Upgrading/replacing An Alarm System

[DirectFS]

dunno

on the risk assesment did you get a grade that was recommended?

and who are they approved by? Will say on your quote.

If it is Wakefield, they are NSI Gold.

Bill.

[Guest RJBsec]

If it is Wakefield, they are NSI Gold.

Bill.

Please keep up Bill

[DirectFS]

Hi.

Hope someone can give me some good advice.

I moved into a house last year which had an alarm fitted. The control panel is a Maplin MS3500 although the external sounder has A1 alarms on it. A recent 'free survey' by a local security company has suggested updating the control panel and keypad with a Eurosec CP8L and replacing the external sounder. The remainder of the currently installed system (IR and magnetic sensors and wiring) would be retained. The quote for this work was

[sussexamb]

Jon

Have you had more than one quote? That's the first bit of advice. Always ensure you have at least two, or three preferably, quotes before making a decision.

The Maplin control panel is a rebadged "A1" panel - and most installers would bin on site, I have to say. It isn't a panel that's reknowned for its affinity with requirements placed upon equipment by the standards. I suspect too, that it is obsolete now, though haven't checked the Maplin site.

Another small piece of advice, often overlooked these days - have you ensured that your physical security, e.g. locks, and so forth, are all up to scratch? Probably best to spend some money on those things before worrying about upgrading an alarm system - especially if you're in one of the more rural parts of Sussex - one of those parts they almost forgot to lay in any roads.....although if like my part of Sussex, then they probably did lay in roads and simply let them crumble away.

As far as the quote you've had goes, assuming your detectors are in good condition, provide adequate coverage, and (as they're approved installers) can meet the requirements for the assessed grade of system (I suspect they've not quoted even for Grade 2) - and assuming the cable runs to the detectors allow sufficient cores to ensure a proper circuit and monitoring, then there would be no problem re-incorporating them into an upgraded system. However, most installers would probably want to replace them if they are providing warranty on other parts of the system, and putting their name to it.

There is a question of reliability here - no installer really wants old, DIY style PIRS messing up his reported statistics, and losing him kudos.

You also need to consider that the quote provided, in all probability, will not allow you to upgrade to a signalling (police response) system in future if you decide you need it, without first replacing large parts of the system again.

Other than that, if Wakefield are your chosen supplier, it may pay you to invetigate in more detail what it is YOU want from your system - now and in the future, and then make your investment accordingly.

As always, feel free to seek any further advice you need here.

Bill.

Hi all,

Thanks for all the useful advice. Yes, I've had the physical security side checked and that's all ok. The alarm really is to help suggest to anyone intent on breaking in that they should go elsewhere; the old external box almost shouts 'come on', maybe it would be cheaper just to repaint it!!

I think trying to interpret all that's been said is that for what I need the price is Ok and the system would cope as described. Should anyone out there cover the Worthing area and would like to offer an alternative quote please feel free to say so ...

Jon

[Guest RJBsec]

I think trying to interpret all that's been said is that for what I need the price is Ok and the system would cope as described. Should anyone out there cover the Worthing area and would like to offer an alternative quote please feel free to say so ...

It'll be fine and you are unlikely to get better, cheaper IMO - go with Wakefield.

[james.wilson]

as above good company.

I assume its not a certificated job in this instance which is why your using your old sensors, and to save a bit of money?

[sussexamb]

as above good company.

I assume its not a certificated job in this instance which is why your using your old sensors, and to save a bit of money?

Well, I guess it will save money but it was their suggestion, not mine. They saw no need to replace working sensors ...

[Alarm Protection]

CP8LCD is a good panel and easy to use !