An intruder alarm is a key part of a business security system, offering your premises 24/7 protection against potential break-ins, theft, and other attacks.
There are all sorts of options available to you when it comes to protecting your business. And although you may have already decided that you need an intruder alarm for your business, there are still some important questions to ask: for example, what are the best providers or systems available? And what can you expect the costs to be like?
How do intruder alarms work?
Intruder alarms work via a series of sensors and detectors that are connected to a control panel. The connection can either be wired or wireless. The control panel is a key component of the system, as this is how the system is activated and communicates.
Some alarm systems will be bell-only, meaning they only sound upon activation. Others can be monitored remotely from an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), where the alarm is surveyed and activations can be acted upon externally.
How does an intruder alarm sounder work?
An intruder alarm sounder sends an audio alert when activated. It creates a loud sound, with the aim of disorientating the intruders and alerting others to the disturbance. Additional features – such as lighting – may also be available on some devices.
Keeping sounders visible is another way of sending a warning to would-be intruders. Conversely, depending on the style, they can even blend into the surrounding decor. Note that sounders should be placed away from the control panel – otherwise, intruders could know where the latter is located, and use it to shut off your alarm.
Some key questions to ask when choosing a sounder are:
Does it need a power supply, and if so, which voltage?
How many speakers does the sounder work with? Just one, or more?
Is it compatible with your alarm system?
If you have a wireless security system, sounders that operate wirelessly are also available, as are radio connections. Sounders use batteries to work, usually AA.
What is Piezo technology?
When researching intruder alarm sounders, you’re likely to come across this term. Piezo technology refers to the Piezoelectric Effect – the electrical charge that is created from certain materials when mechanical stress is applied to them.
Mechanical stress means the force put upon an object, such as pressing a button, while the electrical charge is what generates the electrical effects – in this instance, the alarm sounding.
Why is an intruder alarm panel important?
An intruder alarm panel is responsible for controlling the alarm system. It’s also the way through which you activate and deactivate the system, often by entering a series of digits, or by swiping a physical key or fob.
Control panels can vary in complexity, depending on the type of system they are connected to. For example, a simple alarm system covering a home business will provide a different level of security compared to multiple sensors protecting a larger premises.
Control panels may be available as part of a system or kit, or individually. They are also battery-powered, with the batteries needing to be changed every three to five years in general.
Types of intruder alarms
In this section, we detail some of the different types of intruder alarms available, looking at what they do, how they are different from other types, which businesses they’re best suited to, and how much they cost.
Wireless intruder alarms
Offering discreet surveillance that’s easy to install, wireless intruder alarms can be used to protect a variety of business premises. They’re available at a range of price points, depending on your business’ requirements and budget.
Wireless intruder alarms are available as either individual alarms or in packs of multiple alarms. The system might also come with a hub or a central unit.
These alarms are connected via wifi, so a strong and reliable internet connection is required. Some systems may be able to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, too.
Generally, wireless alarms are set at a higher price point than wired alarms, due to their increased functionality. Installation tends to take about a day, although this will depend on the size and area of the business being covered. See below for more information about intruder alarm installation.
How do wireless intruder alarms work?
Wireless intruder alarms and their sensors are powered by batteries, which need to be changed approximately every two years. There are several different types of sensors available to be used in alarm systems – for example, sensors that can detect glass breaking, or heat from infrared light (this is known as PIR – see below for more information). When the batteries start to run low, the device can become less responsive, although the control panel will alert you of this.
Since wireless alarms are quicker and easier to install than their wired counterparts (which need to be drilled and fixed into place), they can be set up with less disruption to your business. Plus, wireless systems can be expanded and moved easily – you just have to program and connect a new device into the existing set-up, making them ideal for businesses that need a flexible alarm system, quickly.
What is PIR?
PIR refers to a ‘passive infrared’ sensor – its function is to detect infrared light. It’s possible to get sensors that are pet-friendly, so that the sensors aren’t wrongly activated – ideal if you run a business from home, for example.
What else should you know?
When looking for a wireless intruder alarm, you may see alarms offered with either 433MHz or 868MHz. This refers to the frequency band on which they run.
You may want to consider having a security system that runs totally wirelessly, and which includes intruder alarms and CCTV cameras. A system that uses a combination of wired and wireless devices may also be more suitable, depending on your business’ requirements.
Wired intruder alarms
In contrast to wireless systems, wired alarms connect via cables. Although an older technology than wireless and once seen as more reliable, there isn’t much difference in terms of reliability between wired and wireless alarms these days.
Wired systems are more visible, although their batteries don’t have to be changed as often. Wired systems are a good choice if you’ll be based in the same location for the long-term or you own the property, because they’re fixed to that specific premises.
You might also choose a wired system if a wireless system isn’t viable in your location.
Bell-only intruder alarms
A bell-only alarm alerts that it’s been activated by sounders, and sometimes flashing lights too. It has to be deactivated manually, meaning a passerby has to notice and act on the alarm, or the potential intruders need to be deterred by the sound of the alarm.
This type of alarm offers more basic protection of your property. It could suit your business if you’re based nearby, such as a home-based business. In contrast, a startup in a busy area with lots of people passing by would suit this type of system too.
Monitored intruder alarms
For more advanced property protection, you could consider a monitored alarm system. With the functions of a bell-only alarm, a monitored alarm also offers external monitoring from an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The ARC monitors alarm activity, and can forward incidents to the police if necessary.
If your business is frequently empty, or particularly at-risk of break-ins, then a monitored alarm system could offer you additional security.
Intruder alarm features
There are a number of features that make up an alarm system. Here, we run through some of the most common ones in more detail.
Control panel
The control panel is the centre of an alarm system – it connects all the devices together, and is how the system is turned on or off.
Sensors/detectors
This is how movement or other activity is noticed – if the sensors are activated while the alarm is on, then it will sound, and if a monitoring service is used, then the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) will be alerted too. Sensors are what triggers the alarm to go off in the case of a potential break-in or other unknown activation.
