If you don't mind doing some hard work, you can without a doubt install a home security alarm system yourself. The hardest part is stringing the cables that are needed to allow the parts of the home alarm system to effectively communicate with other components. Wireless systems can offer a simpler installation option, without messy wires and cables lying around.

Finding a Location For The Control Receiver

First, locate the safest place for the system's remote control panel or control receiver. It should be in an area that is least accessible or obvious to strangers or intruders who are in your home. The remote control panel will allow you to disarm or arm the security alarm system every time you leave or enter your house. Next, install the system's control panel close to the door you and your family most frequently use. It should be in an area that you can easily get to when you get home. Place screws in the wall and let the control panel slide over them to secure it. You should place the alarm's siren at a location where intruders cannot destroy it and where the sound will not be muffled or obstructed. It should be placed in an area that will clearly let you hear the alarm from all areas of the house.

Installation

Install all door sensors on your home's entry doors. Make it a point to place the magnetic switches and other sensors separately when a door is opened. Then, if you are installing a hardwired system, you can run the cable to the main control board. As mentioned, installing the wires is the hardest part. If you can do this before your home is built, that makes it much simpler. Otherwise, use long cables and wires to ensure you have sufficient cord. Use cord holders to bind cords together and to attach cords to the wall if you are running the cords along walls or baseboards. If you intend to run wires through the wall, make sure you check your home plans to avoid joists and find the most direct routes through walls, and use fish tape at the ends of wires to more easily pass wires along. Place window sensors to trigger an alarm when a window is opened. Do the same with door sensors. Be sure that the sensors are separate when the door or window are opened. Run the cable to the main control board. Install glass break alarms to complement the features of the window sensors. Again, run the cable to the main control board.

Test The System

After the setup, be sure to test the system. Calibrate and test the remote control panel, the window, glass, and door sensors, plus the main control board. You can test these systems by activating the alarm and then attempting to open the window and door. Most professional installers have a special tool to stimulate the sound of glass breaking in order to test the glass break sensors. Since you most likely don't have that at home, you will either need to contact a home improvement store or other store that sells security equipment to see if they have this tool that you can rent or buy. Otherwise, you will be unable to test the glass break feature on your home in most cases. Set the codes and passwords that you will use to arm and disarm the alarm system.

Wireless Systems

If you are installing a wireless system, certain other considerations apply. Since you do not have to string wires, the system may seem easier to install. However, you have to ensure that the wireless components can relate to each other. Make sure you purchase components with a range that is large enough for your home. Don't place these RF units near other materials that use RF signals, such as electronic components or wireless routers, in order to minimize the chance of interference. You will need to test a wireless system in the same manner you test a regular system- by walking near doors and windows and determining whether wireless motion detectors pick up on the movement and communicate it to other components in the security system.

Source:

TBFAA: Alarm System

NCEITA: Alarm System