Home Security Blog

Motion detectors are some of the most important sensors used with security systems. Even if you are only monitoring an apartment or a smaller house, you will still likely want to have at least one motion sensor installed with your system. A great sensor for this purpose is the Qolsys IQ Motion-S.

With the IQ Motion-S it is important to understand that it will only work with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. This is because the sensor operates using an encrypted 319.5 MHz signal that is only compatible with that system. This 128-bit AES encryption prevents the sensor from being hacked or taken over by others. It truly is one of the most secure sensors that we offer.

The device works using passive infrared (PIR) technology. This involves having its lens scan for changes in infrared energy caused by movement. If the sensor detects a person's body heat, it will send an alert to the system to respond accordingly. The IQ Motion-S features a detection range of 30 by 40 feet, making it excellent for virtually any residential application.

For best results, the IQ Motion-S should be installed 6.5 feet off the ground. This will give it a proper vantage point of the room. It should not be facing any ceiling fans, vents or air ducts, as they may disrupt the sensor or cause it to respond accidentally. The device offers pet immunity for animals weighing up to 40 pounds. The device runs using two AAA batteries, and it has an average battery lifespan of five years.

You can purchase the Qolsys IQ Motion-S on our website. Get one for your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System today!

Update: Please see this new guide for using MyAlarms.com.

Hi DIYers! We would like to remind our customers that they have the ability to place their systems on test mode without contacting us. Customers can do this using the MyAlarms.com portal from our monitoring partner Criticom. This is useful for customers who have central station monitoring.

With MyAlarms.com, customers can put their systems on test mode, view their account information and view their signal history. To do this, a user must create an account with MyAlarms.com. To get started, simply contact Alarm Grid, and provide us with the following information:

A username to use with MyAlarms.com (cannot be an email address)

The email address associated with your Alarm Grid account

The address where you receive monitoring services

After receiving this information, our team will get started on creating your MyAlarms.com account. You will then receive an email from noreply@myalarms.com to finish creating your account, which includes providing a password.

If you have any questions about this service and to get started, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm Monday through Friday.

Honeywell is known for producing some outstanding security equipment, and their wireless door and window contacts are no exception. With wireless contacts available from both the 5800 Series lineup and the SiX Series lineup, there are certainly some great options. But with all the possibilities, it might seem overwhelming if you are just getting started. This guide will help you choose the perfect wireless Honeywell door and window contact for your needs.

First, a user should understand exactly how a door and window contact works. Almost every wireless Honeywell door and window contact functions using the exact same principles. These devices consist of a sensor and magnet. The sensor is the "brains" of the operation, and it is responsible for sending signals to the alarm system. It is typically installed on or inside the door or window frame. The magnet is installed on or inside the door or window itself. The only wireless Honeywell contact that does not use a magnet is the Honeywell 5800RPS. This is a wireless recessed sensor for doors only that operates using a plunger switch.

For proper operation, the device's magnet should be installed very close to the sensor. We usually recommend placing it within a half-inch of the sensor. However, some 5800 Series contacts, like the 5816OD, can function properly with a slightly larger spacing gap. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to activate. When this happens, the sensor will send a signal to the alarm system so that the programmed Response Type can be performed.

It's also important to know the system compatibilities for the different Honeywell wireless contacts. Their wireless contacts come from two different sensor lineups. These are the 5800 Series and the SiX Series. The 5800 Series contacts are unidirectional devices that operate at 345 MHz. This makes them compatible with any Honeywell System or 2GIG System. But the SiX Series contacts are bi-directional, fully encrypted sensors that communicate using 2.4 GHz WIFI. These sensors only work with Honeywell Lyric Systems.

If you have a Honeywell Lyric Controller, then you can choose between any Honeywell wireless contact on the market. But if you have a LYNX Touch or a VISTA System with an added wireless receiver, then you are restricted to the 5800 Series contacts. Additionally, if you are using a 2GIG GC3 or a 2GIG GC2, then you can use either 2GIG Contacts or Honeywell 5800 Series contacts. Any alarm systems that do not accept the 345 MHz frequency are unable to use Honeywell contacts.

