The first question on everyone's mind when it comes to systems that purport to be qualified as “do it yourself alarm systems” is, can I really install this myself or is this just another sales hype?   This is an extremely valid question and the following is a really straightforward look from every possible viewpoint.  In order to answer the question more completely, we'll also explore more than one system and we’ll also compare wired systems.

           We sometimes get calls from people who are technicians in various fields and as you could well imagine, they do have an edge where knowledge is concerned, so for them doing it on their own is no real issue.   But let's try to keep in mind that alarms are a field of their own and therefore, even these folks may have only a slightly better chance of doing this without a hitch, than you do.   What gives them the greatest advantage is that they are generally quite willing to forge ahead, no matter what.   In any case, the promise made by the sales people is that you can handle a “do it yourself installation,” no matter who you are.

          Truthfully, the people who are least likely to have difficulty are those who have worked directly with wiring, circuit boards or electronics of some sort, or those who have skills in following diagrams.   Obviously, having such a background is going to facilitate any endeavor of this sort but anyone can hit a bump in the road, every now and again.   Fortunately, with true self installation systems, the bumps are few and far between and far from insurmountable but let's have a look at them and see if that’s an issue that concerns you or not.     

           Secondly, you must understand what it is that you're programming before you can expect that the end result will be worth the effort.   It may not be rocket science but it is the most critical and complex portion of the entire job. 

           The bright side of this is that it's not normally necessary for an Internet buyer to do this part of the job on his or her own.   Provided that the alarm company is willing to work with you on this, then it can become a non-issue very quickly.   However, ask questions and assure that your system will be programmed for you either before or after arrival and assure that the selling company will do as many free updates as are required to get your system running properly. 

          The physical aspect of doing an alarm installation on your own is in fact, pretty much that stated by most companies provided that we're actually talking about a do it yourself alarm system.   Correspondingly, this can only be a wireless system, as wired systems would definitely not qualify.   The reason for this is that they are not and cannot be integrated into self-standing units.   By nature of their construction, wired systems need to have multiple parts and can become very confusing to the general consumer, especially if you need to hide wiring in walls, etc.  

At one time, professionals because of the complexity of the installation nearly always installed alarm systems.   The average job consisted of a keypad, a central box, known as the control panel, a transformer, a rather large gel cell battery to take over in the event of AC failure, an inside siren and sometimes an outside siren and then the numerous accessories like door/window contacts, motion detectors, glass break detectors, smoke detectors, etc.   It's easy to imagine that this kind of job could require lots of drilling to hide the many wires and that additional training was required to tie in all of the wiring.   Let's face it, if you don't have alarm knowledge to begin with then this kind of job is better left to those who do.

         The new systems that are specifically designed for “do it yourself” are very different from the wired systems of old, which is why most people can actually handle this sort of installation.   To do the job you'll need only a very few tools.  Since virtually all of the peripheral devices are either peel, stick and paste, or require a few screws at most, a screwdriver is essentially all that you'll need on your tool belt.

What used to be the control panel, the keypad, backup battery, wireless receiver, siren, in an array of separate pieces is now integrated into one simple unit, much like a wall mounted phone, answering machine.   And like most phones these days, there are two things that need connecting, a phone connection and a power connection plugged into any AC outlet. Recently however, we've crossed another milestone.  We can install, what amounts to, a cell phone dialer, whereby no phone line is required.  The obvious benefit is that there is no phone line that can be cut to circumvent the alarm.  This will not be covered in this text and we ask you to call for information as this is just slightly more complicated.

         The only part of the normal phone connection that could become more complex, is if you opt for a higher security level by wiring the phone connection into the main junction box instead of simply using a phone jack.   When you do this, taking any house phone off hook will not interfere with the alarm calling in, since it creates what we call, line seizure.   One should bear in mind that this may or may not be a security issue.   The alternative to line seizure is to simply plug the main unit into the nearest phone jack.  Of course you should realize that if the alarm is activated and another phone in the premises is removed from the hook, your alarm call will not transmit.  Therefore, plugging into a jack does not create line seizure, which translates into lower level security that may or may not be acceptable.   Overall, we don't regard this unacceptable but it is something that you need to decide for yourself.

            In consideration of the amount of money that you'll save by buying this kind of system, versus having someone install a system for you, it might be worthwhile to pay a third party to install this one phone line to your main junction if you opt that you can't handle doing this on your own, since everything else can be handled by almost anyone.

            Mounting the main unit requires a screwdriver to open the control and a screwdriver to mount it to a wall.   If you want to do a more professional looking job you can hide the wires within the wall, which may add the need for a drill and something to use as a fish, or a means of pulling the wire from A to B.  

          The easiest self-install of all is to simply get a table kit and not even mount the unit to the wall but merely, place it on a table or counter instead.   This way, you would simply plug into AC and then plug into a phone jack, peel and stick the wireless sensors to the doors and you're up and running, that is provided that programming is already done or as soon as the programming is done.

           If this sounds unprofessional, perhaps it is to some degree.   However, you will nevertheless be miles ahead of no alarm system, whatsoever.  Furthermore, you can take the steps to improve the professionalism as time passes, if you so desire.

