Cost of basic burglar alarm servicing

dominoman

We moved into a new house last week and wanted to get the alarm checked.

It was all working fine, but we only have the activation code (not the master / engineer code which is needed for programming in changes).

The alarm man we called charged us £70 callout and £30 for a battery. He doesn't seem to have done anything except quote for a new system.

Is £30 for a battery fair? Seems much too expensive to me. How can I challenge the cost of it?

Now he wants to come back and insert a chip to reset the engineer code. Problem is I don't know about alarms but I feel like I'm being had...

uk_messer

Did you need a new battery? You can buy the small lead batteries from Toolstation and the like. Cost is dependent on size. Simply two spade connectors push off and on.

You can google ways to master reset depending on the system. Why didn't he just reset and replace the battery on the first visit?

Buzby

£30 is fair if it was supplied and delivered to you. The exact cost depends on type and brand - you don't say what system it is. Some firms gave their own engineer codes so you cannot service effectively without it. Depending on how old the system is, a replacement panel using the existing circuits and sensors may be advantageous - especially those that send YOU a text when activated - much cheaper than a central bureau

SailorSam

I've used these people a couple of times.
A basic solar alarm is so easy to fit, there's no wires and anyone with a bit of Diy knowledge could do it easily.

http://www.responseelectronics.com/burglar-alarms-c8

jenfa

I pay £57 plus vat for my annual service which covers maintenance call outs during the year. I have a wireless system and needed a 2.3ah power supply battery for my wireless extender unit which was £22.95 plus vat. Was the person a member of SSAIB? Some insurance companies will not give a discount for having an alarm unless it is regularly maintained and fitted by a SSAIB approved engineer.

Having said that my engineer runs his own company and is not a rip off merchant but I know some companies make a lot of money from overcharging for batteries.

chrisw

jenfa wrote: »

Having said that my engineer runs his own company and is not a rip off merchant but I know some companies make a lot of money from overcharging for batteries.

Although you have paid more then £25 for a battery which costs around a tenner.

jbainbridge

Have you got a manual for it or can you download it from the internet?

We moved in about a year ago ... after the tamper alarm went off I changed the battery myself for £8 and changed the code. Worked fine ever since.

dominoman

Thanks all. I have managed to find the manual but the engineer code has locked the whole system. Given that it hasnt been used for some time I would rather just reset it now. It sounds like the price I paid wasn't extortionate. Next time I'll be able to change the battery myself but for this first time I wanted the whole system checked.

As soon as I can afford I will upgrade the alarm and keypad, keeping the existing sensors to avoid rewiring.