Are Residential and Commercial Security Systems the Same?

What is a Residential Security System?

First of all, let’s determine what counts as a residential security system. Nearly 60% of all burglaries happen in residential areas, meaning that homeowners have a need to protect themselves. Because it’s important to protect your home, the home monitoring system was invented. A home security system is meant to do two main things:

• Prevent an intruder from entering your home
• Alert the local authorities if an intruder enters your home. Home security acts as both your offense and your defense. With door alarms, window sensors, security cameras, smart door locks, and professional monitoring, your home is covered from floor to ceiling. Security systems can also do more than just protect your home. They can double as nanny cams or pet cameras. You can even use an indoor security camera as a baby monitor. With a wireless home monitoring system, you can move the indoor cameras from room to room whenever you want.

The purpose of a home security system is to give you complete security. Studies have shown that a majority of burglars enter homes through the front door of the house. Since homeowners are often trusting of their neighbors, they leave their doors unlocked. When the doors are unlocked, the burglar can literally walk into the house with no complications or barriers. A home security system, even if the door is left unlocked, creates a defense against burglars. Door alarms will alert the neighbors that something is wrong. If your monitoring system has professional monitoring, the alarm company will be able to call the police.

The most effective defense against a burglar is an alarm system. According to an Idaho news station who interviewed 86 burglars, burglars run when they hear that the alarm to a home security system has been triggered. One burglar said, "I would try and turn the alarm off or get the hell out of there.” If there’s no obvious way to turn off the system, a home intruder will run.

A residential alarm is easy to install. The current and most popular type of home security system is the wireless home security system. Over the course of five years, wireless systems quickly became the top-selling home monitoring systems on the market. Security experts recommend wireless systems over wired systems for homeowners. Wireless systems can be installed within a half hour and give the homeowners complete control over the system. Before wireless systems were created, homeowners had to hire an expensive installation team to install a home security system. The installation team would charge several hundred dollars for every visit to the home. With a wireless system, the installation is easy. The entire installation process, from start to finish, will take most homeowners less than a half-hour to complete. Home monitoring systems are not meant to cover acres of land; instead, they are meant to cover a small locally centered area.

In short, a residential monitoring service is meant to protect the property of the homeowner.

What is a Commercial Security System?

Commercial security systems have the same purpose as home security systems—they are meant to act as the offense and defense of the property, protecting both the property and the objects and valuables inside the property. However, although the purpose of the system is similar, the actual service is not. There are several things that make commercial monitoring systems different from home security systems.

First of all, commercial security systems are complicated. A home security service is meant to be watched and monitored by only a few people, and only a select few individuals will have access to the video footage and alarm monitoring. Because of that, the entire home security service can be monitored by a mobile device. However, depending on the size of the commercial building, a commercial monitoring system might demand several full-time employees to watch a constant stream of footage. The team will need access to control stations and security cameras through a high-tech monitoring booth and monitoring center.

Commercial security systems require systems to be recording every moment and have vast storage capacities. Typically, commercial systems will need over ten cameras operating in sync at all times. Because it would overwhelm a wireless network to support such a large number of surveillance cameras, most commercial systems must be hardwired. Additionally, commercial systems rarely use motion detection (something that is commonly used in residential camera systems). Commercial monitoring services must include integrated security to avoid overloading the system.

Commercial buildings also have more areas to cover. Property managers will need to physically walk around the building and assess possible entry points. Many businesses have more than a front door and a back door (like a residential home). They have multiple access points that can prove to be security risks. Security solutions for a commercial building mean protecting every access point, including windows and parking access. Alarm systems for commercial security need to be complex and advanced. Commercial buildings require more than door and window alarms.

Residential areas also have options that boost their safety. With programs like the neighborhood watch program, residential areas can rely on neighbors to help protect the community. On the other hand, commercial buildings are unable to rely on other sources of protection, aside from their security surveillance systems. Unless the commercial business is able to hire a nighttime security guard, it’s important that the monitoring system is able to completely cover their security requirements.

