Thread: Any Security System recommendations?

Sonitrol is good. I could never live with bars, for some of the very reasons you mentioned. A side arm is a nice addition.

A good sized dog w/ a loud bark is a good addition too. We've got a french bulldog, so apparently I don't follow my own advice...

Originally Posted by Jito

A good sized dog w/ a loud bark is a good addition too. We've got a french bulldog, so apparently I don't follow my own advice...

I have to be careful on the breed though. The city I am moving into will take and destroy some breeds. They killed over 1000 this last year alone.

For the most part, the components of any security system are all the same, regardless of the company providing them, i.e. ADT, Sonitrol, Wells Fargo, Honeywell, etc...

For the windows to have the best possible protection you could go with a combo device that is one half a magnetic contact (when the window opens it trips the alarm) and one half a shock sensor (when the window breaks it trips the alarm). This allows you to arm the system in "Stay" mode and still move freely around the home with maximum protection. And it allows you to rid yourself of the bars and to exit via a window in case of fire.

Another way is to do a magnetic contact on the window and a glass break sensor on a wall across from the window (most have a 25 ft. range).

While you are at it you may want to have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors tied to the system (assuming it will be montored by a central station).

One last thought, a system often allows you to get a discount on your homeowner's insurance that can run anywhere from 5 to 25%!!!

Originally Posted by Vince

One last thought, a system often allows you to get a discount on your homeowner's insurance that can run anywhere from 5 to 25%!!!

This I didn't know. Thanks for the input ++.

I realize the original post is rather dated, but to anyone searching and coming up with this thread, a word of caution --make sure the system is installed by the same company that does the monitoring.


For some of he "Big Monitoring Companies" (BMC), the business model is to have 3rd party independent contractor sell the systems (and handle the install) to consumers, and then sell all of the contracts to the BMC. BMC doesn't have to have employees to do the sale and installation, they just have a giant monitoring center. They tend to offer lower monthly monitoring rates as a result.

BUT -- It also allows BMC to avoid liability if the system is installed improperly. BMC's obligation is to monitor only, and if the system fails to send a signal, it has nothing wrong--the 3rd party installer did.

And the 3rd party installers fold up shop periodically, and start up a new business. They have little to no assets and are essentially judgment proof.

So I suggest you only deal with a company that has its own installers.

I had ADT and I liked there service I'd stick with them.

Ruger has recently come out with a new home defense tool - the SR-556.
I'm just sayin.....