How to Install Your Own Security System | Ask This Old House

Kevin O'Connor helps a homeowner install a wireless alarm system. (See below for the shopping list, tools, and steps.)
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Shopping List for How to Install Your Own Security System:
Wireless alarm system [amzn.to/2LJli2H]
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors [amzn.to/2Nb8lSo]
Video security camera [amzn.to/2NT9XzX]
Tools List for How to Install Your Own Security System:
Cordless drill [amzn.to/2LrY6Y6]
Steps for How to Install Your Own Security System:
1. Pick a central location in the house and plug the base station into an electrical outlet.
2. Install an entry sensor on the front door by first pulling the plastic tab to activate the internal battery.
3. Peel off the protective paper from the back of the battery sensor to expose the adhesive strip. Press the sensor onto the door.
4. Remove the peel-and-stick backing from the magnetic sensor and press it onto the door's side jamb, making sure to align it with the battery sensor.
5. Repeat the previous three steps to install entry sensors on windows and other exterior doors.
6. Mount a wireless motion sensor to the wall just inside the front door.
7. Install wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house.
8. Mount the digital control keypad to the interior wall right beside the front door.
9. Program a personal pass code into the keypad for arming and disarming the alarm system.
10. You can also operate the system with a key fob or smartphone app on your cell phone.
11. Configure the video security camera to your home's Wi-Fi system.
12. Plug the camera into an electrical outlet. Then test the system.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Install Your Own Security System | Ask This Old House
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[@Nobody2day553]

As a professional.. never install the sensor on the door. Put the sensor on the door frame and the magnet on the door.

[@swIMatt363]

Why is that?

[@PixoDel]

why ?

[@chillindylan022]

Because the magnet is lighter weight; therefore, will be able to withstand the door being opened and closed better than the sensor without risk of it falling off.

[@Fulas300]

Facts

[@Essenkiller]

Actually no. You put the sensor on the door so that it can't be overridden by opening the door just enough and holding a magnet next to it.

[@ncooty]

Now we can all watch this lady's house online.

[@nikkiandy1352]

ncooty lol

[@Petertronic]

I'd never install a system that relies on a third party's servers or other infrastructure. If they go bust (or offline) the whole system is useless. But this was very nicely filmed and explained (as always with TOH)

[@jamedlock83]

yeah i always have a DVR in my own home

[@karl-marcussiiman7501]

I have bought a GSM Alarm System for my apartment and it is working very good. This video helped me install my system very much.

[@alexandersalarms5380]

this is not GSM so how did it help

[@jeffersonbond8596]

This is what he says on the video .. the problem is that they didn’t show where to buy it… Because you should “NEVER” have a Wi-Fi security system .. because sinto easy to shut it down in just a view minutes …..

[@joanengy106]

Wireless security systems greatly simplify our modern life. I can not imagine a day without home protection, it is very reliable, convenient and practical.

[@cookingwithtera6308]

Yes but many are affordable

[@1coppelli]

You guys should pick a system that doesn't look like it's from 1995

[@phuketexplorer]

Agree. Looking outdated compared to some of the new systems available in 2017. I've just reviewed the brand new Digoo Hosa, a complete working system for less than $60! Take a look on my KZbin Channel

[@erictold]

I don't agree. Before buying security system, check if the company will last for 10~ years. Most of fancy security systems are made in somewhere by startup companies and the company will not last for long.

[@CristianSecui]

Motion sensor with antenna, is for long distances? It’s better?

[@jazzfan7491]

Wow Ring took a lot of ideas from this company, like the battery pull tabs

[@jamedlock83]

lmao. . the battery pull tabs comes in a lot of devices. .

[@fixitwithzim]

Should have placed the motion in the same room as the receiver. If the thief gains entry to your house through an unprotected perimeter opening (window), he can now walk over to the receiver, unplug it and render the whole system useless. Job #1 when installing an alarm system is protecting your head end equipment.

[@spoderman15]

the receiver has a backup battery tho?

[@fixitwithzim]

+Spoder Man You always have to think worst case scenario with security. Any thief knows that most security systems have battery backup and they will disable that as well. Just trying to help anyone who might install there own system.

