Intruder alarms are crucial to protect businesses from theft and vandalism, but which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the different types of intruder alarms, from basic to specialist, and help you decide which is best to protect your business.
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Basic Intruder Alarm Systems
Wired Intruder Alarm Systems
Wired intruder alarms are one of the most popular choices for businesses. They’re simple, reliable and affordable. As the name implies, wired systems are physically connected using wires. Motion sensors are placed at key points throughout the property. Every component is wired into the central control panel, ensuring constant connection.
The only con with these systems is that they’re relatively labour-intensive to install and require routing wires throughout the building.
Wireless Intruder Alarm Systems
Wireless systems operate similarly to wired systems, utilising sensors throughout the building to detect unexpected movement. However, the system is connected with either radio signals or Wi-Fi, removing the need for physical wiring. This vastly simplifies the installation process.
Traditionally, doubts over the reliability of wireless connections have confined these systems to the domestic sector, but advances in technology mean they are now dependable enough to be making waves in the commercial world.
Hybrid Alarm Systems
Hybrid intruder alarms are a blend of wireless and wired. Mixing the two allows you to incorporate some of the additional reliability of wired systems while minimising wiring where possible.
The result is a system that is more dependable than a fully wireless one, while not quite as fixed or labour-intensive as a wired option.
Response-Based Alarm Types
Bells-Only (Audible) Alarm Systems
Bells-only systems are a form of response-based or unmonitored alarm. Their only function is to make a lot of noise and trigger flashing lights when a break-in is detected. They will continue to sound until deactivated. At some properties, this is plenty to deter would-be thieves, as it increases the likelihood of them being spotted. For businesses with higher-value content, however, they may not be substantial enough.
Monitored Alarm Systems
Monitored systems involve an additional layer of protection. They are remotely monitored from a control centre, and when the alarm is triggered, the team at the control centre will ring the property to ask for a password. If there is no answer or the person who answers gives the wrong answer, they will contact the keyholder or the police. Monitored systems do come with an additional fee to cover the monitoring, however.
Police-Response Alarm Systems
Police-response alarm systems are a form of monitored alarm system, only with a faster connection to the police. These systems are common in businesses with high-value assets, such as banks. They must be installed by an accredited installer and tested multiple times a year.
Each police-response system is issued a unique reference number (URN). When motion is detected in the property, the alarm company starts monitoring. If a second sensor is triggered, confirming motion, the police are called, and the URN is quoted to give an exact location.
Alarm Systems by Security Requirement
Perimeter Protection Systems
Perimeter alarm systems are made up of a network of sensors placed around the perimeter of a property. These sensors emit infrared light, lasers or other signals, and if they’re disrupted by movement, they sound an alarm. The purpose is to provide a warning of a break-in before the intruder can reach the property itself.
Perimeter systems are ideal for early warnings and can serve as a strong visual deterrent, but are also susceptible to weather and require careful setup to avoid false alarms.
Internal Motion Detection Systems
Internal motion detection systems work in the same way as perimeter protection systems, using light signals to detect unauthorised motion. As the name suggests, however, these different types of intruder alarms are installed inside a property, so as soon as an intruder moves, the alarm will sound.
The pros of internal motion detection systems are cost-effectiveness and strong coverage, but these systems are also only effective once an intruder is already inside and can be accidentally triggered if not set up properly.
Shock and Vibration Detection Systems
These systems rely on detecting vibrations and impacts caused by forced entry attempts. Shock and vibration detection systems are placed on windows and doors and are triggered by sudden or repeated movement such as hitting, drilling or smashing. Once the sensor detects motion, it signals the alarm.
Shock and vibration detection systems serve as perfect early warning systems for break-in attempts and make an effective component in multi-layered security systems. However, they require expert calibration to avoid being triggered accidentally and only cover the surfaces they’re attached to.
Glass-Break Detection Systems
Glass break detection systems rely on vibration or sound detection to trigger an alarm when glass or windows are broken. They’re mounted on or near the windows and provide a reliable warning of a forced entry attempt.
These detection systems provide a quick alert in case of attempted break-ins and are ideal for properties with large glazed areas. That being said, they are limited to glass surfaces, and some types can be falsely triggered by other loud noises.
Specialist Business Alarm Types
Hold-Up and Panic Alarm Systems
Hold-up and panic alarm systems are designed to be a discreet way for staff to raise an alarm in an emergency. They’re typically triggered by a hidden or wearable button and send a signal to security personnel that an intruder is present, or a staff member feels unsafe, without alerting the offending party.
These alarms are a great way to protect and reassure staff in potentially vulnerable situations, such as front desk personnel or travelling workers. The drawbacks are that they don’t prevent intrusions or harassment, and rely on staff being able to activate them, depending on the situation.
Temporary or Construction Site Alarms
Construction sites are prime targets for theft and trespassing, and can rarely be fitted with permanent security infrastructure. Temporary and construction site alarms are designed to provide interim protection and intruder detection on construction sites and other premises such as vacant properties.
Being temporary and mobile, these alarm systems are designed to be easy to install and flexible in terms of setup. However, they’re also usually reliant on battery power, and their visibility makes them vandalism targets in themselves.
Smart Intruder Alarm Systems
Smart intruder alarm systems are interconnected, all-in-one security systems. They can be managed remotely using a smart device and provide oversight from anywhere. The components of these systems can vary and range from sensors and key fobs to CCTV and even facial recognition.
Smart systems are easily integrated with a range of technologies and provide easy oversight of large security networks. They’re only limited by their dependence on an internet connection and a higher up-front cost.
Integrated Security Systems
As suggested by the name, integrated security systems are connected networks of security devices, providing complete protection across a whole site. While similar to smart systems, integrated security systems are not necessarily ‘smart’; they can be hardwired and not at all reliant on an internet connection.
When designed properly, these systems can protect a whole site by blending technology and are highly reliable. The drawbacks are potentially increased complexity and the need for careful planning before installation.
Choosing the Right Alarm System for Your Business
Each of the different types of intruder alarm we’ve covered here has its own benefits and drawbacks, and specific use cases. Which one will work best for your business will depend on your site, the value of any goods or materials kept there, and the general safety of your location. Often, the best approach is to blend different systems to cover various needs.
In any case, the best approach is always to consult a professional intruder alarm installer. They will be able to help you identify weaknesses in your security and recommend the perfect system to protect your business.
Why Professional Installation Matters
At Fire Safe Services, we’ve been installing advanced security and fire protection systems at businesses across the UK for more than 20 years. Our team is highly experienced and can design a unique system based on your business’ specific vulnerabilities. We offer everything from security alarms and CCTV to 24/7 remote monitoring.
To book your free site survey, call us today on 01527 570952, email us at info@firesafeservices.co.uk or fill out our contact form.
