The history of the burglar alarm

The burglar alarm has been around for thousands of years, the most basic alarm used long ago by ancient humans was the dog! In 30 000bc dogs would help protect property and guard against people trying to steal valuables.

In 3150bc moats were used as alarm systems to protect the castles and fortress during dangerous times, they were the first line of defense in keeping people secure during ancient Egyptian times. Over time, humans evolved and use other tricks like chimes to warn against burglars, the burglar alarms these days are far more complicated and use advanced technology.

In 1852, Edwin Holmes invented the first electric alarm system in Boston, his basic design had a tripwire that electrically powered a solenoid that struck a gong when it was set off. Holmes then decided to start a business and move to New York. In 1905 the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) bought the Holmes business, they used the advanced electrical grid that was in New York and linked the personal burglar alarms to police and fire departments.

Starting in the 1970s, a lot of alarm systems came equipped with motion sensors, they used basic ultrasonic technology that was emitted from a sensor and reflected back. If there was an change in sound the alarm would go off.

When the 1980s came along, there were improvements to motion sensors that merged with other technologies. Motion sensors then began to use infrared technology to avoid false alarms and establish full home protection systems.

Throughout the 1990s the prices on home security systems fell quite a bit. Many companies offered free installation packages with a monthly fee. The system was combined with not only safety services, but also phone support from the company itself.

These days alarm systems are so advanced many of us can’t even keep up! Forget about trying to dig a moat around your house or using an orphaned wolf pup as security, the alarm systems we have today are almost futuristic. Face recognition systems and alarm systems controlled by your smartphone, we can only wonder what alarm systems will be like in a few years.  

For an advanced, reliable home security system, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. They offer a wide range of services, from guarding and farm protection to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans