New system advice

[Guest classact]

I'm talking with a few installers about replacing an alarm system. First installer has proposed Galaxy 18 with Redcare GSM (I cannot get a Dualcom signal which I found odd), utilising 12 zones in all, replacing the existing 4 PIRs with dualtechs, 4 door magnets, 2 vibration detectors, and a couple of new keypads. I have been quoted 3 days to do the install and they are suggesting using the existing PIR cabling (as it should be fine). There will be new cable for 1 additional PIR. I've been informed that they need to use 100m of shielded 6 core twisted data cable for linking the keypads to the control panel. I asked if I could give them a roll of cat5e but not sure if that's permitted.

I'm happy with the idea of Galaxy, having read about it on here. It might be a bit overkill but I like the potential for expandability. I am pretty happy with the items listed in the spec by the first installer and am waiting for further quotes from other companies.

Any comments on either the above system and on Chubb, Secom, CIA and Initial? I'm looking for a reliable system with good equipment, potential for expandability, a company which has a good record and someone on call all the time (so would have thought little independents are out, but not sure). Definitely want monitoring at an ARC too.

In the South Hampshire area.

Thanks.

[Service Engineer]

There's nothing wrong with using the big boys, so long as you don't mind paying big boy prices. There are many smaller local companies that could quite easilly supply the same kit and offer an equally as good if not better service.

Have a look HERE for a few options. Any SSAIB or NACOSS approved company will be able to supply you with monitoring to a central station.

As for the kit, well there's not many on here that will dispute the Galaxy 18, is a good panel, but it is limited to 18 zones so if you might require more expandabillity i'd opt for a Galaxy 60 instead.

[Guest Peter James]

The alarming company is the BEST company in your area, and too many quotes will only confuse you.

I am surprised that you have had 3 nationals, the other one might as well be a national now its owned by sms (most people get three quotes and inc one national).

Galaxy is very good kit (argueably the best) but that doesnt mean that other manufactures are not, after all we don't all drive a mercedes.

I hope this has helped

Pete

[Guest Peter James]

The Alarming Company Ltd

239 West Street

Fareham

Hampshire

PO16 0HZ

T: 01329 314444

[Guest classact]

The alarming company is the BEST company in your area, and too many quotes will only confuse you.

I agree that too many quotes can become unweildly. At present I only have one, from the company that friends have recommended, but am talking to a couple of the others. I've been driving about looking at who has which bell box for an idea of who I should be calling. Not sure if that is the best way. I went with nationals because, being new to alarms, I am uncertain of the capabilities of smaller companies. I see no problem with using a small company that would outsource to an ARC rather than have its own. My only concerns about using a smaller independent company would be the availbility of an engineer and the chances of a smaller company disappearing. However I imagine if I picked well established independents none of this should be a problem. It's just sifting through the companies to find the best; easier to just go to the nationals. Perhaps you see my initial logic? B)

I am surprised that you have had 3 nationals, the other one might as well be a national now its owned by sms (most people get three quotes and inc one national).

I'll probably get 3 or 4 quotes in all. Just depends what the others come back with and whether any other contenders come along.

Galaxy is very good kit (argueably the best) but that doesnt mean that other manufactures are not, after all we don't all drive a mercedes.

As has been suggested, above, the equipment is largely the same (assuming I stick with the Galaxy range). It probably all comes down to price and quality of workmanship as regards the initial installation. The ongoing charges for maintenance and servicing are also something I am making my comparison on.

I hope this has helped.

Yes it has.

Thanks.

[Guest classact]

There's nothing wrong with using the big boys, so long as you don't mind paying big boy prices. There are many smaller local companies that could quite easilly supply the same kit and offer an equally as good if not better service.

I've had a "price I'd be happy to pay" in my mind from the outset. However I am still looking for value and won't overpay when like for like equipment is being installed by multiple companies, unless one company gives me a better feeling that another. I generally feel better with a company that is happy to talk technical to me rather than one that tries to blind me with sales and then says "leave it all to us". I like to understand what I am buying but I am sure plenty of customers really don't have an interest in that side of things.

