Securing premises against intrusion is the number one task for home and business owners. With crime on the rise and the threat of break-ins getting ever stronger, smart property owners are turning to burglar alarm systems to keep out intruders and keep their assets safe. At the core of any security system is the vitally important alarm panel.

A burglar alarm control panel is the nerve centre for an alarm system and is the device to which all others are connected. Through the use of solid state electronics and digital technology, it coordinates and controls the actions of the other components such as the bells, sirens, contacts and motion detectors that make up an intrusion detection system. Here's how it works.

When you install your alarm system, the sensors that pick up intrusion attempts on your doors and windows register with the control panel. This can be done either via wiring or wirelessly. The control panel also links to the keypads or remote controls you use to control your alarm system. As such, the alarm panel plays the central role in the smooth and effective functioning of your burglar alarm.

Control panels are generally wall-mounted units and may be located in out of the way place such as basements or utility closets. The panels are locked and sealed by the technician upon installation and the user's only contact with the device is through the key pad or remote control device.

Control panel vary in size, capacity and functionality, ranging from small compact models able to handle a few sensors and with the alarm siren and keypad built in, up to sophisticated models able to handle dozens of sensors and which can dial out automatically in the event of any intrusion. Larger alarm systems with multiple sensors will probably have separate units for the control unit, keypad and siren. All panels can switch over to backup batteries in case of power failure. Some models feature infra red or wireless control for arming or disarming the unit from a distance. For infrared units, the user has to have line of site in order to be able to operate the control.

Control Panels can connect with sensors via wires, wirelessly, or a combination of both. The type you'll choose depends on such matters as cost and the ease of wiring in your building. Wireless systems are much easier to install and are especially good if you want to install sensors in external buildings such as garages when running wires for long distances would be difficult or costly.

On the other hand, wireless systems are more expensive. Plus the batteries need frequent changing. They generally require more maintenance - you'll need to have a control panel that monitors each part of the system for battery health and you should do your own check every few days.

When looking for a control panel, here are some guidelines.

Firstly you need to choose a control panel setup that's user-friendly. It's vital that you be able to control your burglar alarm system with ease so such matters as inputting codes into the keypad should be straightforward. Bear in mind you'll have to instruct others - employees or family members - in how to use the system so make sure it's something that can be learned quickly. Fumbling through the owner's manual is not something you want to have to do in a crisis situation.

Next there's the matter of capacity. Your control panel has to monitor all the zones you have in your building. A zone refers any are or unit that's being monitored by your alarm system. Thus doors and windows are considered zones if they're fitted with intrusion detection sensors or monitors.

The number of zones that your alarm panel can handle is determined by its capacity so if you have a large building to protect, or have a property with many doors or windows, be sure your control panel can accommodate all the zones you need. Some panels can take expansion modules to increase capacity.

Alarm systems are made of many components but at the heart is the alarm panel, the brain of the system that coordinates and links all components and makes sure the alarm works perfectly. Get this right and you can sleep safely knowing your property is well protected. Find out about all the types of panels available by visiting the web sites of online dealers in alarm systems and place your order online for prompt delivery.