http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/dona%80%99t-buy-your-home-elevator-without-reading-this.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/dona%80%99t-buy-your-home-elevator-without-reading-this.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:37:03 -0600
There are four types of hydraulic elevators to choose from. Each elevator has a different drive system. Residential elevators can be hydraulic, winding drum, pneumatic or counter-weighted chain drive.

To determine the right type of elevator to use in your home, you have to consider your budget, space limitations, and State code. Keep in mind that all elevator drive systems need maintenance once a year to make it functional and safe.

The hydraulic elevator is the safest of all home elevators. It is also the most reliable during emergency situations such as fire and earthquakes. The hydraulic machine room is located in the basement and has a manual lowering system. The machine room must be placed on the cement foundation of the house.

There are some salespersons that would discourage you from buying a hydraulic elevator, because of the hydraulic fluid smell. However, this fluid may not smell all that bad, but you need to checkout.

This type of residential elevator is a little difficult to install. It takes time to install it, but, if installed properly, the hydraulic elevator is one of the best rides you can have. If you decide on this elevator, choose the hard-piped hydraulics because they do not need periodic replacement.

The Overhead Winding drum home elevators do not require a machine room. Since they do not require oil, they are ideal to use, if you want to go "green" and be environment-friendly. This type of elevator is installed on of the roof and the elevator car does not require counterweights to move.

The Pneumatic or Vacuum elevators are quite noisy. They also come with their own hoist and do not require a machine drive. To move the elevator car between floors, it uses a pneumatic vacuum that creates suction.

Its load capacity is limited. It can carry only of two persons. Actually, this type of elevator is not ideal for handicap use. But, its installation cost is far less than the hydraulic elevator, since it does not require a machine room. Before you buy this type of home elevator, check with your State to see if this type of elevator is allowed in homes.

The Counter-weighted elevator, also known as electric, is operated by counter-weights that make the elevator car suspended in a shaft. This type of residential elevator does not use oil. Its suspension system makes this elevator less safe and especially during earthquakes. If your area is prone to earthquakes, this elevator is not recommended.

Elevator Company's work to make sure the installed elevator is safe. They see to it that home elevators have security systems such as emergency stop buttons, battery backup facility, door interlocks, telephone system, cable safety devices, and digital floor indicators.

After installation the elevator may breakdown. There are many unforeseen reasons for this. The device could have factory defects not found by quality inspectors. People in the home could have used it improperly. Do careful inspection of the home elevator you intend to buy and, for sure, before it is installed.


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Come to http://www.silvercross.com to find the elevator for your home. We can also help you find a used home elevator. We can also find an institute that will help with financing. Checkout the articles and information we have on home elevators. Come to our site at Platform lifts and get started on getting your new elevator.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/creating-energy-with-a-home-wind-generator-and-home-solar-panels.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/creating-energy-with-a-home-wind-generator-and-home-solar-panels.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:23:18 -0500
It is not overly tough to switch your house to a wind powered or solar power. These systems can be DIY (do it yourself) projects. You can hire a contractor to do it for you, but it does tend to be costly. Your house can still run the same gadgets it ordinarily would with electric power. Using natural resources to power your house can save you a lot

of money, and also assist to protect the environment. The systems are usually set up so that if the wind power or solar power is not supplying enough electricity to power your devices, then electricity will be applied to supplement it to provide adequate power, but your usage of power from the utility company will be drastically reduced.

Consider what you might pay for a typical electric bill over the course of a full year. A typical household could potentially save hundreds and even thousands of dollars annually. That is an amazing amount of money that you could be putting towards the mortgage or possibly taking a dream vacation. Most of these systems can be installed for under $200. That is an average electric bill for 1 month!

If you are able to conserve some of the energy you generate, it can be sold back to the utility company. In fact, some individuals who have established systems like solar and wind power in reality have experienced NEGATIVE electric bills in some months! This is just another way the wind powered or solar powered systems can provide a great return on investment. The initial startup costs of either one of these systems is not that costly. With a little knowledge and detailed directions, a person could very easily build their own wind powered or solar powered electrical system.

