A home burglar alarm system ranges from an expensive, professionally-installed system, to a low-cost do-it-yourself (DIY) system that can be installed for $200 or less.

The most common do-it-yourself option is the hard-wired system. As the name suggests, the alarm is connected directly with an electrical power circuit. These alarm systems also include sensors such as magnetic switches and motion or smoke detectors to safeguard the home from threats like fire.

Another do-it-yourself option is the wireless alarm system. It uses radio waves and requires no major skills to install. Supervised alarm systems are those wireless systems which can monitor its sensors to ensure that they are communicating properly with the control panel. Some supervised systems are inexpensive and can be connected to full-time monitoring stations at a security company.

Another do-it-yourself possibility is the self-contained burglar alarm system. It can be plugged into any outlet and can be removed whenever needed. These systems can be purchased for $150 or less.

The following points must be kept in mind when installing the DIY burglar alarm system:

* Signal strength and background noise levels of the proposed location should be checked before the devices are mounted.

* The transmitting and receiving devices should not be mounted under metal lintels, placed on top of windows, doors etc. because these affect transmission of signals.

* Any wiring to or from the transmitters and receivers should be kept away from the aerials.

* Receivers, or receiver aerials, should not be mounted near electrical distribution equipment, televisions, computer equipment, or large amounts of metal.

* Make sure that the remote aerial is mounted in the proper orientation. Never clip any other cable close to the aerial or close to the aerial cable. Also, try not to run your aerial cable next to main power cables.

* In the case of very thick walls where the signal strength is weak, the receiver or its aerial should be mounted high up in the attic.

* Survey the premises carefully before installing your detection devices.