New house alarm fitted

R6TTJ

Just wondering if this was right or not

I had a new alarm fitted by a local reputable company! They fitted a Hybrid(only the bell box is wireless).

When they quoted me they did not say that the bell box will not have a flashing light on the box, when I questioned it they said they do not put them in as it reduces the battery life of the bell box...

I thought this was not very good as having the light flashing is a deterrent in itself... they said they can look at wiring it but it will require trunking which they said will look ugly!

Another thing I noticed was that when I activate the Alarm they said I have to stand next to the keypad and not move till the PIR sensor is not lit then the keypad screen will show a tick meaning I can activate the alarm.. How annoying I know it’s only 10 seconds but how hard is it when you have kids... the answer to this was it’s a new law they have to follow as too many false alarms go off - doing it this waye nsures nobody else is in the house when the alarm is being activated.

Am I being silly or am I being conned

giraffe69

My alarm doesn't have a flashing light. I think they make no difference. The loud sound is sufficient. At my last property there was a light which went needing a bell replacement which I did not have done (and saved about £15).

I've never heard of standing by the alarm for 10 seconds. If I did that the alarm would have set and I would now be in a hurry to leave before it went off. Sounds as if he is making it up! I think I'd ask him which law. It might be the Complete Codswallop Act 2014.

Idiophreak

giraffe69 wrote: »

My alarm doesn't have a flashing light. I think they make no difference. The loud sound is sufficient. At my last property there was a light which went needing a bell replacement which I did not have done (and saved about £15).

The point of the light is that it shows potential intruders that there's power to the box...so it *will* make a sound if they try anything. Otherwise it might just be an empty box...

cyclonebri1

I think you are absolutely right to be concerned, what's the use of a box, a detterent in it's self, if it doesn't look "live"?????

It was always said if your home has a box and your neighbours doesn't, then they will go for your neighbours.
Same thing applies with this, if it looks more tech than the neighbours, they will take the other route.

I simply don't understand the issue with the bellbox battery, most have a rechargeable battery plus a small solar panel. The battery ensures it still works if the mains drops out
It should always be fully charged and able to handle a full alert.

anotherbaldrick

Next to us has a dummy box but it also has blue alternating diode bulbs. Battery inside lasts 3-4 years.

R6TTJ

Thanks for the comments guys, thought it was all in my head! Feel better now. The guy said he will pop through tomorrow and if I want he will put in a light in the bell box but he said it will be a constant light not blinkiing... I'm going to challenge him about the 10 second thing as I think it's madness.