The only two contacts in the Honeywell SiX Series Lineup are the Honeywell SiXCT and the Honeywell SiXMINICT. These are both wireless, surface-mount sensors that work exclusively with Honeywell Lyric Systems. What makes these sensors special is that they feature 128-bit AES encryption. Whenever the sensor sends a command to the Lyric System, the system must then send a secure response back to the sensor. The command will only go through if this secure response is received. Many security experts refer to this as a "digital handshake", and it is excellent for preventing any hacking attempts or wireless attacks.

The SiXCT and the SiXMINICT do have a few slight differences. Most notably, the SiXMINICT is smaller and more compact than the SiXCT. The SiXCT measures at 3.13”L x 1.61”W x 1"D, while the SiXMINICT measures at 2.44”L x 1.25”W x .45”D. So users who want a smaller sensors should go with the SiXMINICT. But the benefit of the SiXCT is that it features a larger wireless range (~300 feet) than the SiXMINICT (~200 feet). However, only users with particularly large properties should have to worry about signal range. One thing that these sensors do share in common is that they can both be batch-enrolled with the Lyric Controller.

• Honeywell SiXCT - The standard SiX Series contact. Features a 300 foot range and encryption. Will only work with Lyric Systems.
• Honeywell SiXMINICT - The more compact SiX Series contact. Provides a 200 foot range and encryption. For Lyric Systems only.

But the SiX Series contacts aren't for everyone. For one, they will only work with the Lyric Systems. There are also no recessed contacts in the SiX Series lineup. Users who don't have a Lyric Controller or want a recessed sensor should look to the Honeywell 5800 Series instead. This is an incredibly diverse sensor lineup that has an appropriate contact option for virtually any situation. Any Honeywell or 2GIG System will work with these sensors. This includes any Lyric Controller, L7000, L5210, VISTA P-Series, 2GIG GC3, 2GIG GC2 and more. Most 5800 Series contacts feature a 150-200 foot wireless range that can be effectively doubled with the use of a 5800RP Wireless Repeater.

When selecting a 5800 Series Sensor, a user will choose between a surface-mount contact and a recessed contact. With a surface-mount contact, the sensor and the magnet are mounted on the outer surface of the door or window and its frame. But with a recessed contact, the sensor and magnet are installed inside the door or window and its frame. Surface-mount sensors are very easy to install, since they only require screws or double-sided foam tape. But the sensor will be visible on the outside of the door. Recessed sensors are more difficult to install since holes will need to be drilled. However, some users will appreciate the fact that recessed sensors are hidden.

For users who go with a surface-mount sensor there are certainly some great options in the 5800 Series. One of our favorites is the 5800MINI. This is a reliable sensor that boasts an impressive 200 foot range, despite its small size of just 2.2"H x 1"W x 0.25"D. This is arguably the best surface-mount contact in the Honeywell 5800 Series.

• Honeywell 5800MINI - A small and discreet surface-mount contact. Offers a 200 foot wireless range. Great for almost any application.

But there are other surface-mount options than just the 5800MIIN. The 5816 is the most popular sensor that Honeywell has ever offered. It features a larger size and roughly the same range as the 5800MINI. But unlike the 5800MINI, the 5816 can be used as a wireless transmitter for a normally closed hardwired device. Honeywell also offers the 5820L Slim Line for narrow installations and the 5816OD for outdoor use.

• Honeywell 5816 - Honeywell's most popular sensor. Can also be used as a wireless transmitter for a single NC hardwired device.
• Honeywell 5820L - A slim line door and window contact that is great for narrow applications. Features a 150-foot range.
• Honeywell 5816OD - A surface-mount contact for outdoor installations. Excellent for monitoring fences, sheds and detached garages.

Honeywell also offers some less popular 5800 Series contacts. These include the 5811 (discontinued), the 5814, the 5815 and the 5816MN (discontinued). While these sensors will work just fine, there isn't really any reason to choose them over another 5800 Series contact.

• Honeywell 5811 - A small and discreet sensor that has since been discontinued. Replaced by the Honeywell 5800MINI.
• Honeywell 5814 - Another compact sensor option. It is not as robust as the 5800MINI. Its wireless range is only about 100 feet.
• Honeywell 5815 - An aesthetically pleasing surface-mount contact that has roughly the same functionality as the 5816.
• Honeywell 5816MN - A discreet surface mount sensor that has been discontinued. Replaced by the Honeywell 5816MN.

