Installing a home intruder alarm or a business security system can bring huge peace of mind and reduce your insurance premiums, but there are many aspects to choosing, fitting and operating them. Here, we take a look at ten of the most commonly asked questions to see if our friendly engineering team can help provide some answers.
Why do I need a security alarm?
Security alarms, CCTV cameras and access control systems all add an extra layer of security and safety to your home or business. They help deter unwanted visitors and give you advanced warning about anyone attempting to gain unlawful access to your property. They offer peace of mind for you and your family and/or employees and can help reduce your insurance premiums too.
How do they work?
Security systems comprise motion sensors placed at entry points and other strategic areas around your property – both inside and out. These sensors communicate with a control panel or remote device that triggers an alarm or sends an emergency alert to the security company, police or other identified organisation that will investigate what is going on. CCTV cameras monitor specified areas and access control solutions like gated entry systems prevent anyone from entering your property who is not supposed to be there.
Do I need to tell the police I have a security system?
It is always a good idea to alert the police when you install a security system for your house or business. Many systems are linked directly to the police so that when they are triggered, the local force can send out a response team to investigate. Others are connected to a dedicated security company who will inform the police of any action required on your behalf.
Do I need to tell my insurance company I have one?
Your insurance company needs to know about any significant changes to your home or business premises, such as installing a security system, CCTV or alarm. This helps them keep their records up to date and often results in lower premiums for the policyholder, as it shows you have thought about protecting your property from risks such as burglary or vandalism. You may need to provide proof that your system is correctly installed and verified by a certified professional.
Why do I need a site survey before I have my security system fitted?
Any reputable alarms and security company will carry out a comprehensive site survey before commencing on any installation work for alarm systems or CCTV cameras. This is to ensure that the sensors, cameras etc. are placed in the best positions and at the optimum angles to sense any unwanted intruders. The installation company will also want to work out where to place any wires for a hardwired system and how to link a wireless system to the internet network for remote access and connectivity.
How do I go about upgrading an existing security system?
It is very easy to upgrade an existing security system, either by replacing some or all of the components for later models with more sophisticated technology, or by adding extra alarms, sensors or cameras to cover a wider area. You can also switch from hardwired to wireless security systems to enable access to images and data via smart phone or tablet from anywhere in the world.
I have a dog. Will he set the alarm off all the time?
Most modern security systems and home alarms come with built-in pet sensors that can differentiate between expected canine or feline behaviour and an unlawful intrusion or break-in. If possible, shutting your pet out of rooms or areas with security system sensors installed while you are away from the property can also help reduce the risk of your alarms being set off inadvertently by an enthusiastic cat or dog.
How do monitored alarms work?
Monitored alarm systems send a signal from the control panel to your security prover, or straight to the police, as soon as an emergency event is sensed and the alarms triggered. Your property is placed under surveillance as part of your security set-up, instead of just having an alarm go off when unexpected movement triggers one or more of the motion sensors.
Can I take my security system with me if I move house or change my business premises?
In most cases you can take your home or commercial security system with you when you move, especially if it is a wireless system that doesn’t require any rewiring. However, you should check with your security system provider first and alert them and any other responding organisation connected to your system of your new address.
Why do I need to have my security service serviced?
As with any home security system or commercial premises burglar alarm, it is very important to get your home alarm or commercial security system serviced and maintained regularly to check for damage, replace low batteries and clean and service all the components. Regular servicing will also reduce the likelihood of your security system breaking down or experiencing a fault that stops it working when you need it most.
