You’ve probably heard of smart home security systems – they’re rising in popularity across the country, having seen wide usage for the best part of two decades. Once only a feature of high-end homes and corporate buildings, technology has advanced to the point that these incredibly useful systems are now appearing on the market at more affordable prices than ever before.

However, for many, this is a whole new industry, with products and components that are unfamiliar at best, and altogether confusing at worst. The sheer number of products – not to mention all the features they offer – can often get in the way of those wishing to dip their toes in the water and install this kind of security system in their property.

This guide aims to help clear the air when it comes to these complex products. We’ll be looking at the basics of smart home security systems, as well as the various components that can be purchased to make up a fully-functioning network. We’ll also cover a range of frequently asked questions, including how best to install and maintain these systems once you know which one is right for you.

As the name would suggest, a smart security system is a network of devices designed to protect your home in a variety of ways, usually all connected up to one or two main devices, or ‘hubs’, that ensure all the other components remain connected and functional. It is best thought of like a web or tree, with the hubs serving as the main operating systems, and the various optional products and add-ons branching out and carrying out their own specialised jobs.

Where potential buyers of these systems tend to get confused is the different brands, makes, and models of smart security systems, as they can differ between components and services. For example, one may offer a system comprising of a hub with multiple alarms and detectors, while another may contain just a couple of alarms.

However, there are a few things most smart systems have in common:

• The vast majority connect to a hub product (usually wirelessly, though not always)
• Most require an internet connection to function (though some also utilise Bluetooth)
• Will have a cap on the number of components that make up a system (usually reliant on the capacity of the hub produce

Beyond this, there are a great many variations between smart security systems, which is why the next step is particularly important – figuring out what you need from your smart security system.

The bigger a smart home security system is, the more it will cost. Naturally, this means you’ll need to think about where in the home you actually need security components, especially if you’re working to a budget. For most of us looking for a ‘starter’ set of home security components, front door sensors or alarms are a must, with most smaller systems offering these additions as a standard.

If you have street-facing windows, you may want to find a system that has window sensors either supplied with the hub or sold separately but compatible with the hub you want to purchase (you’ll need to look at items from the same manufacturer as the hub in order to guarantee they’ll be compatible).

Other essentials may or may not include doorbell cameras, keypads for your front door, a phone connected to a speaker on your front door, and other products that mostly revolve around key entry points into your home – notably doors and larger windows.

How Big is the Home?

This is related to the above question, particularly in that you’ll need to consider a larger, potentially more expensive security system if you have a larger house. Bigger properties usually utilise additional doors, windows, gardens, and can often use front gates as well – all popular places many customers want to kit out in order to better defend against intruders.

Those with larger homes may not only need to look at larger kits but also hubs that can handle a greater number of components (i.e. one that doesn’t have a smaller item cap that prevents you from adding a lot of products to your security system, as is often the case with cheaper hubs). Alternatively, purchasing multiple hubs (from the same manufacturer) will allow you to expand your security system, though may lead your network to become a little confusing and overcrowded, especially when you’re looking at it in-app (more on that later).

What Security Do You Need?

Some security systems go far beyond front door protection and window sensors – smoke alarms, CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, and even baby monitors are just some of the products that more advanced networks are capable of supporting with ease. It all comes down to how extensive you want your security to be.

Most manufacturers will offer a range of products in addition to the main hubs, and it’s these additional items that you’ll want to invest some research time into before you decide on a particular brand. You may, for example, be after a camera system to add to your collection of security components, but only some hub makers will offer compatible cameras either as part of the initial kit or sold separately.

 Wi-Fi Network Type and Strength?

Phone Model

Your phone model may not be the first thing you consider when it comes to smart security systems, but it can actually be integral. The majority of smart security systems utilise phone apps in order to give you direct, portable, and accessible control over the various components that make up your system.

New phones are preferred, as they will likely support updates to the app for longer, meaning you will be able to keep your system up to date more effectively. If your phone is older, there is a greater risk of it no longer being compatible with the app, which will lead to software and security issues down the line.

Most manufacturers try to keep even older models of phones compatible for as long as possible and also tend to offer a full list of compatible phone models in user manuals.

Here are some of the most common and popular components found in smart security systems. Be aware that not all of these will be available in a kit and may well have to be purchased separately. If this is the case, try to buy these additions from the same brand that has produced your main hub kit. If this isn’t possible, then check compatibility options.