Solar powered systems require very little space, and can be attached directly onto the roof of your house. Solar panels can likewise be located nearby in order to get the maximum amount of solar energy. Wind powered systems do need a bit more planning and space, but are equally as functional. A wind powered system works best on a hill or in an unobstructed location, where the most wind can be caught. It is feasible to have both systems set up to ensure you have plenty of electricity.

The summary is that if you have not considered solar and wind power for your house, you are spending more than you need to be for power, and the return on your investment in systems such as these is very amazing.

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You can easily get started to make your own home solar panels or wind power generators with detailed plans and instructions today. For more insights and additional information about building a Home Wind Generator or home solar panels, please visit our web site at http://solarandwindpowertips.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/dont-let-the-dark-winter-nights-rob-you-of-your-possessions.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/dont-let-the-dark-winter-nights-rob-you-of-your-possessions.html Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:26:32 -0500 home insurance cover in place.

This is because as the winter months roll in, burglars are more likely to target your home and personal belongings, with research by Halifax suggesting burglaries increase by as much as 20 per cent during this period.

Andrew Cheney, senior risk and valuation advisor at Insurance company, Hiscox also says that as the hours of daylight reduce, "it is likely there will be an increase in chance burglaries and petty theft."

This is backed up by the experiences of insurance customers, who claim on their home insurance policies more in the winter months than in any other month of the year.

Latest data shows that of those customers who applied for a home insurance quote through the website between September 2007 and August 2009, and had previously been burgled, thefts occurred with more frequency during October, December and January, with the worst month for burglary being November.

Meanwhile, the recent 2008/2009 British Crime Survey noted a one per cent rise in domestic burglaries in the past year, with one of the major factors determining whether you fall victim to burglary being the lack of home security measures.
Protect your home from burglars

According to Darren Black, head of home insurance at Confused.com, home security should be high on everyone's agenda.

He explained: "Although having a solid home insurance policy is the best way to combat the effects of burglary, prevention is always better than cure.

"Home security has become increasingly important over the past year as recession fuelled burglaries appear to be on the rise.

"Investing in something as simple as security lights or even taking the time to set the alarm before you leave the house can mean the difference between having peace of mind and becoming another crime statistic."
How can you protect your home?

1: Invest in a full alarm system: Don't be tempted to buy a dummy alarm just because they're cheaper, as a determined burglar will easily be able tell the difference. If you have to buy a dummy unit, get it from a recognised alarm company and make sure the company logo is clearly displayed.

2: Clean the visible parts of your alarm system: A dusty or rusted alarm box tells a burglar that your alarm system is not maintained by a professional and may signal to burglars that it is not maintained.

3: Plant painful shrubbery: Barbed wire isn't exactly legal on domestic properties but planting hawthorn, holly or ornamental brambles at key points in your garden like back walls and under windows is a cheap, natural (and legal) deterrent to burglars.

4: Don't always think that having a dog in the house is a deterrent: Burglars know that if you have a dog in your property you are less likely to set your house alarm at night for fear the animal will set off the motion sensors. So be vigilant about always switching your alarm system on.

5: Lock doors and windows even if you're in the garden or have popped next door: Remember to lock windows and doors when you're out and remove all keys. Many burglaries occur when a property is empty but opportunist thieves may enter your property if they think you are distracted.

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For more on home security please visit http://www.confused.com/home-insurance

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/do-you-know-what-type-of-stairway-chair-lift-is-best-for-you.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/do-you-know-what-type-of-stairway-chair-lift-is-best-for-you.html Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:44:48 -0500
In these establishments, wheelchair lifts, stairway lifts and stair elevators have designated sections to exact safety of handicapped and elderly people who may also be visitors or tenants. Even in department stores and grocery stores, it is already a custom to see wheelchair ramps and stair glide that without Stair lifts, business establishments appear to be less friendly to the aged and handicapped. In fact, by putting stair chair, businesspersons project an image that they are concerned with the welfare of these people. Even when the place is residential in nature, residential lift or home elevators can be customized so that people who need them can also enjoy their lives without the fear of incurring injury, causing heart attacks in climbing flights of stairs. Stair climbers and even vertical lifts allow independence and freedom of mobility.

