Protection and security of family and property has always been important, but as technology has evolved over the last century, so has the function and capability of home security systems.
From early security systems of moats and drawbridges and armed guards, to today’s systems which can all be monitored, managed and captured through the phone in your pocket, home security has evolved a great deal with technological advances and public demand for enhancements. Here’s a look back at how home security has developed into the advanced systems we have today.
Early 1700s – English inventor Tildesley is credited with the first creation of an intrusion, door alarm by using a set of chimes mechanically linked to the door lock.
1778 – The lever tumbler lock is invented.
1853 – The first electro-magnetic alarm system was patented on June 21 by Augustus Russell Pope in Boston, MA. Up until this point, most people had relied on noise from startled animals and guard dogs or mechanical ringing to catch any intruders.
1857 – Edwin Holmes bought the rights to Pope’s invention. He is considered by many to be the founder of the first company for electrical alarm systems.
1871 – Edward A. Callahan helped form the American District Telegraph (ADT), which started in New York City, dividing the city into districts that were all connected to a central monitoring station. This was the beginning of an alarm system that not only alerted homeowners and neighbors of a burglary-in-progress, but also solicited a response from police and fire services.
1962 – A team of Canadian researchers published a study about the life-saving potential of heat and smoke detectors. This led to the development of new policies and standards for smoke detectors in new and existing residences. This study and subsequent safety code enforcement is credited with a resulting 50% decrease in U.S. fire deaths between 1975 and 1980.
1966 – Nurse Marie Van Brittan Broan invented the first home video security system and the ability to open a door with a remote control.
1970s – Video surveillance begins to be used in home security systems. These early models included a large motorized camera that moved down a track to view the exterior of a home. The camera transmitted grainy images of visitors to a stationary television monitor that served as the camera’s control panel. The panel was often equipped with security features like an intercom, a door lock switch and an alarm button.
Today, we have the Internet of Things, iPhones and so much more. Isn’t it amazing how home security has evolved with the times?