Alarm System Recommendations

TLC will present better value than other name for a semi pro product.

On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 13:44:35 +0000, Mark strung together this:

You may as well go with TLC, the ADE panels are pretty good for DIY installs as the programming is a piece of piss.

Well, see above!

Personally, I wouldn't advise anyone to fit their own alarm as there's more to designing, fitting and commisioning an effective system than most people think.

Well, now's your chance to give some tips, as it's hardly likely to take the bread out of your mouth. ;-)

What's wrong with them?

After failing to find any such writeup, I did a review of a few dual-tech PIR/microwave detectors a few years ago which you can find here:

Because I'm a sad git that has to research every supply alternative to make sure I don't get "Buyer's Remorse". I've absolutely nothing against TLC or CPC.

I'm sure you're right about this, but I'll settle for a "satisfactory" system. I was willing to have an alarm company install a system for me but I've been quoted £550 for a panel, 3 PIRs and a door switch, using my existing wiring. I think I'll be struggling to spend £150 on these parts even if I buy the 'top end' components. I don't need a serviced system for the paltry £2 a month discount my insurance company will give me. This is the whole point of DIY isn't it?

So Lurch, you sound like you know your way around an alarm system, how about some tips -)

Mark

Thanks for that. You mentioned "anti-masking" features, what exactly is anti-masking?

On Sat, 29 Jan 2005 07:06:01 +0000, Mark strung together this:

Who said anything about "satisfactory"?

To be fair, that's a bit on the high side. You want to get three quotes before deciding anything. Post your location somewhere in here, , if you still want a professionally installed system, at a sensible price.

I don't think so, a top end panel will eat that £150 in one go.

No. The point in servicing the system is so that when someone breaks in the alarm doesn't just sit in a knackered lump. Servicing also helps to prevent the alarm from going off at daft 'o' clock in the morning on a regular basis. If you're going to fit an alarm it needs servicing, in the same way that your car needs servicing otherwise it just doesn't work after a while.

And contrary to popular belief it takes time to service an alarm, some people refer to just typing a magic number in the panel, some rougharse would do this, sit in the car for a bit then get you to sign the service sheet. If it's done properly the entire system is physically checked and cables are tested, as is the functionality of the system. This is all noted down in your service record, which will be provided by a reputable installer.

You can then use this to gain a discount on your house insurance, providing the installer is accredited with some sort approvals from the SSAIB\NSI. Insurance companies generally won't discount a DIY installed system.

Generally, your house insurance discount is roughly equal to a yearly service visit so by DIY'ing it you're only saving a bit of money now, but you get what you pay for. A bit more spent on a system installed by someone reputable will get you a better system.

It took me years to learn what I have, I can't give it all out here.

The ability for the detector to realise it's been masked (covered over) to defeat operation. This however defeats the extra false alarm protection afforded by dual-tech units due to the way it works. Anti-masking is really only an issue if you expect potential burglars to have access at times when the system isn't armed, e.g. in public buildings, workplaces, etc.

and you can go significantly higher that that;-)

Never seen any alarm service include explicit cable checks. Normally every detector is tested, including a check of coverage area. Sometimes, repositioning of furniture can render an area uncovered, and need a detector to be repositioned or supplemented. Also testing of sounders, central station signalling where fitted, battery conditions, etc. Some service contracts include replacement of sensors and/or panel at a certain age, and all should include periodic battery replacement. A good service engineer would also spot any upgrading which might be necessary, e.g. due to a change in the use of some part of the covered/uncovered premises.

That's a really bad idea. Look to see what insurance cover you forfeit if you do this, and the premium reduction isn't worth it. Even if you do have an eligable alarm system, you are probably best advised not to take any insurance premium discount on that basis.

On 29 Jan 2005 23:27:30 GMT, snipped-for-privacy@cucumber.demon.co.uk (Andrew Gabriel) strung together this:

Well, I was thinking "within reason", but yes.

Ah well, you should get the pro's in then ;-) Even if it's not all recorded it's a good idea to so you can see if anything is deteriorating.

Yes, I meant to expand on that but didn't! I personally wouldn't bother with the discount from the insurance co. as they will use it as another way of trying to get out of paying for a claim. If you leave the house and forget to set the alarm the insurance co. will not pay out.

I'd be interested to know what need servicing on an alarm in the same way as on a car? Or do you mean an inspection and check on functionality?

Well, sensitivity of detectors does change with time (only reduces in my experience). Whilst that might not come as a surprise with things like PIR's, it's also true of reed switches, which can start sticking if the reed starts picking up some permanent magnetism (reversing the permanent magnet fixes that).

If you also use the same sensors for home automation purposes, such as occupancy sensors for lights, you might notice a change in behaviour. However, most alarm systems are not part of a fully integrated home automation system, so most alarm users won't notice if their sensors start changing in behaviour, or even stop working completely.

Also see my other posting on what should be checked in a service.

Mainly just a check that it is working and replacing the battery (sub £10 from s/fix) even once in a while. Really not worth the £50 many would want.

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 20:17:32 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)" strung together this:

Well, servicing an alarm is like..... making love to a beautiful woman.......

Sorry, minds wandering a bit, I'll start again.

Servicing an alarm is probably more similar in it's effectiveness and techniques to a periodic test on your electrical wiring system, but as no-one bothers with this either then I decided not to bother bringing it up.

A routine service on an alarm will consist of, amongst other things depending on the system specifics;

Checking cables for signs of deteriaration. Checking the devices on the system are functioning properly, PIR's, bells etc... Testing monitoring\dialling settings and making test calls. Replacing faulty batteries and minor components.

If you don't service an alarm, then it could just decide not to work at any time, usually due to, but not limited to, dodgy batteries blowing charging circuits on panels.

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 21:32:38 +0000, Ed Sirett strung together this:

Is that what you do when you service a boiler, just check the pilot lights lit and check the time on the programmer?

Please stick to what you know.

How much do you charge for a full service on a boiler, to include checking and testing all connected components, such as programmers, stats, temp drop across rads, rad size and effective positioning?

Right. I've got this memory problem - could you enlarge on this?

You've got the same problem?

Well, yes. Assuming someone had installed their own system - and had done a decent 'walk' test, etc, it's still a DIY option?

On a wired system - and I'd be wary of anything else - the battery is only there for the rare possibility of mains failure - but of course should be checked. Unless you're thinking of a pro assault on your property.

Thing is, for most, an alarm is really a waste of money. And yes, I have one. It dials a local friend and my mobile if activated. Neighbours might, or might not, take notice. But I'd not expect them to tackle a burglar, and even if they did phone the police it might be hours - or even days - before they responded.

IMHO, the money would be better spent on stopping access by physical means.

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 23:52:06 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)" strung together this:

That's as much as I can remember I'm afraid.

Well, I would always advise against DIY'ing it unless you actually know what you're doing, but fitting an alarm is a DIY option. Not many people can do it properly though.

I'd kind of have to agree there, although I would add an alarm to the list of security features to be added rather than replace it with other hardware. Even with secure locks and other deterrents someone can still come and chuck a brick throught he window, and it does happen, at least having an alarm will put some off.

I'd say that having decent locks fitted to windows and doors as well as other simple security measures are just as important as an alarm. If you've only got a house with no other security measures than an alarm then you're still under protected.