Alarm / security system for the home

itwasntme001

Hello,

I am looking to get an alarm/security system for my home.  I don't want to pay monthly for any service, just a one-off payment for an alarm system with smart features so that i get alerts to my phone if say the alarm were to go off.

Does anyone recommend a good one?

Also, would people recommend a camera set installed for security, perhaps integrated with the alarm?  If so which one?  I have a Ring door bell so maybe worth getting something from the same brand?

Anything else i should consider?

Thanks

Officer_Dibble

We've had an ERA Miguard for 2 or 3 years...I can't remember when exactly, it was when Maplin closed and a bit of a bargain. It's been excellent - a SIM card sits inside (a £10 O2 PAYG one that hasn't run out yet) and it sends texts whenever it goes off or gets its power removed. Wireless sensors for doors and windows, wireless outside alarm if you want one. Easy to change zone settings for night-time/everyone out. The app's not great, neither is the camera integration, but there's probably something better available now.

[Deleted User]

Waste of money unless you have a particularly posh house or live in a really rough area. Most people don’t need it and alarms going off are usually ignored. 

And be careful with smart cameras as they can be hacked. 

Decent windows and doors should be enough. 

MickB68

There is a push from alarm businesses at the moment stirring up feelings about home security. You don't need to go to those lengths if you fit 3 star TS007 anti-snap locks as there is no way burglars can get in. If you have patio doors fit a Patlock or Lock Lock door handles which are police accredited. Laminated glass will prevent burglars getting through windows.

[Deleted User]

Cheaper than a Ring alarm but no quite as comprehensive. No monthly fee's but no 4G backup like the more expensive ones have. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/X-Sense-Security-8-Piece-Notifications-Wireless/dp/B09DS6W9LX/ref=sr_1_32?crid=2W2S4Z9D9YE0V&keywords=burglaR+ALARM&qid=1641395203&sprefix=burglar+alarm,aps,80&sr=8-32

itwasntme001

I've decided that I won't bother with a camera security system any more and instead just go for a basic home alarm (smart features not required).

I am trying to find a home alarm that requires no subscription/monitoring service and can still notify me whenever the alarm goes off via cellular network (don't want smart or wifi features for notification only - needs to have cellular based notifications).

Can anyone recommend something to me?  They seem hard to find.

victor2

Visonic do a good range of alarms, with various communications options.

Had one for several years before the main panel died. Batteries in the internal sensors needed changing annually (easy DIY) and the bellbox battery lasted about 5 years (not such an easy DIY job, so paid installer to do that).

I believe there is an App (and option) so that you can communicate with the alarm that way. A text message saying your alarm has gone off should be enough though - at least you'll know your neighbours are being annoyed by it!

benson1980

We have the ring home alarm and are very happy with it. Decommissioned an ERA homeguard that proved to be a total pain in the backside in the end with faults we couldn't fix. We have a bit of a hybrid system with ERA protect cameras (which are quite good), plus the ring house alarm with internal camera.

Mutton_Geoff

itwasntme001 said:

I've decided that I won't bother with a camera security system any more and instead just go for a basic home alarm (smart features not required).

I am trying to find a home alarm that requires no subscription/monitoring service and can still notify me whenever the alarm goes off via cellular network (don't want smart or wifi features for notification only - needs to have cellular based notifications).

Can anyone recommend something to me?  They seem hard to find.

Texecom, Eaton/Scantronic do them. These are the systems used by professional installers. If your system is more basic (eg the Scantronic 9448 etc) then you can add a GSM dialler module (eg ControlFreq) to the alarm out/reset connections.

These systems are not plug and play but perhaps a local installer can fit one for you without ongoing service charges. Which in my opinion is poor value as all they do for basic systems is call the keyholder anyway but the industry thrives on fear.

benson1980

itwasntme001 said:

I've decided that I won't bother with a camera security system any more and instead just go for a basic home alarm (smart features not required).

I am trying to find a home alarm that requires no subscription/monitoring service and can still notify me whenever the alarm goes off via cellular network (don't want smart or wifi features for notification only - needs to have cellular based notifications).

Can anyone recommend something to me?  They seem hard to find.

The problem we would have with this is that if your alarm goes off you’ll want to know whats going on. Our ring alarm went off yesterday because the wife forgot to disarm it for our cleaner who needed to swap days at short notice. If you don’t have cameras the only other option is to call the feds or someone else to check, unless you are sure you won’t get any false triggers obviously- but even if not, and you are elsewhere you’d want to know what is happening/potentially have some evidence. I remotely checked the camera footage on this occasion and could see straight away it was the cleaner.

The ring system is pretty good value compared to some. The features and app  are good- monitors/displays battery life, shows ‘detection’ history for all sensors.

But, as above we have three cameras. One internal that came with the alarm. No storage but as above can view live feed. One ERA floodlight camera by the front door (don’t like the design of the ring one). 2.50 a month for motion detection footage storage. This is the only subscription we pay. Another ERA camera out back with motion detection activated but no storage. The spotlight one was easy to install as I just removed the old porch light and used the same wiring.

Obviously a plethora of options out there- not saying ours is the best or most cost effective but works for us. Total investment has probably been around £500. £300 ish for alarm and £200 for cameras.

NE1991

Sometimes the trick is to create an illusion that you are still at home. Most burglars are unlikely to enter a home if they know someone can confront them (or so i have been told!)

We purchased a timer for the lights and that has worked wonders (touch wood) so far. There are many different lighting options that can be used; smart and traditional. Depending who you talk to certain options will be more suited for different instances or preferences.

the mydome light switch timer is the one we have and it has been great so far (2 years in). Its much cheaper than a camera and alarm system and maybe more effective