Burglar Alarm Installation

Contents:

• Types of burglar alarms
• Tools needed
• Preparing for installation
• Step-by-step installation
• Maintenance & troubleshooting
• Legal considerations

Installing a burglar alarm is on the to-do list for many homeowners. This is because it helps to reassure you, by increasing the levels of home security you’re able to achieve for your property. 

A burglar alarm is important for home protection as the product you choose will act as a deterrent against potential burglaries and create peace of mind that your home is safe.

Many people wonder about burglar alarm installation. While professional alarm installation services are available, it’s also good to know that homeowners can fit a home security system themselves with little difficulty. In fact, it may save you a significant amount of money by completing a burglar alarm installation yourself. 

A helpful point to know is that burglar alarm systems are different products from CCTV and security cameras. A burglar alarm is a protection system that helps to secure your property and will alert you if there is a problem, whereas a CCTV security camera enables you to review recorded footage after an event has occurred.

If you’re starting to look into a home security system installation, it helps to be aware of the different types of alarm system on the market.

A burglar alarm system typically has a control panel and sensors that alert the system if there is an intrusion or any unexpected movement in your home. 

 

Wired alarm systems

A wired alarm system generally requires a professional installer to help you fit the product. With a wired alarm system, wires are fitted that run between the alarm sensors and the control panel. 

Pros of wired alarm systems

• Less prone to connection problems or network issues

• Reduce false alarm incidents

• Cover large areas

Cons of wired alarm systems

• Potential to increase costs due to installation processes

• Possibility of visible cabling

• Difficult to move or change system

Wireless alarm systems

A wireless alarm system is mostly wire-free, with sensors that communicate to the control panel through a wireless signal. 

Pros of wireless alarm systems

• Flexibility to add more sensors

• Can be moved to a new property

• Easy to fit yourself

Cons of wireless alarm systems

• Potential for additional maintenance 

• May need battery replacements

• Possible network interference

Smart alarm systems

Smart alarms are a home security system operated over Wi-Fi and managed through a smartphone app. Smart alarm systems integrate with other smart home devices, such as CCTV security cameras. 

Pros of smart alarm systems

• Easy integration with smart home devices

• Low level of maintenance

• Remote app monitoring

Cons of smart alarm systems

• Reliant on technology to work around the clock

• Potential for false alarms or interruptions

• May involve a complex set up

Making sure you have the correct tools and materials needed for home security system installation will help make the job much easier and quicker to complete. 

Here is a complete kit list to support your burglar alarm installation:

• Safety goggles: required wear to protect your eyes from any dust or residue. 

• Drill bit set: a set of different-sized drill bits for use with varying screw sizes and surfaces. 

• Screwdriver: an interchangeable screwdriver has the versatility to accommodate different screwdriver heads so you can manage the types of screws necessary to fit a burglar alarm.

• Tape measure: useful for measuring the area and fitting the alarm correctly. 

• Drill: a cordless option with a driver function is helpful when you need to drill holes and drive screws. 

• Spirit level: this will enable you to position the burglar alarm properly. 

• Wire stripper: if you need to expose any wires during the alarm system installation, these can easily strip the wires for connection. 

Planning before you install your home security system is key for an organised and simple fitting process. There are a number of steps you can take to prepare before installation to help you get ahead. 

Firstly, assess your property to understand any vulnerable areas that could be entry points for intruders. Then, decide where the best locations will be for the alarm PIR sensors. These should align with any potential entry points or main areas of your home so that you can cover all spaces. 

Next, placing the control panel in a location that you can easily access for regular monitoring will help to keep your home secure. Some insurance companies may reduce your home insurance premium if you have a burglar alarm installed. In order to qualify, your burglar alarm may need to be approved by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI).

In the past, installing a burglar alarm would involve calling in a professional. These days, home security system installation is much less complex, meaning that it’s easy for you to do yourself. It’s really important that you check the manufacturer’s instructions at every stage of installation to ensure your alarm is fitted correctly. 

 

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for a wireless alarm system installation.

 

Step 1. Check your kit and activate batteries

Before you mount your home security system, check the product to make sure every part is included. Inside should be a control panel, sensors, door and window contacts and detectors. Add in and activate batteries inside the sensors. 

