Alarm Power Supply and Security System Transformers

A home alarm system cannot work without a power supply. It is what gives the system juice. An alarm power supply is basically a source of electrical power that supplies the energy that an alarm system needs to operate and to protect your home. Some alarm systems are powered by the home’s electrical power supply with a Transformer, some by batteries, and yet some by a combination of both.

Wireless alarm systems require no cabling or electrical connection. That’s because all of the components of a wireless system (such as transmitters and motion detectors) run off batteries. Although you can opt to use a transformer which connects to an electrical outlet to power your control panel which typically houses your keypad and siren.

On the other hand, all components of a hardwire alarm system (such as sensors, motion detectors, keypads, siren, and strobe) are connected directly to the master control panel via wires and all rely on switching circuits to operate. That’s where the circuit board (CPU) comes in. In turn, all the components are then juiced from one main power supply and that is the home’s electricity.

A hardwired alarm system is more tedious to install, but it does take away the need to check or recharge batteries for each component. However, when using a hardwire system it’s a good idea to have a back-up battery hooked up and housed within your master control panel that can kick in if the power fails. You might want to also use a rechargeable battery for that which will lower your maintenance costs.