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It seems that these days the home security industry has attracted several large companies to attempt to get there share of the market.Large communications companies like Direct TV and Comcast have directed their attention to entering the home security market in an effort to provide bundle packages that include home security. Apparently they have discovered the benefits of providing home security services in exchange for added recurring revenue to their bottom line. Other alarm companies like Life Shield and Front Point Security have also recently entered the home security market with do it yourself security systems that are more affordable for obvious reasons. This raises the question of whether all alarm companies are the same.
Are these new players in the home security market the same as the alarm provider giant ADT Security? If you live in the Miami Florida and are wondering the same thing, then just keep reading to find the answer.Below are a list of things to consider before making a decision.
Are All Home Security Systems the Same?
One of the main things to consider when choosing the alarm company that is best for you, is what kind of equipment will be installed? Although you may think that there isn't much of a difference, there actually is a huge difference. Traditional home alarm systems used by companies like ADT Security utilize a control panel and keypad combination. This is critical because by separating the control panel from the arming keypad you are creating a higher level of security. All home security systems give a time delay to enter the home and disarm the system. If during that entry delay time, a burglar can access the main control panel, he will be able to disable the system by physically damaging the equipment. If the control panel is in a closet or attic space then it makes it virtually impossible to access it during a short entry delay time. However if the equipment being installed in your home is the type of system known as a "self contained" system then you are vulnerable to a burglar disabling the home security system. Self Contained home security systems are just what the are known as, self contained. This means that the arming keypad and control panel are all one and the same. The problem with this is that during the entry delay time on your front door a burglar with knowledge of the system has the ability to completely disable the alarm system by physically damaging it. Basically by ripping the alarm system off of the wall and smashing it to the ground completely disables it and any communication to the alarm monitoring station. So in essence, all home security systems appear to be the same but certainly are not. Unfortunately for the consumer, most if not all of these new companies entering the home security industry use self contained home security systems because of their ease of installation. Just make sure you ask the alarm company you are considering, which type of system they will be installing.
Are All Alarm System Installers the Same?
Sometimes service providers forget that the place they are entering into to provide their service is someones private home. Our homes are sacred to us and our families. Providing service in a commercial location is very different than providing a service in someones home. Home security system installations require us to go into every bedroom in the clients home and even into their closets many times. So with this type of entry into someones home comes the responsibility to assure that the person entering to perform the work is qualified and has proper clearance. With many of these companies entering the home security market comes the issue of who is going to install your system? The problem is that in contrast to ADT Security Miami dealers, most of these newer companies choose to use sub contractors to install their home security systems. This is a big issue because there is no way of knowing if the person there is back ground checked or properly trained to install the system.
Are All Alarm Systems Inspected Equally?
One of the things that Miami Dade and the City of Miami has implemented to assure a job is done correctly is by way of permits and inspections. As per the South Florida Building Code and the National Electrical Code, home security systems have to be installed according to the rules set within. The way that Miami Dade and City of Miami enforces these rules is by mandating the pulling of an electrical permit prior to any alarm system being installed and then having an inspection performed after the work is performed to make sure the work was done correctly. ADT Security Services requires all ADT Authorized Miami Dealers to pull electrical permits and have mandatory inspections scheduled. Do it yourself companies some how think they are exempt from this permitting system but in reality are not. This creates a difficult situation for the home owner because they are basically in violation of this city ordinance. The out of state companies mailing you the equipment basically put the responsibility back on the customer by telling them that they are responsible for obtaining the permit. This is simply not possible because you have to be a state certified licensed alarm contractor to pull a permit. For those home owners that are taking the route of ignoring the fact that they need a permit, it is just a matter of time before it catches up to them. Some municipalities actually cross reference who registered a home security system with the police department versus who pulled electric permits. If you live in Miami Dade or City of Miami be aware that you must get an electric permit to install a home alarm system.
These are just three of the many things to look for when purchasing a home security system. While many alarm companies out there promise to provide excellent security and service, ADT Security has been proven to do so for over 100 years. ADT Security stands alone as the largest and oldest alarm company in existence. Why trust any other alarm company for the most valuable things in your life. Call our local ADT Security Authorized dealer office in Miami, Fl and talk to one of our security system specialists today. We can set up a convenient appointment to discuss your particular home security needs and budget. Call us today at (786)325-7876 or (305)233-6044 and make an appointment today. Or you can visit our contact us page at www.miamifloridahomesecurity.com and put you information in, someone will get back to you immediately.
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