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One, two, three, protected!

Three tiers to effective physical security.

In its simplest form, physical security can be a locked door. At the other end of the spectrum, it can be an elaborate system comprising multiple layers of barriers and guards – think defence, research and government sites.

For crime-conscious home owners today, the answer to their residential security needs lies somewhere between these two extremes, says Zane Greeff, technical director for Elvey Security Technologies.

The ideal, he maintains, is a three-tier security system. The outermost tier would be an invisible wall, the middle tier a protected area between the boundary wall or fence and the building, and the last a surveillance system within the home.

To create an invisible perimeter wall, he suggests the use of photoelectric beams, technology favoured by professional installers for its IP65 rating. This ranking denotes its imperviousness to rain, dust and tiny insects. Further, the detectors are equipped with a feature called Gain Control (AGC), which allows the circuit to continually monitor changes in signal strength, no matter how marginal. Whatever the weather conditions, whether snow, rain or fog, it is able to adjust the trigger level in order to maintain optimal sensitivity.

Another huge benefit is the detector’s ability to restrict false alarms. This is due to its twin-beam technology which requires simultaneous interruption to trigger an alarm, explains Greeff.

The second level of protection is best served by pet friendly outdoor PIR (passive infrared) detectors, also proven to reduce false alarms. These detectors, depending on their application, can detect intruders up to 12 metres away from the building in an outward-going wedge. Additional detectors that provide straight line cover of 12 meters on either side of the unit can be installed to protect large glass doors, windows or other vulnerable points. Alternatively, shorter distance detectors can also be used to protect narrow walk ways around the building.

Inside the building lies the last tier of surveillance. This is the heart of the security system, the alarm control panel as well as the communication device which sends signals to the control room. This last resort tier should also contain indoor PIR (passive infrared), panic buttons, smoke, fire and glass break detectors, key pads and even home automation equipment if required.

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