DIY home security

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Discussion

theboyfold

Original Poster:

11,033 posts

233 months

Friday 3rd July 2009
quotequote all
I'm going to be heading away later in the year, and since I've had my house it's never really been empty as I've always had lodgers. So I'm now wondering if there is any simple things I can do to make the house that little more secure whilst I'm away.

The sort of stuff I'm thinking about it automated lights that turn on and off, external lighting and if there are any useful self install alarms and CCTV that I could look at.

staceyb

7,107 posts

231 months

Friday 3rd July 2009
quotequote all
Lights on a timer is probably the best. I've heard of people having the tv on a timer too.

And get someone to go in an open and close your curtains everyday.

Plotloss

67,280 posts

277 months

Friday 3rd July 2009
quotequote all
Occupancy simulation is very simple and you can integrate your lighting with your alarm system very easily.

However to do it properly requires careful product selection.

The cheap systems turn all the wrong lights on and off making it obvious that no one is at home.

The good systems actually record your light use before you go on holiday, so its not simulating light use in your home but actually replaying how you used your lights.

theboyfold

Original Poster:

11,033 posts

233 months

Friday 3rd July 2009
quotequote all
Plotloss said:
Occupancy simulation is very simple and you can integrate your lighting with your alarm system very easily.

However to do it properly requires careful product selection.

The cheap systems turn all the wrong lights on and off making it obvious that no one is at home.

The good systems actually record your light use before you go on holiday, so its not simulating light use in your home but actually replaying how you used your lights.
Do you have any links to the systems are more intelligent?

Plotloss

67,280 posts

277 months

Friday 3rd July 2009
quotequote all
www.rakocontrols.com

Assuming its retrofit.

Happy to discuss how you'd achieve it via mail if you'd like.

PH5121

1,990 posts

220 months

Friday 3rd July 2009
quotequote all
A simple way of having your room lights operate via timer is by replacing the conventional light switch with a switch unit with integral timer.

Have a look at www.timeguard.com for details of the ZV700, it may help with the effect of occupation that you are trying to achieve in your absence.

theboyfold

Original Poster:

11,033 posts

233 months

Monday 13th July 2009
quotequote all
Plotloss said:
www.rakocontrols.com

Assuming its retrofit.

Happy to discuss how you'd achieve it via mail if you'd like.
YHM smile