panel & overall system choices

[Guest kmac]

I am an end user so not in the trade...

I have a bells only alarm system installed about 10yrs ago (Castle care tech 1600 panel, mostly PIRs as detectors with one door contact detector.

I want to upgrade to a police response alarm and because of DD243 need the panel upgraded. Since I have also had an extension built to the house, I need additional detectors as well.

I have had two quotes - one will use the Castle-Care Tech - Euro-Meridian panel and the other a Eurosec CPX panel ( by GardTec).

Just wanted to know if people have experince with these panels and which one is better in terms of specifications and reliability etc.

Also the Eurosec panel will be part wireless - since I have already decorated etc, company has suggested three class 6 wireless detectors for the extension (as door contact detectors - while I would prefer wired, I can't think of how this can be done without unsightly wiring or cutting into plaster and re-decorating). Wired only company says I am fine not to have these door detectors - the doors in question are back door and back patio door.

The wired only company say that I am fine to keep exisiting PIRs while the other company quotes to replace exisiting PIRs with new ones - which is best practise - do PIRS deteriorate over time?

While both say that all equipment installed is outright sale to me, one company (wired only) say that the remote communication device remains their property - why would they do this?

Also if anyone serves Greenford, Middx area I could do with another quote to make it 3 in total.

I would be grateful for any help or adivce on the above

[Zak]

I am an end user so not in the trade...

I have a bells only alarm system installed about 10yrs ago (Castle care tech 1600 panel, mostly PIRs as detectors with one door contact detector.

I want to upgrade to a police response alarm and because of DD243 need the panel upgraded.  Since I have also had an extension built to the house, I need additional detectors as well.

I have had two quotes - one will use the Castle-Care Tech - Euro-Meridian panel and the other a Eurosec CPX panel ( by GardTec).

Just wanted to know if people have experince with these panels and which one is better in terms of specifications and reliability etc.

Don't know the Meridian. The GardTec is fine. Both manufacturers are reputable. You should wait until tonight and a lot more people will respond.

Also the Eurosec panel will be part wireless - since I have already decorated etc, company has suggested three class 6 wireless detectors for the extension (as door contact detectors - while I would prefer wired, I can't think of how this can be done without unsightly wiring or cutting into plaster and re-decorating).  Wired only company says I am fine not to have these door detectors - the doors in question are back door and back patio door.

The doors don't necessarily require protection, especially if cabling is a problem. But, if detectors on those doors are essential for helping to generate a confirmed alarm then go with the GardTec. Some people are very against wireless, others don't mind it (from an installers perspective). You should not have a problem with the hybrid - it is an effective solution.

The wired only company say that I am fine to keep exisiting PIRs while the other company quotes to replace exisiting PIRs with new ones - which is best practise - do PIRS deteriorate over time?

If your system is that old I would suggest you replace them. Technology moves on slightly and if you are going for a Police response system you may as well get a comprehensive guarantee with your installer - if something goes wrong with your old detectors, or if they false alarm it will not be his fault. While both say that all equipment installed is outright sale to me, one company (wired only) say that the remote communication device remains their property - why would they do this?

It is standard for most alarm companies to retain the communicator. The CPX unit has an integrated one so it can't be removed anyway! Also if anyone serves Greenford, Middx area I could do with another quote to make it 3 in total.

We are in Edgware and have clients your way. If you would like another quote please let me know.

I would be grateful for any help or adivce on the above

If you require any more info feel free to post here.

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[secboy]

I only know the castle care tech panel and its very good you can have hardwired double pair standard config or ID wired and it will interface with their class 6 radio componants,it has the facility for panel control via key fobs and or customer no'as well as a full range of part sets.

As far as the doors are concerned the final exit should be contacted but can be wireless if necessary!The other doors only need to be contacted if there are no internal detectors in the rooms they lead into and if it is deemed necessary on the survey(ie insurance requirements).

The replacement of the PIR's would be best practice and is prefered by any installer to ensure the best kit to prevent false alarms but depending on the company quoting is not absolutely necessary but could depend on their compliance.

