The Home Electronics curriculum is designed to fulfill the growing requirement of trained professionals in the area of Home Technology Automation. In fact, home technology integrators anticipate seeing nearly 15 percent growth in their business in 2007, according to a January survey by CE Pro magazine. That follows a year (2006) in which integrators said they experienced revenue growth of 35 percent. But home technology integration firms face a challenge in finding individuals with the right skills.

The Security, Surveillance, and Access Control Systems course discusses the working principles, design, and installation of home security and access control systems. It describes wired and wireless security systems and explains gadgets, such as sensors, security panels, zone commanders, and CCTVs that are a part of security systems. It also discusses various access-restriction systems such as card readers and biometric access control systems. The course delves into different types of alarms and detectors.

Students learn how to plan, design, install, and configure home security and access control systems, based on client requirements and other technical considerations. They also learn how to identify and troubleshoot common problems.

PREREQUISITES: Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify and discuss various security system devices and components used at residential locations.
2. Discuss basic home security and fire alarm systems.
3. Discuss industry standards and regulations that govern security system installation and implementation.
4. Identify the devices that are used to create a core security and surveillance system for a residential location.
5. Discuss the in-house services available with the home security and surveillance system.
6. Identify the external services available with a home security and surveillance system.
7. Plan and design a residential security system.
8. Identify connectivity devices and methods used to install and implement security systems.
9. Install security system components in accordance with the design plan and recommended guidelines.
10. Configure settings for predetermined and/or automated control.
11. Test the system for optimal functionality.
12. Diagnose and troubleshoot common problems.

• Discuss interior and perimeter protection.
• Identify different types of security systems.
• Discuss methods for providing access control security to a house.
• Discuss basic home security and fire alarm systems.
• Discuss the in-house services available with home security and surveillance systems.
• Identify and discuss the external services available with a home security and surveillance system.

Section II: Devices and Components

• Identify the components and devices used to create a core security and surveillance system for a house.
• Discuss various types of sensors, detectors, and alarms.
• Identify components of an access control system.
• Identify entry detection systems.
• Discuss the working of the components and devices of an access control system.

• Identify customer requirements and evaluate them vis-à-vis the existing infrastructure.
• Discuss the implementation of security systems in new and retrofit constructions.
• Identify factors affecting the design of a security system.

• Design the layout of a security system.

• Develop connectivity documentation and schematics.

• Install and configure a security system.
  • Establish connectivity between the security system components.
  • Set up the control panel.
  • Connect the security system with the telephone system.
  • Configure access and control settings of the security system.
• Install and connect access control devices to the access control panel.
• Configure the settings of devices in an access control system.

• Test the security system for optimal performance.
• Discuss measures for preventive maintenance of security systems.
• Discuss causes of false alarms and measures to prevent them.
• Describe security testing regulations and procedures.
• Detect a problem correctly and perform troubleshooting.