There are also several great recessed contacts in the 5800 Series. The Honeywell 5818MNL is a relatively standard recessed contact that can be used with almost any door or window. It features a 200-foot range, and the installation only requires minor drilling. The Honeywell 5800Micra is a recessed contact for windows only. It is a very small sensor with an attached antenna for sending wireless signals. Finally there's the 5800RPS, which uses a plunger switch instead of a sensor and magnet. This sensor can only be used with doors. When the door is closed, the plunger switch will be pressed in. Once the door is opened, the plunger switch will come out and activate the sensor.

• Honeywell 5818MNL - A standard recessed contact for doors and windows. It is easy to install, and it has a 200 foot range.
• Honeywell 5800Micra - A small recessed contact for windows only. Its antenna must be adjusted carefully when installing.
• Honeywell 5800RPS - A recessed sensor that uses a plunger switch instead of a magnet. For use with doors only.

Alarm Grid has previously discussed the batteries used with door sensors. We recommend checking out that blog post for more information on which batteries to use with a door and window sensor. If you ever need any additional help choosing a Honeywell door and window contact for your DIY wireless alarm system, please feel free to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. You can also contact one of our technical specialists by calling 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

When it comes to home security, houses aren't the only residences that require adequate protection. Apartments are also vulnerable to being taken advantage of by intruders and burglars. Thankfully, with advances in alarm systems, it has never been easier to achieve a DIY security setup.

Because of their smaller size and limited entrances and exits, most apartments don't need as many security sensors as a fully outfitted home. Just a few door and window contacts and a motion sensor can often do the trick. But that said, there's no reason that an apartment resident can't also take full advantage of the exciting home automation capabilities that a modern alarm system has to offer. This handy guide will cover everything needed to obtain a complete security system for an apartment.

Choosing a Panel

Like any security setup, it all starts with the control panel. This device serves as the central hub for the rest of the alarm system. Any sensors that are used with the system will report to the panel to let the system know when an event occurs. The panel is also the device that will send outgoing alerts to a central monitoring station or to the end user. Finally, most system arming and disarming is done right at the panel itself. Since the user will typically interact with their panel on a daily basis, it's very important to select one that is reliable and easy to use. Luckily for users, there are many tremendous options to choose from.

For an apartment, we strongly recommend choosing a wireless security system. These panels are remarkably easy to set up, and they are excellent choices for DIY users. A wireless panel is an all-in-one device that includes its own touchscreen display and wireless receiver for interacting with wireless sensors. Most newer wireless systems also come with a built-in communicator and an integrated Z-Wave controller. A user can also obtain a desk mount for their wireless system. This will eliminate the need to mount the panel to the wall, which is often forbidden by apartment policies. In fact, with a wireless system and wireless alarm sensors, it is possible to achieve a total setup without drilling any holes whatsoever. And if the user decides to move out of their apartment, they can easily take their wireless system with them to their new residence.

Alarm Grid offers some outstanding wireless panels that are great for apartments. One fantastic option in particular is the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. This system features a fresh, sleek design that is sure to fit in very well with any modern apartment. The system is simple to operate, and the menu options come across as very straightforward. The device also comes included with its own desk mount for easy setup. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 will function with all Qolsys-branded wireless sensors, including the fully encrypted S-Line of sensors. Additionally, the IQ Panel 2 is one of few panels to come with a cellular communicator that is already built-in to the system. It is also WIFI ready right out of the box.

Another panel option is the Honeywell Lyric Controller. The Lyric is the flagship alarm system from Honeywell, a company that has served as a leader in the security industry for decades. It comes WIFI ready, and it can interface with an impressive lineup of different security sensors. This includes the encrypted SiX Series Sensors, which are designed exclusively for the Honeywell Lyric System. The menus are easy to navigate, and getting started with the system is a breeze. With just a WIFI connection and an appropriate monitoring plan, a user can sync their Lyric with Total Connect. This service allows users to arm and disarm their system remotely and check the current status of their security sensors at any time. A special desk mount for the Lyric is available for purchase separately. This will allow the user to avoid mounting the panel to the wall.

