Safeguard introduces wireless beams for improved outdoor security

Safeguard Alarms has introduced a new outdoor wireless security system, the Safeguard Sentry, that provides an early warning alert if there is an intruder on the premises.

The system consists of two or more  "sentry" units with passive infrared sensors that emit invisible beams in a 100 degrees arc and a hand-held control station. The sensors can detect movements up to 20 metres away but can be adjusted to monitor shorter distances.

Each "sentry" has top and bottom sensors. Both sensors have to pick up motion within half-a-second of each other to trigger the alarm. This means that the alarm will be set off if the beams are crossed by a human being but not by a pet, bird or plant.

When motion has been detected by both sensors, the "sentries" communicate with the control station, which can be up to 500 metres away, to set the alarm off and simultaneously notify the property owner where an intrusion has been detected. The alarm is also set-off whenever a "sentry" unit is tampered with.

The basic system consists of two "sentries" and a control station unit. However, other "sentries" can be added to the unit to monitor different outdoor zones. The system can take up to eight "sentries", monitoring four zones.

The control station unit is hand held and can be carried around the property easily. It also monitors the battery life in each "sentry" and indicates when a battery's power is low. The unit can also be used as a panic button to sound the alarm.

The "sentries" are powered by batteries that last for at least a year but can last up to two years. They send a signal to the control station every 20 minutes to verify signal, battery and operational status.  

All units are wireless. Each "sentry" would normally be fixed on a bracket to a wall, post or tree but being wireless could be taken to a different site, if, for instance, one wanted to take the system or part of it with one when one went camping.

"The system can be installed as a stand-alone system or be fully integrated with an existing alarm system on any property," explained Safeguard Alarms managing director Reason Chitiva.

He added that it is simple and easy to install and use. It has no wires and does not require any user code for arming and disarming it. It is simply switched on or off by means of a switch on the wireless control station.

"Unlike old outdoor alarm systems that required trenching to place cabling, this system is easy to install as it is wireless.

"It is battery operated, so there are no worries that the property is unmonitored in the event of  a power cut.

"It is weatherproof and ideal for monitoring areas where there is a swimming pool pump, electric gate motor or car park or for just monitoring areas around the outside of a house or other building.

"It can also be used at commercial properties, mines, farms and industrial warehouses," Mr Chitiva added.

"An outdoor system such as this ensures that the alarm is activated before an intruder enters a building rather than when he has already broken into premises," he said.