           Aside from the physical aspect of doing the job, there are a few final considerations.   If you are buying on the Internet, then whomever you are buying from is likely long distance from you, physically speaking.   Therefore, if something fails to work properly, will you be able to return it without a run around?   Will there be additional cost for doing so?   At the very least, you will be paying for the return shipping and you may also incur cost for the new item being shipped.   On the bright side, if you go with quality equipment this is a rare occurrence.   In order to prevent aggravation later on ask about the guarantee and the warrantee before you buy.   At the very least, you should get one year on any parts that fail.   Try to get as many facts as you can and work with a company that you trust.

           If programming upgrades are required now, in a month from now or in a year, or in five years, then you should know today if this will cost you extra or if it will  be free.   Though it's true that some houses need little, if any changes made after the installation is complete, others may require many changes for a variety of reasons.   The word, “free,” or the phrase “included with,” is always preferable to something like “minimal charges may apply.”   Insist on this, since anyone not providing it is not meeting acceptable standards.

          When you get any alarm system, a technical manual is provided by the manufacturer.   However, these manuals are designed for the professional installer, not for the do it yourself person who's doing this for the first time.   You will need additional written information, guaranteed.   Will this be provided by the sales company because if not, then you shouldn't go for this.

           Likewise, you may also need to be able to pick up a phone and call a real live person for technical support in the event that the written information doesn't suffice, or in case that it's not fully understandable.   You therefore should also know who will be paying for the call and what hours are available for calling.  Additionally, you should know who is going to be providing this information, since the tech needs to be knowledgeable in order to be helpful.   You wouldn't want some newbie store clerk to give you advice for something this important, so assure that the company you buy from has long time experience.

            The last few paragraphs that you've just read are clear indicators that even if you can buy the right product, you can buy it from the wrong source.  When you're buying alarm equipment it is very wise to remember that there is more to it than a physical product.   We all want low prices but if you completely ignore that ongoing service, technical support, easy returns and assistance of any sort at anytime, then you may be overlooking some of the most important issues.   Wireless systems are now truly simple but that in itself has created a brand new kink in the sales of said products.

           Before you buy an alarm system over the Internet you need to slow down the usual frenzy that comes with it.   You see, because you're Internet shopping you're already doing it a rate far faster than having a number of individuals come to your home and give you quotes, so why not take a little extra time to make sure that you're not only getting the lowest price but that you're getting your money's worth, as well. 

This new technology has made it very simple for almost anyone to buy this product and then resell it.   In fact, we were contacted by a party who wanted to sell alarms on the NET and then have us pretend to be his personal staff because he had, “zero” alarm technological knowledge.   Although these systems have the ease of plugging in like a phone they should never be misconstrued or viewed in the same manner.   The simple exterior belies a complex interior capable of a vast number of features.   Fortunately or unfortunately, this dictates that a professional is required to decipher and apply each and every feature.   In essence, if you try to bi-pass this fact then your purchase could become a useless component instead of an item of comfort and security.   This cannot be over stressed, so if the person at the other end of the phone line isn't an expert, then don't expect one at a later date when you really need one.   On the other hand if you deal with experts, a do it yourself system is a low priced way to get high level alarm protection.

There are surely times, when you shouldn't do it yourself and the following are clear cut cases where you'd be better off calling a professional.   If you are physically handicapped and have difficulty plugging in phones, lamps, or reaching seven or eight feet high or climbing small ladders or chairs, then this may not be for you.  

If you're building a new house it may be more advisable to have it wired, especially if you would like every single window protected.   Overall it may or may not result in a more cost effective end result but wiring does not require battery changes, which for some is considered preferable.   In the event that you want some wireless features at a later date there are some systems that support both technologies.  It is therefore wise to request a system capable of future adaptations that are going to meet your needs.   It helps to think ahead a little.

The best look in terms of least visibility is the wired system.   Therefore, if your criteria stipulates that an alarm system should not be seen then stick with calling a professional to do the installation for you.   Although it will undoubtedly cost you more the esthetics may be worth it.

So far I've related a lot of the negatives about wireless and doing it yourself alarms but in all fairness there are also some excellent reasons for doing it on your own. 

First of all, you'll instantly gain a greater understanding about how your premise is protected.   This may help you to reassess your needs and in short, you'll be more in tune with your system.

Correspondingly, if you want to add extra units you'll be knowledgeable in doing it quickly, easily and for the least amount of money because you'll be learning the process of doing it right, almost automatically.   You'll know if you should add extra units to sheds, garages and areas that you hadn't originally thought needed protection and you'll have a more concise understanding of what an alarm needs to do.

Wireless means that you have a degree of portability and flexibility and that the system can be moved to a new location with ease, or even to a temporary location with ease.  Having done your own installation once already, you can now move your system as you choose.   Perhaps, you suddenly have an ailing mother who needs a medic alert for a short while, or your cottage has been broken into.   No problem, unplug your system, move it, notify central of the changes and you're in business. 

When you call in the professionals you're paying for an installer and the transport vehicle that got him there.   Indirectly, you're also paying for the sales person who sold you the system.   Naturally you must pay for parts, which may be little compared to what you'll pay for labor.   Sure, wired parts cost less but that's only going to help if you're capable of doing a wired job of large proportion on your own and that's not very likely.

Bottom line.   You should know if you can handle doing it yourself by now.  If you can, it's an inexpensive way to go and there are many benefits.   With so many ups and so few downs, I'd say that there is a ninety-nine percent chance that you can do this, if you want to.  My advice is go for it.   And of course when you do make up your mind to self install please try and remember that low level just doesn't cut it.

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