[@andymorris4374]

Plus they can just walk off with it as throw it out of range

[@mattp1482]

Andy Morris I wish I could throw 500 feet

[@MrEljavi84]

zimsjeep Not unless you hide the receiver. With this system, the receiver is registered with your home and if you are paying their monthly fee, they will automatically call 911 if a thief enters your home within seconds.....

[@vazquez4592]

Hi do i have to keep the system plugged in?

[@Indigosound78]

Dropcam? Do they still make those?

[@marcaveli7791]

Mount anything attached to the wall with screws. Otherwise, when you try to pull the sensors off the wall they'll pull off a patch of paint with it

[@onthedubba]

Exactly. Adhesives are a joke.

[@mikecholo4071]

do u need internet for the security system

[@trenvan5546]

battery will last 3 days? 500 foot range? why not position the motion in a corner as it is designed? what's the monthly cost? the first two seem like a wild stretch of capabilities. who is monitoring? are they ul rated? most of these types of systems do not use cellular communication but rely on your landline internet.. alarm grid will sell you a proper diy system if that's what you are after.

[@cliffcarlo180]

Oh dear, those door and window alarms were installed back to front. At least the lady got it right when she installed hers. Well, on one of them she did.

[@cliffcarlo180]

Exactly, but that's Kevin for ya!

[@DanielJohnHowTo]

Yeah i wondered why they didn't put the magnet on the opening part.

[@MrPremium08]

why does it matter?

[@cliffcarlo180]

On one episode he even installed a door knocker......on the inside!

[@jej3451]

LOL, I wanna see that. Got a link, or what's the title of the video?

[@spycam5674]

they have everything

[@joannamanobanda819]

What is the name of that camera system

[@XzTS-Roostro]

Should've included the part where the guys ask questions

[@HowardSantiago-qn4kv]

the short guy with the porn mustache should have installed it, I wanted him to say "I'm going to Maak it"

[@arcranger8814]

this comment made my day haha

[@kieranfulton1798]

omg

[@DougCeleste]

Tom Silva said that he was once a porn actor and nailed women all the time before going legit as a carpenter.

[@Xion431]

how much of an emf will this give off

[@ryk3899]

I'd love someone to put together all the "sounds good" lines from these house wives on these old house videos. It would last days.

[@user-ce7ko6ri7g]

WOW. A DIY system that you can do it yourself. Just FYI for your information.

[@edgarhernandez3044]

what is that camera

[@andrewbyers1555]

What if you come in the back door and have to run to the front door to turn it off

[@superplan89]

Is there a monthly payment for this?

[@SamTravels]

Would this work in a small camper?

[@theintruder77]

Only if you have power for the transmitter/receiver unit. But, please do not install a motion sensor on the canvas walls.

[@concerned_2023]

Most security systems are useful in letting you know your home has an unauthorized intruder. Burglars can be in and out faster than the system calls the monitoring station and validation occurs. It’s part of other methods to help protect your home. A camera can help validate the alarm and increase police response time. Follow other crime prevention methods to reduce or eliminate opportunity.

[@RuralLife_Channel]

how come you didn't show how the system work?

[@alalghaim5592]

not bad for $260 love it

[@marcaveli7791]

Stick everything to the walls with tape and if you didn't do it right, enjoy calling the police and fire department yourself when your equipment sends false alarms! Good luck with that!

[@vkasshu]

What is the product name?

[@novelist99]

So do you have to disarm the system in order to open doors or windows? Wouldn't the occupants of the house set off the motion detector?

[@allanwind295]

You typically only arm the system when you leave.

[@tomrinehart5078]

Would buy one for my home if it didn't look so outdated and cheap

[@ravipc4548]

You can arm or disarm from the keypad right? No you would trigger the motion sensor

[@SunSecurity]

Only if it’s not programmed properly. If the motion sensor was programmed to be entry route then it would only set the system off of the front door sensor hasn’t been activated first

[@dethscorpion16]

An an IT Student that’s what I call Internet of Things IoT

[@mvol5973]

cheap toy

[@Reconseal4050]

Should have done a video on installing a IP or BNC camera system. Those are a pain!

[@nicholassmith82]

The moment Kevin says goodbye, he then turns around and makes his way upstairs to steal jewelry.

