Securing Your Business: A Guide to Intruder Alarm Systems and Monitoring (2)

An effective Intruder Alarm can protect your business premises and assets from unauthorised access and theft. In our last blog, we focus on those devices that you might encounter, this blog covers types of Intruder Alarm Systems, alarm grading, and remote monitoring.

Types of Intruder Alarm System

There are three main types of Intruder Alarm Systems, based on site risk, size and complexity:

Wired System

Devices (like door contacts, motion detectors, bells, and keypads) are connected via wires to a main control panel (end station).
Requires only one or two power points, suitable for sites with few power supply units. Reliable connections.
More labour-intensive and disruptive wiring installation; susceptible to damage from rodents or environmental factors.

Wireless System

Similar to wired systems but communicates wirelessly (using radio or WiFi) to the main control panel.
Ideal for quick, minimally disruptive installation or temporary setups.
Requires battery changes (every 1-2 years; depending on usage) for devices.

Hybrid System

Functional with both wired and wireless components – using wherever is more suitable for a chosen area.
Great for expanding existing systems using the legacy wiring infrastructure for wired devices.

Intruder Alarm Grading

Intruder Alarm Systems adhere to the EN50131 standard and are graded from Grade 1 to Grade 4 based on security needs:

Grade 1: Suitable for low-risk properties such as small homes or apartments in low-risk areas.
Grade 2: Suitable for medium-risk properties such as small retail shops or small businesses.
Grade 3: Suitable for high-risk properties such as large retail stores, warehouses or factories.
Grade 4: Suitable for very high-risk properties such as banks, museums or government buildings.

Each grade specifies system requirements (detectors, power supply, tampering resistance) tailored to the property's risk level.

Alarm Monitoring

Alarm monitoring ensures swift communication between your security system and your provider's monitoring station. In the event of an activation, your system alerts the monitoring station, who then notifies keyholders. A Police URN is required for police calling upon confirmed activations.

In alarm signalling services, a single-path alarm signalling solution utilises a 4G/LTE-M or 4G Radio/LAN path to signal an alarm. To achieve more secure signalling, there is an option for a dual-path signalling solution that utilises a combination of two Radio paths or one Radio and one LAN path to signal an alarm. Each SIM operates on an independent network from the other for total resilience.

Get in touch to discuss intruder alarm systems, grading, and monitoring options that best suit your needs.