Burglar Alarms

mcgoogy

Hi everyone,
First time poster, so please be nice !
I am looking to install a burglar alarm however could really do with some advice. I am looking to do this for two (obvious) reasons - security and hopefully a saving in my home insurance premium.
I have probably done things a bit back-to-front in that I have decorated 90% of my house before deciding that an alarm is a good investment.
I am therefore leaning towards a wireless system, however I am happy to have a hardwired control panel and external box/bell, with hopefully wirefree PIR's and door/window sensors.
Additionally as I have upstairs and downstairs, I would be looking at a system that I could program to arm downstairs during the night but not upstairs. Again, I don't know if this is a fairly standard feature.
Can anyone give me any advice on a system with these features and is poss any reputable retailers - either online or retail.
Thanks for any help you can give,
McGoogy.

alanobrien

I doubt you will see much saving on your insurance unless the alarm is monitored and professionally installed. As regards security its arguable whether a dummy box would be just as good a deterrent, some believe so but personally i like the idea of a functioning system. Your easiest option would be a
wireless system with dual keypads. There are many of these available and to my knowledge most if not all can be part set (i.e.. alarm set downstairs not upstairs). Take a look at your local DIY shed, B&Q, homebase etc they all stock them.

phizza

A reasonably good wireless system is a BT VP1000, you can pick up a basic kit on ebay for about £50. It comes with 3 months subscription and then £5 per month but you don't have to subscribe. Subscription gives you the BT home monitor servoce where they phone/text/email you with any issues.

I have one installed and it does everything i want. It probably isn't the best but for £50 it does the job. You can set the upstairs detectors to be ignored whilst still covering doors etc for during the night.

danielfulshaw

Hi. Well, I'll try and be nice! I was in the same boat too and heard the one about the reduced premiums. Not sure I believe it to be honest - I don't think that by the time you have forked out for any system, whether professional or DIY, you will be better off financially when your 'reduced' premium arrives. So..get an alarm for peace of mind and as a deterent. I have also gone for wireless as I don't want wires, cables like with my last alarm. Also, the wiring was going which meant ripping up floors etc. A good alarm is the new YALE series (look at ebay and at B&Q). Just started to install it and I would set aside a day. All the PIRS and door contacts fit remarkably easily and I've hidden the wire to a socket so it all looks neat and professional - no wires trailing anywhere. Seems to be good - we got it from ebay with additional accessories at B+Q. And yes, most alarms including the Yale you can partially arm so if you need to move upstairs you won't trip it off. Total for the system for a 4 bed house about £ 240 all in which beats the cheapest professional quote of £ 475+VAT.