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Oops! Worst Place to Install a Security Keypad
It seems the fine folks on the sitcom “Modern Family” just can’t get their technology right.
First, Phil can’t get his universal remote to work. If that’s not life-threatening enough (we’ve all read about remote-related violence), Phil’s father-in-law Jay makes a potentially dangerous mistake with his security system: the keypad is installed outside, next to the front door!
Generally, we recommend that security keypads be installed inside, and out of sight of would-be intruders. It’s bad enough that criminals can see the green ready-to-arm light from a distance. Imagine the secrets they can unlock when they get their grimy hands on the controls.
10 Reasons NOT to Install a Security Keypad Outside
- Rain and extreme temperatures can damage the product.
- Bad guys can quickly ascertain if the alarm system is armed or disarmed.
- Visitors can determine which zones are shunted via the LCD read-out: “Bedroom Window Open.” So much easier than casing the joint!
- The neighbor kids might mistake the keypad for a an intercom, doorbell or plaything.
- The security installer can enter your password and head straight to the cookie jar.
- Other visitors can try security defaults like 1-1-1-1 or 1-2-3-4.
- Homeowners have to go outside to arm the system for the night. In the case of Jay on “Modern Family”, the neighbors really don’t want to see him in boxers. His wife Gloria is another story.
- A decent security keypad – this one looks like a GE Security – sells for about $150 and a bad guy could hawk it for maybe $50. It’s much easier than stealing and reselling a bulky kid’s bike that was left on the front lawn.
- Mosquitoes, ants, spiders and other pests might take refuge in the warm, buzzing underbelly of the keypad case, disabling the product and scaring the women and children.
- As for product placements, keypads installed inside the house (as in Phil’s home below) are likely to get more air time.
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Article Topics
Blogs · Home Automation and Control · Security · Security · Modern Family · Slow News Day ·About the Author
4 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
Back in the early days of burglar alarms, keyswitches were mounted outside the front door with a tamper switch underneath the plate.
I’ve seen keypads mounted outside in weatherproof covers. They can’t really be compromised because, being digital, there is no way to turn off the alarm by shorting wires.
However, in the picture you posted, it is kinda dumb to have the kp outside, since most entry doors have a delay on entry.
Is that show filmed on a Hollywood set?
I can’t imagine that being a real installation, unless it’s as Alan is pointing out that it is an old keyswitch, but that clearly looks like a keypad outside the front door.
I would like to point something out on the comment of “They can’t really be compromised because, being digital, there is no way to turn off the alarm…”
Most manufacture keypads sit on the communication bus that’s directly tied into the alarm processor. Have you ever seen what an inexpensive stun gun can do to a panel when you wrap the 2 comm wire around the probes and activate. No worries about the alarm anymore for the thief.
“...the neighbors really don’t want to see him in boxers. His wife Gloria is another story.” haha!!
I like to use the Elk arming stations near less-travelled doors (inside of course). They are the size of a decora switch and provide the basic ready/armed/trouble info as well as multiple arm/disarm functions.