X10 Home Automation

X10 Home Automation is probably something you've heard of.  You may have heard it described as "Smart Home" or just general "Home Automation."  But what exactly is it, and how does it relate to home security?

According to Wikipedia, X10 is an "...industry standard for communication among electronic devices used for home automation..."  What does this mean?  Basically, you can purchase an X10 controller that will send a signal through the electrical wires to your X10 devices, "commanding" them to perform some function.  The possibilities are pretty much endless.  An easy example is lighting.  Using X10 you can control all, or some of the lights in your home remotely.

So, how does this play into home security?  Well, some home security systems, such as the GE Simon 3, are now X10 compatible.  And many home security devices are now X10 devices.  For example, you can purchase an internal siren that will automatically sound in the event of an alarm.  When an alarm is registered on your system, it sends out a signal in the electrical wires that is picked up by any X10 devices set to pick that up.  You could have all of the lights in your home immediately turn on or only have a strobe light to disorient and frighten an intruder.  The possiblities are endless.  Basically, it adds a new level of convenience and protection to your existing home security system.