Choosing Security Services for Your Residential Project

Security is a top priority when it comes to residential living. We all want to feel safe and secure in our homes. To achieve this, modern residential projects are incorporating advanced security measures. Building services electrical engineers are tasked with advising and implementation of these systems for clients based on unique set of factors such as location of the project and budget, more of these discussed below.  In this blog post, we’ll delve into three crucial elements of residential security: Access Control Systems, Intruder & Burglar Systems and Surveillance Cameras (CCTV).

Factors to keep in mind while choosing or designing security services

• Security Needs and Objectives: These should be clearly defined during the briefing stage of design process. Some of the questions to be addressed here include what is to be protected and type of threats. To find answers, a risk assessment can be done to identify potential security threats and prioritize security measures applicable to the building.
• Budget: Resources available to implement security measures should be balanced with the desired level of security and fall within the project’s financial constraints. The client will review and approve the budget developed to implement the security measures from the briefing stage.
• Integration and Scalability: Consideration of how well the systems chosen can be able to be integrated with other building services and local security services such as rapid/emergency response units is very important. The system should also be expandable and modified as the security needs evolve.
• Reliability, maintenance, and redundancy: System to be deployed will be expected to be always available and operational when required. In the event of failure, it should at least have redundant measure to keep functioning and easily fixed during routine maintenance at the least cost and time.
• User friendliness and training: The client and staff should be able to manage the system without the need for professionals. Complicated systems might lead to confusion and errors during operation thereby exposing the building to potential security threats. The end users should be trained on how to operate the system.

Access Control Systems

These are systems that control access to a premise by utilizing appliances, controllers, and software. The system can integrate alarm functionality with duress buttons and alarms in the event of breach. Components can be controlled by a central system software or localized to individual functions. Some of the main components include conventional access control door hardware (magnetic locks, break glass units, boom barriers etc.), wireless access control hardware (hubs, electronic locks with card/pin readers, etc).at selected doors and intercommunication system (intercom system).

Conventional Control Hardware

These provide mechanical restrictions and access at the points of entry or exit. They include

• Locks: Include electromagnetic locks, electric strike locks, electric mortice locks, magnetic reed switches
• Boom gates/barriers
• Emergency break glass units   
• Turnstiles
• Sliding doors

Centurion brand offers a diverse range of products listed in the Kenyan market.

Wireless Control Hardware

• Biometric scanners or keypads that utilize fingerprints, iris or facial recognition
• Contactless smartcard access card readers
• Movement detectors such as Passive Infrared Movement Detectors (PIRs)
• Arming/Disarming Keypads

Some of the popular brands in Kenya include ZkTeco, Grandstream, Suprema Biometrics, Secugen, Idemia Safran Morpho

Intercom System

The system shall provide intercommunication between nominated locations such as detailed on the layout drawings. The are usually at the main entrances and select control points in the building.

The Intercom system can comprise of the following components:

• Master Video and Audio Intercom Station
• Master Audio Only Intercom Station
• Video and Audio Intercom Call Station
• Audio Only Intercom Call Station

Intruder and Burglar Systems

These are closely integrated with access control systems to enable maximum monitoring and protection of buildings. They safeguard against intrusion and offer detection of movement or vibrations at the nominated points. Sensors are incorporated at select vulnerable points and connected to the central control device to give an overview of the property’s security state in real time when armed.

The central controller can have integrated sirens, strobes and GSM connections to sound/ communicate alarms in the event of breach.

Main components of intruder and burglar systems include control panels, vibration detectors, motion detectors (PIRs) and panic buttons.

 Electric fences and razor wires erected along the perimeter walls also provide protection against intrusion. They can be interface with the alarm system to sound alarms in the event of a breach. Components include the energizer, conductors, alarms and strobe lights. The widely used brand in Kenya for CCTV solutions is Hammer. Others include JVA and Nemtek.

Video Surveillance System (CCTV)

CCTV systems can capture, transmit, record and archive video images using strategically placed cameras as per the electrical engineer’s layout drawings. The system can be fully digital IP based for remote monitoring or analog that only record and store the images locally. Advanced surveillance systems can scan and conduct facial, number pate recognition and identification to actively monitor their surroundings.

The CCTV system consist of, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• Fixed integrated dome IP or Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cameras complete with lenses and mounting brackets
• PTZ integrated dome IP PoE cameras complete with zoom lenses and mounting brackets. They offer capabilities such as 360⁰ view of the surroundings.
• Fixed full body IP PoE cameras complete with lenses, housings and mounting brackets
• Pan-tilt drive units for full body cameras
• Zoom lenses for full body cameras
• PoE power injectors
• Media converters
• Mounting brackets & accessories.
• Mounting bollards and poles.
• Network switches.
• Network Video Recorder/s.
• Monitor workstations – provided by others, allow for configuration
• Power supplies.
• Equipment racks (cabinets) – provided by others
• Interfacing to third party systems.
• Programming to the Client’s requirements.

Some of the most advanced CCTV systems found in Kenya include Avigilon, Genetec and Verint. Others in the market include Hikvision, Axis, Dahua, Acti, Anviz, Uniview, Ubiquiti Unifi etc.

In conclusion, choosing the right security services for your residential project is a multi-faceted process. By understanding your unique security needs, budget constraints, and the factors mentioned above, you can create a safe and secure environment for residents, ensuring their peace of mind within their homes.