How do you feel about my home security setup?

I just finished putting together my home security system. Everything runs through home assistant. Here’s what I’ve done:

  • Using Unifi cameras with IR lights for night vision
  • If someone or a car is detected, my outside lights turn on, bedside lamps light up, and the TV shows my camera feeds
  • When I turn on the alarm, all the doors lock automatically

When I’m not home, I get notifications for people or cars detected, lights turn on inside and outside, and if a door opens or motion is detected, an alarm goes off inside the house.

Still trying to figure out a good alert system for daytime. Any suggestions?

Don’t trust the automation to lock the doors. Always double-check or lock them yourself before activating the alarm.

Kevin said:
Don’t trust the automation to lock the doors. Always double-check or lock them yourself before activating the alarm.

The locks are really for my family, not me.

Micahel_Luo said:

Kevin said:
Don’t trust the automation to lock the doors. Always double-check or lock them yourself before activating the alarm.

The locks are really for my family, not me.

Smart move… but don’t let your family leave you exposed either!

@Kevin
They already do… financially. lol

Are all the devices connected through WiFi?

Ricky said:
Are all the devices connected through WiFi?

They’re PoE.

Micahel_Luo said:

Ricky said:
Are all the devices connected through WiFi?

They’re PoE.

I’m not sure what that means.

Ricky said:

Micahel_Luo said:
Ricky said:
Are all the devices connected through WiFi?

They’re PoE.

I’m not sure what that means.

It means they’re wired.

@Keith
Thanks! Your setup sounds great. I want to avoid wireless too.

Does your system handle power outages?

Wilson said:
Does your system handle power outages?

I usually lose power about 12 hours a year, so I’ve had to budget around that issue.

You could add some 433 or Zigbee buttons as emergency triggers. I have a few in my house set up as duress buttons. One press sends a notification to my phone and email saying, ‘Silent alarm triggered in [location].’ Another press or a press from any button triggers 12V sirens around the house—loud and cheap to set up. You can also add strobe lights if needed.

I even have mine connected to voice commands. Saying, ‘OK Google, lockdown’ sets it off.

You could also create a zone for your local hospital. If you’re there longer than 15 minutes, your system could send a notification. That way, if you’re in an ambulance, it updates automatically.

@Madeline
That’s a fantastic idea! I love the button setup. Thanks for sharing.

How are you connecting your smart devices to your Unifi system?

Watch out for the lights turning on outside while your cameras are in IR mode. It might switch them to daytime mode, and you could lose a few seconds of footage. When I’m home, I just have Frigate announce stuff through my Google hubs.

@Giselle
I’m not too concerned about identifying anyone. The cameras are mainly for scaring people off and giving me a heads-up.

Meanwhile, I’m just over here with a Mossberg shotgun by my bed and a bad attitude!

Is this system covering the whole perimeter of your home?

Dylan said:
Is this system covering the whole perimeter of your home?

Yep, all the way around.