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British Gas Safe and Secure Security System

kimbyanne
kimbyanne Posts: 303 Forumite
Seventh Anniversary 100 Posts
edited 2 September 2013 at 8:27PM in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving
Hi,

I was wondering if anyone here has the British Gas Safe & Secure Security System?

We are thinking about ordering it and the reviews seem good. Only issue I have is that we have three cats and after speaking to British Gas, it seems even with the special Pet Motion Sensors (which shouldn't pick up anything under 18kg - IF they all happened to move past a detector at the same time it could go off)

However, it still looks like the best system for us as it is very modifiable and has a cheaper monthly cost than most.

Does anyone have the Safe & Secure System?

Thanks

Comments

  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Most alarm systems these days are expandable. I would suggest you contact a couple of local NACOSS registered alarm installers and obtain some quotes.

    If you have more than one pet, you will probably need dual-technology PIR sensors. Some of the basic pet PIR sensors work by only masking off an area near the ground. If your cat(s) have a tendency to climb up onto furniture and worktops, this may well trigger the alarm.

    Another option is to just have door/window contacts in the rooms the cats will be in.
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • kimbyanne
    kimbyanne Posts: 303 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 100 Posts
    Myser wrote: »
    Most alarm systems these days are expandable. I would suggest you contact a couple of local NACOSS registered alarm installers and obtain some quotes.

    If you have more than one pet, you will probably need dual-technology PIR sensors. Some of the basic pet PIR sensors work by only masking off an area near the ground. If your cat(s) have a tendency to climb up onto furniture and worktops, this may well trigger the alarm.

    Another option is to just have door/window contacts in the rooms the cats will be in.

    After doing some research, I think I will go with what you have said about just having the contacts and no motion sensors.

    After reading a few bits about Pet Friendly Motion Sensors, it seems they aren't really any good for cats at all.

    I might call British Gas tomorrow and see if they will switch out the two motion sensors that come in the starter kit for two more contact sensors.
  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Do bear in mind that the outdoor siren box is a dummy with the starter kit. So even if you opt for the pet friendly PIR sensors, it will just send a text/Email to you if your cats trigger the system.

    There is an option for a real external siren.

    I'm not sure whether you can customise that kit though choosing which sensors you do/don't want.

    Bear in mind that with the £8 per month service charge, after a year you'll end up spending almost as much as a professional alarm system with enhanced pet tolerant PIR sensors.
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • kimbyanne
    kimbyanne Posts: 303 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 100 Posts
    Myser wrote: »
    Do bear in mind that the outdoor siren box is a dummy with the starter kit. So even if you opt for the pet friendly PIR sensors, it will just send a text/Email to you if your cats trigger the system.

    There is an option for a real external siren.

    I'm not sure whether you can customise that kit though choosing which sensors you do/don't want.

    Bear in mind that with the £8 per month service charge, after a year you'll end up spending almost as much as a professional alarm system with enhanced pet tolerant PIR sensors.

    I just spoke to British Gas and they won't swap out the sensors for say more door/window contacts so if I ordered I would have to order with the motion sensors that I cannot use.

    I know the ourdoor is a dummy but the Hub would go off and make noise which isn't really ideal.

    Can I ask what other options / companies you could suggest?

    Thanks
  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    There might be an option for the hub to silently alert you rather than sound an internal alarm?

    Are there specific options that you liked about the British Gas package?
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • clockworks_2
    clockworks_2 Posts: 449 Forumite
    British gas will swap the motion sensors for pet friendly free of charge, I have the system . I think it's fantastic. Simple to use. Great user interface .
  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    clockworks wrote: »
    British gas will swap the motion sensors for pet friendly free of charge, I have the system . I think it's fantastic. Simple to use. Great user interface .

    OP is aware of that however, their pet-friendly PIRs are only suitable for pets under 18kg and may be prone to false triggering with more than one pet.

    I believe the British Gas Safe and Secure kit is manufactured by Visonic. There is a possibility that their pet-tolerant PIR (which has a better specification) may be compatible:

    http://www.visonic.co.uk/Products/Components-and-Accessories/Discovery-k-980-w

    You could perhaps confirm with Visonic.
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • dil1976
    dil1976 Posts: 484 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Myser wrote: »

    Bear in mind that with the £8 per month service charge, after a year you'll end up spending almost as much as a professional alarm system with enhanced pet tolerant PIR sensors.

    What benefits does this £8 per month actually give to the customer?
  • Myser
    Myser Posts: 1,907 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    dil1976 wrote: »
    What benefits does this £8 per month actually give to the customer?

    I believe the monthly cost is just for the SIM contract for the notifications. Perhaps it also enables you to use the monitoring software too?
    If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button! ;)
  • clockworks_2
    clockworks_2 Posts: 449 Forumite
    Myser wrote: »
    I believe the monthly cost is just for the SIM contract for the notifications. Perhaps it also enables you to use the monitoring software too?

    That's correct. You can use without but won't get SMS notification .
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