Driveway Alarm Systems

Driveway alarm systems are nothing fancier than the simple circuit-based systems used for doors and windows. This time, the circuit is left intact as long as the send and receive signals between the transmitter and sensor remain uninterrupted. Once something, such as a car, comes between the two points, the relay sends a signal to the alarm to sound.

By installing this very setup at the base of your driveway, you can ensure that you're alerted each time a car passes through. The relay then trips an alarm inside your house that alerts you to the presence of visitors. Best of all, you can choose a low-amplitude signal that's soft on the ears as opposed to the shrill scream of a standard home alarm system. That way, you can actually look forward to having guests drop by.

Additional Features

Since driveway alarm systems are kept outside, it's important to choose one that's not only waterproof, but weatherproof. Excess sun, strong winds, snow, and sleet can be just as damaging as rain (if not more so). Exposure to the elements can compromise your alarm system's functionality if you're not careful when shopping, so you'll probably want to spend the extra money to buy one that'll stand up to tough conditions.

You may also want to buy a model that only signals cars and trucks, not any little thing that breaches its barrier. There are driveway alarms that incorporate sensors underneath your asphalt and only send out alerts when the weight of a vehicle passes over. The alternative is springing to attention each time a squirrel, rabbit, chipmunk, or dog races over your entrance, which can be downright annoying once the novelty wears off.