What is a Burglar Alarm?
A burglar alarm is a type of security system that makes a noise (or can be a silent alarm) when something is triggered. It's a series of electrical equipment and sensors that are all connected to a main system that detects any unauthorised or forceful access in the premises and alerts using alarms, hooters and notifications.
How do they work?
Most burglar alarms use a laser or light (that is invisible to the human eye) to complete the circuit if this beam is broken the system detects the change in the circuit and sounds the alarm or notification to your phone. Burglar alarms all rely on the science of an incomplete and complete "state" of a circuit and can detect when it breaks and doesn't.
Why Have Burglar Alarms?
Burglar alarms are a great way of securing your home even when you are not home. Burglar alarms act as a deterrent towards robbery and can influence a less amount of break-ins. Think about it why would someone willingly break into your home (that has an alarm) rather than one without one? Having any type of visible alarm is great for this, however, hidden alarms also have their benefits it takes the burglar by surprise and catches them off guard meaning that they will most likely hear the alarm and then run out of fear of being caught.
What are some of the many benefits that this has to offer?
Acts a deterrent:
As we previously discussed having a burglar alarm can act as a deterrent against crime and robbery.
If installed properly takes less maintenance:
Once the burglar alarm is installed it doesn't require much upkeep just keep the power on and check it every now and then. Burglar alarms are probably one of the easier anti-robbery systems out there just set it up and that's all.
Flexibility:
Burglar alarms don't just come in small packages but they can also be used to secure a wide range of different places: your door, windows, dog door (if you wanted). As well as giving you the freedom to choose where and what they protect you can also choose what they do for example notifications. Some smart burglar alarms can send a notification to your phone so no matter where you are you will be able to call the police straight away.
Monitored systems:
The system installed may be the same as (or similar to) a bells-only system, except that - when the alarm is activated - an integral modem informs the Alarm Receiving Centre via a burst of data much the same as a fax tone.
Dependent upon the signal received & the design of the Intruder Alarm System the Alarm Receiving Centre will be able to confirm if the alarm condition is un-confirmed (1 detector triggered) or Confirmed (2 detectors triggered) at which time the Police are alerted.
With this point in mind, it is important that the alarm is designed correctly to ensure that should a burglary occur the alarm will trigger 2 separate zones quickly before the intruder can get to far into the property.
It is important that the monitoring centre is recognised by the Police.
A unique reference number (URN) - which identified the premises - must be obtained by the Installing Company from the Police, when the system is installed.
To get this number, the installer and the monitoring centre must be registered with a certification body - such as the SSAIB.
*Police Response isn't guaranteed*
App connectivity:
Some more recent burglar alarms allow you to interact and monitor your home from the palm of your hand. You can activate and deactivate your alarm system from your phone as well as check the status when it's due a check-up, and when the last alarm was set off. An app connected to your alarm system allows you to be alerted not only by your text but also by your app can push a notification to you with an eye-catching element making sure you know what's going on.
What effects what type of burglar system you get?
The main thing that affects your system is the building and the risk to your property. Every building is different maybe not the building itself but the person's needs will shift from building to building. The other variable is the level of risk that your property is this risk is split into for grades through 1-4, with 4 being of highest risk and 1 being the lowest.
Grade 1 is where a lower risk of theft is anticipated. It applies to a property which is not likely to attract burglars. In the application guide (DC CLC/TS 50131-7), it assumes that a thief is likely to be opportunistic rather than planning a theft and will simply break open a door.
Grade 2 is for a higher risk level. Such a property is likely to have something of interest to an experienced thief who is likely to have some knowledge of how alarm systems operate and possibly carry some tools to help him overcome a simple alarm system. The thief is likely to check the building for easy access through doors, windows and other openings, therefore these are the principal areas of detection.
Grade 3 is for a property which is at reasonably substantial risk, one which, might well contain objects of high value so there is good reason to assume it may be broken into.
An intruder is likely to be knowledgeable about intruder alarm systems and their operation and may attempt to overcome the system.
The thief is likely to get in by penetrating doors, windows or other openings but can also be expected to gain access by penetration of floors, walls and ceilings so additional protection is required.
Grade 4 is for the highest-risk properties. Such properties are likely to be targeted by a gang of thieves who will probably have planned the burglary.
They will know some techniques for preventing detection or tampering with intruder alarm systems, and therefore, the levels of sophistication need to be that much greater to prevent this from happening.
Mixing components of different grades
The EN standard states that an installer can use different grades of components within the same intruder system.
For example, if the installation has a Grade 2 listing, it is acceptable to use a Grade 3 power supply. However, it is not permissible to use Grade 1 components within a Grade 2 system.