The Importance of Time Delay Relays in Burglar Alarm Systems
Many homeowners install burglar alarms system in their homes to help keep their family members and possessions safe. When activated, the system provides alerts if and when intruders enter the residence as well as if and when a fire, gas leak, or other potentially dangerous conditions arise inside of it. These alerts prompt residents to act accordingly to the situation, whether that means contacting emergency personnel or exiting the premises.
Below, we provide an overview of burglar alarm systems, outlining their history, how they work, and the role time delay relays play inside them.
A History of Burglar Alarm Systems
While you may think of burglar alarm systems as a modern technology, they’ve been around for over 160 years. The first one was patented in 1853 by Boston inventor Augustus Russell Pope. This early alarm system relied on the principles of electromagnetism. It featured a normally open design, meaning, in its default active position, it had an open circuit. If an intruder were to open a door or window, they would complete the circuit, prompting electricity to flow and activate an alarm bell.
The rights to Pope’s invention were later bought by Edwin Holmes, who founded the first electrical alarm system company. His company helped pave the path for future developments in electro-magnetic alarm technology. For example:
- The development and adoption of central monitoring systems in the mid-1860s to end of the 1870s
- The integration of motion detectors in the 1970s
- The standardization of alarm systems as building security features in the 1980s and 1990s
- The creation of wireless alarms systems in the 1990s to early 2000s
- The combination of mechanical and electronic elements in the late 2000s
How Do Burglar Alarm Systems Work?
Burglar alarm systems can be classified into two categories: closed-circuit systems and open-circuit systems.
- Closed-circuit systems feature an electrical circuit that is closed when all of the doors and windows are closed. If a door or window is opened when the system is active, the circuit is broken and electricity cannot flow through the system. This cessation of electrical flow triggers an alarm.
- Open-circuit systems feature an electrical circuit that is open when all of the doors and windows are closed. If a door or window is opened when the system is active, the circuit is completed. The completed circuit allows electricity to flow through the system and trigger an alarm.
Advanced alarm systems may also integrate motion detectors and cameras. These components are useful for detecting intruders once they are already inside of the home.
What Role Do Time Delay Relays Play in Burglar Alarm Systems?
Time delay relays are switches utilized in electrical systems to open or close a circuit after a set time period or on a set schedule. They are available in normally open and normally closed variations.
- Normally open relays are in the open position by default, meaning electrical circuits are incomplete until the relay is activated. At which point, the relay closes, the circuit completes, and power flows into the connected loads.
- Normally closed relays are in the closed position by default, meaning electrical circuits are complete until the relay is activated. At which point, the relay opens, the circuit breaks, and power stops flowing into the connected loads.
Both types find application in a wide range of electrical systems. In burglar alarm systems, they delay the activation of an alarm, which provides authorized persons with the time needed to perform the proper deactivation sequence. Without them, authorized persons could not enter protected areas without triggering an alarm.
Trust in Amperite for High-Quality Time Delay Relays for Your Burglar Alarm System
At Amperite Co., we specialize in the manufacture of time delay relays. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across a wide range of industries know they can trust in our components for their electrical and electronic products. If you’re looking for quality time delay relays for your burglar alarm systems, contact us today.