Typical ADT alarm systems can be either wired or wireless. As part of the ordering process ADT offers a free security survey during which they will undertake a risk assessment of your home. They will identify the need for features such as a pet friendly system and a CCTV and door entry system. They will also make a note of the size of the property and the presence of a conservatory or garage. Once this is done they supply a quote and on agreement will arrange a date for installation.

The cost of this type of system will vary depending on the size of the property and what needs to be protected. However, a wired system in a typical 3 bedroom home could cost around £400 for the hardware.

There are two maintenance options available. The first is a standard option which includes 24 hour technical support including remote engineering support, emergency call-out 24 hours a day 365 days a year, which is chargeable, two routine maintenance inspections per year (repairs and parts not included) and a 12-month warranty for additionally fitted equipment.

The second is an enhanced comprehensive option which is the same as the standard option but also includes free emergency call-out 24 hours a day 365 days a year, including parts and labour, remote engineering support and system resets, free fitting of replacement parts due to wear and tear and free software upgrades.

All ADT security systems are monitored alarm systems. ADT’s alarm-receiving centre, which is manned 24 hours a day, will be automatically contacted in the event of a break-in. The alarm-receiving centre will then contact the homeowner, nominated keyholders and/or the police.

Who is contacted in the event of an emergency and the maintenance option have been classified to make selection easier. The Bronze option offers standard maintenance and keyholder alert, the Silver option offers comprehensive maintenance and keyholder alert, the Gold option offers standard maintenance and emergency service alert while the Platinum option offers comprehensive maintenance and emergency service alert.

ADT insist that each keyholder must live within 20 minutes travelling time of the home, have keys to the property and be familiar with the system and how to secure the home. Each keyholder should be given a keyfob supplied by ADT as part of their package so they can deactivate the system remotely in the case of a false alarm. ADT must be notified about any changes to the contact details of nominated keyholders in writing.

The individual UK police forces will charge up to £50 to register for an emergency response. This is a one off payment and you will be allocated with a Unique Reference Number (URN). ADT will handle this registration at no extra cost.

]]> http://www.burglaralarm.me.uk/adt/customised-home-security-systems/feed 3 http://www.burglaralarm.me.uk/wireless-burglar-alarms/why-a-wireless-alarm http://www.burglaralarm.me.uk/wireless-burglar-alarms/why-a-wireless-alarm#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:25:07 +0000 admin http://www.burglaralarm.me.uk/?p=53 Wireless alarm systems have increased in popularity over the wired systems. This is mainly because wireless alarm systems tend to be cheaper, more portable and don’t require professional installation. Another advantage is that wireless systems can be purchased over the counter in the form of pre-packaged kits together with an instruction manual.

A typical kit will always contain a sounder (siren or bell), a control panel to connect the power supply, a keypad to activate and deactivate the alarm, magnetic door and window sensors and motion detector sensors (often known as Passive Infrared Motion Sensors or PIR sensors). Kits may also include keyfobs for remote control, dummy bells or sirens, spare batteries and cable. These kits are convenient if you don’t have the available budget to use a professional to complete the installation.

However, it is important to note that you do get what you pay for and one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. If you live in a large home you might need more door and window sensors and PIR detectors so the price may be more than previously estimated. Also, with varying price comes varying quality, which may be reflected in terms of features such as battery life or detector sensitivity. Therefore, it is advisable that you think about your requirements and purchase the most expensive wireless alarm system that you can afford.

Some of the cheapest products are available from brands such as Honeywell and Micromark. Honeywell offers an Accenta Mini G4 Kit for £130.99 including a control panel and keypad, a neon external sounder, two magnetic contacts, two PIR detectors and cable. Micromark offers a 23216 Wirefree Burglar Alarm for £117 including the control panel and keypad, a siren with strobe, one door contact sensor, two PIR sensors, one solar powered battery and one keyfob.

Mid-range products are offered by brands such as Yale and Powermax. A Pet Friendly Yale Premium Alarm HSA 6400P kit costs £225. The kit includes a control panel with fitted auto-dialler allowing contact with pre-programmed telephone numbers on activation, a keypad, two PIR detectors which are pet friendly (not activated by pet movement under 26 Kg), two magnetic contacts and two sirens (one working and one dummy). A Powermax Plus kit for a 3 bedroom house costs £255. This kit includes a control panel and keypad, three PIR sensors, 2 magnetic door contacts, 2 keyfobs and one wireless bell box.