 

Step 2. Position sensors and detectors

Once the batteries are activated inside the alarm sensors, position them around your home exactly where they will be fitted. This is to make sure that you have them all in the right place, covering as much of your home as possible with protection. 

 

Step 3. Set up the control panel

Plug your control panel into your chosen power source and turn it on. If your system has a back-up battery, activate this at the same time. 

 

Step 4. Installing the control panel

Now it’s time to install the control panel of your alarm system. A popular place to fit your control panel is near your home’s main entrance and close to the power source you want to use. Secure the control panel in place with mounting brackets or adhesive pads. 

 

Step 5. Installing sensors

Before you fit the sensors, make sure they are in signal reach of the control panel if you’re using a wireless or smart alarm as they use wireless signals to interact. Depending on the size of your home, you may need to move the sensors around to be able to get a signal with the control panel. 

Once you have all of the sensors in the right place, mount these to the wall. If you’re installing window or door sensors, then ensure the magnet and sensor are at the same height on opposite sides of the door or window frame. Drill holes and secure sensors in position. 

 

Step 6. Fit PIR detectors

If you have PIR (passive infrared) detectors, you can now fit these. PIR sensors detect heat change in an environment; for example, if someone enters a room. Fit these in room corners to gain maximum coverage. 

 

Step 7. Programming your alarm system

Continue the installation process by programming the alarm system. You can also synchronise the sensors with the control panel. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you align everything correctly. 

 

Step 8. Mount the alarm box

Position your alarm box in an obvious and visible position on the outside of your home. For safety reasons, locate it as high as possible and make sure the tamper switch is fully engaged. 

 

Step 9. Test the alarm system

Finally, it’s time to test your alarm system to make sure it works properly. Every product is different, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your alarm test.

When your test is successfully completed, your alarm system is up and running to protect your home. 

 

Step 10. Turn on your alarm system

Now you have your alarm system in place, you can feel reassured that your home and belongings are protected. Now is a good time to ensure you have read through the manufacturers instructions and informed anyone that needs regular access to your home about the process to disarm the alarm system.

Regular maintenance of your home security system will keep it in peak condition and ensure that it works effectively for longer. Plus, reviewing the system on a regular basis means that you can pick up any issues and resolve them to make sure your home is kept safe. 

There are a number of actions you can take to maintain your alarm system. Check the batteries in motion sensors and detectors every few months. Make sure that any smart alarm software updates are completed promptly to ensure there is no break in service or interference. 

Cleaning your sensors with a dry cloth to remove any dust or residue also enables them to continue to work accurately. Inspect the equipment as part of your maintenance programme, particularly any wiring to make sure it’s in working order. Reset the system when there are minor glitches to restart the alarm. 

If your alarm system drops out or stops working and the manufacturer’s instruction booklet doesn’t help you resolve the problem, seek professional assistance to get your alarm system working again.

There are some legal considerations to take into account with burglar alarm installation in the UK. According to the 2014 Control of Noise Order for audible intruder alarms in England, best practice emphasises correct fitting and maintenance of alarms to minimise false alarm incidents. 

One way to keep neighbours on board is to let them know you fitted a burglar alarm. This helps to make them aware of the potential for an alarm going off and they may let you know if it’s your alarm that’s ringing if you’re away from home.  

You may need to let your house insurance provider know you have fitted a burglar alarm system. This could lead to cost savings if they know you have additional protection around your home. 

Your home security system should meet both European Standard BS EN 50131 and the British Standard PD6662 in order to be compliant with current legislation.

Following a clear set of simple steps means you can finish an alarm system installation with confidence. Having the correct set of tools at hand and consulting the manufacturer’s guide as you go will help you to fit your burglar alarm system in no time at all. 

Remember to check the whole kit before you begin to make sure you have all of the correct parts to fit your alarm. Confirm where you will put your sensors and control panel before installation. 

Programme your system and align the sensors before turning your system on fully. If you have a wireless or smart system, make sure that the signals are working consistently for complete coverage. Regular checks will help keep your home safe over the long term. 

Let your insurance provider know you have installed a burglar alarm as this may help you to secure a more competitive insurance premium.