Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, November 15, 1994                   TAG: 9411180060
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CAREFULLY CONSIDER OPTIONS WHEN CHOOSING A HOME-SECURITY SYSTEM

A: My first security system was nothing more than a key switch, a bell, a battery and some window foil. Today's systems are light years beyond those meager beginnings. Microprocessors make it possible to produce systems with just about every feature imaginable - often at the expense of ease-of-use. Before making a decision, ask the dealer for an opportunity to play with a demo system. Don't buy it if you don't understand it.

Here are some features you should insist on:

Alphanumeric keypad with zone naming: The keypad should be able to display meaningful names when referring to protection points or zones. For example, "Basement Window" instead of "Zone 11." Each protection point should be a separate zone (except for windows in the same room).

Fire protection: Home security is more than just a burglar alarm. The system you choose should provide fire protection. Smoke detectors should have local annunciators as well as connections to the alarm panel.

Lightning protection: Electronics are especially vulnerable to lightning and other electrical surges. All wiring terminals should be protected, including those for the telephone line and power supply.

The following options are worth considering:

Telephone control: Many of the latest systems can be operated from a touch-tone telephone inside the home. Besides convenience, this feature can save money - you'll only need one system keypad. Just make sure the system can speak to you in plain English!

Two-way voice monitor: For professionally monitored systems, two-way voice enables monitoring station personnel to verify the emergency before dispatching the appropriate authority. This not only cuts down on false alarms but provides assurance that help is on the way. If you have a large house, you'll need one or more remote voice stations. These can also serve as a whole-house intercom.

Valuable property protection: If you have expensive jewelry, a gun collection or other valuables, you may want to consider using special "traps." Your options will depend more on the dealer's expertise than which security system you purchase.

Wireless ready: You never know what your needs may be in the future. Many hardwired panels also accept wireless sensors and peripherals - for example, an emergency pendant.

Home automation: A growing number of systems offer basic home management features such as lighting and appliance control, even energy management. Some panels include a special communications port for connecting to a home automation system or personal computer.

When interviewing prospective dealers:

Pricing: Be wary of proposals that heavily discount hardware and installation charges in exchange for a long-term monitoring contract. You're better off taking out a bank loan for the system and then negotiating the best possible price for the monitoring service.

References: Always ask for references and check them out. Try to find out what the person likes and dislikes about the system, the dealer's staff and the monitoring station personnel. Finally, make sure the dealer belongs to a professional or trade association and is duly licensed by your state or local government.

To receive a list of manufacturers of professionally installed security systems, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-435, in care of the Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive information on upgrading an existing alarm system.

Q: I haven't heard much about the CEBus home automation standard in a while. Are CEBus-compatible products available yet?

A: Although the Consumer Electronics Bus (CEBus) standard was completed in 1993, product testing and certification details are still being worked out. According to the CEBus Industry Council (Indianapolis, Ind.), the first dozen or so products that use the standard were recently introduced in Dallas at '94 Expo, sponsored by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association.