Since the invention of the first electromagnetic alarm (burglar alarm) in 1853, Intruder Alarms have been continually developed to adapt to the ever-changing world in which we live.
With crime rates increasing and opportunistic thefts increasing, more and more people are turning to security systems to protect their property, whether commercial or domestic.
Intruder Alarms have long stood the test of time and are a proven and effective method of not only deterring crime as a “preventative” measure but they also act as a “reactive” measure, signalling a property has been invaded with the hope of further deterring the invader or better still being used to alert surrounding properties and individuals of an ongoing crime in the hope someone will raise the alarm. Intruder Alarms act as a visible deterrent, with most systems having a “Bell Box” typically sited on the front elevation of a property, given anyone approaching the property. These “Bell Boxes” often have comfort LED lights that flash to show the Intruder Alarm is active, and when the system is triggered, most modern bell boxes will emit a siren that will ring more than 100 dB.
How Are They Used Today?
In today’s society, Intruder Alarms after often supplemented with other security systems such as electronic access systems (access control systems) and CCTV (video surveillance systems) to help offer an effective solution in deterring and prosecuting invaders.
As Intruder Alarms continue to evolve, users demand more functionality from the system, with many systems now supporting integration with home automation systems. While not all systems offer this level of integration, most systems on the market now offer a minimum of app control. These systems can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world (subject to connectivity) through the app. This typically includes the ability to set and unset the system remotely, while also offering the ability for the user to interrogate events that have occurred in their absence. This type of system is becoming considerably more popular, especially in the domestic market, although many commercial business owners are now exploring these features.
In addition, wireless systems are becoming considerably more popular as they are quick to install and can offer extended periods of battery life (upwards of two years). Wireless systems offer the same features as their wired counterparts, with the added benefit that they can be easily amended during any form of refit. The systems can typically be installed in half the time of a wired system. Wireless Intruder Alarms are, however, limited to only grade 2 systems and therefore can’t be used to protect high-risk properties.
Many Intruder Alarms can now be programmed with a series of wireless (portable) panic alarms, which are often used where there is a risk of lone working. A lone worker can wear a pendant with a panic button which can be pressed in the event of a fall or accident, and this in turn will trigger the Intruder Alarm, which can call a series of keyholders (where monitoring has been enabled) to notify them of the activation.
Intruder Alarm Grades
Much like Fire Alarms, an Intruder Alarm system should be designed by a competent and qualified system designer to meet a grade. Intruder Alarms are often graded from Grade 1 to Grade 4 of with they have varying levels of protection.
The grades of Intruder Alarms are typically defined as below:
- Grade 1: Suitable for premises with a low risk of intrusion, where there's minimal valuable property. (Home)
- Grade 2: Designed for locations with a moderate risk of theft, where valuable property is present. Wireless systems are typically limited to this grade. (Home & Low Risk Commercial)
- Grade 3: Intended for high-risk premises and locations where experienced intruders are expected, often with high-value assets. Wired systems are generally required for this grade. (High Risk Commercial)
- Grade 4: The highest grade, suitable for locations with a very high risk of sophisticated intrusion. (Banks & High Risk Premises)
Typically, an Intruder Alarm grade is defined by an insurance provider in the “Schedule of Insurance” as provided by the insurer upon taking out a policy. The insurer will determine the grade alarm based on the risk that has been identified during the process of taking out the policy. If the business activities are of a restricted or high-risk nature or where there are expensive goods or materials held on site, the insurer may specify a higher-grade Intruder Alarm to better protect the risk.
If the insurer has specified a grade, the installer or maintainer must ensure that the system within your property meets this grade. If the Intruder Alarm has not been suitably installed to meet the requirements of the policy, this could, in turn, prevent an insurer from paying out in the event of a claim.
All components attached to an Intruder Alarm are grade, and it is therefore vital that the appointed supplier uses the correct components when installing and maintaining the system. If a system has been installed to comply with grade 3 but the maintainer installs a grade 2 device during a reactive call-out or initial installation, this decreases the whole grade of the intruder alarm to grade 2, as the grade is based upon the lowest grade component. This, therefore, highlights the need to work with a provider that has a keen eye for detail and a good working knowledge of the British Standards and regulations relating to Intruder Alarms.
Many insurers may offer a reduction on an insurance premium if the system meets the requirements as laid out in the schedule. A robust and effective Intruder Alarm will also go a long way in supporting a claim, as the system can be interrogated to establish the events leading up to the activation of the system.
In the event an insurer has not specified a grade alarm, a competent designer can assess the property to recommend a grade, which can then be checked with the insurer.
All modern Intruder Alarms can be connected to a “Monitoring Station” via some form of monitoring aid/communication device, whether it be a CSL Dualcom unit or another form of communication (this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer).
Much like the Intruder Alarm, the communication device is graded to ensure it meets the grade as specified by an insurer. The higher the grade monitoring device, the more often it “Polls” (communicates) with the monitoring station when the alarm is in an idle state.
The monitoring station will have a team on hand 24 hours a day monitoring the intruder alarm, and once the alarm has been activated, the monitoring station will call a series of keyholders or even the police to inform them that the alarm has been activated. This form of notification can then ensure that a prompt response is offered, whether by the local police force, the property owners or a 3rd party guarding solution.
Who to Consider?
When considering a suitable provider for the ongoing maintenance of an existing system or the installation of a new system, it is important to consider whether they are competent in the industry. In the current world, it is becoming easier to obtain “aftermarket” systems or very heavily domesticated systems from hardware shops.
These systems don’t always offer the same level of protection and are often the lowest grade system on offer.
Many installers will take the time to become certified in installing systems correctly, which in turn ensures better false alarm management and compliant installation. Installers certified under the schemes available are often audited to ensure their installations and subsequent paperwork are compliant with the current British Standards. The two primary governing bodies for the security industry are the NSI and SSAIB, of which us at ARC Fire Safety & Security Ltd, are accredited to the SSAIB.
There are many benefits to a complete and comprehensive Intruder Alarm, but most importantly, it offers complete peace of mind. You can be safe in the knowledge that your home or business is protected, especially when you may be away from the property.