Tech Talk: Residential Garage Security
Often overlooked, here are some system design tips to make sure garages don’t become vehicles for burglars.
Many alarm system wireless remote controls come with optional programmable buttons. Make sure to offer your customer the option of programming their garage door open/close operation on an alarm system remote button. This can often be simply done by using a control program output to a relay that in turn momentarily activates the garage door opener when the optional button is pushed.
Environmental Considerations
Here’s some general advice on overhead door contacts. Try to avoid contacts that mount directly onto the concrete floor, especially in cold and snowy northern states. Even though the contacts are sealed, the constant use of anti-ice salt compounds can cause excessive corrosion and possible circuit compromise. I suggest the use of overhead rail-mounted contacts instead. They cost a little more but are a better fit. Give your customer a choice.
Also, if overhead garage doors are really wide you may want a sensor on both sides of the door to prevent compromise by bending back one corner. One of my favorite all-time sources for more information on security equipment applications, such as the overhead contact mounting kits and applications like the diagram in this article, is the GE Intrusion Sensor Application Notebook. You can find a direct link to the free 192-page manual at my Tech Shack blog.
Another area I have seen that can be a problem on garage equipment installations is voiding a vapor barrier. A good vapor barrier is needed to protect interior wall construction from a breach in the sealed vapor barrier between the moist outside and dry interior of the garage. This is a common problem with corrosion on recessed alarm keypads in the garage area. One solution is to use back boxes specifically designed for vapor barriers (see this month’s Tool Tip).
Bob Dolph has served in various technical management and advisory positions in the security industry for 30+ years. To share tips and installation questions, E-mail Bob at [email protected]. Check out his Tech Shack blog.
Tech Talk Tool Tip
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Sometimes the best designs are the simplest. In keeping with our garage installation theme this month, I have selected a specially designed air-vapor barrier box enclosure from Low Energy Systems Supply Co. Inc. (LESSCO).
This enclosure makes it easy to seal the flanged end of the LESSCO box with vapor barrier film. The device will work nicely in exterior wall areas such as basements and garages.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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