We also encourage users to check out our alarm system kits that include everything a new user needs to get started with a security system for their apartment. By going with a kit, a user can save a decent amount of money versus purchasing each component of the security system individually.

All About Sensors

The only types of alarm sensors that are used in most apartments are door and window contacts and motion detectors. Although other alarm sensors can definitely be used as well, they are usually unnecessary for an apartment. Just like with security panels, we advise users to install wireless sensors in an apartment. Wireless sensors are easy to program with an alarm system, and most are mounted using double-sided foam tape. This will prevent the user from having to drill any holes in their walls. Most wireless sensors will function for three to five years before requiring a simple battery replacement. If you are purchasing alarm sensors individually and not with a kit, make sure that the sensors you choose will interface with your alarm system.

A door and window contact is used to let the system know whenever a door or window is opened. These are very simple devices that are easy to understand. Basically, a door and window contact consist of a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is applied on the frame of the door or window, and the magnet is applied on the door or window itself, within a half-inch of the sensor. Double-sided foam tape can secure both of these components. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to activate. When this happens, the sensor will send an signal to the alarm system to let it know about the event. The alarm system will then respond accordingly, based on the programmed Response Type for that zone. For apartments, we recommend using surface-mount contacts over recessed contacts. This is because recessed contacts require holes that are drilled into the door or window frame. If you are purchasing door and window contacts individually and not part of a kit, make sure that they are compatible with your alarm system. Putting a contact on the front door is an absolute must. Many users also place them on windows and interior doors.

Motion detectors are also commonly used in apartments. Simply put, these devices recognize when motion is present, and they let the system know about the activity. A motion detector will certainly come in handy if an intruder is ever able to get inside the apartment without setting off a door or window contact. Most motion detectors operate using passive infrared (PIR) technology. This detection method involves looking out for the infrared energy given off by a potential intruder. When a PIR motion detector is activated, it will take a quick reading of the current infrared energy in the area. If a person or large object suddenly comes into the picture, it will cause a change in infrared energy. This will cause the motion sensor to activate, and the device will then send a signal to the alarm system to perform the programmed response. For most apartments, one motion detecting sensor is usually adequate. We recommend installing an apartment motion sensor in the main room for optimal sensor coverage.

Other alarm sensors are typically not as important for apartments. Glass break sensors can be used to monitor glass windows, but this is usually covered using window contacts and a motion sensor. However, some apartment residents may use a glass break sensor to monitor a glass casing or artwork. Most apartments already come included with a smoke detector. This means that purchasing a separate smoke detector for the alarm system is unnecessary. But a user may want to integrate the conventional smoke detector with their alarm system. For that, we recommend using a smoke detector takeover module, such as an Encore FireFighter FF345. This device will actively listen for the sound of an activated smoke detector. If it detects this type of sound, it will send a signal to the system and trigger an alarm event. If you do use a takeover module, make sure that the model you select is compatible with your alarm system. Finally, most apartment systems will not require any flood sensors since any failed HVAC unit or serious water leak is typically the responsibility of the apartment management.

Communication is Key

Unless you plan on staying home 24/7, you will want an alarm system that can send outbound signals in some way. For monitoring plans, there are two primary options. These are central monitoring plans and self-monitoring plans. The primary difference between these two types of monitoring plans is who is contacted when an alarm event occurs. With self-monitoring, the user will receive a text or email alert letting them know about the alarm. It is then up to the user to contact the appropriate authorities. But with central station monitoring, the alarm event is forwarded to a dedicated central station that operates 24/7. The central station will then request emergency help on the behalf of the user. Regardless of which type of monitoring is used, the alarm system must have some way of sending outbound alerts and reports.