[@jimdavis8804]

Blink camera system is Better. Notifications before entry. Save images on devices. No monitoring fee Esther.

[@XzTS-Roostro]

DropCam got bought out by Nest Labs [a subsidiary of Google], and has been rebranded as NestCam

[@XzTS-Roostro]

Vax Buster DropCam has been around longer than Nest Labs

[@vkasshu]

What's the brand name?

[@glen4cindy]

I installed my own system. I really do not see this as a "real" system. I used a pretty common 2GIG GC2 panel and have it monitored by a 3rd party, not like ADT or one of the major ones so I have complete control over my panel. It's cell carrier monitored so once the perimeter is breached and the alarm code is not entered it communicates. So, even if they attempt to disable it a new panel tamper signal will be sent, and if they rip it off the wall a power loss signal will be sent. Pretty easy to figure out they tried to disable the alarm system at that point.

[@josuecorona8292]

Teach me

[@thomascollier4913]

Did I miss something, what is the name of the system you installed.

[@mattmax11]

It's called Simplisafe.

[@Johnsontaetoday]

simplisafe

[@aperson1181]

SimplySafe

[@user-zg6jp2cs1k]

How much

[@vGREENARROWv]

All you need is security stickers and signs lol now you’ve saved $200+ your welcome.

[@volundrfrey896]

This is actually very true. The vast majority of thieves will not bother with your house if they think you have an alarm and/or camera system installed. Put some dummy cameras outdoors and a few signs and you're good.

[@Chicagoman36]

if you were to have a Wired Security System what kind of Wire Would You Use?

[@mattmax11]

Depends the distance between each item.

[@MRIDNETGUY2004]

A Honeywell vista 20p

[@kingraiderr]

Make a video tutorial about her installing an alarm for her recently robbed home for the criminals to see, Brilliant!

[@OhNoRh1no]

Cool Stuff! What do you recommend for DIY outdoor cameras?

[@Engineer9736]

The thing with camera's is always privacy. Who wants to have a camera uploading everything you do in the living room towards the internet? How about visitors which you have invited? It's not very social to put a rolling camera on them which uploads every movement they make onto the net.

[@ABDRadiatorTools]

Have a look at the inprover video on youtube, search for DadTech Ltd Inprover Detection System , this will totally validate any property alarm system, it will prove to outsiders,whether it is, or is not a false alarm!

[@ravipc4548]

Lol either move keypad or motion sensor because you would trigger the motion if you arm/disarm from keypad

[@antoniorodriguez4832]

Alarm systems ignore motion sensors signals on entry/ exit delay

[@benschizkoske6822]

So many things wrong with this but at 1:30 he plugged the adapter in upside down... it is way more likely that the adapter will fall out.

[@RThom1000]

What is the make of that security camera?

[@lacho8814]

Ronald Thomas It's the nest dropcam

[@lacho8814]

Ronald Thomas nest dropcam

[@RThom1000]

Thank you

[@littlegamers1233]

Well all you need to get pass this system is a 2 in 1 jammer that jams WiFi receivers and cellar receivers you won’t have no footage of the break in with the camera and the sensors will go off but the cellular will be down so no phone calls and the jammers go for around 250 USD so that protection won’t do much

[@elementalmp4]

should've used a ricochet with tamper protection XD

[@HunTomiBp]

3:12 😀😀😀

[@shehnai786]

the only problem with this system is that,,it will not send you any push notification or calls in time of robbery..unless you pay 20 dollars a month and 240 dollars a year to notify you incase of robbery, while some other systems will send you ..and you don't need to buy their monthly service...

[@tressiecarter8809]

What's the name of the system and where can I buy one??

[@noviceprepper5397]

another commenter provided the info, I just copied/pasted it here for you: Simplisafe2 Wireless Home Security System 8-piece Plus Package www.amazon.com/dp/B001PBYQHG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_XNtRxbTB25F36

[@alexandersalarms5380]

Do not buy it!!

[@tatejohnson9487]

The full episode has been deleted

[@malonecustomdesigns]

I enjoy these videos....but that acting was really bad! lol

[@usnva5638]

It's not a movie.

[@GrimTheDog]

@@usnva5638 It's not Nickelodeon

[@superpacoman1981]

Jay

[@cj1099]

I don't think they had a budget to hire Margot Robbie.

