Owl Alarms - SSAIB Approved Installer - Intruder Alarms
Intruder Alarm Systems
MAJOR CHANGES FOR INTRUDER ALARM STANDARDS - PD6662
October 2005 saw the introduction of PD6662 which is the intermediate UK version of European Standards for Intruder Alarms.
An alarm installer is now required to carry out a 'risk assessment' and decide on the appropriate grade of system.
Under PD6662, systems are 'graded'.
Grade 1
Non-professional or even DIY and would not normally meet the requirements of an insurance company.
Grade 2
Most domestic and lower risk commercial premises.
Grade 2 X is a variation of Grade 2 for systems that are not monitored or the monitoring does not comply with the requirements of Grade 2.
Grade 3
Higher risk commercial and high risk domestic.
Grade 4
Specialist risk such as banks etc.
Quite clearly, in many cases opinions to which grade of system is appropriate will differ. Grade 3 systems will cost substantially more than Grade 2. It is the insurer who carries the risk. Where an alarm is a requirement for insurance, the safest option is to ask your insurers for written confirmation that the grade specified is acceptable to avoid problems in the event of a claim. The requirement from insurers might vary so shop around.
The grading is based on the overall risk which includes the possible cost of a claim following a burglary and the likely ability of the type of intruder attracted to defeat the alarm system.
A non-graded or Grade 1 System carries a greater risk of defeat by an intruder and accordingly, the risk of probable higher insurance premiums in the event of a claim. Updating a system to a higher grade could involve the virtual replacement of system including possible rewiring.
BS 4737 is no longer acceptable for new installations.
CONTENTS
1/ Equipment & System Design - Combatting False Alarms
2/ Domestic Intruder Alarm Systems
(Designed for Profit or Security ?)
3/ Commercial Intruder Alarm Systems
Equipment & System Design
In order to provide a reliable system that is as free from false alarms as possible the eqiupment specified must be designed and built to a high standard and it must be suitable for the application for which it is being used. It must also be properly installed with detection devices sited away from sources of potential false triggering. The system should also be conceived to minimise the risk of user error which is the largest source of false alarms.
In order to ensure the on-going reliability of a system it is essential that information is stored within the system which can be accessed by a user or engineer to verify the reason for any alarm activations to establish if there is a fault with the system or if an activation was caused by user error.
Systems with Text Display
The best type of system uses a text display which enables the user to see exactly what is happening and to make changes such as codes etc. very simply by following the menu led instructions. With time and date incorporated, an event log can be accessed which displays all the recent history including which keyholder has operated the system and when, together with any alarm activations with the source, date and time. Such systems can be interrogated by an enginner to diagnose problems and make changes. The introduction of PD6662 means that such disolays will be essential for most grades of systems. (Gardtec 800 Series)
It is better to pay a little more for a system which is dependable and hassle free than to pay later in repairs. A company which offers low cost comprehensive maintenance covering call-outs, parts and labour must be confident in their own work and the equipment they use.
Domestic Intruder Alarm Systems
The reason for having an alarm system installed in your home is to bring you peace of mind which is why choosing carefully is vital. You cannot achieve peace of mind with a sytem which brings you hassle by constantly false alarming, annoying your neighbours, dragging you home and waking you up at night. You'll end up not using it, you will have wasted your money.
There is no regulation of security installation companies, just 'approval' (approvals) status which is voluntary and which does add to the installers costs. The consequence of this is that the domestic security market has more cowboys than a John Wayne movie, you might end up with a shoddy and unsightly installation. Some BiG 'approved' companies offer deals which might sound very attractive, 'a fully monitored system for just £25/£30 per month with little or no outlay'. But is it as good as it sounds? (Designed for Profit or Security ?)
So how do you choose which Alarm Company you can trust with securing your home? The problem is that anyone can set up a business installing Intruder Alarms, there are no restrictions or vetting of individuals for honesty and competence. It is not therefore surprising, that most of the installations carried out by reputable companies stem from recommendations from satisfied customers.
Basic Types of Alarm Systems
D I Y Systems do not normally conform to standards required by insurers and are usually quite easily defeated by an intruder. There is quite a variation in system types, many are prone to false alarm problems and it can be difficult having faults diagnosed and repairs carried out. Alarm specialists are precluded from carrying out such work due to non-compliance with professional standards to which they must adhere.
Wireless Systems Most so-called wireless systems are still 'hardwired' between the control panel and the bell box. Equipment from one manufacturer is not usually compatible with equipment from another. False alarms can be generated by radio frequency interference and the majority of systems do not monitor for tampering with detection devices which are totally dependant on the batteries housed within them. High grade professional wireless equipment uses a different frequency band and addresses some of these problems - at a high cost.
Professional Systems A new installation must conform to the relevant grade of PD6662 and local authority noise regulations. These standards address the problem of systems being tampered with by continuously monitoring the various circuits. The quality of the equipment used and the method of installation will vary depending on the company chosen to carry out the work. Approved installers are monitored for standards and must provide adequate service facilities. A system installed by and bearing the name of professional company has a far greater deterrent value and therefore reduces even further the risk of your home being targeted by a burglar.
Alarm Signalling Types
Audibles Only The alarm will only sound at the premises, with or without the addition of a strobe light.
Speech Dialler In addition to the above, the system will dial pre-programmed numbers and relay a pre-recorded message. This message can be arranged so that for example, an intruder activation can be distinguished from a personal attack alarm.
