If you’re looking to invest in a new Alarm System for your property, there’s a lot of different options to choose from. In this handy guide, we’ll break down the main options and their pros and cons, so that you’re well informed to make the best choice for your home security.
There are a few different types of Alarm Systems, but the main ones we’ll go over are:
- Bells Only Alarm Systems
- Monitored Alarm Systems
- Dummy Alarm Boxes
Bells Only Alarm Systems
The most common type of Alarm System, a Bells Only system will ring a loud alarm when activated by an intruder. Bells Only systems will not contact the emergency services if a break-in is detected, so if you’re away from home you’ll have to rely on friends or neighbours for this.
Due to UK laws surrounding noise pollution, most alarms will automatically disable after 20 minutes if not already deactivated via the control panel.
Pros and cons
- Generally affordable
- Loud noise offers a good deterrent to burglars and alerts neighbours
- Will not contact the police in the event of a break-in
- Will not alert you if you are not home
Monitored Alarm Systems
Monitored Alarm Systems are normally installed and controlled by home security companies. As opposed to a Bells Only System, they are consistently monitored by the security company, and in the event of a break-in, the company will notify both the homeowner and the police.
Pros and cons
- Most reliable and secure option
- Property safely monitored even when you are not home – no relying on friends or neighbours to contact the police in the event of a break-in
- Higher cost for installation
- Monthly fee required to be monitored
Dummy Alarm Box
A Dummy Alarm Box is a visual deterrent that is fitted to the exterior of the property. It often features flashing LEDs to give the impression of a functioning alarm system. However, it does not emit any noise if the house is broken into – it simply acts as a visual warning to burglars that the house has an active security system (regardless of whether this is true or not). Dummy Alarm Boxes can be purchased from high-street retailers such as B&Q and Toolstation.
Pros and cons
- Acts as a visual deterrent for burglars
- Cost-effective
- Does not actually provide any protection against burglary
- Experienced burglars may be able to recognise a dummy alarm system, and target your home as a result
Wired vs Wireless Alarm Systems
One of the decisions you will have to make when shopping for an Alarm System is whether to go wired or wireless.
Wired Alarm Systems utilise electrical signal to transmit data from sensors to the alarms and main control panel, so rely on cables for the transmission of information. Because of this, the range within which a Wired Alarm System can send information to its sensors is as far as a length of cable can reach!
Once installed, they require very little maintenance. Unless you’re a qualified electrician, we recommend that you get a professional to install a Wired Alarm System.
Pros and cons of Wired Alarm Systems
- Very reliable
- Little maintenance required once installed
- More difficult and expensive to install
Wireless Alarm Systems, on the other hand, do not need cables to send information from sensors to the alarms and main control panel. Instead, they communicate via the home’s broadband network. Because of this, though, you have to be careful with where you place your sensors, as they might not reach the central hub if they’re too far away.
Pros and cons of Wireless Alarm Systems
- Easy to install, can install it yourself
- Battery changes required
- Limited range between sensors in some systems
To view our range of Alarm Cables, click here.
If you have any further questions that weren’t answered in this article, click here to speak to a member of our team of experts. We’re always happy to help!