Most alarm systems rely on cellular services or an internet (IP) connection as their primary communication path. Some alarm systems will use both of these communication methods for added reliability. The type of communication that is used will have an effect on the user's security setup and their monitoring plan. Cellular communication is considered to be more reliable than IP communication. This is because cellular service is almost never down, and it will still continue to operate in the event of a power outage. Also some interactive service platforms, like Alarm.com, require that the panel utilize a cellular connection, and they cannot be accessed using WIFI alone. But the advantage with IP communication is that it is usually less expensive than cellular monitoring. Additionally, while many panels already come WIFI ready, only a few can use cellular communication without a separate cellular communicator being added. Overall, the choice between IP and cellular comes down to the type of alarm system the user has and how reliable they want their system to be.

Additional Features and Possible Add-Ons

Some apartment residents might want their alarm system to go beyond just performing security tasks. Many newer alarm systems come complete with a Z-Wave controller for operating Z-Wave home automation devices. However, most apartments will only allow users to take advantage of Z-Wave lights. These lights can be operated right from the alarm panel or using an interactive service like Total Connect or Alarm.com. Other popular Z-Wave devices include Z-Wave thermostats and Z-Wave door locks, but these are less likely to be used in apartment. A Z-Wave thermostat allows a user to adjust the temperature inside their residence from virtually anywhere. But many users might not feel comfortable replacing their apartment's standard thermostat with their own. Z-Wave locks allow users to lock or unlock their doors remotely. They can also unlock the door and disarm their system simultaneously by entering in a valid system code into the keypad on the Z-Wave door lock. Unfortunately, most landlords will not allow apartment occupants to change the locks on their doors. With those considerations in mind, Z-Wave home automation is often skipped by apartment residents. Still, the features are always available if the user ever does decide to use them.

A greater number of apartment residents will take advantage of an interactive service with their system. These services allow users to access their alarm systems from anywhere using a convenient and easy to use mobile app. By accessing this type of service, a user can arm or disarm their system, check the status of sensors and control their Z-Wave devices from almost anywhere. These services are also used to contact the user during an alarm event. Two popular interactive service platforms for alarm systems are Total Connect and Alarm.com. Total Connect is designed exclusively for use with Honeywell Alarm Panels, while Alarm.com will work with systems from many different companies, including Qolsys and 2GIG. To access the Alarm.com service, cellular communication is required. Bu with Total Connect, an IP connection or a cellular connection can be used. Both services offer similar functions and features, so the one that is used will really depend on the alarm system being used. Most monitoring plans include this type of service, so the user should take full advantage of it.

Finally, some users may decide to use additional add-ons with their security setups. That said, these are also less commonly used with apartment systems. A secondary keypad can provide an additional point of access for an alarm system. But since most apartments are relatively small, this is usually unnecessary. A wireless repeater can extend the range of wireless sensors. But again, since most apartments are quite small this is also usually not needed. If the setup is based around a hardwired system, then a wireless receiver is needed to use wireless sensors. For apartments though, we strongly encourage users to use wireless systems instead of hardwired panels. Finally, some users may want to use security cameras with their setup. These devices are easy to use and install, and many indoor cameras don't require any drilling. However, a user will most likely need to upgrade their monitoring plan if they want to use security cameras.

Conclusion

Getting started with an apartment alarm system is very easy. In most cases, fewer sensors and add-ons are required. A wireless panel and sensors will make it for easy for DIY users to setup their systems without having to drill any holes or perform any wiring. Once everything is setup, a user will receive complete piece of mind in knowing that their residence is fully protected. Now is a better time than ever to get started with home security. Get an alarm system for your apartment today!

The Alarm Grid office will be closed Wednesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. During this time, customers will be unable to contact us via phone, and our technicians will not be checking the support email. We will normal resume business operations on Thursday, July 5th.

Once we re-open on Thursday, you will be able to contact us as normal. You can reach us at support@alarmgrid.com or over the phone at 888-818-7728 from 9AM to 8PM Monday thru Friday. We hope that everyone has a fun and safe Independence Day as we honor our country, and we look forward to providing you with continued support in the future.

Hi DIYers! We're back with another weekly video update. Most of the videos focused on Honeywell Systems this week. These videos featured our support members Joe, Jorge and Dylan demonstrating how to perform various actions and functions on alarm systems and through Total Connect 2.0.

