Question 2

Part a

There were six most common sensors used in the Intruder Alarm System
 Magnetic contact point
 Vibration detectors
 Microphones detectors
 Passive infra-red
 Ultrasonic detectors
 Microwave detectors

Part b

The alarm is designed to detect unauthorized entry, when one of its sensors is tripped.
After detection, the signal is sent to the CPU, which simultaneously sends a signal to
the CMS via the digital communicator and activates the siren. The siren is usually
mounted at a high position so that it is not easily sabotaged.

Part c

Sound travels in all directions. When a siren is activated, a response team or the police
may find it difficult to pinpoint its source. This is where the flashing lights play their role.
The flashing lights are usually mounted at or near the roof and serve as a beacon to
guide the response team to the particular premises.

One of the main weaknesses of intruder alarms is the occurrence of false alarms or
soundings. In order to reduce the frequency of false alarms, most alarm systems can be
programmed, so that activation from two sensors is required before the siren sounds.
When a single sensor is activated, it only turns to standby mode and the owner is
alerted.