Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if everyone just ignores my burglar alarm when it is activated?
There is nothing you can really do if your neighbours or people walking past do nothing about your activated alarm. However, we have burglar alarm systems that won't be ignored if they are activated like Digital Communicator and Remote Signalling. These alarms will sound internally and externally and the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) will be alerted that your burglar alarm has just been activated and they will contact your key holder or the Police and tell them about the activation.
Will I get a discount on my home insurance premium if I have an alarm?
Probably, but your insurers may insist that the alarm is always set when the premises is unoccupied and some may also insist that it is ‘part set’ at night. Guardian Alarms offers several settings which are activated by the simple press of a single button, the most popular one is ‘Night Set’ for when you go to bed. The insurer may also insist that your installation is carried out by a professional installer, i.e. a company that installs systems to the NSI Gold standard for example. Guardian Alarms is an NSI Gold company and member of BSIA.
What is the benefit of using a NSI Gold approved company?
Choosing an NSI Gold approved company ensures that the security company you choose installs and maintains your system to the highest recognised industry standards as recommended by the Police, Fire and Rescue Services and insurance industry. It also gives you ‘peace of mind’ that your system will function correctly in accordance with industry standards.
Can I set my alarm for different areas, at night when I go to bed for example?
Yes, all our alarm systems can be 'fully-set' or 'part-set' for peace of mind. For home alarms you can set the system so it allows you to move around freely upstairs but the alarm is still active on the ground floor.
Do I need to fit a sensor in every room?
No. Although we do recommend that one is fitted to all rooms where there are things of value such as a TV and computer or valuable paintings and ornaments. Have a look at this installation diagram which shows where we can fit CCTV cameras as well as different types of sensors on vulnerable windows and doors.
What is a 'monitored' burglar alarm?
A monitored alarm system is connected to a dedicated Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). If your alarm is activated, they will contact your nominated key holders and the Police where applicable. So if your alarm is activated it will not be ignored. These alarms include Bells Plus and Digital Communicator as well as Remote Signalling and our range of wireless burglar alarms.
Will I have to pay a call out charge if my system goes wrong?
This depends on the type of maintenance contract you choose. Our comprehensive contract covers you for any necessary repairs or replacements to the system caused by defect or fair wear and tear.
What happens to my alarm if there is a power cut?
Guardian Alarms burglar alarm systems are fitted with batteries which can keep the system running for up to 24 hours during a mains failure. During a power cut the keypad will beep and the mains light will flash to indicate a problem in the power supply. If the system is monitored a signal will be sent to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). We will be informed of a mains failure and you will then be contacted.
Will my pets set off my alarm when I'm at work?
When we install your alarm system we can set it at various levels of sensitivity for cats and dogs. However, it is important to let the surveyor know at the time of the survey if you have or are intending to have pets as this needs to be taken into account when planning your alarm system.
Can I view my cameras remotely?
By connecting your DVR to your home broadband or office network it is possible to view your cameras from virtually anywhere, as long as there’s a broadband connection or mobile phone signal. You can view the pictures recorded by your cameras on a TV or even view your cameras using a smart phone which you'll see if you hover your cursor over the iamge of a CCTV camera in our CCTV systems diagram.
Do cameras need additional lighting fitted?
It is always best to ensure the camera’s field of view is adequately lit, however, with the introduction of Infra-Red (IR) good lighting is not essential. Many cameras now have built-in IR with lenses which produce effective images in zero light conditions. Our CCTV systems also come with many other useful feature.
How do I keep my cameras recording during a mains failure?
An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) can be in installed as part of your CCTV system’s hardware. This UPS is basically a battery backup and is a cost-effective way of ensuring your CCTV system has enough power to keep running in the event of a power cut. It can also act as a surge protection unit and regulates the supply to the equipment, reducing the risk of damage from electrical surges.
Are wireless burglar alarms as good as wired burglar alarms?
Wireless alarm systems can be every bit as good as wired alarms. Our range of wireless burglar alarms are state of the art and are quite often a more practical solution for inaccessible areas like garages and outbuildings etc. Wireless systems are also a great option for décor purposes.
If you would like to book a FREE SURVEY click here or call 020 86868777
