security alarm
An automated or user-activated system to warn off intruders or criminals and to alert police.
A security alarm is a system installed to warn off criminals such as burglars, robbers, intruders, or invaders and to alert police or other security forces of the threat. The alarm may be user-activated (e.g. an alert button) and/or rely on automatic detectors such as door alarms, window alarms, or motion detectors. Normally these alarms produce a loud noise when activated, and they are frequently programmed to alert civil authorities by telephone of the location of the violation.
This feature is similar in many ways to a fire alarm system, except in its purpose and its methods of detection.
Manual activation and automatic detection are both permitted. The security purpose distinguishes the system from a fire alarm, while loud sound and telephone notification are common implementations rather than required in every installation.
security alarm Photos
Related definitions
-
access control system
Electronic systems which boost security by verifying the access rights of persons entering an area. -
aircraft warning lights
Small lights at the top or corners of a structure which increase its visibility to pilots. -
automatic fire doors
Doors which automatically keep an area sealed in order to prevent the spread of smoke or fire. -
baggage inspection at entry
Entrance checkpoints requiring inspection of incoming bags, with a possible minimum bag-size threshold. -
defibrillator
A defibrillator available to anyone at a place, capable of delivering an electrical shock for certain cardiac-arrest rhythms. -
emergency exits
At least one supplementary exit beyond regular entrances and exits, available for emergencies. -
external fire escape
A fixed external stairway, ladder, or slide providing an escape route from each occupiable floor to ground level. -
fire alarm system
An automated or user-activated system to detect fire and to alert occupants of a building. -
hand scanners at entry
Biometric entrance devices identifying people from stored hand measurements, used for security or attendance records. -
internal safety rooms
Rooms designed and designated as refuges for building occupants during an attack or other disaster. -
lightning protection
Special rods and pathways to channel lightning and protect a structure from a strike. -
metal detectors at entry
Apparatuses at the entrance which screen persons for metal objects being carried in. -
pressurized stairwells
Interior stairways with an air pressure higher than the surroundings for fire safety. -
security guard service
On-site security personnel available 24 hours a day, or at least during all hours of usage. -
sprinkler system
An automated system which emits water or other extinguishing agents in case of fire. -
vehicle warning lights
Lights fixed to an object to warn passing or approaching vehicles of its presence and reduce collision risk. -
video camera surveillance
One or more security cameras watching or recording activity at important points in or around a structure.