/r/homesecurity

Photograph via snooOG

We're a place to get help with and discuss all topics relating to home security. All topics from beginner questions to help with your esoteric GE panel from 1989 are welcome!

Are you looking for advice on cameras or security systems? Try using the search bar!

NOTE: We require a minimum of 50 karma to post.

Protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your home is important. This subreddit is a place where you can discuss it.


Home security can be anything from a full blown monitored service and a surveillance system to simple things like having a double cylinder deadbolt on your front door.

Any aspect about home security can be discussed here: alarms, surveillance, locks, personal protection, etc.


Rules:

  1. Self posts are preferred over links
  2. External links are permitted so long as they aren't spam, personal blogs, or memes.
  3. Do not use url shorteners. If you are linking to a specific product page provide the full, direct URL.
  4. Be gracious and up vote posts and comments liberally.
  5. Be polite. It's okay to disagree, but please refrain from being needlessly rude.
  6. No affiliate links, no links that earn you money/anything, no self-promotion, no promotion of your business, no promotion of your subreddit. No attempting to solicit customers, no offers to give quotes or asking to private message.
  7. Discussion is important. Making an occasional mention of a brand when relevant to the discussion is fine...but repeatedly posting nothing but a brand over and over without any further information/discussion is not acceptable. The intention of the sub is to help posters, not to promote a brand.
  8. The intention of the sub is to help posters here. Links to sources/information is okay in limited situations where it directly relates to conversation, but posters should not be regularly posting the same external sites/other subreditts over and over again.
  9. Comments should answer the OP's question. As in, if a poster asks for suggestions about a hardwired alarm, simply answering to get a camera is not acceptable. If the poster is asking about cameras, simply posting that they should get a gun is not acceptable. While elaboration and further suggestions are generally okay, the point of comments should be to answer the OP's question not to change the topic to fit your personal preference/beliefs. Likewise, if you have a question yourself you should start your own topic, not attempt to derail from the OP's question by posting your own questions in the comments.

Relevant subreddits:

/r/homesecurity

83,523 Subscribers

3

Enclosed trailer security system

Sorry if this isn’t the right place to post this Im in need of a security system for my enclosed work trailer. I need something that will set off a alarm if the doors open (inside and outside siren) and gps. It would have to be battery powered because sometimes it gets left on site. Im a little tech savvy but i really dont know where to start when it comes to these alarm systems. Any help or advice is really appreciated! Thanks!

5 Comments
2025/02/01
01:06 UTC

2

Cove Security - Still Owe Equipment Balance?!

I've owned Cove Security since 2021 and have completed my monitoring period back in 2024. However I am still seeing a equipment balance, which should have been cleared as long as I kept my Cove Plus. Help?

1 Comment
2025/01/31
20:20 UTC

2

Need recommendations user friendly system

Looking for recommendations on a security system with cameras. I have had ADT monitored system in the past and ring cameras I monitored on my own. I have since moved and need to start over. I don’t need anything fancy just looking for cameras I can watch or get alerts on my phone for motion people etc. and I would like to have door chimes. I do not want to have to pay Rings fees to have access to videos so prefer something that doesn’t required subscription. I have looked at SimpliSafe but seems like it has very mixed reviews. I don’t need anything fancy I would prefer not to have to run wires through the walls for a POE system or anything like that.

2 Comments
2025/01/31
19:35 UTC

1

Outdoor Camera suggestions

Hi I’m looking for some insight on if there are any brands making WiFi outdoor battery cameras that don’t require a subscription and actually work well. I have tried the Eufy cameras, three different models, and while one works better than the other two it has still let me down and not recorded movements when I needed it to. I have seen the Wyze cameras however I’m concerned it will be similar to the Eufy brand in reliability. Thanks in advance

3 Comments
2025/01/31
17:03 UTC

4

Are there any external lock attachments I can add to a keycard access door?

Hey friends, I live in a building that has keycard access for the units. I recently overheard my neighbors talking and learned that there’s an ongoing issue of workers helping themselves inside our rooms while we’re gone. Is there any lock I can somehow add to this fob access door so I can lock up extra whenever I step out? I wanted to set up a security camera inside but unfortunately my only internet access is a mobile hotspot that comes with me whenever I leave, so it wouldn’t be connected while I’m gone. What are my options here?

8 Comments
2025/01/31
03:16 UTC

1

OS on NVR does not support android

We are looking to purchase Reolink surveillance cameras and they have two NVRs one of which OS does not support android or smart phone so what does that mean? That I can't watch recordings on my phone? Or livevew even? Sorry I'm not very tech so any info is appreciated

6 Comments
2025/01/30
18:59 UTC

6

Found an unknown camera on my wifi, what do I do?