The communication equipment as far as I am aware always remains the property of the maintenance co'as this is signalling to an arc for response unless it is an auto dialer signalling only to personal no'sin which case it can be an outright sale.

Look on the site installers list for a co' to quote in your area,hope this has been of help Paul.

[Guest kmac]

Thanks for the info Zac and secboy. Very useful. Given what you have said I would prefer to upgrade the PIRs as would like the Quad and Dual Technology types.

Only reason I would like detectors on the back door and patio door as well as PIRs in the rooms they lead to is together they would count as a confirmed alarm trigerring a police response. Otherwise, would have to wait for the intruder to go into another room as well.

[morph]

Before upgrading to full Police responce you should consider, what the likely response of Police in your area is at any time, remember there is no gaurantee that the Police will attend your premises, it is dependant on manpower, what other crimes/events are going on and also how many false alarms that your system may have generated.

You should also consider the option of having a Speech or text dialer fitted that upon an activation will call you or a nominated keyholder. With some of the equipment it is now possible to even view your property using a mobile phone and detection devices with built in cameras.

Both the Meridian and the Eurosec panels are very capable, but if cost was not an issue, I would have the Euro Meridian fitted and have all your detectors updated at the same time. The external bell should also be updated.

If you have been asked to get the system upgraded by your insurance company, then you would be advised to seek their advice prior to doing anything.

Have you also reviewed your physical security to the property, wherby an alarm is the first thought for protection often windows, doors and side gates etc get overlooked.

Colin.

[jb-eye]

Before upgrading to full Police responce you should consider, what the likely response of Police in your area is at any time, remember there is no gaurantee that the Police will attend your premises, it is dependant on manpower, what other crimes/events are going on and also how many false alarms that your system may have generated.

You should also consider the option of having a Speech or text dialer fitted that upon an activation will call you or a nominated keyholder. With some of the equipment it is now possible to even view your property using a mobile phone and detection devices with built in cameras.

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Colin. Are you sugesting that there is a better alternative to a monitored alarm - Policed or first responce, Is the speach/text dialer a sugestion for as well as or instead of. The latter is (IMO) a gadget and not a very good one at that.

Jef

[morph]

Colin. Are you sugesting that there is a better alternative to a monitored alarm - Policed or first responce, Is the speach/text dialer a sugestion for as well as or instead of. The latter is (IMO) a gadget and not a very good one at that.

Jef

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A monitored alarm is exactly that an alarm that is simply monitored.

The issue is one of responce, Whether it is the Police, a contracted Guarding Company or a keyholder or even a PCSO, this is the issue not whether there is an alternative to a monitored alarm.

Yes a text dialer is not very effective all of the time, but it is an alternative that a diy installer or member of the Public may consider. But there again with all the secure signalling that is available, we wouldn't want to use the sms network for back up would we

[Guest kmac]

Have you also reviewed your physical security to the property, wherby an alarm is the first thought for protection often windows, doors and side gates etc get overlooked.

I an having the locks upgraded (double claw plus deadlock on uPVC back door and uPVC French door. Also I have installed top and bottom bolts on side gate and put "prickler" (plastic spike thingy) on top of the gate and fence panel adjacent to it. Rest of the fencing will have a trellis.

Both the Meridian and the Eurosec panels are very capable, but if cost was not an issue, I would have the Euro Meridian fitted and have all your detectors updated at the same time. The external bell should also be updated.

If you have been asked to get the system upgraded by your insurance company, then you would be advised to seek their advice prior to doing anything

I have not been asked to upgrade by my insurance company - just want to enhance security. I am also getting the impression that the EuroMeridian by Castle Care Tech is the better quality panel! I will have togo back to the company that quoted for this as they are the ones not upgrading the exisiting PIRs. Both have quoted for putting in new bells. I am not averse to spending a bit more for better kit - meaning better quality and higher specification in terms of features and future expandability.

[Guest kmac]

I suppose its a bit like comparing a merc with a mondeo, not that I think the meridian is as good as the merc........ but I dont think the eursec is as good as a mondeo either.

Pete

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So what is the "merc" of the control panel world ( with class 6 wireless capability)? I have heard "galaxy" may fit into this category.