Have a look HERE for a few options. Any SSAIB or NACOSS approved company will be able to supply you with monitoring to a central station.

As for the kit, well there's not many on here that will dispute the Galaxy 18, is a good panel, but it is limited to 18 zones so if you might require more expandabillity i'd opt for a Galaxy 60 instead.

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Thanks. Out of interest, how much does the equipment I listed actually cost? If I know, it'll help me establish how good or bad value for money some of the quotes I am getting are.

Thanks.

[Service Engineer]

how much does the equipment I listed actually cost? If I know, it'll help me establish how good or bad value for money some of the quotes I am getting are

It's not that easy TBH, there's massive variations in prices of equipment, you can get good but cheap, and very good but expensive.

As a rough(FITTED)guide on descent equipment though (+/-10% should be a safe margin of error):

Panel, Bellbox & Keypad £400 + £150 per extra keypad or bellbox.

Each DT detector £75

Each Standard Detector £50 (PIR's & Shock's)

Each Contact £35

Based on that you'd be looking at about £1020 for all NEW stuff.

Then there's the cost of your yearly monitoring on top of that.

[Guest Peter James]

I am uncertain of the capabilities of smaller companies. I see no problem with using a small company that would outsource to an ARC rather than have its own. My only concerns about using a smaller independent company would be the availbility of an engineer and the chances of a smaller company disappearing.

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You have no need to worry with an established independant. My company is probably bigger than my local national branch,we currently have 6 engineers most nationals will have 5 covering a much larger area, we were established in 1989 and have well over 2000 maintained customers.

With the latest innovations an engineer attendance is not always necasary we can dial into your alarm system and make minor programming changes.

As you have probably guessed by bell box counting the independants are bigger than you think.

Pete

[Zak]

You'll also find, not that it always makes a difference, that a smaller company may have more qualified staff (i.e. people with installation backgrounds) who do the surveys. This will often result in a better system design (rather than a salesperson who has been in the job for 5 minutes). Using a non-national company in many cases will ensure you get better service. All SSAIB/NSI regulated installers have full 24/7 365 support, and in todays age it is unlikely that a real problem will occur. I have heard countless stories of nationals who could not get engineers to fault sites for an extended time, when a smaller company wouldn't have that problem, and would care more.

I see no problem with using a small company that would outsource to an ARC rather than have its own. My only concerns about using a smaller independent company would be the availbility of an engineer and the chances of a smaller company disappearing.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with outsourcing to an ARC. Everyone does. Compared to the amount of installation companies, there are only a handful of ARC's. Going to a company with their own ARC doesn't guarantee you anything and doesn't provide any benefits at all when compared to a company that does not.

And although it is good to get 3 quotes, bear in mind that these quotes are free, and that someone is not getting paid for doing them unless they get the job. Some people put a lot of effort in to designing systems and preparing specifications. If you are happy with one particular quote/company (have a good feel for them), then use them. And to be honest, even if you went to a micro company, even if they went out of business in a year or so, any local company would take over the contract at either no or minimal cost. You won't be losing out whatever you do (unless you go to a **** installer!).

[Paul Giles]

And although it is good to get 3 quotes, bear in mind that these quotes are free, and that someone is not getting paid for doing them unless they get the job. Some people put a lot of effort in to designing systems and preparing specifications. If you are happy with one particular quote/company (have a good feel for them), then use them. And to be honest, even if you went to a micro company, even if they went out of business in a year or so, any local company would take over the contract at either no or minimal cost. You won't be losing out whatever you do (unless you go to a **** installer!).

Fully agree, if the company that was recommended has quoted a system covering your property correctly and the price is within your budget (your friend must have given you the price for theirs as a rough guide?)go with them.

A smaller company cares more as they cannot afford bad press in the local area and every company that is approved has to turn up in an emergency as it is part of their inspectorates requirements.

Paul