage door open, wireless monitoring can let you make sure it is shut.

Replace Outdated Components

If your security system is getting older but already runs on a cellular transmitter like modern systems, you can improve functioning by replacing the control panel.

Older systems run on slow transmitters that operate at 2G or 3G, which means that data is transmitted more slowly. Updating components such as the control panel can provide an instant improvement in your security.

Monitor Remotely

One of the biggest advantages of modern systems is their compatibility with smartphones. All you need to do to get constant insight into what is going on in your home is an application on your phone. Put your mind at ease whenever you feel the need, from fear of burglars to worries about household appliances leaking.

Better Cameras

One key feature of modern security systems is the improvement in camera strength. Cameras have come a long way in a short period of time, and even the smallest cameras can now take much clearer pictures.

This feature is important for keeping your home safe and identifying suspicious individuals. In the worst-case scenario, if a break-in does occur, your surveillance system may be able to capture the faces or distinguishing details of suspects.

Conclusion

EMC Security has modern, affordable home surveillance systems available for you to choose from. Whether you upgrade your old system or start from scratch with a brand new one, you can expect excellent service from our staff and improved performance from your security. Contact us today to get more information on the options available to you.

With the introduction of advanced technology, there are many home security options available.

Most of them fall into two categories: professionally installed, and self installed/DIY systems. Below we will provide the benefits of each to ensure you get the system right for you.

Professionally Installed Systems

When you purchase a professionally installed security system, like one from Atlanta’s own EMC Security, a security expert assesses your home and lifestyle to determine the security solution that is right for your needs. Once the system is customized for your home, a professional security technician will install and test the system. This includes installing the panel, keypad, sensors, and integrating remotes services on your mobile devices. A wireless system takes 2-4 hours to install and test every sensor to ensure it’s working properly.

Some homeowners decide to install a pre-wired system. Pre-wired security systems have wires connecting each device to the control panel (or hub of the system) and operate on electricity in the home. Installation could take a full day, depending on the size of the home and type of system.

There are some companies that make outrageous offers for free security systems with professional monitoring. If you choose to evaluate these companies for your home security, pay attention to the fine print and contract terms. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A reputable security company will charge a fair price for equipment, offer payment terms, and keep monthly monitoring costs affordable.

Self-Install/DIY Systems

A home security system you install yourself, like EMC Security’s Self-Install System, can be a more affordable, convenient option for many people looking to secure their homes. With this type of system, you can install it when it’s most convenient for you – without taking off work or scheduling appointments. It’s also typically more cost effective since you are not paying for installation.

It’s important to note that not all DIY security systems are the same. EMC Security cautions against systems from the “big box” stores. We believe no one should trust their home and family’s safety to anyone other than a professional security company.

Here’s why:

1. You are on your own when purchasing a system at a retail store. If you don’t know what you need for complete protection, how are you going to “build” your DIY system? EMC Security’s consultants work with you to determine exactly what you need according to your home specifications and safety concerns.

2. Some are Poor “cheap” equipment. One of the number one consumer complaints about DIY security systems on the market is the cheap, unreliable equipment.

3. Lack of technological support. If you have an issue with the installation, who can you call? What if something goes wrong with one of the sensors or the keypad? Does the company have service reps that can swing by your house to assist you? Even though our DIY system is fast and easy to install, EMC Security has local, award winning service representatives available with just a simple phone call.

5. Who is testing the system? EMC Security runs alarm signal tests on every customer every month. If we don’t get a signal, the customer is notified and a service technician is sent out if necessary. A DIY system purchased from a retail store will most likely not provide any customer support after the purchase.

Customize Your System and Get a Quote Now >

Your home security system has three options to communicate with your monitoring service provider, such as EMC Security.

Those options are landline, Wi-Fi, and cellular. While each connection type will provide you with reliable home security monitoring, there are a few things to consider when deciding which is right for you.

In this post we’ll examine the reasons we believe a cellular connection is a great choice for most homes today, especially considering most households don’t have an operational landline as more and more people opt for cell phones.

But first, let’s discuss the differences between each connection:

Landline

Connecting your home security system through your phone line was once the only option. Lately though, it is least popular of the three. The main reason is because many people are remove the traditional land line from their homes, saving money. Additionally, with a land line connection, there is no way to access the security system using a smartphone, which is a feature most customers are looking for.