Because commercial businesses have different security needs, a home security system would not be able to provide them with the security monitoring that the commercial building needs (depending on the size of the business).

Home Security Laws vs. Commercial Security Laws

Another important difference between home monitoring and commercial security is the law. Home security systems are bound by fewer laws than business security systems. In this section, we will dissect the different security laws that define home and commercial security.

Home Security Laws

In terms of a general home security system, there are no laws that restrict the placement of home alarms on a person’s personal property. Window alarms, door alarms, and other surveillance devices can be placed anywhere on the property. However, there is one device that will face certain restrictions—video surveillance cameras. Cameras, since they record both audio and video, have restrictions on where they can be installed inside of a home. In short, the cameras can be placed anywhere in the home as long as the placement does not interfere with another person’s right to privacy.

According to California state privacy laws, the placement of a security camera is offensive if: The camera is an intrusion of one’s privacy The camera is installed in a location where a person reasonably expects to have privacy The locations that would potentially violate privacy laws include bathrooms, changing rooms, and bedrooms. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t put up an indoor security camera in your young child’s bedroom. However, it could violate privacy laws if the camera was found in a teenager’s room or in a guest room. The difference is the level of protection that the parent has over the individual and the individual’s right to feel uncomfortable by the presence of a camera. If the person feels (or would feel) uncomfortable to know that there is a camera in a private location, the camera should not be installed in that location.

In February 2020, a nanny was surprised and disgusted when she found a hidden camera in the family’s bathroom. She notes in her interview that she had showered in the home many times since she had been the children’s nanny for over a year. She felt that her privacy and trust had been violated. Although the story is still under investigation, the nanny is suing the family for violation of privacy, unlawful surveillance, and harassment.

Additionally, you should not place cameras to record a neighbor’s property. If a neighbor feels uncomfortable by your camera placement, they can ask you to relocate your cameras, especially if you’re able to see the inside of their home with your camera.

The placement of security cameras in a home needs to be tasteful. Cameras are allowed to be placed in family rooms, living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and any other “public” room in the house. However, as soon as the door has a lock on it, placing cameras can become tricky. To be safe, do not place security cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms.

Commercial Security Laws

Commercial security laws are more strict than home security laws. However, the placement of security cameras follows the same rules as a home monitoring camera. Cameras should not be placed in areas where an individual can reasonably expect to have privacy. These locations include (but are not limited to):

• Bathrooms
• Shower areas
• Hotel rooms
• Bedrooms
• Locker rooms
• Changing rooms For most states, the placement of surveillance cameras in lounges, work rooms, offices, and other more public locations is acceptable. Companies can also place security cameras around the anterior of the business. Cameras can be used in parking lots, parking garages, and anywhere else on the company property. Security systems are meant to protect the business; because of that, state laws try to stay flexible when it comes to placing cameras in order to allow businesses the right to protect their property.

On March 3, 2020, a hidden camera was found in an employee bathroom. According to the news report, the camera was “disguised as a Command coat hook, and was found pointing at the toilet inside the downtown business’s only employee bathroom.” The police are currently looking for clues to find who placed the hidden camera since the bathroom was only available to employees. The placement of the hidden camera inside a bathroom is a direct violation of federal privacy laws. This situation was extremely similar to the situation that we shared previously because privacy laws are the same for both businesses and homes.

One of the main differences between the placement of security cameras in the home and at work is the laws surrounding audio. For the most part, both video and audio can be recorded in non-private locations in a home and on the property. For a business, the laws are different. Audio cannot be recorded in a business without the consent of each individual whose conversation may be recorded. According to the Federal Wiretap Act, hidden cameras are allowed in a place of business (in public areas); however, the recording of audio by a hidden camera is illegal.

According to federal law, in order to record audio in a work-related conversation, at least one person involved in the conversation must consent to have the conversation recorded. This law is summarized by Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.; the company clarifies that recording audio is legal when “one party consents to it after having full knowledge and notice that the conversation will be recorded.” Essentially, do not use audio monitoring cameras without permission in the workplace.

Can You Use a Home Security System in a Business?