High end products are offered by companies such as ADT. A wireless monitored home security solution offered by ADT will cost £449. These kits include a control panel and remote control, three PIR detectors, one door contact, an internal siren, four keyfobs, a decoy bell box with flashing LED and window stickers.

All ADT products are professionally installed and maintained by ADT and this type of system is monitored. This means that an alarm-receiving centre will be contacted if the alarm is activated. You will be expected to pay a monthly fee to the alarm-receiving centre for this service which could be as much as £25 per month.

They have a selection of sensors that will detect if an intruder is attempting to break-in or has entered the property. They are available in pet friendly versions that prevent the movement of a pet triggering a false alarm. They include Passive Infrared Intruder detectors (PIR detectors) and Dual-Tech detectors, which activate the alarm on detection of intruder movement with a range of up to 11 metres.

Glass break detectors are used to detect the sound of breaking glass from up to seven metres away. They have a built in intelligence so they can make the distinction between the sound of breaking glass and other common sounds. Security system vibration sensors are also available which detect damage to windows by monitoring vibrations.

Contact devices are used to protect doors and windows – areas of a building which are typically vulnerable to intruders. These door and window contacts create a magnetic contact which will activate the alarm if broken.

The audio components available in an ADT alarm include an external alarm bell box that can be wired with a bell and/or flashing lights and an alternative silver bell box. Both bell boxes are marked with the ADT logo that in itself is a deterrent to a potential intruder, since most are opportunists looking for a property that is easy to break into. ADT recognises this and also offers dummy bell boxes which can be used in tandem with a tamper proof internal sounder. This arrangement is used as a cheaper alternative, but also to avoid problems associated with excessive noise pollution.

All ADT commercial security systems are monitored alarm systems. ADT’s alarm-receiving centre, manned 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, will be automatically contacted in the event of a break-in. The alarm-receiving centre will then contact the property owner, nominated keyholder and/or the police.

ADT offers two types of manually activated panic button which sends a signal to the alarm-receiving centre on activation. They can be either fixed for use in a hard wired alarm system and remote for use in a wireless system.

The control panel incorporates an easy touch keypad used to deactivate the alarm with a pincode. It is also used to control individual room and door sensors and has a built in two-way voice panel which allows contact with an ADT representative. ADSL filters are available for access to a broadband telephone line. This is useful in commercial buildings which often use a broadband connection for its data and voice networks. Keyfobs are also supplied which allow remote deactivation of the alarm system.

According to the Metropolitan Police, over 92% of all alarm activations were false alarm calls due to either equipment, communication or user error. While installation of wireless systems is relatively easy, it is still worth taking the time and effort to install such a system correctly. Make sure you read the instruction manual thoroughly. If all else fails get a professional to install it for you; it might be cheaper in the long run.

To minimize the impact of false alarms, the UK police adopt a policy which classifies alarms into two types, A or B. Type A alarms are remote auto-dialling or monitoring system alarms. These alarms send a signal either to an alarm-receiving centre (monitoring system) or a nominated keyholder (remote auto-dialling) when the alarm is activated. If used, an alarm-receiving centre will contact the nominated keyholders and the police who will respond subject to confirmation procedures.

When thinking about using this type of system it is important to know the policy of the police in terms of attendance. If using a remote auto-dialling system the police will not attend if called by a nominated keyholder, even if audio or visual evidence is available (some remote auto-dialling systems can send pictures to mobile phones). They will only attend following eyewitness confirmation that the residence is being burgled.

The police will attend if contacted by an alarm-receiving centre provided the system is maintained and used in accordance with British Standards. The alarm must be registered with the police and identified by a unique reference number. In addition, a police response will be conditional upon the number of false activations in any 12 month period.

Type B alarms are audible only alarms. If triggered these alarms will sound but are not associated with any notification. These alarms and auto-dialling alarms can be problematic due to noise pollution. The impact of a false alarm on the neighbourhood can be underestimated, but there are strict by-laws which govern this type of problem.