Found a camera under the name "xtreme pro" or "pro xtreme" connected to my wifi. Looked it up and it seems to be some sort of waterproof gopro. Almost every day my wifi would cut out at night and today my bluetooth headphones disconnected for no reason, at full battery, while I was sitting in front of my computer. Am I being stalked? What should I do?

39 Comments
2025/01/30
17:41 UTC

1

Analog/Non-electronic Security Solutions

Hi everyone,

I’m getting up to speed on all the computer electronic home security solutions but there are always power outages and other emergencies. Are there resources or ideas about analog/non-electronic security solutions for an apartment or home? This includes security solutions that don’t depend on electronics at all.

7 Comments
2025/01/30
17:15 UTC

4

Privacy fence and thieves

Do privacy fences deter thieves? Or make your house more of a target?

I’m not a thief but if I was going to break into a house, I’d not pick one where I have to scale a 6ft fence to do so. Seems like a lot of work, especially when you’re on a time limit.

18 Comments
2025/01/30
16:39 UTC

11

POE cameras, Cat5e vs Cat6 ethernet runs

It appears that even the best camera's don't need more bandwidth than Cat5E can supply. I know it is the older standard and most people are moving on to Cat6. I can get Cat5 for half the cost. Should I spend the extra money on Cat6 on my new house build?

19 Comments
2025/01/30
15:06 UTC

3

Gathering evidence: 180 feet away, neighbors burning plastic trash every day

Hi -

New neighbors that burn their plastic bags and trash every day - and wind blows it right at us. Every darn day.

Fire is 180 feet away. I need very good video to gather evidence.

I have an outdoor outlet that I can plug in the camera, but don't really want to run Ethernet, so trying to avoid POE.

Have a wifi network, but really would just use that for adjusting and zooming the camera, with footage saved to a microsd card.

Would prefer having infrared - but not a deal breaker as they really burn during the day.

Thank you in advance for the recommendations!

15 Comments
2025/01/30
03:40 UTC

2

Requesting for advice against drones.

Hello everyone, we currently live on the top floor of an apartment in the Los Angeles area and yesterday we had a drone, presumably a small drone, spy on us through the window on the top of our wall looking into the living room.

The window is not closeable with a blind and in a very high position making it hard to reach without a ladder.

In terms of robbing in our area, thankfully we live high enough that makes it hard to climb up to our balcony but neighbors within the apartment complex and apartment in front of us were not so fortunate.

If you guys could suggest any ways to stop the drone to watch us (besides shooting at it) please share with us.

Window photo

22 Comments
2025/01/30
03:12 UTC

0

Have you heard of "safe home security"?

So I got a visit today from someone claiming to be from safe home security. Has anyone ever heard of this company and if so, a what are your thoughts? They're supposedly based in Nashville, TN

15 Comments
2025/01/29
23:01 UTC

74

My mom put a nameplate on our front door

So we just moved in to a new house and my mom made a nameplate with all our names on it including our last name and hung it on our front door. Im just wondering if this is a security concern we live in a pretty safe neighborhood and she put a lot of effort into it

91 Comments
2025/01/29
22:08 UTC

1

What security system do you recommend?

Just bought a house and I'm in a pretty rural area. Need outdoor cameras for outside by the doors and by my greenhouse. Would also like some by the detached garage facing the driveway.

10 Comments
2025/01/29
20:52 UTC

0

Best way to protect a house?

What’s the best way to protect your house from unwanted attention?

I’ve already got; cameras, motion activated lights, an alarm system (I plan on getting newer/better cameras and more lights)

EDIT: I also have windows bars due to a previous break in attempt 6months ago or so

I also plan on building a privacy fence soon around the house

Dog is a no go for many reasons

26 Comments
2025/01/29
20:21 UTC

1

Reolink CX410 or which Dahua camera?

I want to install a proper surveillance system at my parent's home. I was all set on a 4x Reolink CX410 camera + NVR system, but then I started digging and Dahua came up and now I'm back to square one again researching Dahua. Dahua has loads of camera models and it's harder to choose for someone who's new to this racket.

Basically I need 4 fixed (bullet and/or turret) cameras that can "turn night into day" like the CX410 does for colour night vision (instead of relying IR lights). I would also need the ability to view NVR recordings and the cameras live feed simultaneously from at least 4 mobile devices off-site (over the mobile network). I understand Reolink streams through Reolink servers. I've read about Dahua's P2P streaming but a lot of people disable it over security concerns, so how does everyone usually stream the camera feeds to their mobile device?

