24/7 Security alarm Monitoring

If you’re looking to protect your home or business premises, it makes sense to have security systems fitted. When you have your property protected by an alarm connected to a monitoring station, you will be given constant peace of mind, even when the premises are empty. A great benefit of being monitored is that there is no need for a bell only activated alarm which will disturb everyone within hearing distance and make you unpopular with your neighbours.

With the right system in place, Monitoring stations can be alerted within seconds of it being triggered, so appropriate action can be taken, which can be to call your selected key holders the police or even the fire brigade (if your fire alarm activates) the relevant people will be notified immediately. This enables a swift response to any disturbance. UK police policy is only to respond to a confirmed alarm event. They will only respond if two separate devices have been activated within 30 minutes.

Protection Levels

The European standards for these monitored alarm systems have been set at grades between 1 and 4. Grade 4 offers the greatest level of protection because a test signal is sent to check the monitoring line is active as often as every 3 minutes. With Grade 3 the test signal is sent less frequently every 5 hours, and for Grade 2 every 25 hours. This system is called polling and its aim is to check whether a monitoring line is still active – or has been cut.

A number of providers have developed products to meet the standards. BT’s Redcare is one of the largest. Its Grade 4 products include Redcare Classic which makes use of an existing BT phone line, alerts the ARC in seconds and checks the alarm is working every couple of minutes. Another Grade 4, which they call GSM, is dual pathway, with another path to the ARC via a mobile network.

Differences in Products

One of its Grade 2 products is Redcare Solo, which doesn’t use a landline but connects to a mobile network. It can easily be moved around from location to location, and is a good choice for construction sites or for mobile operations, such as boats, caravans, or mobile catering outlets at markets, festivals and such like.
A more flexible product is Redcare Secure which comes in versions, 2, 3 and IP, and is upgradeable. Secure has the advantage of having dual pathways to the ARC. The appropriate version is dependent on the level of risk at the property you want to protect.
It’s important to take relevant, specialist advice before deciding on the best alarm monitoring system for your needs. for advice, we’re here to help.

If your interesting in having a monitored system or you are thinking of having your current system monitored please get in touch with us at the All Secure Office where we are more than happy to discuss our varied options with you.

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