Intruder Alarms

An intruder alarm or more commonly known as a burglar alarm is a system of connected devices which protect a specified area or object from unwanted personnel. This is done by alerting either by and audible/ visual alarm or by contacting relevant people via an alarm receiving centre or smart mobile application. An intruder alarm can range from several devices on smaller commercial or domestic systems, to your large commercial/ Industrial systems which can be integrated into other systems. The design and grading of your system will usually be undertaken by the installation company, who will best suit your needs and budget to ensure you have the best system requirements to suit you.

There is a range of intruder alarms available, you can purchase a budget system from your local DIY shop however it is strongly recommended to have your alarm installed by a professional accredited company as they are trained to provide a security consultation, risk assessment and supply you with a certificate for your installation.

Wired alarms are linked to the control panel of the alarm, using graded cabling, they can be channelled into your wall or encased in containment. depending on the customer's property and their requirements.  The control panel is the brain of the system, it is the control panel that will communicate to notify of faults or activations. A wired intruder alarm uses your electricity to power the devices, however, there should always be a backup battery in the control panel which will ensure your alarm works if there is a power failure.

A wireless intruder alarm works the same as a wired alarm system apart from the devices, (PIR’s, door contacts, shock sensors, bell boxes & Keypads etc) these are not connected by wiring and instead are powered with on-board batteries. The battery life of wireless devices normally ranges from 1-2 years.  Signals between devices are sent remotely rather down a cable.

Intruder alarms vary in costs it depends on the system and installation requirements. As a rough guide, if your building is about the size as a 3 bed-roomed house it can be anything between £450.00 - £750.00. Should you be choosing to pay in instalments please make sure what it is your paying for and for how long. Many companies who offer monthly instalments will have an added interest and try to tie you into a lengthy contract.

A grade 2 alarm is ideal for domestic properties and small/medium commercial settings. Alarms are graded by technology and signalling capabilities. A grade 2 system can be connected to the police, alarm receiving centres and have a level of redundancy built into them.

A grade 3 intruder alarm system is usually required in larger commercial sites or higher value sites. The grading of a system is either depicted by your Insurance Company or by a surveyor from an accredited security company. It is critical a trained professional undertakes this to ensure the system is designed to meet the sites requirements.