Today, people have more options to choose the type of Stair Lifts to suit their needs. Further, companies that manufacture stair chair offer services to personalize certain chair lifts which are tailored for the uniqueness of the needs. Acorn stair lifts and Bruno stair lifts are two of the popular lift manufacturers. The most common and famous feature of stair chair is the chair that pivots for easier access. This type of lift is called perch lift. Generally, the chair lift is equipped with seatbelt to secure the person while sitting on it. It is also designed to move slowly.

The drive chain system is hidden in a metal case, which is a catch-resistant guard while its motor is also contained. Stair lifts are flexible when it comes to its installation. They can be motor-driven or battery-run. In the case of motor-driven, there is the risk of being stranded in the event that the power supply failed. Contrary to the battery-run, it ensures convenience to people despite the fact that the battery needs to be replaced every 12 or 18 months. Many people prefer the battery-driven stair chair.

A lift can be installed in practically all types of stair. There is a platform lift, hydraulic wheelchair lifts, wheelchair ramps, vertical platform lifts, scooter lift, handicap lifts, stairway chair lifts and stair elevators. In choosing the right Stair Lifts, it is important to consider the weight support capacity of the stair chair for the individual needing it. Moreover, the sitting comfort of the chair is noteworthy. Many chair lifts are available in varied widths. Another factor to consider in selecting lifts is its installation feature. Determine the type of stairway lifts needed at home. There are stairway chair lifts that can be installed by the homeowners themselves.

Normally, Stair lifts that are easy-to-install are cost-efficient. It only needs its instructions properly followed during installation and its mechanism fully understood. This way, maintenance is easy to handle. The power of stair chair cannot be undermined. The joy it brings to people needing it is immeasurable.


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Do you wish to help your disabled loved ones climb your stairs safely? Do you want more stair lifts information that can give you idea on how to buy them? Eliminate your doubts about stair lifts by reading articles about them on our site. Go to Stair chair to get more informed on stair lifts Discover at http://www.silvercross.com also how you can get help to finance your stair lift.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/a-guide-to-burglar-alarms.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/a-guide-to-burglar-alarms.html Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:29:06 -0500
Burglaries in the UK fell from around 1.7 million in 1996 to under 750,000 in 2008* - but that was before the recession. Worryingly, between July and September 2008, there was an increase in UK burglaries of 4%. But with our guide to burglar alarms, your house will be one-step closer to being burglar-proof.

Why have a burglar alarm?

The number one reason is obvious - it could save you the horror of having your house broken into.

You could also save on home insurance premiums. Many insurers offer discounts between 2% and 15% for homes with alarms fitted.

What to look for in a burglar alarm

Which alarm you go for depends on the level of security you're after and how much you want to pay.

Most alarms consist of metallic window and door plates and PIR (passive infra-red) sensors. The plates work using a simple circuit. If the circuit is broken - when the plates on a window or door are no longer touching, for example - the alarm sounds. PIR sensors detect movement in a room when the alarm is armed. If something moves, the alarm goes off.

Types of burglar alarms

Dummy alarms: You could go for a dummy box, which is the cheapest option. However, seasoned burglars can tell a fake alarm from a real one. Also, this option won't help your home insurance premium.

Bells-only: A bells-only or audible-only alarm is relatively straightforward. If an intruder breaks into your house, the alarm will sound. It's not linked to a central response centre or the police, so there's potential for the burglar to tamper with the system if they're experienced. You can get an anti-tamper system, but the 1981 Control of Noise Order states all audible alarms must have a 20-minute cut-off function.

Be aware the police will only respond to a burglar alarm if you, or a neighbour, report a crime taking place.

Monitored: A monitored alarm is connected to a receiving centre, which monitors signals received from your alarm 24 hours a day - for a fee. On a typical standard service, someone at the centre will call your home for a password and to check everything is OK should the alarm go off. If the password ID isn't given, or the phone is not picked up, one of your nominated key-holders and/or the police are notified.