Adding Z-Wave to a VISTA System

Joe talks about the possible options for adding Z-Wave home automation devices to a Honeywell VISTA System. To use Z-Wave, a VISTA system will need either a Honeywell VAM or a Tuxedo Touch Keypad. Users can control their programmed Z-Wave devices and establish any rules and scenes through their Tuxedo Touch or through the Total Connect 2.0 interactive service. The system will need a WIFI or cellular connection in order to work with Total Connect 2.0.

The Best Place to Install a Lyric Alarm System

Joe discusses the ideal place for installing a Honeywell Lyric Controller. Users will typically want to have their panel or an external keypad placed by their main point of entry for easy access. A great external keypad to use with the Lyric is the Honeywell LKP500. Another option is to use the My Home Controller App to control the system. And of course, a user can access their Lyric System through the Total Connect service.

Using a 2GIG GC3 w/o Monitoring

Jorge goes over the capabilities of 2GIG GC3 System that is not receiving alarm monitoring service. Without monitoring, a GC3 will only serve as a local sounder. This is good for alerting on-site users to alarm events. The device can also be used for local Z-Wave control. However, the system will have no way of alerting off-site users to any alarm events, and remote Z-Wave control will be impossible. This makes alarm monitoring very important for anyone who intends on being away from their GC3 System for any period of time.

Red Exclamation Point on a Lyric Alarm System

Dylan talks about what the Red Exclamation Point symbol on a Honeywell Lyric Controller means. This symbol represents the panic button on the system. It does not mean that there is an error or that there is anything wrong with the system. When the button is pressed and held, the system will display the different types of distress signals that can be sent to a central monitoring station. The button will only work if the system is receiving active alarm monitoring service.

Controlling the System and Bypassing Sensors in Total Connect 2.0

Jorge explains how to control a Honeywell Alarm System and bypass system sensors through the Total Connect 2.0 service. To access their system, a user must provide their username and password. The user can control their system from the main screen. The user can arm away or arm stay, and the command will be sent to their system. They can then disarm their system from this screen. There is also a sensors button that is used for bypassing sensors.

Disabling a Long Range Radio on a VISTA Alarm System

Joe shows users how to disable a long range radio on a VISTA Alarm System. This is useful for clearing a Check 103 Error or for downgrading to a phone line connection. To disable the communicator, a user must first access Installer Programming. From there, the *29 field must be accessed. Entering in 0 for this field will disable the communicator for the system. The *29 field can be reaccessed at any time re-enable to communicator.

Adding User Code to a VISTA Security System

Joe explains how to add a new user to a VISTA Security System. This can be done from Total Connect 2.0 or locally from the keypad. To do this from the keypad, a user must provide the Master Code for the system. The Master Code must be entered. followed by 8, then the 2-digit user code and finally the desired 4-digit user code. The panel will chime when the new code has been successfully added. The new user code will be able to arm and disarm the system as needed.

Hi DIYers! This is an update on Honeywell's partition support rollout for Total Connect 2.0. We previously posted that Honeywell was releasing partition support for TC2 users in stages. This update will allow users to control multiple partitions for compatible systems from Total Connect.

We just wanted to confirm that this rollout has been completed successfully. Everyone who has a compatible VISTA System and access to Total Connect 2.0 should now be able to control multiple partitions through the service. This update provides users with access to the following features on TC2:

• Name partitions
• Arm and disarm individual partitions
• Bypass sensors
• Assign partition control to different users
• Enable or disable event notifications
• Set remote disarming capabilities for individual partitions
• Choose which user codes can activate and edit partition settings
• View activity of fire partitions remotely (cannot control a fire partition remotely)

If your update has not gone through successfully, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 during normal business hours, which are 9am - 8pm Monday thru Friday. If you would like to learn more about TC2 partition support, please click here.

Telguard has announced that their HomeControl Flex service now supports Amazon Alexa. Users can provide voice commands through an Amazon Alexa device to operate home automation devices. This makes it easier than ever for Telguard HomeControl users to operate their home automation devices.

In order for this to be possible, users will need a HomeControl Flex subscription and a Telguard FlexHub. To enable voice control, start by enabling the HomeControl Flex Skill through the Amazon Alexa App.The Alexa App will then walk you through the rest of the setup process. From there, you will be able to control your home automation devices using voice commands sent through your Amazon Alexa device.

