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Security alarms...thoughts please!

19 replies

FollowingAmirage · 26/07/2020 22:18

Currently we have a wired (very old!) Spy security system which we inherited when buying the house. Looking to upgrade to a wireless system which is easier to turn on/off from a distance. Any recommendations please?

With Spy we pay a £100/year maintenance fee but now we have building work and need sensors moved/added their fees are quite expensive!

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KingOfDogShite · 26/07/2020 22:22

We’ve just had verisure removed and have fitted the complete ring system. It cost about £800. I’m really impressed with it so far. It works though a very intuitive phone app and was very easy to set up.

I really would not recommend verisure.

FollowingAmirage · 26/07/2020 22:30

Thanks King for the reply. Does that link to wifi though? As worried it won’t work if internet disconnected for whatever reason (although I suppose it’s unlikely in this day and age?)...

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LolaSkoda · 26/07/2020 22:53

Ring is really good. You can pay a few quid a month to enable 4g back up and monitoring. Really easy to add to over time with sensors etc.

KingOfDogShite · 26/07/2020 23:09

We’ve got cellular back up Smile

AmateurHour · 26/07/2020 23:41

I’m probably going for ‘simplisafe’

FollowingAmirage · 27/07/2020 00:25

Good to know that 4G backup is an option. Can I please also ask the cost of getting such a system installed? Thanks

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Takingontheworld · 27/07/2020 07:47

Stay wired. Wireless easier to hack - speaking from experience!

LolaSkoda · 27/07/2020 08:12

You install it yourself. Very easy to do. They have a video on the amazon listing which would help you if you’re interested.

PigletJohn · 27/07/2020 08:32

What are the advantages you foresee in people being able to turn your alarm on and off remotely?

KingOfDogShite · 27/07/2020 08:46

We set ours remotely when we’re away so our neighbours can go in and feed the cats. Or when we’re in bed and have forgot to set it from the pad.

PigletJohn · 27/07/2020 11:54

You mean you give the neighbours a key to come in and feed the cats, but don't trust them with a user code?

KingOfDogShite · 27/07/2020 12:20

Pretty much. Why would I trust someone else to set my alarm when I could do it myself from wherever I am?

R1R2 · 27/07/2020 16:27

texecom ricochet or pyronix enforcer are the only wireless systems i would trust, they wont come cheap as they are professional quality alarms but they do work extremely well.

FollowingAmirage · 27/07/2020 20:19

Ok, thanks all for the input. I might need to research the different options a bit more. Not sure how easy it will be to upgrade to another wired system (ours is at least 20 years old), without getting wires out/having them in show...we have just decorated the house so don’t fancy redoing the lot! 😖 hence asking about wireless option. PigletJohn, what do you propose as an alternative?

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PigletJohn · 27/07/2020 21:51

I'm not generally involved in alarms.

I think a system that can dial out to alert keyholders is essential.

Mine was recently modernised from Galaxy to Texecom and they used the existing cables. I did not want internet access or App control.

My cables are generally concealed under the floor, behind built-in furniture, in the loft, behind the bath, in plumbing ducts etc.

If you have recently decorated, I suppose you could conceal the wiring, and put it under the floorboards next time you take the carpets up. Laminate flooring is the enemy of electricians and plumbers.

I have a secondary keypad outside the bedroom door to save going downstairs in the night. It also bleeps if somebody opens an external door, even when the alarm is not set.

Each user has their own PIN and/or keyfob. Users can have a defined subset of powers (for example, guests or neighbours can't add or change other users, or disable zones); and perhaps you could permit cat-feeders to the downstairs room only.

It all works even if I am out of touch and the internet is down.

I have installed a couple of DIY wireless systems for aged and infirm relatives, they cost less than I pay for a year's maintenance, but always have an autodialler to call nearby trusted keyholders. IMO this is enough for the average Joe, and can be set to call if a panic button is pressed or if (for example) nobody has gone to the kitchen or bathroom in 24 hours.

FollowingAmirage · 28/07/2020 02:23

That’s very interesting and certainly worth considering. I suppose it is worth paying more for your own safety/piece of mind, but how much did the update cost if you don’t mind me asking? Just weighing my options...thanks so much all for the advice/input. Much appreciated Smile

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Aquamarine1029 · 28/07/2020 02:37

We have SimpliSafe and love it. You can have as many features/devices that you want and can control it from anywhere. No contracts and pay for monitoring by the month. We have sensors on every window and door, inside and outside cameras (the inside cameras only turn on when you leave and have a metal shutter that closes when not in use so no chance of recording inside when home), glass break senors, panic buttons and fire/carbon monoxide detectors.

We used to have an old wired system and this is much better.

AmateurHour · 28/07/2020 14:47

That’s good to hear Aqua

FollowingAmirage · 28/07/2020 15:28

SimpliSafe seems like a good option...so many brands/options!

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