Please work through this quote request form giving the best answers you can. The more information you can supply the more accurate the quotes will be when you recieve them. For example asking for 'an alarm for my house' is so vaque the quotes could be anywhere from £150 to £1500. However specyfying an alarm as wirefree needing three pir's two door contacts a siren and two keyfobs will ensure all the quotes are representative of your needs. You are then less likely to encounter unexpected extras or increases.
All alarm companies should offer a free survey service or be able to advise on site.
The first hurdle anyone has to decide is wether to have a wireless or hardwired system.
Here are the details about each system.
1. Hard wired. A wired system is one where wires actually come from the control panel and connect to every detection device in the home. Its advantages are that it is robust and reliable and can sometimes work out cheaper than a wirefree system as the component costs are less. However they are only really suitable for older properties where wiring can be hidden under floorboards or where you don't mind some remedial work to be done to plasterwork. If you are having a house built or renovated then a hardwired system is a good option. The downside is when you move home the alarm stays put.
2 Wirefree A wirefree system is the increasing way home alarms are being installed today. They are genererally very reliable and have fast become the generally accepted type of alarm installation. Modern wirefree alarms have extensive self test and fault indication. The advantages of wirefree are that no wires have to be installed to make the alarm work. This makes them ideal for modern homes where it is difficult to hide wires due to concrete flooring on the ground floor and chipboard sheeting rather than floorboards on the first floor. They are also ideal where you have newly decorated and don't want to disrupt the decor. An added advantage is that whe you move home you can take the alarm with you.
When adding sensors upstairs it is customary to add a movement sensor to the upstairs landing. It is not generally neccessary to add more unless a particular bedroom has valuables or there is easy access to upstairs rooms via a garage, shed or adjoining flat roof for example or if you keep a ladder in your garden or shed.
What type of alarm notification do your require?
There are many ways in which modern alarms can notify that intruders have entered a building.
1. Siren only Otherwise known as a 'bells only' system. This traditional sytem simply gives audible alert via the external siren to inform neighbours or others within earshot that the alarm has been activated.
2 Autodialling These alarms feature a control panel which rings between three and eight numbers when the alarm is activated. They can send text messages or recorded messages . They usually require a working landline phone line but can be operated by a gsm module at extra cost.There are no contracts or fees the call costs just being at your normal rate.Some systems even allow you to ring home and remotely set and unset your alarm.
3 Monitored Alarm These systems link to an ARC (alarm receiving centre) via your phone line. These systems have to be installed by NACOSS approved companies. To have a monitored system you have to pay around £45 to receive a URN (unique reference number) from your local police. You also have to notify the alarm installers of two keyholders who have 24/7 access to your property. The systems can use your existing land line or be 'dualcom' having a land line and a gsm unit in the event your phone line is cut. The ARC will inform the police if your alarm is activated upon receiving a confirmed response from your home by either evidence of more than one sensor being activated or by witness / keyholder corroboration. The monitoring typically costs between £20 and £40 a month. Please ensure your installer still fits external working sirens as some companies only fit dummy boxes to monitored homes.
Keyfobs Most alarms are operated by putting a code into a control panel or remote keypad. However most alarms can also be operated by proximity tags or remote keyfobs like a car remote. If you wish to use keyfobs or tags please indicate the number you require.
Many thanks for submitting your alarm request.
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