Smart Locks vs Alarm Systems

Can Smart Locks Replace Home Alarm Systems?

Introduction: The Growing Debate in Home Security

As the smart home technology in India has been rapidly adopted, the question that is being posed by a large number of homeowners is: Can smart locks be used as a substitute for traditional alarm systems?

The use of smart locks is quite popular among homeowners in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai, because of the ease of access and keyless entry, and the ability to be programmed through smartphones. On the other hand, alarm systems are considered as one of the most effective security measures that detect intrusion and alert the homeowner.

The debate on smart lock vs alarm systems is mainly because of the lack of knowledge about their functionality. Despite both adding security to a home, they have different applications. Understanding the difference between the smart lock vs door sensor can help the homeowner to build a better security system.

What Smart Locks Actually Do

Smart locks are mostly created to serve as access control. House owners can open doors with smartphones, passcodes, a fingerprint lock, or they can generate temporary digital keys for their guests.

These locks help in monitoring who comes inside the home and when. For example, when homeowners want to give visitors, maids, or delivery men temporary access to the home, they don’t have to provide them with a physical key.

Smart lock alarm India systems have also become more common in India as they are convenient and can be controlled remotely. Smart locks are not intruder alarms, however.

What Alarm Systems Do

Home security is another way of using alarm systems. They’re not used to restrict access to a home, but rather, when a breach of security occurs, they are used to notify the owners.

Typically, alarm systems include sensors placed on windows, doors and other areas of movement. When an intruder attempts to break into the house or even within the house, the alarm goes off.

Here is where comparisons of door sensors and smart door locks apply. A smart lock protects the door, and a door sensor monitors the opening and closing of the door.

They are more secure than a system on its own.

Smart Locks vs Alarm Systems: Key Differences

When it comes to home security comparison, let’s take a look at the main functions of the two systems.

Smart Locks Focus On:

• Keyless entry and convenience
• Mobile keys for family or friends
• Instant digital access codes
• Remote locking and unlocking

Alarm Systems Focus On:

• The trespass is detected.
• Monitoring at doors and windows.
• Activating sirens and alerts.
• Instant notification of homeowners.

What this example suggests is that the smart locks govern access to the front door, while the sirens indicate access by an intruder.

Smart Doorbells vs Siren Alerts

Another comparison, which is also often mentioned, is: smart doorbell vs siren.

Smart doorbells enable owners of homes to monitor visitors and communicate with them using a camera. They are also excellent for delivery and confirmation of visitors.

But if one is attempting to intrude at another door, doorbells are not capable of stopping or detecting the intruder. This is where sirens and alarm systems play a crucial role.

Siren alarms generate loud signals right away and frighten intruders and alert occupants or neighbors.

An ideal security system uses both technologies to improve security.

Why Smart Locks Cannot Replace Alarm Systems

Smart locks are not a replacement for alarms though they are very popular. They are only capable of protecting a single entry point, the door itself.

Burglar can try to enter the premises by:

• Windows
• Balcony doors
• Back entrances
• Garage doors

Without sensors, the homeowners would not know about these attempts until it is too late. Alarm systems have a wider focus, and can secure multiple access points.

Therefore, most security advice is to install “smart locks” that have sensors to detect intrusions, rather than either of the other two

The Best Approach: Combining Both Systems

Smart locks and alarms are the best way to have modern security systems in your home.

The following are typical components of a layered approach:

• Keyless entry Smart lock.
• Door intrusion sensors.
• Additional protection in the form of window sensors.
• Inside home motion sensors.
• Siren alerts on emergency response.

This setup is convenient and safe and provides more homeowner control.

Final Thoughts

The controversy about smart lock security versus alarm systems is not about a choice of technology. Instead, it is how both technologies are used for home security.

Smart locks provide convenience and access control, while alarm systems can identify and alert you immediately on the potential threat. They also work to form a more effective and reliable home security system.

When setting up an upgradable home security system in 2016, the best and most sensible move for homeowners is to get the two.