Regarding camera quality, the goal is not so much to identify the intruders faces but to alert us of the intrusion early before the intruders attempt to break into the house. In fact, intruders always cover their faces with a face mask and a hat. My parents have had two break-ins in 2024 and both times the burglars smashed a window on the second floor. My parents are retired and don't have anything valuable on the property, so the burglars left empty-handed. However, the biggest loss was basically the window which cost several hundred euros to repair. They currently have a commercial security solution but I think it's crap because all the sensors and two shitty cameras are all located inside the house, so basically the security company only does something about it after the fact. The cops come over 15 minutes later and go "yup, someone broke in" and that's pretty much all you get for hundreds of € a year. I'd rather dissuade the intruders BEFORE they even think about getting in, and call the cops if the intruders don't flee. I'm not even sure I need the ability to zoom in since all I want is a notification when something moves so I can confirm and call the cops ASAP.

I'm a tinkerer and I'm happy to go with Dahua if that will deliver better results in terms of person detection and what not. What Dahua camera and would you guys recommend that's similar to or better than the Reolink CX410, and that doesn't costs more than 100 €/ea?

Thanks!

15 Comments
2025/01/29
18:28 UTC

1

The best way to give a camera lte

Basically, I’ve tried finding a 3g/4g camera that doesn’t use solar panels and can take photos at time intervals with no luck.

Now ive decided it’s time to figure out the best way to give any old IP camera, internet connection via lte, just wondering the best way to go about that.

4 Comments
2025/01/29
17:34 UTC

1

IP Camera Viewer 4.12 doesn't work with Windows 11 24H2, any alternative software?

After my home PC auto upgraded to 24H2 a month ago I found IP Camera Viewer doesn't work anymore. Uninstalled, reinstalled and no go. Rolled back to 23H2 and it works fine. I didn't grab a screen shot so I don't have the error, it just throws some virtual machine component error at startup and closes.

I used the Contact Technical Support form on the Deskshare site and never heard anything back and looking at their support forum show nothing new in years so my guess is there is no more development with this application.

I have Foscam and Amcrest cameras that work perfectly with IP Cam Viewer, I just need to view some remote sites, I don't need to worry about anything else and since these work fine I don't want to spend money on upgrading to an NVR based system or software with a crap load of options. I set some options in the browser to record and take pics but it's a hassle logging into each cam in Edge in I.E. mode just to view them.

Is there anything as basic and working in 24H2 as IP Cam Viewer?

0 Comments
2025/01/29
16:58 UTC

1

Ideas for door knob and smart lock

Hi everyone,
I need some advice regarding our front door. Currently, we have a knob that looks newer than the backplate. My goal is to match the design of the backplate and install a smart deadbolt lock. However, if we remove the existing knob, there won’t be a knob on the interior side of the door. Should I install a dummy knob for the inside?

I’m considering the Aqara U100, even though the Schlage Encode Plus might match the design better. Does anyone have suggestions or recommendations?

https://imgur.com/a/MmMIAwW

1 Comment
2025/01/29
08:01 UTC

1

Upgrading old home camera system with a SFF PC and possible BI alternative

Hi. I’m currently running Blue Iris on a Dell Optiplex 3020 with an i5-4590, 8GB RAM, and a 4TB Seagate BarraCuda (5400 RPM HDD). Right now, I have three cameras, and performance has been fine so far. However, I find the Blue Iris app outdated and non-intuitive, so I often end up using my Eufy cameras despite their limitations.

I’m planning to add more POE cameras and AI detection, but I doubt my old Optiplex can handle the extra load, or AI even with a Coral accelerator. Plus, it generates a lot of heat.

  1. Can anyone recommend an affordable small form factor PC that runs cool and can handle multiple cameras with AI detection?

  2. Is there a better, non-subscription-based alternative to Blue Iris that’s more modern and user-friendly?

Thanks!

2 Comments
2025/01/29
04:29 UTC

2

Advice for small camera/NVR setup

4 Comments
2025/01/29
00:47 UTC

1

Looking for feedback on alarms247.ca

Are they an authorized Alarm.com Service Provider (e.g., they offer Alarm.com Self-Monitoring Plans, etc.)? Are they an authorized Qolsys vendor? Any other feedback appreciated as I couldn't find much information online other than what their website says.