[@peppeddu]

I'm not a fan of wireless security systems, all it takes for the thief is to carry a $10 radio jamming transmitter and everything goes offline. I prefer a hardwired system that has LOUD sirens (I'm talking 150db or more) all over inside and outside the house. Scare the living hell out those bastards and alert the neighbor 1/2 mile away.

[@bjornjoseph]

So they gave Kevin the peal and stick job???

[@loelazarcon7452]

5:00 wireless

[@chillindylan022]

Of course it needs a power cord.

[@guemsmeina8463]

the name of this brand plz

[@MegaDee911]

simplisafe

[@actionreplay8235]

Pyronix the way to go...

[@spencerds1]

Please leave Security to the professionals, this is nowhere near acceptable for reliable security. Too easy to defeat. Not to mention you put the sensors on wrong, the magnet goes on the moving door/window and the sensor goes on the frame. Now every time you move the door/window you are weakening the attachment. There is also more than just a battery in the sensor.

[@mikejohnson6737]

Agreed. These cheesy DIY systems dupe people who don't know any better, which is really a shame.

[@GIJew]

Absolutely agree. Spend the extra money and go for a Honeywell Vista or GE/Interlogix Concord 4. They're not exactly DIY-friendly but if you read the installation manual carefully and completely you will have a much more reliable system. It really irks me when I see people relying on this toy gimmick to protect them.

[@aurvaroy6670]

Finally an episode where Kevin does the work. I know he's the host but he should be able to solve some homeowner problems

[@allanwind295]

Wireless jamming is a thing.

[@truthinspector4430]

what about dogs in your house

[@jason22talley]

1:48 again?

[@tonymarinelli7303]

This system looks like Mattel made it.

[@acuentawib4150]

What name is the system?

[@onecrazywheel]

Simplisafe2 Wireless Home Security System 8-piece Plus Package www.amazon.com/dp/B001PBYQHG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_XNtRxbTB25F36

[@Indigosound78]

That's the system I have it's inexpensive and flawless

[@skate7016]

Hi I would like to share a deal with you: Discounted Price $65.99 of Item K14, Mini DVR system 4 Channel surveillance 4 Cameras. www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01N5OVTG7

[@darrenmadden7137]

this system is embarrasing to the industry

[@darrenmadden7137]

Channel Scott! well put!! ive been installing systems for 18 years now and i could out of a job soon because of shitty diy systems like this

[@pioneerz450]

It's sad simplisafes system is eaisely bypassed. It has no tamper protection so all you need to do is pull the cord and undo a Philips screw. Then plop out an AA battery. Add to that, that simplisafes does not encrypt the sensor traffic which enables a replay attacks and substitution attacks. As always you get what you pay for. Hardwired is optimal, but if going with a wireless system go with a manufacturer that actually cares about safety.

[@DistinctiveTents]

Also should be noted that simplysafe operates off of wifi/internet only. All one needs to do is cut the cable or phone line outside of the house and then go nuts inside for no signal will get out to their central station. Reputable manufactures like GE and Honeywell use cellular communicators in their alarm systems, hence no lines able to be cut. You get what you pay for folks!

[@stonepointdrivingschool2044]

Thank you, but this is THE 6TH VIDEO - WHAT DOES THE ALARM SOUND LIKE?????????????????????

[@eksine]

Kevin has the app on his phone so he can come by and rob the place later

[@Bsyphas]

I’m worried it’s going to hacked.

[@itech301]

Couldn’t you beat this system by jamming the frequency it operates on?

[@GIJew]

If they operate on WiFi, you'd need to jam 2.4 GHz. But judging by the looks of it, they probably operate on toy RC car frequencies, like 13 MHz.

[@Kirby7601]

At least use nest security system with nest detect, nest protect, nest cam, and the nest doorbell

[@lorines9023]

I bought and installed this system, yes easy BUT be aware. This system can have interference with signal, goes off randomly. Mine of course would go off in middle of night. Company offers no help. I uninstalled, waist of money!!

