[*r2d2*]

Hi,

I'd like to buy a home alarm system and am looking for advice.
I've read that the infrared ones aren't that good and that maybe I should get a system where each point of entry (windows/doors) has a contact that is connected (wirelessly if possible) to an alarm system that you can simply switch on and off with a pin/password.

Ideally, I'd like something easy to operate, reliable and that I could install myself.

Thanks for any advice

[Drd]

These posts may be helpful


http://www.avforums.com/forums/showt...ht=house+alarm

Wireless Burglar Alarms

House security system

[*r2d2*]

Thanks, but there seems to be loads of options.

I'm looking for a system that can be bought and installed myself.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

[Crocodile]

I had a Response system on a rental property a few years ago. That had a couple of contacts for the front & back doors & a couple of PIRs. Bell box was solar charged & control panel ran from an ac adapter. Dead easy to install & worked well enough but the control panel was a bit heath-robinson. May have improved by now.

A friend of a friend is an installer. His take is that ONLY wired systems are up to the job. He says that within the industry, Infinite are the only wireless brand worth considering.

You need PIRs as a contact will not alert to access gained by a broken window.

[lostinspace]

The only thing I'd say is get a privately monitored system-the ones that go off around me are never reported (except by me AFAIK) and the police don't seem interested.
Everyone seems to believe a house alarm which has gone off is a false alarm, and just ignore it.

[Tfish]

Burglers dont ignore them so thats the main point

[Raffaz]

Im using a visonic powermax+, easy to setup and fully wireless, you can get extras such as fire and smoke alarms, flood detectors and vibration detectors etc. Heres a link to all the kits:
Visonic from E-Supply Ltd
and heres a link to all the goodies you can get for them:
Search Results for "powermax" within e-fireandsecurity.co.uk
Took me about 4 hours to setup and thats including fitting a fused spur, takes a little time setting up the menus though.
You can have it armed for home or away. Any questions then fire away.

Mick

[craig1912]

Had an ADT monitored alarm for last15 years

[Berties]

Been advised don't bother with wireless ones.

[forthaven]

and dont underestimate the value of a good dog as added security...one that just barks is a good deterrent..

[Tom.W]

Also get talking smoke alarms that you as a parent can record your own message on then do a fire drill... Try it first with a standard alarm. You might be surprised at how many kids in deep sleep don't even hear it and go back to sleep !

[Ayub]

I am a landlord and have fitted an alrm to every house i buy including the one i live in.

To be honest it’s all about what you NEED, there is no good or bad or best alarm there is only a deterrent and non-deterrent.

You need to take a good look at your house internally and externally. The easiest way to look at your house from a thieving bastard perspective is simply consider losing your key, how would you get in. That would answer almost all your questions. Most thieves don’t come out planning to steal from you but see an opportunity and cant refuse.

Pir’s are good but you need to install them in such a way your cat wont set them off but the down side to that is a thieve will crawl on the floor and the alarm wont go off.

You could install pressure mats/window smashing detectors. The choice and BUDGET is endless I suggest you plan it out very carefully. If you have time post a pic as a map of the internal layout and maybe we could help.

Ayub

[pete1866]

I fitted a yale 6400 alarm myself. Rings my mobile when it goes off , no false alrms so far, would recommend.