Thanks to the use of wireless technologies, industrial grade security features built into the sensors enable them to communicate with each other without the need for unsightly cabling. Although these components are more expensive, the overall cost is cheaper as installation time is considerably reduced and there is no need for costly redecoration. The only caveat is that the sensors’ batteries need to be changed every couple of years. Both wired and wireless systems can further be categorised as follows:
Audio Only
A ringer alarm activates when a break-in is detected. Governed by environmental regulations, such alarms can only continue to make a noise outside the premises for a maximum of 20 minutes. The internal sounder and generally an outside strobe light will continue to flash until the system is turned off. These unmonitored alarms are suitable for use at lower-risk homes where there are not a significant number of valuables. The police will generally not attend unless there is evidence of an offence in progress.
Monitored
These alarms are connected to an external security company, which monitors your alarm 24/7 for a fee. Staff at an alarm monitoring station will ordinarily call your home for a password upon activation to check everything is OK. If the correct password is not provided or if there is a problem, the police and or the key-holders are notified. Providing a high-quality response, alarm monitoring centres can also tap into industrial standard CCTV solutions to direct and assist the emergency services.
Self-Monitored
Increasingly becoming the norm for most householders are burglar alarms connected through the internet, GSM network and standard telephone lines to notify the householder and designated key holders when the alarm is triggered. These are further categorised as follows:
Speech diallers and GSM diallers
Using traditional or mobile phone lines (GSM), the systems when triggered, dial pre-programmed numbers and play a pre-recorded message which alerts the householder, keyholder(s) or neighbour(s) to the alarm. Those using GSM can also send text messages.
App Controlled
The alarm industry has been quick to utilise smartphone technology and has developed Apps which not only notify the owner/keyholder when the alarm has been activated but also allow the owner to control the alarm system remotely. In addition, internet connected cameras linked to the alarm system allow the householder to check the premises through CCTV prior to calling the police, thus allowing them to filter out any nuisance activations. Whilst the video monitoring supplied through such systems is suitable for checking under these circumstances there is no substitute for properly installed CCTV which provides high definition images suitable for evidential purposes.