If an alarm sounds for more than 20 minutes and an Environmental Health Officer is satisfied that the noise is a statutory nuisance then formal action will be taken to silence the alarm. This can involve obtaining a warrant to enter the premises and the use of contractors to gain access, deactivate the alarm and if necessary change the locks to secure the premises. It is advisable that the alarm is installed with a 20 minute cut off device, and that two separate keyholders are registered with the local authority and the police station. This helps to avoid causing a statutory nuisan

ADT has developed a standard wireless monitoring system which can be used to protect a typical three bedroom, two reception room family home. This system includes a control panel which is connected to the power supply and telephone line, a remote control keypad used to activate or deactivate the system (comes with holder) and four remote keyfobs used to remotely deactivate the alarm on entering.

The detectors include three passive infrared movement detectors (PIRS) used to sense the presence of an intruder inside your home and one door contact to detect when the door is opened. Audio and visual deterrents include one internal siren, window stickers and a decoy bell box.

The cost of the hardware is £449 which includes professional installation and a comprehensive maintenance package undertaken by ADT’s team of qualified engineers. The decoy bell box can be changed to a working bell at an extra cost of £100.

This system is a wireless monitoring system. Therefore ADT’s alarm-receiving centre manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, will be automatically contacted in the event of a break-in. The alarm-receiving centre will then contact at least two nominated keyholders and/or the police. ADT insist that each keyholder must live within 20 minutes travelling time of the home, have keys to the property and be familiar with the system and how to secure the home. Each keyholder should be given a keyfob so they can deactivate the system in the case of a false alarm. ADT must be notified about any changes to the contact details of nominated keyholders in writing.

As with all alarm monitoring systems, there is a monthly charge that varies depending on the two options available. The first is the Home Security option which costs £20.53 per month. In the event of activation the alarm-receiving centre will alert at least two keyholders and the homeowner. The second is the Home Security Plus which costs £25.42 per month. In the event of activation the alarm-receiving centre will contact at least 2 keyholders, the homeowner and the police.

The police charge up to £50 to register for an emergency response. This is a one off payment and you will be allocated with a Unique Reference Number (URN). ADT will handle this registration at no extra cost.

It is important to note that the police have strict guidelines regarding false alarms. A police response will be conditional upon the number of false activations in any 12 month period. While they will not charge, the police will downgrade and eventually withdraw their response to an alarm in the case of persistent false alarms

There are three popular types of wireless alarm system, namely an audible system, an auto-dialling system or a monitored system. Audible systems are most popular but are also the least effective. With this type of system the alarm sounds but a response is dependent on individuals within earshot of the siren or bell. If your home is vacant when the alarm is triggered, this would have to be a neighbour or a passer-by. To minimize the number of calls due to false alarms, the police will not respond to an audible alarm report unless it is supported by other evidence that a crime is being committed.  This is normally an independent witness dialling 999 who has seen suspicious activity at the property.

When an auto-dialling system is activated, it will send an image or message to a mobile phone designated by the installer. Once again, if your property is being broken into in your absence and you have been sent a message to your mobile phone the police will not respond if you call them, even if you have audio or visual evidence of a break-in. They will attend only after eyewitness confirmation that a burglary is taking place.

A monitored system is a more expensive alternative to an audible and auto-dialling system. When the alarm is triggered, a signal is sent to an alarm-receiving centre via a telephone line. The centre then contacts nominated keyholders and the police who will respond subject to confirmation procedures.

Monitoring systems are therefore more expensive due to the involvement of a third party. These types of system involve a contract and a monthly fee which is subject to regular maintenance of the alarm system to minimize false alarms. In addition, installation these types of systems must be subject to conditions stipulated by the police, such as British Standards and a call-out will be conditional on the number of false alarms within any 12 month period.

While these conditions specified by the police may seem strict, it is important to note that in excess of 92% of all alarm activations nationally are false alarms due to faulty equipment or user error. DIY wireless alarms in particular are associated with high numbers of false alarms. Professional installations of alarm systems are guaranteed by the installers and are less prone to false alarms.