1 Comment
2025/01/29
00:43 UTC

1

Help with security camera install on a detached garage

So basically, I have a detached garage and I park my cars very close to it. It’s about 100 feet from my actual house yet. It has no power and I do not even have access to the garage as if it’s part of my lease agreement that I don’t use it, but I would like to install a camera or preferably a floodlight, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen but at least a camera Above my cars that I can see when people are tampering with my vehicles because it’s happened already the motion, light and camera I have on my front door does not clearly show what’s going on over by my vehicles and I’m wondering who has any ideas of how I can run power over here to install a camera Cause I’ve seen the Wi-Fi plugs and things like that I’m wondering if I just ran an extension cord and plugged the camera into the Wi-Fi plug and did it a little discreetly if that would work and then it would be on my Wi-Fi or what I don’t know if that’s a stupid idea or not honestly, I know they have cordless cameras or wireless cameras, but I don’t really want to depend on a battery powered one and I feel like when they have a light or motion you know thing or anything it doesn’t work that wellwhen their battery powered or solar so I was hoping to power one any input is appreciated

4 Comments
2025/01/28
22:20 UTC

1

Help pick my security camera setup

Looking for four cameras one doorbell camera I would like power over Ethernet. Local storage access via app or some other way where ever I am at. Minimum of 4K. Want continuous recording plus motion detection with notification alerts. Quality is top priority. $2k budget. Ask me anything else I am missing to help

3 Comments
2025/01/28
23:42 UTC

1

Re-connect power sensors to a new panel.

Hey fellow installers. Just wondering if there is a lock out or something Telus puts on their sensors some how?

I’m currently doing an install and the customer has a bunch of PG9303 contacts.

I was able to delete the sensors from the old Telus IQ4 panel. Now when I try to auto learn the sensors into my panel, I’m getting this error:

“Unsupported Manufacturing Id (6) for PowerG Device (109-0713)”

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

3 Comments
2025/01/28
23:06 UTC

1

Need an automatic door lock version

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IHI0QY?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this a long time ago and it works well. Now, I need an automatic version meaning it will automatically lock the door after X amount of time has passed and I can unlock it via pin or fingerprint or app. Most of the smart locks I've looked up are deadlock and I need one that is similar size as the keyed lock that I bought so that it fits my door.

Thanks!

It needs to be non deadlock.

Here are pictures of my current door knob:

https://i.imgur.com/NEcCKZW.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/tBo1Gbh.jpeg

0 Comments
2025/01/28
23:01 UTC

1

Need help replacing a wired zone with a wireless sensor on DSC PC1616

I have a DSC PC1616 v4.6, and I'm using a RFK-5501 keypad. I removed zones 2 and 4 from my system, both in the programming under section 202, and phsyically disconnected the wires from the panel. However I still want to monitor one of those windows with a wireless sensor. How do I add a new wireless sensor to the system? I read about going into section 804, entering a zone number, and then entering the ESN. Is it that simple? Can I use zone 2 or 4 for the new wireless sensor, or should I enable zone 15 and add it there? Do I need to enter the zone # with 3 digits, like 002, 004, or 015? Anything else I need to do? Thanks in advance for any help.

Here are my WIRED zones:

1 - Front and garage entry doors

2 - Downstairs windows (sensors already removed)

3 - Back door

4 - Office windows (sensors already removed)

5 - Upstairs windows

Here are my WIRELESS zones:

6 - Motion detector

7 - Glass break 1

8 - Glass break 2

9 - Glass break 3

10 - Glass break 4

11 - Smoke detector

12 - Left master window

13 - Middle master window

14 - Right master window

0 Comments
2025/01/28
22:59 UTC

2

Advice on choice of services given current equipment

I recently got some ring cameras and doorbell for a good deal from someone who is moving out. Going down the rabbit hole of surveillance and security, I want to use an alarm dotcom compatible provider and not have to buy new cameras. I also want to do some home automation/monitoring that doesn't need to be controlled by the security system.

Here's my proposed setup. Am I making this more complicated than it needs to be?

  • Surety: doors/windows, locks, smoke/ carbon monoxide
  • Ring: cameras, basic subscription
  • Home Assistant using Z-Wave/Zigbee for : Temperature, water leak, outdoor gate open/closed indiction
4 Comments
2025/01/28
18:03 UTC

1

Advanced motion detection

I am looking for a outdoor camera that has advanced motion detection.

I would like the camera to have the ability to detect or have sensors for objects or people that are gone in the cameras fov.

With that being said, I will need a pan and tilt as well.

I've searched around. I think the Eufy spotlight has it but I would like more to compare.

4 Comments
2025/01/28
17:28 UTC

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