Hello.
We live in quite a rural location and the only nearby supplier of burglar alarm equipment closed down some time ago. I am looking to upgrade some of my system shortly and will have to look on-line for a supplier.
Can anyone suggest a good on-line supplier for PIR's, Bell Boxes and Control Panels? I would ideally like to purchase the same quality of equipment that a professional firm would fit rather than something that I could get at B&Q or Argos.
Many thanks,
Mr W.
CPC, TLC etc do some stuff.
Bear in mind if you want and "discount" on your insurance for having an alarm the majority of insurance companies will want it under a maintenace contract with an recognised alarm company this costs, how much was that discount again? They may even insist it is a monitored system and all that entails with false alarms...
An alarm also gives the insurance companies another thing to haggle about when you claim. You did set the alarm when you nipped out for 2 mins for a "cup of sugar" and a tea leaf nipped in for your TV, DVD etc...
Dave,
Thanks for this. I am aware of the 'possible' limitations of providing my own alarm system. As mentioned in the previous post, I have run one for some time and am now looking to modify and replace some of the older parts.
Still looking for suggestions for a dedicated on-line company that can reliably supply things like PIR's and control panels at reasonable cost but mainly of reasonably quality.
TIA.
Mr W.
The better professional installers will (probably rightly?) claim that you won't be able to buy pro kit unless you're in the trade. As soon as some company sells to Joe Public, it doesn't count as 'pro' kit any more..
in article snipped-for-privacy@news.individual.de, Mr Woo at snipped-for-privacy@privacy.net wrote on 27/7/06 13:54:
I have used Alert Electrical before, but not for alarms bits.
Ben
Cheers.
Mr W.
TLC was the one I used. But you need a reasonable knowledge of this sort of wiring as they aren't supplied with DIY instructions. Maplin might be better for that sort of thing.
In article , Mr Woo writes
CPC are cheaper and IMO have a better range, I've just bought a bundle from them for a business premises, good value although not the specialist provider you specified.
This is true but it isn't rocket science, you just need to pick up on the rather strange terminology used. I suspect this is deliberate to make it look difficult and complicated when in reality it's piss simple.
Thanks, but I don't have a problem with this. I have been involved with electronics for longer than I care to think. Been a radio ham and keen constructor since I was 17 years old. Now I'm in my late 50's.
Mr W.
To many here, maybe. But remember things like intermediate switches tax the likes of dribble. To anyone who understands the basics it should be ok though - although mixing parts from different makers may still cause confusion due to the terminology used.
I'd say I have a fairly similar sort of background, but still had to think carefully using pro components even although they had wiring diagrams. If you've not installed one before you'll know what I mean when you do. ;-)
Much of it is, but some things are less obvious and come with experience. Type of sensor to use and how to position it for maximum effectiveness with least risk of false alarms is one such. If you are DIY'ing an alarm without this experience, I would stringly suggest you don't connect an external sounder until you've had a long period of running with no false alarms.
Some time ago, I did a write-up of a number of the dual-tech detectors I have used. This is unlikely to be directly useful now as the products will have been superceeded, but it might give you a feel for the type of variation between products, and how you might select one over another:
Nah! No problem. I have installed systems in a few houses over the years. Was initially tutored by a chap who was a professional alarm installer. Taught me all the tricks about PIR positioning etc..
Mr W.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.