Door Detectors/Alarms

• One of the standard products in a smart security system kit.
• Can either simply alert the user when activated or trigger an alarm, usually in the form of a loud, siren-like noise
• Easily applied, and usually utilising Z-Wave technology or similar, which allows it to communicate directly to the security hub

Window Detectors/Alarms

• Function in a very similar way to door detectors and alarms, with both triggers and alarms usually available
• Some models double as smart locks that help to keep your window more secure. Enquire further about individual products and capabilities to find out more
• Also usually utilise Z-Wave technology to function

Smoke Detectors/Alarms

• Modernised versions of traditional smoke detectors and/or fire alarms that will alert you to any smoke or fire in your home.
• Vary in capabilities depending on individual products. Potential features range from a phone notification to automatically contacting the fire brigade.
• Can be installed at multiple points in your home, with all feedback relayed to your smart hub, thus allowing for communication between different alarms.

Motion Sensors/Alarms

• Detect motion in a room and alert you via the app or alarm. App alerts may give you the option to perform several actions, from setting an alarm remotely to alerting authorities
• Setting can usually be altered (typically via an app) to accommodate residents, including more unpredictable individuals such as children or pets, who may otherwise inadvertently trigger the system
• Alternative models exist for the garden, though various terms and conditions may apply both to the product and the local laws set by your council or local authorities, especially if it is a sound-emitting system

CCTV Cameras

• Exterior and interior models are available
• Different models offer different features, including longer battery life, cloud or memory card-based footage storage, reinforced structures/coverings and more
• Prices vary depending on benefits and features offered

Keypads/Smart Doorbells

Allow you to better control and oversee visitors to your door. Usually use codes to allow and disallow entry, with some models of both including cameras to see out onto your porch or doorway

Some models can be purchased with specialised fobs allowing for access to the door in question without having to use the code

Can also be used outside front gates as well as at the doorstep, though your Wi-Fi connection will need to be able to reach the area in which the component is placed

Baby Monitors

• While often purchased and connected to the Wi-Fi separately from your home security system, some manufacturers allow for baby monitors to be connected directly to the system itself
• Both audial and visual models on the market, allowing you to choose between different levels of monitoring
• A very diverse market, with different products offering a vast array of different features

For a home security kit, wiring isn’t all that important – most of the components run on batteries that can simply be charged or replaced when you need to do so. However, the more complicated a system you create, the more likely it is that the layout of your home’s wiring will come into play, especially if you’re considering certain models of security cameras and other higher-end security products.

The most important thing to bear in mind is that hub through which all your devices connect to will most likely need to be plugged or wired into your electrical network. Usually, it’s the simpler case of the former, but some more advanced, high-end systems do require wiring, but they aren’t as common.

For more complicated layouts and network installations, you may want to consider asking for the assistance of, or hiring, a professional. We cover this option in more detail below (see ‘Installation’). You may find this the easier option - if not for the hub, then for a range of potential accessories including cameras, keypads, doorbell cameras and more.

We’ve touched on the pricing of smart security systems several times now, but how much do they cost? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for.

A simple smart home security system, consisting of just a hub coupled with a motion detector and a door sensor could potentially cost less than £100. However, you may find that it is far more important to invest the extra money into something more reliable as well as versatile.

Most standard smart systems of good quality will start at around £200, but you will find prices go much higher based on several factors (with an approx. range anywhere between £25 - £1800), from components included to the number of separately sold additions that can be applied to the hub. You will also find bigger name brands may sell their wares for slightly higher, though with this minor hike you can expect better quality goods from a reputable manufacturer.

We all like to save money where we can, but with your security system, it is always better to avoid cutting corners financially in order to get the best value for the money you are spending. It also pays to do your research. Read reviews, read product descriptions, and consult manuals to find out more about the product you’re looking at if you’re concerned about making a larger investment.

Testing your smart home products is always a good idea. Even a quick test of each component once a week or so will help to ensure you know each product is operational. Any faults you find should be forwarded to the manufacturer of the product so they can help

A maintenance method many wouldn’t otherwise consider when it comes to DIY products is software updates, but with Smart Home Security systems they are a must. They keep your devices in good working order and protect them from software bugs and hacking attacks that may leave your home vulnerable to intruders.

Physical cleaning, especially dusting, will also help to keep them running for longer, as well as checking the batteries for any signs of wear every month or so. Finally, see if there is a newsletter or similar way of keeping up to date with developments from the manufacturer, which will allow you to keep up with everything from new products to updates and patches.

With a wide array of smart doorbells, cameras, lights and more available both separately and in kits, FORT provides a simple solution to meet almost any security need. Able to be controlled via your phone, their systems offer complete peace of mind wherever you are.

While there is a lot to cover when it comes to smart home security systems, we hope it may now be easier for you to search the market for products that work for you. We have a range of security lighting to choose from to get you started. 

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our wide range of product and project guides - covering an array of subjects from garden renovations to painting and decorating, installing stunning lighting set-ups to building out a kitchen or bathroom from scratch and much, much more. Take the leap today and start your DIY journey right here. For direct help and advice, you can also contact our award-winning customer service team.