SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS - FAQs

Please find below a list of our most frequently asked questions on our home and commercial burglar alarm systems. We hope this answers any queries you have but if you require any further assistance or would like a quote pleas contact us. Click Here.

Bells Only Intruder Alarm System
 
"Bells Only" refers to the type of intruder alarm, burglar alarm, or fire alarm system that uses audible and visual signalling only –i.e. an external Siren and Strobe – and is not connected to any monitoring station but can be monitored by a speechdailler. Such burglar and intruder security systems can still be registered with the Police but it is optional and police response is dependant upon a neighbour or passer by hearing your alarm ringing and raising the alarm.
 

BS4737
 
This is the British Standards that applies to the majority of residential home security and commercial intruder alarms installed before 1 Oct 2005. It has been replaced by PD6662.
 
 
False Alarms from your System
 
Due to the serious nature of intruder alarm systems, there are strict rules affecting false alarms.

Very few false alarms arise due to technical problems – most are due to simple human error or miss-use of the system. For monitored intruder alarm systems the police can refuse to respond to a premises after there have been three false alarms during a 12 month period. Up to a further 12 month period, free from false alarms, is then required in order to reinstate police response.

Alarm companies are required to ensure that the reason for a false alarm can always be identified. If the reason is not immediately apparent then an engineer should visit the premises to investigate. In the event of repeated false alarms, even where the reason is known, the alarm company must work with the client to resolve the problem either through training or changes to the system.

 
Guaranteed Quotes –Residential Home Security Systems Only
 
Protection Security Systems provides quotes for residential home security systems based on a formula of information such as property type, number of bedrooms etc. And recommends the number of devices that would be required to provide adequate coverage for the type of property in question and a quote is prepared on this basis. A physical survey of the premises is not required, But can be under taken if required. The engineer on the day of installation will conduct an initial assessment and if further detectors (magnetic contacts or motion sensors) are required in order to ensure adequate intruder detection coverage then these will be fitted at a small cost.

This guarantee does not apply to ancillary devices such as panic buttons, keypads, smoke / fire detectors and sounders.

 
Installations of Security Systems
 
Alarm system installations take approximately 1 day for a small shop and 1.5 to 2 days for a 4 bed detached house. Installations requested outside normal office hours are subject to a surcharge.

The majority of our installations are fully hardwired to minimise interference and false alarms and ALL wiring is monitored against tampering. Every possible effort is made to conceal wiring under floor boards and carpets and we pride ourselves in the quality of our work. We never forget that it is your property we are working within.

However, where wiring is simply not an option, Wire Free door contacts, motion sensors and smoke detectors are available at additional cost.
 

Keyholders
 
For intruder alarm systems a minimum or 2 keyholders are required. Keyholders are people who do not live at the alarmed premises but have access to it. For commercial premises keyholders can be the owner (provided they don't live at the premises), Store Manager, etc. For residential premises keyholders are neighbours or friends/family living locally.

If the alarm is activated and has same sort of monitoring to call the keyholders who will then be required to attend the premises.

Keyholders must live within 20 minutes of the alarmed premises and have their own transport and set of keys to the premises. They must know how to operate the alarm including knowledge of passwords used.

There are specialist companies available who, for a fee, can act as keyholders.
 
Maintenance Contracts for Alarm Systems
 
Two types of contracts are available with intruder alarm systems.

• Maintenance Only - for bell only systems. This contract includes two service visits a year and 24/7 support. Protection Security Systems provide a pure 12 month equipment guarantee after which equipment faults are chargeable. Protection Security Systems Also provides a comprehensive Parts and Labour warranty on ALL equipment for the life of the contract.

Protection Security Systems contracts are a minimum of 12 months.

 
Payment Terms for Security Systems
 
Unless a Monthly Payment Agreement is in place, Protection Security Systems Payment Terms are full payment of the supply and installation charges on the day of commissioning (the day the system is installed).

Monthly Fees are payable by Standing Order on either the 1st, 15th or 25th of each month.

 
PD6662

This is the new legislative regulation that applies to all alarm systems installed after 1st Oct 2005. The key change is the introduction of a grading system whereby the security risk of the premises needs to be assessed and a particular grade of alarm recommended. The Grades are based on criteria supplied by the insurance industry but in all cases, it is important to check that the particular insurance company involved is satisfied with the recommended grade.

The lowest Grade is Grade 1 and DIY alarms fall into this category. Insurance companies may or may not recognise these alarms for security and discount purposes.

Professionally installed and maintained police monitored alarms are classed as Grade 2 and this Grade will apply to the majority of residential and commercial premises.

 
Pets and False Alarms
 
Pets are a very common cause of false alarms. Most alarms use motion sensors and whilst these can be configured and positioned so as to minimise the risk of false activation by pets, the risk can never really be totally eradicated. If at all possible, pets should be restricted to one or two rooms (i.e. the kitchen) whilst the alarm is set. These rooms could then be protected by non-motion sensitive devices such as door contracts and window sensors.

In extreme circumstances, where large pets cannot be restricted at all, devices utilising detection features such as "audio verification" can be used but this and other such devices significantly increase the cost of the overall alarm.
 
 
Price Promise
 
Protection Security Systems has a simple but cast iron price promise. If you can find a genuine like for like quotation from another alarm company then we will beat it by at least £25.

 
Relocation/Moving
 
Once you have paid for an alarm system then it is yours. Should you move or relocate then you can either take the alarm with you or bequeath or sell it to the new occupiers.

For a small fee Protection Security Systems will remove the alarm and reinstall it in your new premises adding (at the appropriate cost) such additional devices and equipment as are necessary to protect the new premises and satisfy any current regulations.
 
 
Smoke Detectors
 
Smoke or CO detectors are strongly recommended for any intruder alarm as they can detect the presence of a fire. When connected to an alarm system the detectors are active at all times, even when the alarm is not set. If they detect smoke or high CO level they will set off the high decibel internal siren.

Due to fire system regulations, smoke detectors are only available for residential systems.
 
Wireless/Wire Free Systems
 
Historically, wireless systems have proved to be more prone to technical problems and false alarms than wired systems, not to mention the problem of replacing batteries.

However, using the high quaulity Wire Free devices which can entirely replace, or be mixed with, wired detection devices. The devices have interference monitoring, a range of up to 300m, and innovative "sleep" technology which can give a battery life of up to 2 years!!

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