At this time, it is only possible to control home automation devices through the HomeControl Flex Skill. Telguard says that it will soon be possible for a user to arm their system in this manner as well. Make sure to keep an eye on our blog for further updates.

When it comes to smoke detectors, these crucial life-safety devices can be split into two main types. These are standalone smoke detectors and system smoke detectors. The difference between these two categories is that system smokes are connected with an alarm system for monitoring.

With a standalone smoke detector, the device is nothing more than a local noise-making device for alerting on-site building occupants to the presence of a fire. However, a system smoke detector will provide a greater level of functionality. In addition to providing an audible alert of a fire, a system smoke will also cause a fire alarm on the system with which it is programmed.

With that in mind, a system smoke detector is the only type of smoke detector that can send alerts to the end user and/or a central monitoring station about any fire that has occurred in a building. This means that system smoke detectors are the only devices that can request automatic fire dispatch from a central station or alert off-site users to the presence of a fire.

Both system and standalone smoke detectors can include a feature known as "one-go, all-go". This feature means that the smoke detectors are interconnected, and if one smoke in the network activates, the others will activate as well. The one-go, all go function can be very important for ensuring that the entire building is alerted to a fire. Traditionally, this feature was only available for hardwired smokes. But in more recent years, wireless smoke detectors, like the Honeywell SiXSMOKE, have adopted this feature as well.

As a company that deals with alarm systems and monitoring, Alarm Grid specializes in system smoke detectors. We believe that it is very important that people use system smoke detectors over standalone smokes. If a fire occurs when there is nobody in the building, only a system smoke can alert those who aren't on the premises. This is very important for ensuring that the situation is under control and that the fire does not spread to surrounding areas. And for customers who are connected with a central station, system smokes will allow them to receive automatic emergency fire dispatch in the event of a fire.

However, there is a way to essentially turn standalone smoke detectors into system smoke detectors. This is accomplished using a takeover module. A takeover module is a type of wireless sensor that listens for the sound of an activated smoke detector. If a takeover module picks up this type of sound, it will send an alert to the alarm system to let it know about the fire. This will allow a standalone smoke detector to function as a system smoke detector with an alarm system. One example of a smoke detector takeover module is the Encore FireFighter FF345. This wireless device will send a 345 MHz wireless signal so that a standalone smoke detector can communicate with a compatible alarm system.

Remember, while standalone smoke detectors can be very useful for alerting building occupants, only a system smoke detector can request emergency help when nobody is on-site. Alarm Grid offers a great selection of system smoke and heat detectors that are designed for use with alarm systems. Protect your home or business, and get one today!

Alarm Grid is now offering the T6 Z-Wave Thermostat from Honeywell. This intuitive device is excellent for controlling the HVAC system inside any home or business. It provides support for complete heating and cooling control, and it is very easy to set up compared to other thermostats.

The Honeywell T6 uses Z-Wave Plus technology for communicating with an alarm system. It was previously known as the Lyric T6 Pro Z-Wave Thermostat, but Honeywell changed the name to simply T6 in order to avoid confusion with the Lyric lineup. The device will work with any alarm system that supports Z-Wave devices, including the Honeywell Lyric Controller. Although it is manufactured by Honeywell, the T6 will work with other brands of systems that support Z-Wave as well. Depending on the system that is used, the T6 can controlled from Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

One thing that makes the T6 great is its ability to be used without a common power from a C-wire. Instead, the thermostat can operate effectively on battery power alone. But if a C-wire is used (which is usually 24VAC from the HVAC equipment), then the thermostat will allow other Z-Wave devices to operate through it as their wireless signals travel back to the Z-Wave controller. But this feature cannot be performed if the T6 is running on strictly battery power.

We have already tested the T6 Thermostat with the Lyric Controller to great success. Our team is particularly impressed with the device's ease of setup and its overall clean user interface. Z-Wave plus capabilities allow it to function extremely reliably on a Z-Wave network, making it a very dependable device. It also provides excellent flexibility with its ability to be used with a C-wire. All of this makes the T6 our new favorite Z-Wave thermostat. You can purchase yours on the Alarm Grid site right now!