Jargon Busting: Your Complete Guide to Intruder Alarm Systems

 
At Spectrum Security, our top priority is keeping you safe and secure. Whether that be at home or at work, we strive everyday to protect our customers from the highly unpleasant experience of being a victim of crime. That is why we are NSI Systems Silver accredited for installing intruder alarm systems - we understand the importance of doing a good job when it comes to your security.

Police crime figures suggest overall burglary rates have increased in the last three years after a steady decline since the 1990s, with people facing a one in 50 chance of being a victim. This means that it is more vital than ever that you understand all you need to know about a great intruder alarm system. Luckily, we’re here to help!

Jargon Busting

So, when you come to research intruder alarm systems you will find an awful lot of terminology bouncing around that will sound like a strange jumble of letters and numbers. However, these standards and key words are something you should ALWAYS be on the lookout for when purchasing an intruder alarm system - if it doesn’t have it, don’t buy it!

PD6662

This is the UK Implementation of the European standard for intruder alarms, and it is extremely important. It was recently updated in June 2019 by the NSI (National Security Inspectorate), and is essential for any organisation or homeowner who would like a police response to their intruder alarm, and/or confidence that their local alarm installer is competent in supplying a compliant alarm system. To summarise, PD 6662 is an ‘umbrella’ standard for the application of European standards by installers in the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of intruder and hold-up alarm systems. A must-have.

BS8243

This standard helps to prevent false alarms which will waste emergency service time. All alarm systems connected to the police now need to be confirmed. The newest iteration of the standard separates the confirmation requirements for intrusion alarm system (IAS) and hold up alarm system (HAS) and introduces specific design objectives for HAS. If a home or business has more than three false alarms within 12 months, then the police response will be removed from the system - it can be reinstated though, if you’re good!

Grade 2 Alarm Systems

In the most basic terms, these grades are a way to categorise how penetrable your intruder alarm system is. There are 3 grades, but we only install Grade 2 and 3 because we truly value your safety. Grade 2 alarms are built to withstand intruders who are expected to have more knowledge and some specialist equipment.

Grade 3 Alarm Systems

Grade 3 is the highest grade, and assumes that intruders will have both comprehensive knowledge and portable electronic equipment.

Dual Path Remote Signalling

This means that your alarm signalling system uses two diverse signalling paths, which could be a telephone line or broadband connection and/or a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) path to communicate to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). Both signalling paths are constantly polled to verify the communication link is working. The ARC will therefore know straight away if there is any line fault or failure.

PSTN

Specifically the Public Switched Telephone Network, this is the aggregate of the world’s circuit switched telephone networks which allow public telecommunication - basically, the traditional circuit-switched telephone network using underground copper wires to connect people. Many of our alarm systems use PSTN but this will be phased out over the coming years.

GPRS

General Packet Radio Services; the classic, ‘I don’t have signal’ mobile service these days, but once the only way for mobile internet. This is another network most of our alarms can signal over, along with your standard broadband.

Hopefully you now feel a little more confident about purchasing the best intruder alarm possible, so visit our webpage to see the full range we offer at Spectrum Security. With over 90 years combined experience, we can find the best solution to fit your requirements. If you would like to discuss those requirements, contact us .