Home Security Glossary

Welcome to our definitive guide to home security, designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the tools and technologies available to keep your home safe. In an ever-changing world, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest advancements and practices in home security.

Whether you’re considering upgrading your current system or just getting started with home protection, our A-Z glossary covers over 100 terms that are essential for anyone serious about safeguarding their home and family. From alarm systems and CCTV to smart locks and motion sensors, this glossary is your go-to resource for navigating the complex landscape of home security. Let’s dive in and empower you to make your home a safer place.

A

1. Access Control: Systems that control who can enter a building or specific area, often using keypads, cards, or biometric devices.
2. Alarm Monitoring: A service that monitors security system alerts and responds to emergencies by contacting the property owner and/or emergency services.
3. Alarm System: A device or series of devices designed to detect unauthorized entry or other threats and alert the homeowner or a monitoring service.
4. Asset Protection Device: Devices that alert homeowners to the removal of valuable items, such as safes or paintings.

B

5. Backup Power: A secondary power source, such as a battery, that ensures security systems remain operational during power outages.
6. Burglar Alarm: A system designed to detect and alert homeowners or authorities of unauthorized entry.
7. Biometric Lock: A lock that uses unique physical characteristics (like fingerprints or retina patterns) for authentication.
8. Bullet Camera: A cylindrical security camera typically used outdoors for its long-range viewing capability.
9. Bollard: A sturdy, vertical post designed to prevent vehicle access or to protect structures from vehicle impact.

C

10. CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television): A video surveillance system that transmits signals to a specific set of monitors, commonly used for security monitoring.
11. Carbon Monoxide Detector: A device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide gas and alerts the occupants.
12. Code Hopping: A security feature in remotes that changes the code after each use to prevent code grabbing by thieves.
13. Control Panel: The central unit of a security system where the system is programmed and managed.
14. Contact Sensor: A sensor that detects the opening and closing of doors or windows.
15. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): A design philosophy aimed at reducing crime by influencing the physical environment.

D

16. Deadbolt: A type of lock that is difficult to break, often used on external doors for added security.
17. Door Viewer: Also known as a peephole, it allows a person inside to see who is outside without opening the door.
18. Duress Code: A code entered on a keypad to silently alert authorities in the event of a forced entry or hostage situation.

E

19. Egress Window: A window that provides an emergency exit in case of fire or other emergencies.
20. Emergency Response System: A system that automatically contacts emergency services when a specific alarm is triggered.
21. Entry Delay: A programmed delay that allows a person to enter the premises and disarm the alarm system before it is activated.

F

22. False Alarm: An alarm triggered without a real security breach, often due to user error or system malfunction.
23. Fire Alarm System: A system designed to detect and alert occupants of the presence of fire.
24. Flood Sensor: A device that detects the presence of water and alerts homeowners to potential flooding.
25. Footage: Recorded video from a security camera.
26. FOB (Key Fob): A small remote control device used to activate or deactivate a security system.

G

27. Gate Automation: The use of motorized systems to open and close gates, often integrated with access control systems.
28. Glass Break Sensor: A device that detects the sound of breaking glass and triggers an alarm.
29. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): A type of wireless data communication used for remote security monitoring.

H

30. Heat Detector: A device that senses heat and can trigger an alarm in the event of a fire.
31. Home Automation: Systems that allow homeowners to control various aspects of their home, such as lighting and security, remotely.
32. Hardened Steel: A type of steel used in security devices for increased strength and resistance to cutting or drilling.

I

33. Infrared Sensor: A sensor that detects movement by sensing changes in infrared light (heat).
34. Intrusion Detection System (IDS): A system that monitors for unauthorized access or activities within a secured area.
35. IP Camera: A digital security camera that transmits video data over the internet.

J

36. Jamming: An attempt to disrupt or disable a security system by interfering with its communication signals.

K

37. Keypad: A device with buttons used to input a code to arm or disarm a security system.
38. Keyless Entry: A system that allows access to a building without a physical key, often using a code or biometric identification.

L

39. LED Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting used in security systems to illuminate areas and deter intruders.
40. Lock Bumping: A lock-picking technique where a specially crafted key is used to open a lock.
41. Lock Cylinder: The part of a lock where the key is inserted.

M

42. Magnetic Contact: A sensor that uses a magnet to detect the opening or closing of doors and windows.
43. Mantrap: A small room with two sets of interlocking doors that can be used to control access and prevent unauthorized entry.
44. Motion Sensor: A device that detects movement and triggers an alarm.

N

45. Night Vision Camera: A security camera equipped to record video in low-light conditions.
46. Notification System: A feature of security systems that alerts homeowners via text, email, or app about security events.

O

47. Outdoor Security Light: Lighting installed outside a property to illuminate dark areas and deter intruders.
48. One-Touch Lock: A feature that allows a door to be locked by pressing a single button.