Installing a burglar alarm

For as little as £30 you could buy a bells-only alarm and install it yourself. However, for full protection or complicated security systems, call in the professionals.

When looking for an installer, make sure they're recommended and approved by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) or the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). Look out for the National Approval Council for Security Systems ‘NACOSS Gold Award' in installation company adverts. This is the highest award in the security industry handed out by the NSI.

Burglar alarms should be just one part of your home security measures. For more steps see our Tips on How to Make Your House Secure.

*British Crime Survey 2008

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For more information on burglar alarms please visit http://www.confused.com/home-insurance

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/dvr-cards-makes-any-computer-into-a-security-monitor.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/dvr-cards-makes-any-computer-into-a-security-monitor.html Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:18:38 -0500
The limiting factors of today's DVR cards are the number of security cameras for which the video can be captured from. The one with the most capacity can handle 16 different cameras. The speed at which the videos can be recorded varies among the different DVR cards. There are those that record at 20 FPS. For better quality there are DVR cards that can record at a speed of 480 fps. With the increased speed comes better quality of video, but also a need for increased storage space.

If a DVR card records the video from 16 cameras at a speed of 20 fps, it will take up 6 GB of space in 24 hours. If the speed is at 60 fps, it will take up 19 GB of space in 24 hours and if at a speed of 480 fps the space used on a hard drive will be 94 GB. Knowing this will help the owner in their decision on how fast the video speed can be at with the allowable space that is available on the hard drive.

The best thing about DVR is that the recordings can be downloaded onto flash drives to free up space on the computer's hard drive. This also makes it convenient to review from any possible location other than the security center.

There is a wide choice of options when choosing which of the DVR cards to use for your application.




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Violent crime is on the rise, and decisions that one makes that protect your loved ones are among the most crucial you will ever make. Evil things can happen when the sun goes down an no one is watching. Don't just sit there and wait to become a statistic. Learn about advances in technology like simple http://www.outdoorcamerasecurity.com where you will learn everything you need to know to keep your precious family safe.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/hidden-security-camera-i-can-see-you.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/hidden-security-camera-i-can-see-you.html Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:09:06 -0500
America has not approached the level of security that has been reached in England, but we are not far behind. In the UK it is said that there is a hidden security camera for every 14 people.

In America the hidden security camera was first used in 1968 to help reduce crime on a street in New York City. Since then they have spread to all corners of the public and private areas. Every merchant has them in their stores to cut down on shoplifting and help deter robberies. Unfortunately the robbers of most convenience stores now know this and now wear masks.

A hidden security camera is easy to spot if you know what you are looking for. In most stores they are the little round dooms that are placed in the ceilings. The view from the camera is 92 degrees. With proper placement most of the store can be covered. Only security personnel know the specific blind spots.

In a residential home, they are harder to spot. On the market today a hidden security camera can be placed in almost anything. Unlike past years most items that had a camera did not function for their apparent purpose. Smoke alarms that did not detect smoke and speakers for which no sound came out. Today's hidden security camera is so small that these items now work.

Because of the compact nature of current circuit technology, there is no end to what a hidden security camera can be put into.

The hidden security camera is here to stay but is it worth the price we pay in privacy?


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Violent crime is on the increase, and decisions that you make that protect your family are among the most critical you will ever make. Evil things can happen when the sun goes down an no one is watching. Don't just sit there and wait to become a number on the evening news. Learn about advances in technology like easy to use http://www.outdoorcamerasecurity.com where you will learn everything you need to know to keep your precious family safe.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/wireless-home-security-systems-centralized-monitoring-makes-this-possible.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/wireless-home-security-systems-centralized-monitoring-makes-this-possible.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:47:32 -0500
Most wireless cameras have a limited line of sight broadcasting signal that is generally about 700 feet. A large home would need a centrally located monitoring room. This can be put into the design of the home easily during the planning stages. This will help ensure of the best reception from all areas of the property.

The configuration of the many wireless home security systems and placement of the cameras will determine the percent of area that is covered. The more cameras placed on the property, the more area that will be under surveillance.

