Smart security for all generations
Neil Baldwin, sales director at ESP, looks at how the rise in multi-family living is providing opportunities for switched on contractors when considering home security solutions for this new generation of householders?
Multi-generational households are on the rise, fuelled by the increasing cost of residential care for the elderly – currently between £29,000 and £39,000 per year - and the inability of many young people to get onto the property ladder – house prices have increased by more than 55% in the last decade. As a result many of today’s households are accommodating up to three generations of one family, with parents, children and grandparents all living under the same roof.
When it comes to security, this new demographic of dwellers provides contractors with increased opportunities to upgrade and/or make additions to existing security solutions to cover the broader range of requirements of a multi-family household, in particular the aspect of assisted living that comes with elderly or vulnerable residents.
Smart technology is making it easier than ever for installers to come up with solutions to satisfy these changing needs, with a range of products that are both easy to install and straightforward to operate. There are now smart products available to provide all levels of security, from basic security floodlights, to CCTV systems and, more recently, even door bells.
Essential protection
For those customers with no external security measures in place to protect their properties, the installation of a simple camera and security floodlight system could be the answer to providing basic security cover. There are a range of products available, and a complete, all-in-one, energy-efficient LED PIR floodlight system is suitable not just for securing domestic properties, but also for areas around offices and industrial or agricultural units.
A Wi-Fi version, such as the GuardCam Deco, offers even more features, while still remaining a cost-effective solution. These combined Wi-Fi security camera and LED floodlight systems have been designed with ease of set up as a key feature, and they offer the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using the APP specially developed for the system. With all members of the household from young to old, able to access the APP, this provides added security and in the event of an alert to their devices, the family member nearest to the property at the time can take prompt action. Because they have a built in camera that offers full 1080p HD live viewing and recording, they will provide superior quality images – an area of concern highlighted by the police who are constantly faced poor quality CCTV images.
Even where an existing security light might be in place, chances are that it is old, corroded and out of order. Yet, a fully functioning, replacement solution can be installed in no more than 15 minutes and without the need for additional cabling. This makes it an easy solution for installers to sell to customers.
Camera-ready
Estimated to be worth in the region of £2.4 billion and still growing, the UK security market is big business. With CCTV accounting for the biggest slice of the sector - a 50% share - this represents a significant opportunity for installers, who will already possess the necessary skills to operate in this complementary and growing sector.
With the focus on smart solutions, wireless CCTV systems are becoming an increasingly popular choice and are a quick and easy solution to updating a customer’s security provision. There are a range of wire-free CCTV kits available, offering speed and ease of installation and operation, with remote monitoring possible via a smartphone or tablet, using the relevant App.
We are continually being asked by customers about Wi-Fi CCTV solutions and have been developing our product offer to meet this growing demand. Customers can opt from a variety of levels of sophistication and price ranges to suit their clients’ needs.
At one end there is the HDview 1080p range of CCTV kits, which have been specifically designed for the domestic market and have ease of installation and superior quality HD image capture among their key attributes.
These four camera Wi-Fi kits are supplied with dome or bullet cameras, and are expandable up to 8 cameras to maximise security cover. They require a power supply at the NVR as well as at the camera, and offer Wi-Fi open field range of 150m, with no cabling required between the NVR and the camera. The 1080p resolution offers superior image clarity, providing users with better quality live images and recorded footage, which is essential for any CCTV system installation. Remote monitoring is possible via smartphone, using the APP, as well as via the Cloud, using a reliable LAN connection.
For a more sophisticated solution there is now a range of 4 Megapixel CCTV systems available. These offer an upgrade from 1080p (2 Megapixel) to 4MP to give users a higher density of pixels to produce a super high definition image clarity. The HDview 4MP range was developed to bring to market a complete collection of superior quality, high end CCTV products that offer greatly improved image specification, while also benefitting from a contemporary look that is being demanded by more and more end users. This range includes a collection of DVRs, cameras, an Ultra High Definition monitor, as well as a 4-, 8- and 16-channel NVRs which means there is system that will cover most installation requirements. Support for 4MP live view and recording comes as standard with this range and because existing 720p and 1080p are also compatible, it allows the user to upgrade the system gradually if and when required.
All the features and benefits of the 4 MP ranges are now also available in the latest wireless products. The HDView 4MP Wi-Fi CCTV kits have ease of set up as a key feature, including the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using the specially developed APP. These kits include everything required to set up a CCTV system including 4 channel Network Video Recorder, premium quality Western Digital hard drive, 4MP HD day/night cameras, system power supplies, mouse and HDMI cable. There are a number of kit options available, including 2 or 4 camera kits, and hard drive options of 1TB; 2TB or 4TB.
Peace of mind
Smart technology has also reached the humble door bell and we are seeing a growing demand from home owning smartphone users for video doorbells which allow them to keep a remote eye on visitors to their properties. These are ideal products for households where an elderly or immobile relative may be indoors for prolonged periods of time and unable to answer the door.
A product like the Aperta Wi-Fi Door Station with Record Facility is an ideal solution as it is quick and easy to install and once set up, with the APP downloaded, it allows users to view and talk to visitors at their home whether they are on the premises or on the other side of the world. From a smartphone or tablet and using the free app, property owners will get alerts to visitors and can easily see who is at the door or gate, engage in two-way communication and allow remote access if desired. This means that other family members or neighbours can be given access to the APP and will be able to act on behalf of an elderly parent or grandparent to let them know who is at the door before answering, or they can themselves engage with the visitor from wherever they are, to save any unnecessary disturbance.
These products come in a kit form containing everything required for the installer to quickly and simply get the system up and running, including the Wi-Fi door station, 10DB Wi-Fi antenna, micro SD card (pre-installed) and LAN terminal. They require Wi-Fi or 4G and it is recommended that the door station is programmed prior to installation. A battery-powered version is also available - making it quicker and easier than ever to install a security solution, without the need for cabling.
There are a number of products on the market but the Aperta Wi-Fi door station goes a step further than most by offering the ability to also unlock doors with the further installation of a 15V minimum hardwired power supply and suitable locks.
We are seeing a growing demand for these Wi-Fi Door Stations as they offer security solutions across a wide range of applications, by providing easy access to visitors, carers, gardeners, cleaners and maintenance workers.
Article can be found in October's issue - Page 40: https://electricalcontractingnews.com/issues/