Internet

This type of connection communicates with the monitoring service via an internet connection. The benefit of this type of connection is that there is no transmission cost — as long as you have an internet connection, the service provider will only need to put a module in to allow it to communicate over the internet. There is a cost for the module, but it will also give you the ability to control the security system through a smartphone. It’s important to note that this type of connection relies on your IP connection, so if your internet goes down, the system won’t be able to communicate.

Cellular

A cellular connection communicates with the monitoring service provider via cellular towers and is considered the most secure because there are no lines that can be cut to prevent the system from communicating with the provider. There are equipment costs, however, as you’ll need to purchase a cellular communicator, and the cell carriers will charge a small monthly transmission cost for the cellular communicator. Because the technology will advance over time, you will need to upgrade your cellular communicator from time to time. EMC Security has upgraded all cellular customers to the current 5G at no additional cost.

Now that you know the difference between each of the connections, let’s discuss three reasons a cellular connection is the best choice for most home:

The Most Secure: Both landline and internet communication are susceptible to disruption: landlines can be cut, and internet relies on an active internet connection. A cellular connection communicates through cellular towers and is less vulnerable.

Gives You More Control: A cellular connection offers more interactive services, such as virtual keypad, live video, door lock, lighting and thermostat controls. You can also arm and disarm from your phone and have access to live-streaming video.

Convenient: A cellular connection can be controlled from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Perks include real-time alerts and monitoring.

Speak with an EMC Security expert to learn more at 770-963-0305 or complete this brief form to receive a call back.

According to The Verge, an American technology website, approximately 40 percent of U.S. homes have given up their landlines in exchange for cell phones, a statistic cited from the federal government’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). In previous years, many homeowners were reluctant to abandon their landlines because doing so, meant they would not be able to provide protection for their homes — as home security systems were dependent on landlines to communicate with local authorities in the event of a break-in. However, thanks to recent advances in smart home technology, new options are available — and by the looks of it, they’re here to stay.

Access & Control Your Home Security Remotely

This insight says a great deal about the modern world, in which people have more control over their homes than ever, in large part because of smart homes and smartphones. Recent advances in smart technology allow homeowners to remotely access and control their home security systems, door locks, thermostats, appliances, and other devices. As homes continue to increase in value, many homeowners are welcoming the wireless shift to smart homes with open arms. While technology continues to develop in other areas, home security systems and accessories are also getting smarter as well, and the smart alarm system now complements those advances.

For many, this technology finally fulfills the promise of allowing consumers to monitor, protect, and control their homes from the palm of their hands. The arrival of the remote services allows homeowners to surveil their homes themselves, which helps promote a sense of constant safety and accessibility. Smart technology homeowners have the ability to monitor their system’s arming status, remotely arm or disarm their systems, and receive email and text alerts related to security activity, all of which provides plenty of options for homeowners who expect the freedom that smart home devices provide.

As smart homes advance and grow smarter, it’s encouraging to know there are security systems that continue to evolve and deliver clever benefits of equal value.

More homes than ever before have pre-installed security systems, or the home is pre-wired and ready for security equipment to be installed.

This begs the question that is often confusing to consumers, “Do I have to use the company that installed the equipment to monitor it?”

No, you don’t.

With just a few exceptions, EMC Security can monitor most existing home security systems. This is good news if you’re happy with the existing security system in your home but dissatisfied with your current monitoring service, or especially if you’re moving into a home with a pre-installed system.

What is Monitoring?

When your alarm is activated (by a sensor striking on a door or window), an alarm is sent to the central monitoring station for immediate action. This includes contacting you at pre-determined phone numbers (EMC Security’s alarm response is less than 14 seconds on average) and relaying your address and the type of emergency to police, fire, or medical authorities.

Some systems are only supported by the company that installed them. These systems are called proprietary systems. Some well-known companies block other companies from monitoring their systems with proprietary systems. However, there are many other system types that are non-proprietary which makes choosing a monitoring provider much easier.

If you’re moving into a home with an existing security system, the control panel should give you a make and model number to assist with your research. This information is all EMC Security needs to determine if we can monitor your system.

How to Switch to EMC Security

As part of our process of activating an existing security system, our customers receive:

• A full system diagnostic
• Reprogramming to communicate to EMC Security monitoring centers
• Full system communications test
• Panel battery replacement if needed
• Homeowner training on full system operation
• Yard signs and window decals