The variety of wireless cameras that can be used will be determined by their placement. For exterior coverage, day/night moisture resistant wireless cameras are recommended. Their placement is also crucial. Areas that contain high voltage lines should be avoided due to the possibility of interference with the signal. For the interior of the home, the determination needs to be made is the wireless cameras are to be seen or concealed. If concealment is chosen then matching the cameras to the surroundings is needed. For a guest room there are cameras available inside of alarm clocks. For the hall ways, smoke detectors with cameras are a good choice. The den and teenagers rooms can have concealed wireless cameras inside working computer speakers. There are even soft cuddly teddy bears with cameras for a toddler's room to give new parents a sense of security.

Choosing from all the wireless home security systems available is the job of the home owner. There is a system for every budget and need available today on the market.


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Crime is on the increase, and decisions that you make that protect ones family are among the most critical you will ever make. Sinister things can happen when the sun goes down an no one is watching. Don't just sit there and wait to become a number on the evening news. Learn about advances in technology like affordable infrared security cameras

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/wireless-home-alarm-system-loud-enough-to-scare-an-intruder.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/wireless-home-alarm-system-loud-enough-to-scare-an-intruder.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:46:57 -0500
Most homeowners know about a wireless home alarm system that uses cameras to keep a watchful eye out for intruders and vandals, but there are specialty alarms that can protect your loved ones as well.

For households that have a swimming pool and small children, the wireless swimming pool alarm is growing in popularity. There are a variety of types to choose from that sound an alarm when water and children come in contact with each other. The lowest price is considered the best by some parents. This alarm is only $200 and fits like a wrist watch on your child. No matter what form the water is in, a pool, spa, lake or rain, when the band comes in contact with water, an alarm is immediately sounded.

For those home owners that need more protection the wireless home alarm system that sets a laser beam around the body of water, like a pool can also be purchased. This will sound an alarm each time the laser beam is crossed. This is the same type of system that can be used on a driveway, doorway and window seal.

Another type of wireless home alarm system is the motion detector. This type sets off an alarm each time motion is detected. These are mostly deployed on the interior of homes and only set at night. One warning with motion detectors is that any movement will set them off. Not only movement from an intruder but also a pet.

To pick the right wireless home alarm system for your home is an important decision. Best of all, your system can be modified to fit your unique needs as time goes on.


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Crime is on the rise, and decisions that you make that protect your family are among the most critical you will ever make. Bad things can happen when the sun goes down an no one is watching. Don't just sit there and wait to become a statistic. Learn about advances in technology like simple http://www.outdoorcamerasecurity.com where you will learn everything you need to know to keep your precious family safe.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/home-video-surveillance-not-just-tapes-anymore.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/home-video-surveillance-not-just-tapes-anymore.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:46:27 -0500
With the older style home video surveillance that utilizes VHS tapes, the tapes were recording at a slower speed and had to be changed each day. The quality of the recording would diminish over time due to the age of the tapes. This is because it is not economically practical to use a new tape each day. There are some home video surveillance systems that use a library of 30 tapes to record a month's worth of surveillance, but the common practice is to use 2 tapes and rotate them. This limits the allotted time to go back and review the events that have been recorded.

With the advances in digital technology, this limitation has been mostly removed. Today's home video surveillance can be recorded digitally. The only limitation will be the available space on the hard drive. The more the space, the longer the recordings can be kept. But that is not the only reason to utilize the digital video recording application. Unlike the old VHS tapes that had to be recording at a slower speed to capture 24 hours on one tape, a digital recording can be done at any speed that is allowed by the space on the hard drive.

The time allotment for viewing the recordings is now unlimited. A digital recording can not only be kept on the hard drive for viewing at the convenience of the security personal, but transferred to a flash drive for detailed and in-depth review by authorities.

There are many different types of systems, but the right home video surveillance system for your property will be decided by the home owner and their budget.


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Violent crime is on the increase, and decisions that one makes that protect ones loved ones are among the most crucial you will ever make. Bad things can happen when the sun goes down an no one is watching. Don't just sit there and wait to become a number on the evening news. Learn about advances in technology like affordable http://www.outdoorcamerasecurity.com where you will learn everything you need to know to keep your precious family safe.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>