Decent Alarm System

[Punce]

Hi, I've just bought my first house and I'm looking for a good alarm system for it.
I like the idea of Home Automation, so I quickly found the Comfort System that links in with X10 and does some other nifty stuff. The only problem is that a quote I got back from an installer was £3,500!!! So I thought maybe doing it myself for around the £1,100 mark but don't really fancy the job to be honest as I'm sure I'll hit problems and end up annoying the hell out of someone for help. Besides I would need advice from someone who knows their way around the system.

So I'm very close to closing the door on that idea.
Can anyone suggest some other route? or slap me silly that I don't need to spend loads on little gadgets and just get a decent alarm?

And yes, the other half is on my back about getting this done soon

[ZippyCat]

TBH when it comes to security I would recommend you get a decent standalone wired system installed by a reputable professional installer. Far too often people compromise security by mixing X10, wireless and home automation with an intruder alarm system that IMO degrades the effectiveness of the system’s primary function. An accredited professional installer will be able to provide you with a full quotation based on a comprehensive risk assessment, plus your insurance company would also recognise the system. Get two or three intruder alarm specialists to provide you with a quotation based on a site survey, and state that the system must comply with BS EN 50131. Once you have selected the installer and the system has been installed the specialist will issue you with a certificate stating that your system complies with BS EN 50131 to keep the insurance company happy. Usually domestic properties need to comply with Grade 2, but the installer will determine this based on the risk assessment produced as part of your quotation.

Regards,

ZippyCat

[Punce]

Thanks for the sound advice ZippyCat. I think you're making more sense than my the voices in my head
I mean I can always play about with X10 stuff aside from the alarm integration. I really liked the idea of having a mic/speaker/camera on the door, and being able to answer using a phone, or even have it dial out to a mobile so you can talk to the person on your doorstep when you're out.


I don't suppose anyone could point me to some good specialists out there? I really don't have much of a clue when it comes to alarms. I did see this place http://www.firsthomesecurity.co.uk who have a complete system reduced from £699 to £349.
It says this: "All ADT Alarm installations meet the new British and European Standards BS 4737, prEN5031/PD6662 and DD243:2004."

It doesn't mention BS EN 50131, but some other new standards. Is this what I should be looking for?

Thank you

[ZippyCat]

As much as I dislike ADT due to their attitude at a commercial level, they are probably the most recognised alarm monitoring company in the UK. An ADT system will comply with BS EN 50131 in addition to DD243 and PD6662, but you must remember that there will be a monthly monitoring fee (approximately £26 for a domestic), plus BT RedCare (phone line monitoring) charges if deemed necessary. You may want to look for alternative installers on the following website:

http://www.thesecurityinstaller.co.u...?showforum=268

If you don’t fancy committing to a monthly subscription fee you could have a system installed that incorporates digital communicator that will send you a text message upon alarm activation.

[Paul_GPvR]

some good kits here

http://www.alertelectrical.com/Burgl...ts/default.asp

excellant service from them, i'm just in the middle of diy installing mine. Its almost ready to be powered on!

[ZippyCat]

I would also recommend Alert Electrical, but you must be relatively competent at installing intruder alarm equipment. Most decent panels require an in depth installer manual that are usually only available to vetted trade installers for obvious reasons. You could also try:

http://www.brewtime.co.uk/section-list.asp?a=7&b=8

I would recommend you went with either a Texecom Veritas or Premier Panel as these are decent pieces of equipment that do not require too much in depth knowledge for a DIYer.

[jefff]

Another good distributor for Texecom is www.brewtime.co.uk

[Strobe]

There are two principal 'certification' bodies for alarm installers - the SSAIB and the NSI. Both are fine for domestic installations and ensure that their member firms install to the relevant standards (DD243/EN50131). Go to their websites and you can do a search for firms in your local area :-
http://www.nsi.org.uk/jkcm/default.asp?pg=17 (leave Gold pre-selected)
and
http://www.ssaib.info/adsearch/Town_Region.asp
ADT are the biggest UK alarm installer however they are not cheapest and, if memory serves, they prefer their system to be on a longterm rental basis rather than outright purchase.
All good advice from ZippyCat and I would ditto all he says.

[Strobe]

Just a thought on DIY systems...
If you are installing an alarm system and want to be confident that it will do it's intended job and continue to work then IMO it would be best to have a professional company to install. Cost is obviously a consideration here.
With a professional certificated firm you will have a maintenance agreement and a guarantee that they will attend to sort out any problems within a given timescale if the system goes wrong.
Another thought...if the system needs to be installed because your insurance company have inisisted on it then check with them to see what their minimum alarm specification requirements will be (this will typically be SSAIB/NSI firm and Grade 2 standard).
Also worth mentioning to your insurance company that you are having an alarm installed anyway as they may give a discount off your home contents insurance.

[Punce]

Thanks for all the info

I did contact my insurance company and they're not fussed about whether I have an alarm or not, and they won't offer any discount when I get one.
So I'm looking for an installer that will supply a very good alarm system that has no monthly contract.

If you go for NSI or SSAIB, will this guarantee getting a good system? Or are there ones to avoid? I obviously want a reliable and efficient system as well as a good installer.

I might be able to save a bit of money too as most, if not all, of the cabling is already installed.