Monitored System (Digital Communicator) In this case the system is monitored from a 'Central Station' and activations reported to the designated keyholder and where required, also to the police provided that the system conforms to stringent standards and it is maintained by an approved installer. (Central Station Monitoring)
Redcare Monitoring In addition to the standard monitoring by the central station, Redcare also provides for the telephone line to be monitored, sending a no response alarm signal if it is cut. (Redcare)
With Audibles only systems, there is some dependence on neighbours etc. to react but we must not lose site of the fact that it is the intruder that will usually react by beating a hasty retreat. In this case the system has achieved its objective. Inessence, the time taken for any response to take effect is time enough to be burgled. However, if your home is isolated or you have very valuable items that might be targeted by real professionals who might not be deterred, a monitored system could well be worthwhile.
Insurance Discounts
Insurance discounts are often used as an extra incentive to having an alarm system installed. However, usually in order to qualify for a discount the system must be installed and maintained to BS 4737 if installed before October 2005 and the required Grade of PD6662 for new installations. The discount rate might also be dependant on other factors. Our advice is before accepting any discount, ascertain the exact amount to be saved (not just a percentage which might well be applicable only to the theft portion of the premium) and what conditions would be imposed. You could find for example that your alarm system must always be in use. You could be burgled while you pop next door and your claim could be refused or reduced because your alarm wasn't set. Is the discount worth the risk?
Maintenance and Repairs
If a fault should develop on your alarm system, you would have to call someone out to rectify the problem but who and at what cost? For systems we install we offer an optional Fully Comprehensive Maintenance Cover which gives you added peace of mind. If you choose to pay the small annual charge and in the event of a fault developing with your system, you will have the following benefits:
NO CALL-OUT CHARGES (in normal working hours)
NO LABOUR CHARGES
NO CHARGE FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS
NO CHARGE FOR REPLACING BATTERIES
Plus
NO CHARGE FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
Note: Wilful damage, other damage or damage caused by flooding etc. is not covered.
Every new system includes maintenance cover for the first year and the cost of renewal is given with the quotation for the installation of the system. When that cover is due to expire, customers are given the opportunity to renew their cover on an annual basis. The operation of such a scheme means that we can only use top quality reliable equipment, calls cost us money so we can't afford not to.
About Owl Alarms
Owl Alarms is a trading name of Owl Security Services Ltd., a family business wholly owned by the Directors and trading since 1980. We have carried out installations in a wide variety of dwellings and commercial premises over a very wide area. Our customers also include well known national companies and Local Authorities. Our reputation is second to none and has been earned with our commitment to honesty, integrity and fair trading. Our policy is to carry out the installation of well designed reliable equipment to the highest standards in order to provide peace of mind and to minimise on-going costs to our clients. This approach allows us to offer an optional low cost comprehensive maintenance cover which we believe to be the best available anywhere. All intruder alarm installations are designed and carried out to comply with the relevant standards and the Local Authority Regulations concerning Noise Nuisance. Owl Alarms has voluntarily opted to be regularly inspected by the SSAIB in order to ensure these standards are adhered to.
Commercial Intruder Alarm Systems
The provision of Intruder Alarm Systems for commercial premises is often a requirement by the insurers in order to provide theft cover. Many alarm companies include an element of rental or maybe they retain title to the control panel and bell box. That way they stay in control, if you need any changes made or your insurers require additional equipment you cannot shop around for a better deal. Likewise, if you think the maintenance charges are too high you either pay up or you face the cost of a new installation elsewhere. If again you are not purchasing the complete system you might end up back at square one! With such schemes the contracts held value the alarm company highly thus you see takeovers and many customers end up back with the very company they spent money to be rid of. Just take a look at how a few big companies dominate the market because of the large number of other companies they have swallowed up.
If you ensure that you are purchasing the entire system and you are not commited to on-going maintenance or monitoring charges, then you are free to shop around if you think renewal charges are excessive. For this reason, companies operating in this manner must be competetive and provide customer satisfaction or they will not survive.
Any system installed in a commercial premises where the insurers are not stipulating the provision of a system should be up to the standard insurers would normally require or be capable of being ecconomically up-graded or extened for, for example, the provision of Central Station Monitoring (Central Station Monitoring) or RedCare (Redcare). It is false eccomomy to install a low level domestic style system which might well be easilly defeated by an intruder or not considered adequate in the event of a revue by the insurers.
The specification of a system might in part, be dictated by the insurers. However, the actual equipment specified by different companies will vary considerably. So how do you know which company is offering you a reliable system? Consider this, If the system is offered for you to purchase outright with comprehensive maintenance cover for parts labour and call-out, service calls cost the alarm company money. On the other hand, if you are tied up with contracts and have to pay for call-outs or labour or parts, the alarm company might be making money. Which company has a vested interest in providing reliable systems?
Owl Alarms offer fully complient installation with an 'approval' certificate (approvals) . We offer comprehensive maintenance cover which includes maintenance inspections together with:
NO CALL-OUT CHARGES (in normal working hours)
- NO LABOUR CHARGES
- NO CHARGE FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS
- NO CHARGE FOR REPLACEMENT BATTERIES
- NO RESET CHARGES
We offer Free no-obligation risk assesments (surveys) and a written quotation. There is no small print and no contract to sign and there is no future commitment to maintenance or monitoring services. The specified system includes the first years maintenance cover together with our full maintenance terms and conditions. The cost of renewal is also provided so you know just where you stand
We have a special scheme for multiple users (we have installed around 300 systems for one company andaround 200 for another) which provides for a scale of fixed costs unseen for installs in smaller premises.
We can provde all sorts of systems including: