Hi there,

I'm pretty new to electronics, but am working towards building my home alarm system. Before I wire it all up and leave it running 24/7 what are the best practices for checking a circuits safety?

The last thing i want to do is come home and find my house on fire

Off the top of my head i can think of:
+ Running it through software (this might tell me if anything is overloaded or dangerous?).
+ Posting a schematic on the forums and getting some one to check it over
+ Paying for a professional in real life to check it over?

Please let me know what people normally do.

Thanks!

 

Better tell us about ur supply details and the type of alarm.

 

I dare say most of us rely on our experience and knowledge to ensure safety. Lacking that increases your exposure. Consider how your insurance company will regard the cause of a claim.

4 things;
Isolation, overcurrent,design within limitations, and practical implementation.

You'll find UL, CSA, or similar ratings on packaged devices, that have met guidelines, and as per manufacturers instruction, installed professionally.

 

Ok I will google those four terms. Thats a starting point for me
Any more input is appreciated.

 

Most alarms run @12 volts, so the box should be your main concern for fire. Use a metal box. Keep wires off hot water/heating pipes. Are you using a commercially available system, or do you plan on making the circuits yourself?