Alarm King
Monitored Burglar Alarms
Experience peace of mind with our monitored alarm systems, which are directly connected to a 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). Upon activation, the ARC immediately contacts your designated keyholders and the police, ensuring a swift response to any security breach.
Is a monitored intruder alarm the right choice for you?
Known in the industry as Central Station, our ARC utilizes advanced software to oversee and react to alarms efficiently. Additionally, it is staffed by professionals around the clock to mitigate any risks of technological malfunctions delaying critical notifications.
Monitored alarm systems are particularly vital for expansive residences in secluded areas, properties at high risk, or homes that are only occupied part-time. Such systems are often essential to comply with home insurance requirements. They are standard for most commercial properties. If your home contains high-value possessions like advanced technology, exquisite jewelry, or if you operate a business from home involving valuable computer equipment or specialized tools, a monitored intruder alarm system is highly recommended.
Our burglar alarm systems can connect to an ARC through one of three methods:
- Digital Communicator
- Single Path Signalling
- Dual Path Signalling
Digital Communicator
Known as "digicoms," these devices are pioneers in the digital monitoring industry. They require their own dedicated phone line with incoming calls blocked to prevent savvy intruders from engaging the line and blocking outgoing alarm signals.
Installed directly within the alarm control panel, the digicom springs into action upon alarm activation. It dials out to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), transmitting data packets in a secure, encrypted format. The ARC then decrypts the data and responds accordingly, either by notifying keyholders or alerting the police.
Provides reliable, 24/7 communication with a monitored ARC, ensuring prompt responses to alarms.
Cost-effective initial purchase, and the system is portable if you relocate.
Requires line rental for a dedicated phone line, if one isn't already present
Involves an annual subscription fee for ARC services
Necessitates an annual maintenance contract with your alarm installation provider
Vulnerable to service disruption if the telephone line is severed
Single Path Signalling
Introduced in the 1990s by BT with the highly successful BT Redcare service, single path signalling systems have become a staple in modern security. Numerous reputable providers now offer this technology, which can utilize the GSM mobile network, GPRS mobile data network, or a fixed phone line to communicate with an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
This system is capable of transmitting detailed information about security breaches, such as the nature of the intrusion, whether it is a personal attack or a standard alarm, and even specifies the triggered zone within the property.
A key feature of single path signalling is the monitoring of the signal path itself.
If there is any disruption, such as a cut phone line or a failure in the GSM or GPRS signals, the ARC is immediately alerted and treats it as a potential intrusion.
Secure, round-the-clock communication with a monitored ARC ensures immediate response to alarms.
The monitored signal path alerts the ARC to any tampering, enhancing security.
Provides more comprehensive information about breaches compared to digital communicators, enabling better preparedness for keyholders or police upon arrival.
Compatible with existing fixed telephone lines, easily extended to the alarm panel.
Requires an annual subscription fee for ARC monitoring.
Installation on an existing line may necessitate an ADSL filter to separate digital data from voice transmissions.
Opting for a mobile network path incurs monthly costs for a SIM card subscription.
Dual Path Signalling
Dual path signalling systems enhance security by offering both a primary and a backup communication channel. If the primary path, typically a fixed line, encounters any issues, the system seamlessly switches to the backup channel, such as the GSM mobile network. This dual functionality ensures uninterrupted communication with the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
Ensures robust, continuous protection with 24/7 monitoring by the ARC, even if one communication path fails.
Offers enhanced security with a backup signalling path, minimizing the risk of undetected breaches.
Rapid ARC notification, typically within 40 seconds, allowing for swift response.
Redcare GSM is Grade 4 rated under European Intruder Alarm Standards, making it suitable for the highest level of risk scenarios.
Annual subscription fee is required for continuous monitoring services.
Requires an annual maintenance contract to ensure the system remains in optimal condition.
Dependence on the reliability of two communication paths to maintain security efficacy.
Interested in a safer home?
For more detailed advice tailored to your unique situation and a free quote, contact us today.