There are several reasons why a business might want to use a home security system instead of a commercial security system. First of all, a home security system is less expensive than a business security system. For a small company, a wireless home security system might fit easier into a tight budget. Since you can still get IP cameras or analog cameras from a home security system, a business might be tempted to use home security instead. Is this possible?

Home security cameras and systems can qualify for smaller businesses. However, a larger business should use a commercial security system to have better security. A home security system simply will not be able to offer the same level of protection for a large area that a commercial surveillance system offers. A business that wants to use a DIY home security system should first assess their needs to determine if a home security system will be able to give them the protection that they need. If your business is no bigger than the average home, it is possible that you will be able to use a home security system. However, if using a home security system, ensure that your equipment meets industry standards for company security systems.

Here are some features of home security systems that can be easily used to protect a small business:

• Door sensors. The first feature that can be used in a small business is a door sensor. A small business will have fewer entrances than a large corporate building. At most, a small business will have a front door, back door, and side door. Door sensors from a home security system can easily protect a business that only has a few entrances.
• Glass break sensors. Another feature that can easily be used in a small business is the glass break sensor. A glass break sensor is a sensor that is placed in a room with windows. If a window breaks in the vicinity, the sensor will hear the sound and let off a siren. This product is perfect for small businesses that have one main room of windows (like the storefront). For even more intrusion detection devices, companies can also use window sensors.
• Indoor security cameras. All customers appreciate indoor security cameras in a place of business. Indoor security cameras protect the employees and the customers, ensuring that there are surveillance teams watching the facility. However, if you are using a monitoring camera, do not attempt to hide the camera. Hidden cameras are not allowed in some states, so make sure that you leave the indoor monitoring camera in the open. Customers will feel safer, and employees will know that they are being protected.
• Remote access. Another feature that small businesses will appreciate is remote access. With a wireless security system, you will have access to the security system through an app on your phone. If the monitoring service is triggered after you’ve closed the building and armed the system, you will be alerted.
• Professional monitoring. One of the last features that business owners may find helpful is professional monitoring. Many security camera services will also offer professional monitoring through the security company. The home surveillance company will monitor the alarm when the alarm is armed. If there is suspicious activity, the alarm company will call the police on behalf of the business.
• Control panel. With a home security system, you will have a touch panel that gives you access to the entire home security system. Through the panel (with password protection), you can arm or disarm the system with ease.

Although a home security system can be used to protect a small business, larger businesses should use commercial security systems instead. Commercial intrusion detection systems are meant to detect intruders in a large building while home security systems are meant to protect property on a smaller scale.

However, there are a few reasons why a home security system might not be the best tool to protect your business. First, if your business has more than a few entrances, it could indicate that your business is larger than a home security system can reasonably cover. Additionally, if your business has a large parking lot or is connected to an underground parking lot, you may need to use more cameras that a home security system can offer. Most home security systems offer a handful of cameras that are motion activated. To get the most protection, you will instead want a camera that records footage continuously.

If you have a small business, like a small family-owned restaurant or small hair salon, it’s entirely possible to effectively protect your business using a home security system. If you have questions about whether a home security system can work in your business, feel free to contact us here at Cove Security.

Best Residential Security Systems for a Small Business

Like we mentioned earlier, small businesses can easily use a residential security system to meet their security needs. One of the best systems that a small business can use is Cove Security. Cove offers a variety of tools that ensures that your home or small business stays protected no matter what.

One reason Cove Security works for small businesses is that Cove is inexpensive. With Cove, you will have access to eight indoor security cameras, door alarms, window sensors, and other smart security products for 15 dollars a month. Here at Cove, we prioritize our customers, taking the time to get to know your needs. For most small businesses, two or three security cameras will perfectly cover the space in the building.

Additionally, Cove offers professional monitoring, ensuring that your business is protected at all times. The moment that an alarm is triggered inside the business, Cove will alert the local authorities to better protect your belongings. Cove also offers a 60-day trial period with no contracts and no fees. This ensures that you can try out the system before committing to it. Cove understands what it’s like to be a small business and does its best to make small business owners feel safe and protected.