5 Key Differences Between a Home Alarm System and a Business Alarm System

An alarm system is a network of several different devices and sensors that detect unauthorized entry. It’s a great way of enhancing your security measures and deterring criminals from breaking inside your property. In general, alarm systems come in two different types; home and business alarms. These two alarm systems may appear similar at first glance, but there are key differences that make them more suitable for certain applications.

As technology advances, many of the features of both home and business alarm systems have started to merge together. This blurs the lines even more and makes it confusing for first-time buyers on which alarm system they should install. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve highlighted 5 key differences between a home alarm system and a business alarm system.

1. Complexity

Commercial buildings are full of high-traffic areas. Depending on the nature of the business, may draw even more attention from potential burglars and thieves. Businesses have larger spaces and more entry/exit points compared to homes, which is why their security needs are much bigger and more complex. This means that business alarm systems come with features that you typically won’t see in a home alarm like controlled access cards, more surveillance cameras, and entry/exit restrictions.

Business alarm systems take much longer to set up as well. Unlike with home alarm systems that you can set up yourself, business alarms need professional installation so you don’t miss any key areas in your commercial property.

2. Certification

Certification is one of the key differences between a home alarm system and a business alarm system. Business alarm systems are certified for use in almost all commercial applications from small retail stores and offices to bigtime corporations and banks. You can expect greater security enhancements from a business alarm system compared to a non-certified home alarm system.

3. Portability

Home alarm systems are designed to be portable, thus allowing homeowners plenty of flexibility in terms of how they install their sensors, devices, and surveillance cameras. The devices are also designed to be small and discreet to blend in perfectly with your home decor. Because business alarm systems prioritize form over function, most of the devices are fixated in one place. Of course, this isn’t a concern for most commercial establishments as they want consistent monitoring of key areas for maximum security.

4. Data storage

Data storage varies between a home alarm system and a business alarm system, with the latter requiring much larger storage space. It’s important to have access to the information you need especially when security has been breached. Businesses require huge data storage due to their 24/7 video surveillance and high activity inside the facility. Home alarm systems, on the other hand, don’t require that much storage space since they are only a few surveillance cameras operating at the same time.

In the event that the storage on your home alarm system becomes full, you will need to delete some files to make room for future videos. This makes it extremely important to back up files to an external hard drive so you can have access to them later on. Of course, you can always delete a video after you’ve reviewed them and there’s no suspicious activity caught on camera.

5. Cost

Due to the complexity of business alarm systems, it’s doesn’t come at a surprise that they’re more expensive than a home alarm system. You get more advanced security features and you get certification to ensure the alarm system is fit for commercial applications. The cost of an alarm system will vary depending on how large the building is and how many devices will be needed to secure the facility.

Home alarm systems are much more affordable than business alarm systems. If you want to save even more money, you can go DIY and set up the alarm system by yourself. Unless you have extensive experience in installing sensors and devices, we recommend having the professionals install the alarm system to minimize the risk of error.

Choosing the right alarm system

Alarm systems do a great job of providing an additional layer of protection for your establishment. That said, you need the right alarm system that fits your security requirements. Not all alarm systems are created equal and you want to work with a security company that understands your needs. Keep in mind that home alarm systems and business alarm systems only work for their intended applications and are not interchangeable with one another. Hopefully, with this information, you can choose the right alarm system and enhance the overall security of your home or business.