INTRUDER ALARMS - PAGE 3
The U.K. Home & Business Security Advisor |
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for an Intruder Alarm?
Back in the 70's, when the technology was still fairly primitive, it was also very expensive and could set you back around a year's salary! These days, the technology is amazingly sophisticated and.....amazingly inexpensive - costing only a couple of weeks salary!
Prices for intruder alarms consisting of three PIRs (passive infrared sensors), control panel, and an exterior siren - installed by a local independent compliant company - start at around £550 + VAT!!
If, on average an intruder alarm system with 3 PIRs costs around £550, then as a rule of thumb, a system through a local firm works out to about £100 per PIR, over 3. (eg. a system with 7 PIRs would cost around £700).
Systems supplied by national companies generally cost about a third more, but have well known brand names to back them up. In truth, if a firms are police compliant, whether local or national, they must all:
Belong to one of the regulatory bodies -
Install to BS4737 -
Provide monitoring if you want it -
Provide 24/7 emergency call out -
Provide annual servicing -
Fully comply with the local police policies.
This means you can safely choose your company by reputation, or on the basis of cost, because the service you get should not differ between them. (For example, don't let the salesmen of a national company, rubbish the service you can expect from a compliant local firm!)
ALWAYS seek the advice of your local police Crime Prevention Officer before you invite companies to your home.
Prices will vary greatly depending
on these factors:
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DIY intruder alarm systems start at about £70 and can cost as much as £450. Many apply wirefree (radio) technology which makes DIY installation easy. However, radio alarms are manufactured in 6 classes and DIY systems tend to be in classes 1 to 3 which have fewer safeguards built in. Try to find an alarm in the highest class you can.