Manufacturers of wireless systems have worked hard in recent years to change perceptions about these products and there are now some very good systems available in this segment of the market. It is worth buying the most expensive system you can afford to ensure the quality of the hardware. This will minimise the chance of a false alarm due to faulty equipment. In addition, it might be worth paying an electrician to install it for you.

ADT sells a special commercial alarm package which is normally priced at around £900. This is a wired alarm system as opposed to a wireless system, meaning that this type of installation uses wires to connect the alarm sensors to the control panel.

As a part of the ordering process, ADT offers a free security survey and risk assessment of the commercial premises. During this assessment they will identify the need for additional features such as CCTV and a door entry system. It is important to note that the price will be subject to change depending on the size of the property and individual security needs. This is why ADT insists on undertaking a security survey prior to installation. Once this is done they will offer a quote and on agreement arrange a date for installation.

In terms of hardware, the alarm package consists of a 12-zone Galaxy Control panel: this is the device that controls the whole alarm system and the zones are areas of the building containing sensor devices. The system also has a keypad with a built-in proximity card reader and four keyfobs for remote control disarming. This can allow the designation of one entrance as a staff-only entry point.

The system comes with alarm sensors that detect when an intruder is attempting to break-in or has already gained entry. These sensors include two entry/exit door contacts and up to four motion sensors. Audio equipment includes one outdoor ADT live siren, one loud internal sounder and one decoy bell box. There is also battery back up in the event of a power failure.

All ADT commercial security systems are monitored alarm systems. This means that ADT’s alarm-receiving centre that is manned 24 hours a day 365 days a year, will be automatically alerted in the event of a break-in. The alarm-receiving centre will then contact the business owner and the police. As a result, the system comes with an ADSL filter for access to a broadband telephone line. This is useful in commercial buildings, which often uses a broadband connection for its data and voice networks.

The additional monthly charge for the monitoring service is £27 per month plus VAT. In addition, the police will charge up to £50 to register for an emergency response. This is a one off payment and you will be allocated with a Unique Reference Number (URN). ADT will handle this registration at no extra cost.

In terms of maintenance, the business owner will have access to ADT’s 24-hour support and help desk. At an extra cost the business owner can be guaranteed a four hour response time for any faults.

]]> http://www.burglaralarm.me.uk/adt/adt-commercial-security-systems/feed 1 http://www.burglaralarm.me.uk/home-burglar-alarms/home-burglar-alarm-jargon http://www.burglaralarm.me.uk/home-burglar-alarms/home-burglar-alarm-jargon#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:20:55 +0000 admin http://www.burglaralarm.me.uk/?p=40 When purchasing a burglar alarm you need to think in terms of a full burglar alarm system rather than just an alarm bell box. A typical system is made up of a number of component parts which each have a vital role.

There are two basic types of alarm system, namely wired and wireless. Wired systems obviously use wires to connect the component parts, and the installation of such wired systems tends to be undertaken by a professional. Manufacturers of wired alarm systems will undertake a survey of your home and interview with you to assess your home security needs. They will then supply you with a quote. It is important to obtain quotes from at least two reputable firms before making your decision. Make sure they answer all of your queries and questions regarding the system.

Wireless systems can be purchased in DIY/hardware shops and can be installed by a householder. If you are considering purchasing a wireless system it is important to know what the component parts are and what they do – especially if you are considering installing the system yourself. All wireless alarm systems will come with a manual, and you should read this thoroughly.

The most important component is the control panel, which is also the power source for the alarm system. In a wireless system this is the only wired connection, from the control panel to the household power supply. Most control panels come with a back up battery in the case of power failure or if the unit is unplugged.

Installation choice will depend on whether or not the system is to be a monitored one. This is because monitored alarm systems send a signal to an alarm-receiving centre via a telephone line when the alarm is activated. The control panel for a monitored alarm will need to be connected to a telephone line as well as a power supply.

Next is the security keypad, this is where you enter the passcode to activate and deactivate the system. Some keypads are built into the control panels and some are separate. The keypad is a direct link to the control panel so you control the alarm system via the keypad. This is normally placed near the main entrance of the premises for easy access to avoid false alarms. Some keypads also come with a voice feature allowing you to communicate directly with the alarm-receiving centre.