P

49. Panic Button: A button that can be pressed to immediately alert authorities or security personnel of an emergency.
50. Perimeter Security: Systems and measures designed to protect the boundaries of a property.
51. Pet-Immune Sensor: A motion sensor designed to avoid false alarms by ignoring the movement of pets.
52. Privacy Mode: A feature that allows homeowners to disable certain security cameras for privacy.

Q

53. Quiet Mode: A setting in security systems that silences alarms while still sending notifications to homeowners.

R

54. Reinforced Door: A door that has been strengthened to resist forced entry.
55. Remote Access: The ability to monitor and control security systems from a remote location using a smartphone or computer.
56. Roller Shutters: A type of window or door covering that provides security and privacy by rolling up and down.

S

57. Safe Room: A reinforced room designed to provide a safe shelter in the event of a home invasion or natural disaster.
58. Security Bar: A metal bar used to reinforce doors and windows against forced entry.
59. Security Camera: A device used to monitor and record activity in and around a property.
60. Security Grilles: Metal barriers installed over windows or doors to prevent unauthorized entry.
61. Security Window Film: A film applied to glass to make it harder to break and to hold shattered glass in place.
62. Sensor: A device that detects specific changes (e.g., movement, sound, temperature) and triggers a security system response.
63. Shatter-Resistant Glass: Glass that is designed to resist breaking, providing additional security for windows.

T

64. Tamper Alarm: An alarm that triggers when a security device is tampered with.
65. Temperature Sensor: A sensor that monitors temperature changes and can alert homeowners to potential hazards like fire or freezing pipes.
66. Thermal Camera: A camera that detects heat patterns and can be used to identify intruders in low-visibility conditions.
67. Time-Lapse Recording: A feature in security cameras that records footage at set intervals, providing a condensed view of activity.

U

68. Underfloor Alarm Sensor: Sensors installed under floors to detect unusual vibrations or movement.
69. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): A battery backup system that provides power to security systems in the event of a power outage.
70. UV Protection Film: A film applied to windows to block ultraviolet rays, protecting interior furnishings and providing added security.

V

71. Video Doorbell: A doorbell with a built-in camera that allows homeowners to see and communicate with visitors remotely.
72. Vibration Sensor: A sensor that detects vibrations and can alert homeowners to attempts at forced entry.
73. Visitor Management System: A system that tracks and manages visitors to a property, often used in commercial or residential complexes.

W

74. Wireless Security System: A security system that uses wireless technology for communication between sensors and the control panel.
75. Window Sensor: A device that detects when a window is opened or broken.
76. Window Bar: Metal bars installed on windows to prevent unauthorized entry.

X

77. X-Ray Security: Advanced security technology often used in commercial buildings to detect concealed weapons or contraband.

Y

78. Yale Lock: A type of cylinder lock commonly used in residential security.

Z

79. Zone: A specific area in a security system that is monitored by a set of sensors.
80. Z-Wave: A wireless communication protocol used in home automation and security systems for smart devices.

Additional Terms

81. Actuator: A component in a security system that controls the mechanism, such as locking or unlocking doors.
82. Break-Glass Sensor: A sensor that detects the sound frequency of breaking glass to trigger an alarm.
83. Concealed Wiring: Electrical wiring hidden within walls or structures to prevent tampering.
84. Decibel Level: The measurement of sound intensity, relevant for alarm system loudness.
85. Electromagnetic Lock: A lock that uses magnetic force to secure doors.
86. Fingerprint Scanner: A biometric device that uses fingerprints for identity verification.
87. Garage Door Sensor: A sensor that monitors the status of a garage door, ensuring it remains closed.
88. Heat Mapping: A feature in thermal cameras that creates visual maps based on temperature readings.
89. Infrared Beam: Invisible beams of light used in perimeter security systems.
90. Latch Bolt: The part of a lock that holds a door closed when the lock is engaged.
91. Monitored Alarm System: An alarm system connected to a central monitoring station.
92. Nano Camera: A small, discreet security camera for covert monitoring.
93. Occupancy Sensor: A sensor that detects the presence of people in a room or area.
94. Pressure Mat: A mat that detects pressure changes, triggering an alarm when stepped on.
95. Quick Release Window Bars: Security bars that can be quickly removed from inside for emergency exit.
96. RFID Tag: A tag used in access control systems that communicates with readers to grant access.
97. Seismic Sensor: A sensor that detects vibrations from drilling or hammering.
98. Smart Home Security: A system that integrates security features with smart home devices.
99. Tilt Sensor: A sensor that detects changes in the angle of an object, used in garage doors or safes.
100. Ultrasonic Sensor: A sensor that uses sound waves to detect movement.