Comprehensive Home Security Upgrade with Olarm Max and OPTEX Sensors – A UK Residential Installation

With a rising number of break-ins in the local area, the homeowner of a detached residence in the South East of England wanted to a proactive solution to reinforce the security of their property. The goal was to create a layered defence system that covered all vulnerable access points and provided early warning for perimeter breaches – without compromising the aesthetics of the home.

They selected the Olarm Max to serve as the central hub of their new security infrastructure. To bolster this, they chose a series of OPTEX outdoor sensors – renowned for their reliable detection.

At the heart of the new security system was the Olarm Max, which served as the backbone of the installation. This advanced control unit offered dual SIM and Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted communication with the homeowner through the Olarm App. Its seamless integration with existing alarm hardware meant there was no need for a complete overhaul. The system provided real-time alerts, remote arming and disarming, and full diagnostic capabilities, allowing the homeowner to manage their home security from anywhere with confidence and ease.

To secure all ground-floor access points, OPTEX’s FTN-ST sensors were installed at each downstairs window and door. These sensors are designed for close-range detection, offering a narrow 5m coverage area that’s ideal for mounting directly above entry points. Their discreet installation above window and door frames kept the equipment unobtrusive. Pet immunity and adjustable detection ranges ensured that only genuine intrusion attempts would trigger alerts, significantly reducing the risk of false alarms.

For wider coverage at the rear of the property, OPTEX WXS-ST sensors were installed to monitor the garden and back approach. These wide-angle sensors provide 12m of detection on either side and feature customisable range and angle settings. Mounted on the rear wall, they provide effective surveillance over outdoor pathways and open spaces, detecting movement well before an intruder could reach the home’s entrances. This early-warning capability added a crucial layer of protection.

The front of the property was also equipped with a WXS-ST sensor, strategically placed under the eaves to monitor the driveway, front paths, and front entrance. The sensor creates a wide and invisible detection zone, acting like a curtain in front of ground-floor windows and the main door. It serves as the first line of defence for the front of the home, alerting the homeowner before any suspicious activity reached the immediate perimeter.

Finally, the perimeter security was reinforced with OPTEX Smart Line Active Infrared Beams. These were mounted along the top of the property's existing fencing to establish an invisible but highly effective barrier. Set up in pairs to form virtual tripwires, the beams detected any attempt to scale or breach the fence line. This outermost layer acts as a deterrent and an early alert mechanism, triggering alarms before intruders can get close to the house itself.

Results & Benefits

The upgraded system is delivering 24/7 smart monitoring, providing the homeowner with instant alerts on their smartphone, complete with detailed zone information for quick and informed responses. Thanks to the layered approach to detection – starting at the perimeter, followed by the approach zones, and finally the entry points – the system enables early intervention before an intruder can reach the house. Each sensor was carefully fine-tuned to the environment, significantly reducing false alarms caused by pets, wind, or other common sources of interference. The entire installation was carried out with a focus on discreet aesthetics, ensuring that the devices blended seamlessly into the property's exterior without drawing unwanted attention. As a result, the homeowner has experienced a marked increase in peace of mind, knowing that their home is protected by a smart, reliable, and always-connected security solution – whether they are home or away.

Conclusion

This residential project demonstrates how the Olarm Max, when paired with a strategic deployment of OPTEX sensors, can transform a standard home security setup into a smart, layered and comprehensive system. With thoughtful placement and configuration, the homeowner now enjoys proactive, reliable protection that addresses both physical security and modern convenience.