Re: barrier bars for finished basement?

[Robert L Bass <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> They slide open horizontally, about 1 foot high x 3
> feet wide.  Typical small basement windows...

Barrier bars do offer a couple of advantages over magnetic switches.  First the
obvious -- there is a deterrent effect because from the outside they look like
real bars.  Barrier bars are also handy if you occasionally need to leave the
basement windows open, for example if the cellar becomes damp after a heavy
rain.

You can hide the bar behind a curtain if you like.  I've even installed them
inside the hem of a curtain a few times.  If you place them just right it's
almost impossible to slip over the curtain without dislodging the barrier bar
and triggering the alarm yet the bar is completely hidden from view -- inside or
out.

Years ago we used to foil residential basement windows.  You've probably seen
strips of metal tape on the glass of commercial properties from time to time.
The foil was a great deterrent and if installed properly, an effective means of
detection.  The problem was foiling is a time-consuming job which requires a bit
of skill and patience.  With the growth of mass-market alarm dealers that skill
and the time it took to learn it gradually went the way of the dodo.  These days
you can't even buy UL-listed alarm foil any more.  Barrier bars were developed
in part as a quick and easy replacement for foil.

Another alternative to barrier bars is to use magnetic contacts to detect the
window opening and install acoustic glass break detectors to detect shattering.
Depending on the layout and makeup of the rooms, this may or may not be suitable
for your basement.  Acoustic glass breaks work well in moderately reflective
rooms -- that is, rooms with tile, wood or short-nap carpeting.  They won't work
reliably through heavy drapes but that's not usually an issue in a basement.
They protect one room per detector and the coverage is typically a 25' radius
from the sensor to the glass.  This varies, depending on the brand and the
size/type of window, though most any window big enough to climb through is also
big enough to be heard by the sensor at its rated range.

You've chosen to have a professionally installed system.  That's fine.  The fact
that your installer is offering to protect the basement windows indicates he's
probably planning to do a thorough job.  This would qualify as a good thing.

Regardless who is installing the system, you may find it handy to review some of
the different types of protection that are available.  You can browse our
website to learn about the different systems, sensor options, etc.  I have
information on over 30,000 security and home electronics products, most likely
including the system you're technician has designed for you.

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Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com

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Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.