Pre-wired new home alarm advice

[RH2021]

Hi all

 

I’ve just built a new home and installed alarm cable to the following areas:

 

- motion sensors in room

- internal bell

- external siren

- keypad x2

 

All cable is running back to a comms room on the ground floor. 

 

I’d also like window and door sensors which would have to be wireless so I’d need a hybrid system. 
 

Could you please advise which system would meet my requirements? Criteria as follows:

 

- grade 2 system (all components)

- smartphone app

- integrated with IFTTT (or Samsung smart things)

- is very reliable

- has the ability to extend into my garage wirelessly which is about 10 metres away

- ability to integrate hikvision cctv with events ie hikvision camera motion detection kicks off alarm

- ability to integrate beam sensors 
 

I’ve heard that some systems have false alarms a lot so don’t want that. 
 

Anyhow, grateful for your help. 
 

R

[MrHappy]

8 minutes ago, RH2021 said:

Hi all

 

the only way your going to get a reliable graded system is have one installed & maintained by a properly accredited alarm co.

 

I assume your IT ?

 

eg - would you want a software man to do the wires & a wire man to do the software...

[sixwheeledbeast]

Are you planning to do this yourself? It makes most of your list irrelevant if so.

Your limiting your options if you want a system with an app that isn't fitted by an installation company.

You wouldn't integrate alarms and cameras like that, any system that false alarms is obviously pointless and probably fitted incorrectly.

Sounds like you think you know what you want but haven't considered how it "should" be done.

 

[PeterJames]

Agreed with above, most of the pro stuff wont work with ifttt.

Reliable = professionally maintained

Smartphone App = All the decent ones you need a cloud contract only available through an installer

 

[MrHappy]

47 minutes ago, PeterJames said:

most of the pro stuff wont work with ifttt.

 

I'd never heard of it until this thread started, google says "nest" lol

[PeterJames]

3 minutes ago, MrHappy said:

 

I'd never heard of it until this thread started, google says "nest" lol

if this then that 

[RH2021]

Hi Folks

 

Thanks for the feedback. I seemed to have provoked a reaction and assumptions that I have decided to install the system myself. That is not the case. 
 

If I went into a car showroom to buy a car I will list the things I want. I’m pretty sure the sales man would t expect me to build it. 
 

Joking aside my bad for not explicitly saying that I’m not going to install it. 
 

I’m at the research stage. Some questions I have:

 

1) Is wired better / more secure than wireless?

2) What are the benefits of a traditional system over a smart / DIY system such as boundary?

My research to date is pointing me to the criteria I’ve listed above but what I have also found, in my opinion, is that there is still a gap between traditional systems and smart systems. For example it seems traditional systems don’t support smart hubs/IFTTT etc. 
 

Anyhow, I’d appreciate feedback to help me form an opinion on what I need to move forward. 
 

Note, I may also speak face to face with a number of installers to get a general consensus on what will meet my needs but I’d prefer not to at this stage. 
 

 

[sixwheeledbeast]

We get people asking allsorts of wacky things here, some are DIYers some are not.

If you are getting an installer in then kit manufacturer selection will be down to them, they should have staff trained on products they fit to provide the best support.

Wired will always be better IMO but I see no issue in hybrid for your purpose, radio kit will need battery replacements and could in theory be jammed. Top end kit should detect this.

 

There is a gap but I consider it important to be partitioned away personally, security is all about layers and one software exploit that could get past every layer is not smart. It's a topic the industry as a whole is still trying to provide a solution with lots of opinions. Consumers want functionality but manufacturers, installers and insurers would have concerns with liability if a system failed to operate.

 

Usually getting quotes from 3 places is recommended. Generally you wouldn't choose solely on price but during this you will find a company you feel the most comfortable with providing your requirements.

[james.wilson]

The bigger problem with HA and integration is the security side. IFTTT is great but what testing is done to ensure the system is secure. Also its totally cloud dependent. Without it the automation's wont work.

Im a big fan of HA and use home assistant to control all my automation's. None are cloud dependant (apart from alexa commands as I currently have no choice) but heating, security, lighing etc is all local.

If interfaced my HKC hybrid system to my HA instance using ESP32. This is a 1 way (by design) communication. My HA instance has no possible control of the security in any way.

I use my alarm as 'presence' detection, ie its the only bit of kit in the house that knows when everyone is out, in bed or in.

Triggers for full set will put the house into eco mode, turn off all devices that can be lower the temps of the rooms etc.

I also use the movement detectors to alter comfort heating temps of the bedrooms based on if they are used in the last 24 hours.

But only approved HKC products can arm or disarm my system, so keypads, keyfobs or apps.

 

There is no way any HA part can be compromised that could unset my system. I also use dualpath coms for the app so when i lose internet connectivity it use a monitored gsm.

 

A lot of the diy / smart systems require the cloud to operate. 'If' power was cut or lines cut etc these systems become inoperative until connectivity is restored. Completely useless IMHO

 

 

[MrHappy]

3 hours ago, RH2021 said:

If I went into a car showroom to buy a car I will list the things I want. I’m pretty sure the sales man would t expect me to build it. 

 

 

Your asking for bespoke mix of products,  eg - car with a bike engine, it might do 0-100  in 4 seconds, but it won't have tow bar as well  

 

3 hours ago, RH2021 said:

1) Is wired better / more secure than wireless?

2) What are the benefits of a traditional system over a smart / DIY system such as boundary?

My research to date is pointing me to the criteria I’ve listed above but what I have also found, in my opinion, is that there is still a gap between traditional systems and smart systems. For example it seems traditional systems don’t support smart hubs/IFTTT etc. 
 

Anyhow, I’d appreciate feedback to help me form an opinion on what I need to move forward. 
 

Note, I may also speak face to face with a number of installers to get a general consensus on what will meet my needs but I’d prefer not to at this stage. 
 

 

 

 

1.) if you are building the house wire everything & any door / window you choose to alarm can has a concealed contact, the added benefit unless it bus device just about any wired items will work with just about any wired control panel

2.) boundary alarm ? like Yale or Harry Moss or alarm the product has no approval, when sold by high street retailers the store has proper alarm despite having a shelf full of a alarms for sale.

 

IFTTT ? still don't care...