Thread: Alarm System - Worth it?

Hello,

Is it worth installing an Alarm System in a house?

Looking at the ADT system, where its connected to the police.

Yes

No it's not worth it at all.

What's your address again James? Any holidays planned?

There is another option which is what I end up installing for quite a few clients, is something like the ADT systems (Ademco Microtech Galaxy 2 Series) with a built in text message dialer, so it sends you a text if it goes off. A lot cheaper than an ADT system (which is probably 1-2k installed) and more flexible. You should be able to find a local installer to do this for you. I normally get ex-ADT bell boxes to put up too
Most burglars know that ADT systems are monitored (No alarm is linked to the police just FYI, it goes back to a ARC and they then contact the police if they cannot contact you to alert you), so they normally pick somewhere easier that for instance, does not have an ADT box Redcare stickers are also good, and redcare dual path these days is a must if you actually need redcare.

Originally Posted by administrator

yes, ones without police alert are most handy for setting the downstairs live while you sleep at night so you know if anyone gets in.

We have a downstairs alarm - it likes eating bones lol

Having a wireless alarm worries me a little ... although I guess your avg burglar isn't that techie to mess with them.

When our alarm has gone off in the past one of the neighbours has called my sister or someone in the hope it gets turned off, but I guess that working depends on your neighbours.

ChrisB.

Originally Posted by mwb@uk2.net

Yale do a good wireless system. Easy to self install and choose the options you want. Nice big Yellow Box for the front of the house.

LOL, I wouldn't install wireless anything for real security. Since when was Yale a brand you could rely upon for an alarm? Locks maybe, but not alarms.

The big names are as follows:

Ademco Microtech (Now Honeywell)
Cooper/Menvier/Scantronic
Pyronix
Texecom
ADE

Most decent systems feature EOL loops, not separate open/closed loops with separate tampers. IMHO ADE panels don't really cut it these days, but they are very cheap and easy to install. That said, it's not much more work or cost to install a Galaxy.
Most big commercial alarms are Honeywell Galaxys, with some Cooper brand systems following up on that. Pyronix Premier panels are good also, though I've not installed one for a while.

I have ADT coming round to do a survey, will see what they price it at.

Originally Posted by Louise

Install one tell me where you live ill break in and and we will find out ......
But on a serious note most people ignore alarm systems ..... and so do the police at the weekends

But ADT contact the police to inform them of a potential break in

Who then place them so far down on their list of priorities that you're lucky they'd come out 2 days after the breakin