How to Install Your Own Security System | Ask This Old House

Kevin O’Connor helps a homeowner install a wireless alarm system. (See below for the shopping list, tools, and steps.)
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Shopping List for How to Install Your Own Security System:
Wireless alarm system [https://amzn.to/2LJli2H]
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors [https://amzn.to/2Nb8lSo]
Video security camera [https://amzn.to/2NT9XzX]

Tools List for How to Install Your Own Security System:
Cordless drill [https://amzn.to/2LrY6Y6]

Steps for How to Install Your Own Security System:
1. Pick a central location in the house and plug the base station into an electrical outlet.
2. Install an entry sensor on the front door by first pulling the plastic tab to activate the internal battery.
3. Peel off the protective paper from the back of the battery sensor to expose the adhesive strip. Press the sensor onto the door.
4. Remove the peel-and-stick backing from the magnetic sensor and press it onto the door’s side jamb, making sure to align it with the battery sensor.
5. Repeat the previous three steps to install entry sensors on windows and other exterior doors.
6. Mount a wireless motion sensor to the wall just inside the front door.
7. Install wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house.
8. Mount the digital control keypad to the interior wall right beside the front door.
9. Program a personal pass code into the keypad for arming and disarming the alarm system.
10. You can also operate the system with a key fob or smartphone app on your cell phone.
11. Configure the video security camera to your home’s Wi-Fi system.
12. Plug the camera into an electrical outlet. Then test the system.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we’re ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Install Your Own Security System | Ask This Old House
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View Comments

  • This is a great basic alarm to protect you when your not home. Real security consists of a hardwired or wireless standard control panel system with every point secured and glassbreak sensors to protect you while you are sleeping at night.

  • As a professional.. never install the sensor on the door. Put the sensor on the door frame and the magnet on the door.

  • More diy crap....are you guys serious. As a trained installer and technician these systems are the bain of our industry.....have fun paying your municipal false alarm fees "alarm installer"

  • Wireless security systems greatly simplify our modern life. I can not imagine a day without home protection, it is very reliable, convenient and practical.

  • Security cameras are nice, you can always see what's going on in your yard. But they will be able to warn of danger only if all the time looking at the camera monitor. I think you still need to install a security system. In terms of cost, they are not expensive, but more effective in terms of protection. Personally, I can recommend the security set by HeyKangaroo.

  • Finally an episode where Kevin does the work. I know he's the host but he should be able to solve some homeowner problems

  • I'd love someone to put together all the "sounds good" lines from these house wives on these old house videos. It would last days.

  • Ew SimpliSafe.
    you can easily hack into this, and you can take the interference by reading what it is on the box. Easy to break.

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