Intruder Alarm Systems

Grades explained

Under BS EN 50131 every system is given a security grade from 1 to 4, chosen from a risk assessment of the property. The grade describes the sort of intruder the system is expected to defeat.

• Grade 1 — low risk. An opportunist intruder with no real knowledge of alarms. Rarely appropriate beyond outbuildings and lock-up garages.
• Grade 2 — the most common domestic and small-commercial grade. Assumes an experienced intruder with some understanding of alarm systems who may carry basic tools and will check doors and windows for easy access.
• Grade 3 — substantial risk, where the contents are worth planning for. Brings tamper-evident wiring, anti-masking detectors and encrypted signalling. Frequently required for commercial premises to satisfy insurance conditions.
• Grade 4 — the highest risk, where organised criminals are a realistic threat and monitoring is continuous.

Insurance and police response

If your insurer specifies a grade, that specification governs. Police response to an alarm depends on a unique reference number issued under National Police Chiefs' Council policy, and that in turn requires a professionally installed, compliant system and control of false alarms. Confirmation technology — requiring two detections, or visual verification before escalation — is central to keeping that response.

What we install

• Wired, wireless and hybrid systems suited to the building
• PIR and dual-technology detectors, door contacts, shock sensors and panic buttons
• App control, so you can set and unset remotely and see the event history
• Optional connection to a 24/7 alarm receiving centre with keyholder and guard escalation
• Integration with CCTV so an activation can be visually verified

Servicing

Graded systems require regular maintenance to stay compliant and to keep insurance and police response valid. We service systems on a schedule and keep the records.