Extending My Security Measures To The Garage...Help The Newbie

[patrickjackson]

Honestly, I don't know that much when it comes to security systems. But here's what brought me here.
 
We're planning to buy a new home and I want to install a security system not just inside the house but in the garage as well. What do you think is the best alarm system to be installed in the place? Is a motion sensor lights a good idea?

 

[mikefamig]

Patrick
 
Like you I am new to home security and automation and just finished installing an Elk system. The system is installed and working with basic security functions - windows doors and motion - but I haven't done anything with automation yet.
 
The first thing that I did was to determine exactly what I wanted the system to do for me. I decided on basic security functions including door, window and motion sensors and automation of some lights and doors with room for expansion in that area. After a load of reading here and aroun the net the Elk and HAI systems got to the top of my list and I ended up choosing Elk.
 
At that point I set out to plan the location of each system component that would achieve my needs which ended up as a diagram of my floor plan that showed controller, windows, doors, etc. With that done I was finally able to make a detailed list of parts and I placed an order.
 
I spent over two months researching the project (I'm trained as an analyst and believe that the time spent up front is invaluable) and I am still in the process of installing components.
 
My point is that what you are entering into is not to be taken lightly. It's expensive and very time intensive. If you love gadgets and you love do-it-yourself then you're gonna love this automation stuff but plan on it evolving over time and don't try to get er done too fast.
 
As for the motion sensor for lights I think that it's very useful in the right situation. I recently put a stand alone Leviton sensor in my garage because the light in the garage door opener failed. I wish that I had done it years ago. It has dual motion technology and works great. It sees the door go up and it sees if we enter the garage and it knows if it's daylight or dark and works accordingly. My wife and I love it. Closets are good too because the light goes on and off just like in your refrigerator, large cool factor.
 
Good luck, there's loads of info here and around the net that has been a great help to me in my installation. Elk offers great support and I'm very happy with it so far but it is the only system that I have personally experienced. It worked the first time I turned the switch on and has been rock solid for a few weeks now.
 
Good luck and enjoy, Mike.

 

[ano]

I have my system control my garage. I have a motion sensor in the garage, an IR beam sensor across the garage openings, garage magnet contacts on the garage doors, and relays so I can control the garage. I also have an electronic deadbolt on the door leading to the garage, and of course magnetic contacts on that door and a door leading outside from the garage. I also have a keypad that picks up RFID fobs at the door leading inside.
 
It may seem like overkill, but over the years we have appreciated it.  My OMNI PRO II controls it all.  
 
For the alarm to trigger, both a garage door needs to be open AND the beam needs to be broken. I did this to avoid false alarms should a garage door ever open by mistake (it happened to a neighbor) and to give me a bit more time, if I want to pull into the driveway, open the door, but NOT enter for a bit (like to get the mail.)
 
The motion sensor and beam and door sensors all detect motion, control the light, and eventually close the garage doors should no activity occur for some time.  
 
The electronic deadbolt is very handy.  When the garage doors are closed and the alarm off, the deadbolt unlocks the door leading to the garage for unrestricted access.  After a garage door is open for a minute or two, the deadbolt locks, so if someone enters the garage, they can't just get in the house.  My system also announces "garage" should the beam be crossed. I enter my code to unlock the deadbolt if I have to get in.  Also, the deadbolt unlocks automatically for a minute when we arrive home and deactivate the alarm with our keyfob.  And any fire alarm would automatically unlock all doors.
 
One last thing. I did add an exit button inside the house to get into the garage. If the deadbolt is locked, I can just push this button to unlock the door should it be locked, in case of fire or an emergency, and it has a battery backup. This was important for safety detail. The button it large and says EXIT on it and lights up so anyone can figure it out. 
 
We like the system because it is very user friendly, but still very secure.  

 

[patrickjackson]

Thank you for your suggestions Mike and Ano... I will consider everything you said. 
 
While reading your comments. I think I'm gonna start planning on what I want the security system to do and talk to an expert on how to do it. And once the house is legally ours, I better start installing the system... One step at a time. As you said, it's expensive. It's more complicated than I expected.  
 
I'll update you once I have some more questions.
 
Thanks for the help,
 
Patrick