[@theintruder77]

Battery dependent devices are useless if they start going dead the day you leave for a month's vacation in Europe. Sticky tape will deteriorate in about 2 years and the devices could fall off the wall causing an alarm. We only install wireless devices when no other way can be found to hardwire a device. This is a cheap cheap system. No exterior siren so the interior one will not be heard outside to attract attention. Some burglars now have cell jammers and will render this systems transmissions useless. I am surprised that a quality show like this promoted this video.

[@orestesdd]

First of all, he didn't even mention the brand name of the alarm system. Second, he didn't say anything about cost or if you need to pay a monthly fee to have some sort of service. And finally, he didn't mention where I can buy such a system. Good video though.

[@michaellim4165]

He did it on purpose. The video is to show people what systems are available . It isnt an endorsement for a particular product. That would defeat the purpose of the video and raise bias.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Meh, just get a ring doorbell. Most thieves go to the door first to check anyone home. They see the ring when coming up the door and they usually go into pretend mode they have the wrong house. Also helps just having a bunch of power timers to cycle lights in the home at night to create the illusion of many people inside.

[@neilbrookins8428]

There is a flaw in this system’s design. The signal sent from the keypad to the base unit for a disarm command is the same each time. This allows a thief to record the signal when the unit is disarmed by the homeowner. This recording can be played back later at any time to disarm the system when the thief wants to break in. The current model alarm sold by this same company fixes this flaw. But all the home owners of this model shown in the video are still at risk. This type of flaw is so common in the security industry that it has a name - replay attack. This is a separate issue from encryption. The signal from the keypad is encrypted. Meaning the pin code entered is not transmitted as-is. But that encryption doesn’t help any when the base unit allows the same unlock code to be used multiple times. Even my garage door opener uses rolling codes to protect against this type of attack.

[@mattnash9747]

soooooooooo this system costs $310 on amazon, thanks but no thanks. sheesh then you have to pay $14.99 a month.

[@billwilmington8284]

mn nn You have to pay to install the ADT system and spend $60 a month....

[@mikejohnson6737]

Or of course if you know what you are doing, you can just install the same systems ADT uses yourself and never pay anything after you purchase the equipment.

[@mattnash9747]

Yeah I wanted to get their LTE system I found a kit for $50 but I don't know anyone with access to their network to activate the cellular SIM card. Could just go old school too.

[@ZeldagigafanMatthew]

I'd rather have full home ethernet and PoE cameras as a security system.

[@2009rummell]

You don't have to pay for the monitoring. Just let the alarm go off when someone comes in

[@hendrik2128]

Lol...no alarm test

[@NyxKemo]

“SimplyScrap” security system

[@christopherobrien4493]

Why is that? Genuine question. Thanks!

[@NyxKemo]

Simply safe security systems are very EASY to hack and bypass

[@homes24]

false sense of security

[@ZephyrOnYT]

You do know that you need a fire license alarm license And a burglary license

[@DistinctiveTents]

Depends on what state/city you are in.

[@pilotguy1141]

smart move now all the burglars know where all the protected entries are in your house

[@jason22talley]

yowza yowza yeah but do they know where she lives noo they don't

[@gangisspawn1]

This is perfect to protect her house when she is alone in bed, going to to eat by herself, or even going to a friend's wedding!

[@onesamquanch]

5:13 wireless huh?

[@Smallwitz]

stop doing drugs

[@SpideyRowdy]

real scrub yes wireless

[@xjjam9607]

Wireless meaning, no ethernet cable

[@DistinctiveTents]

Sorry humanity hasn't perfected wireless AC power transmission. Eitherway, simplysafe is crap anyway

[@eddiehaines7377]

Update* I already hacked this system.

[@xz4all]

This isnt a professional install, a really professional install is hard wired. And this alarm system is easy to hack.

[@GPK_ICE]

And there is kevin kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnPVgniZg7KVh9k

[@DaddyFromTn]

Please only comment if you have credible information regarding security systems. This lady now has a false sense of security. All my fellow techs please "chime" in and let's educate the public. Thank you

[@Bsyphas]

Can someone hacked into this??

[@ameedeo]

it's a toy..🤣🤣

[@snoopdoggydog7687]

if you lived in a house like that youd be able to pay to have in done professionally.wireless =fail

[@jenniferadrah4820]

I'm just a 6 year old I don't have everything make another video for kids.

[@venividivici4253]

Lol.