An alarm system will also come with keyfobs. These are small portable electrical devices containing electronic chips which will only work on your system. The keyfob can be used to activate or deactivate the system by holding it up to the keypad – like locking or unlocking a car. It is advisable to give keyfobs to at least two trusted people who live locally so that your system can be quickly deactivated in the case of a false alarm.

An alarm system will also have sensors. This includes door and window sensors that trigger the alarm when opened and glass-break sensors triggered by the shockwaves of breaking glass. If an intruder does get into the home then motion detectors (often known as Passive Infrared Motion Sensors or PIRS) will sense their movement and trigger the alarm.

Audible and alerting systems alert the people in the surrounding area, but also contact a third party that a break-in is possibly taking place. The third party could be an alarm-receiving centre which will contact a nominated individual and the police. This type of system is the most expensive because it involves a contractual agreement between the homeowner and the alarm-receiving centre, a maintenance agreement and regular monthly payments.

However, the third party could also be an individual nominated by the installer. This could be the homeowner or someone else in their absence. If you are thinking about buying a wireless alarm system but don’t want to be tied down to a contractual agreement with an alarm-receiving centre then this would be a cheaper alternative.

Wireless alarm manufacturers have developed new and improved systems which incorporate different types of technology. Probably the most commonly used type of system is one which sends a message to a telephone number preset by the installer. This type of system, known as an auto-dialler, will often accept more than one number (mobile or landline) and will dial them in order on activation. The message can be a text or voice format.

It is important to note that setting the number to 999 is useless, since the police will not respond to this type of call. In addition, the police will not attend if you call them when alerted by the system unless you can independently verify that a break-in is taking place. It is advisable to set the number as your own if you can get to the protected property within 20 minutes. If you are away you will need to nominate either a friend or a neighbour to act in your absence. This will avoid the alarm becoming a nuisance to the neighbours.

Also available are audio verification systems which allow you to listen-in to your home if you suspect a burglary is taking place. Many also have a talkback mode allowing two-way communication. This may be useful if an intruder breaks in while there is someone vulnerable in the home like an elderly relative.

Visual technology can also be used in conjunction with a home alarm system. Motion detectors are now available which not only detect when an intruder has entered the home but also trigger cameras (such as CCTV or VCR) which will record visual information while the break-in is taking place. Some systems also use the Internet protocol (IP) network using IP cameras plugged into a network connection. The homeowner can view the camera remotely using a broadband connection and some models have a built-in motion detection option so they can be integrated into a wireless system

A review of your possessions is probably one of the first things to think about. A list of what you own, and the replacement value, should be compiled. If you have contents insurance then you may have already carried out a rough inventory. You will need to pay particular attention to things of higher value such as jewellery, paintings, antiques and other such items. When thinking about fitting an alarm, you will need to make a note of the location of these possessions in your home.

The next step would be to think about your lifestyle and environment. Are you a homeowner or do you rent? Are you in a flat-share, do you live in a family unit or do you live alone? Do you spend a lot of time travelling and are therefore away from your home for long periods? Do you have a neighbourhood watch scheme in your area? What about the type of people living in your home? Most alarm systems require manual deactivation when you enter your home to avoid a false alarm so you will need to ensure all residents and/or a neighbour are properly trained in how to do this.

Domestic burglar alarms can be categorised as either wired or wireless. Most domestic alarm systems are made up of alarm sensors, a control panel system and a siren/bell box. Wireless alarms tend to be made up of wireless battery operated alarm sensors, whereas a typical hard-wired system connects the alarm sensors to the panel via cables.

Wireless alarms are particularly useful if you are renting because they can be installed without much upheaval. There are a number of different wireless alarms available that can be fitted by a DIY enthusiast so installation costs are low. These systems are also easy to remove if you decide to move home since installation is mainly superficial. However, it is important to inform your landlord if you are renting since a certain amount of installation is required, usually involving the drilling of holes into the walls.

Wired burglar alarms are worth considering if you live in your own home and expect to stay in that house for several years. The installation costs are much higher because a professional must undertake the work. But these systems tend to last much longer and are more reliable. Due to the upheaval involved in the installation, such as the removal of ceiling panels and/or floorboards, the hardware is difficult to remove if you decide to sell the house. It is therefore better to leave the system in place and use it as a value-adding feature when selling your home