Security and Automation

Mount too high and you record hat brims; too low and the camera gets turned. How height, distance and angle decide face identification, with…

Where to mount acoustic and shock glass break sensors: measuring range to the far corner of each pane, ceiling and wall positions, rooms that…

Size recorder drives with simple arithmetic: bitrate, recording time, cameras and retention days. A worked example, a bitrate table, and the settings that change…

Battery or hardwired? Compare shade motor power options, see what to prewire at rough-in, weigh battery upkeep and service access, and choose the right…

Most smart switches need a neutral at the box. Learn why, what NEC 404.2(C) requires, how to check a switch box safely, and the…

Wired PoE, plug-in Wi-Fi or battery? Compare security cameras by power, recording and reliability, with a Wi-Fi survey checklist, FTC security steps and a…

Maglock or electric strike? Compare how each locks, what happens when power fails, the egress release a maglock door needs and the wiring details…

Turret or dome? Compare the two most common fixed camera housings on night infrared, vandal resistance and aiming, see where bullets fit, and pick…

How an IR repeater carries a remote’s signal to hidden AV equipment, what is in a kit, how to install the receiver and emitters,…

Run wire or hang transmitters? Compare hardwired and 345 MHz wireless alarm sensors on install labor, supervision, jamming and battery service, and see when…

Z-Wave or Zigbee? A dealer’s comparison of radio bands, mesh size, Z-Wave Long Range, S2 security and Matter, and why the security panel you…

DVR or NVR? How each recorder handles video, cable and camera power, where a hybrid unit fits a phased upgrade, and a five step…