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Who Invented The Home Security System? The History of Home Security

Yucy2/14/2025
Who Invented The Home Security System?

Home security systems have always been a necessity. However, they have never been the same. They evolved slowly, and now, we have high-end security systems that we can control remotely.

With the adoption, the people must know the person behind the invention and its early forms. In this article, we will discuss security systems comprehensively to acknowledge some important facts.

Who Invented The First Home Security System?

The first home security system was invented in 1966 by an African American nurse,** Marie Van Brittan Brown**. Her husband Albert, used to work in shifts and mostly arrived late. She became afraid of the increasing crime rates and the police response time is slow.

For her safety, she invented the first home security system and filed a patent for the first-ever closed-circuit television (CCTV) on August 1, 1966. Her system was an inspiration for modern security systems. Her security system contains a CCTV, remote-controlled door lock, and two-way communication. Later all the security systems worked on her principle and kept evolving for enhancement.

Her security system had a motorized video camera that would give the recording through 4 peepholes and adjust the view according to the visitor’s height. The camera was connected to a normal television for live streaming. She also installed a microphone and speaker to communicate with the visitors from inside. Additionally, a remote-controlled door lock mechanism was installed to open the gate remotely when any known visitor was outside. An emergency alarm button was also installed to call the police in emergencies.

Early Forms Of Home Security

There are several early forms of home security systems but they are used as a physical barrier. The most popular security in ancient Egyptian civilization is guard dogs to sense danger and alert the homeowner with repeated barks.

Also, the moats and large gates were used as defensive barriers to keep away the attackers. Watchmen and gatekeepers were also impactful for high security.

Modern Forms Of Home Security Systems

Before Brown, one of the commonly used systems was the trip wire alarm mechanism enhanced security. A burglar alarm was also invented in 1857 by Edwin Holmes. It works on an electromagnetic mechanism and triggers an alarm when the door is not closed.

The modern forms of security systems have been revolutionized for better surveillance. CCTV cameras are mounted at every place for remote 24/7 surveillance. Development of smart applications for people to remotely monitor the footage from their mobile phones.

Smart locks with fingerprint scanners and integrated cameras are great innovations to stop unauthorized access. Additionally, motion sensors and alarms are also made to prevent unauthorized trespassing.

Home Security System In New Era

In the era of future technologies, such as AI & IoT, home security systems are automated and enhanced to provide high-end security with detailed analytics. AI features like auto-tracking and facial recognition are introduced to detect any suspicious activity or the intruder’s face.

Special surveillance drones are introduced for the security of large properties like warehouses and mansions. They have made patrolling much easier than physically moving. Moreover, IoT-enabled devices connect all the security systems like doorbells, security cameras, and smart lights with popular assistants. With an IoT-enabled system, you can automate things with one voice command or click. Data encryption and smart sensors have had a great impact on security systems.

Bonus: Home Security Camera System Recommendation

Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra

The Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra is a standalone 4K camera that provides a crystal-clear view of the targeted area. It’s a solar battery-powered camera which means you don’t need to mess up with wired connections. It depicts 4K color vision during night and day to have high-quality and clear video surveillance. Moreover, it supports 5/2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi for fast data transfer.

The Home Hub comes with a 64GB microSD card included to store important recordings. It serves as a central management device to control the cameras. You can extend the storage up to 512GB 2x microSD cards.

Reolink Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra

Wireless Security System with 4K Wi-Fi Solar/Battery Standalone Camera Without Monthly Fees

4K Color Footage Day & Night, 1 Year of Local Storage, Exclusive Anti-Theft Algorithms, 360° All-Around Coverage, Expandable System Up to 8 Reolink Cams.

Home Hub Pro with 4× E1 Outdoor Pro

Home Hub Pro with 4x E1 Outdoor Pro is a PTZ-supported 4K security system. It provides enhanced protection with a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) feature for 360° surveillance. You can zoom the recordings up to 3x and also provide an auto-tracking feature to capture activities in detail. The security system complies with Wi-Fi 6 technology for seamless 4K streaming.

The Home Hub Pro is an advanced centralized management device with enormous storage capacity. It provides a 2TB HDD for local storage that is expandable up to 16TB. The anti-theft algorithm ensures the privacy of the data with password protection and encryption.

Reolink Home Hub Pro with E1 Outdoor Pro

4K Wi-Fi 6 Security System with PTZ Auto Tracking

4K Color Footage with 3× Optical Zoom, 2TB HDD Included for Local Storage, Exclusive Anti-Theft Algorithms, Expandable to 24 Reolink Cams.

FAQs

1. Who is the father of alarm system?

The father of the alarm system is Edwin Holmes, an American businessman. Edwin took the patent from Augustus in 1857 and commercialized the concept as a Burglar alarm which he started to sell in 1858. At the start, he faced a few difficulties in selling the product but later it gained popularity.

2. Why did Marie Van Brittan Brown invent the home security system?

The motivation of Marie Van Brittan Brown to invent the security system was her fear of intruders during nighttime. The theft activities were active and she was usually alone at night because her husband works in shifts. Also, the response from the police was not quick in emergencies.

Conclusion

Home security system inventions have made a powerful impact on our lives. It takes out the fear of theft from the people and lets them sleep peacefully at night. In the modern era, the security system keeps enhancing and provides high-end security to protect one's life and important belongings.

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All Comments Are Welcome

Yucy, as a proficient editor in Reolink, specializes in the field of home security. Her expertise lies in providing insightful information regarding the latest advancements in security systems, surveillance technologies, and safety measures. Comment and discuss with her!