Expert Answers to Your Wireless & Wired Alarm System Questions
For years, we’ve been helping customers with their wireless alarm systems and wired alarm systems needs. Below are answers to common questions about home security systems and commercial security systems. If you have a question not covered here, please contact us through our contact page for expert advice on your burglar alarm installation or security lighting installation needs.

Can I have a house alarm that is not monitored?
Unmonitored House Alarms:
- How they work:
- An unmonitored alarm system is a security setup that relies on local alerts. When the alarm is triggered (e.g., by a door or window sensor, or a motion detector), it typically activates a loud siren or alarm within your home.
- These systems do not connect to a third-party monitoring centre.
- Some modern unmonitored systems can connect to your smartphone, sending you alerts directly.
- Key features:
- Local siren/alarm: Deters intruders by creating a loud noise.
- Sensor triggers: Door/window sensors, motion detectors, etc.
- Smartphone alerts (in some cases): Notifications sent to your mobile device.
- Pros:
- Lower cost: Unmonitored systems generally have lower upfront costs and no recurring monthly fees.
- Privacy: Some homeowners prefer the privacy of a system that doesn’t involve a third-party monitoring service.
- Self-control: All control of the system is in the hands of the home owner.
- Cons:
- No professional response: If an alarm is triggered, there’s no immediate response from a security company. You’re responsible for taking action.
- Reliance on neighbours/self: If you’re not home, you rely on neighbours or passersby to notice the alarm.
- Potential for missed alerts: If you rely on smartphone notifications, you could miss an alert if your phone is off or you’re in an area with poor reception.
In summary:
- Unmonitored house alarms are a viable option for homeowners looking for a more affordable security solution.
- They are very effective at local deterrence.
- They do place the responsibility of alarm response on the home owner.
When considering a house alarm, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of monitored versus unmonitored systems to determine which best suits your needs and circumstances
How long will it take to install my alarm?
The time it takes to install a house alarm can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here’s a general overview:
Factors Affecting Installation Time:
- Wired vs. Wireless Systems:
- Wireless systems are generally much faster to install, often taking a few hours.
- Wired systems require running cables, which can significantly increase installation time, sometimes taking a full day or even longer, especially in larger properties.
- Size of the Property:
- A small apartment will take considerably less time than a large multi-story house.
- Complexity of the System:
- Systems with many sensors, cameras, and advanced features will take longer to install.
- Professional vs. DIY:
- Professional installers are typically more efficient and can complete the job faster.
- DIY installations can take significantly longer, especially for those without experience.
- Pre-existing wiring:
- If a property already has some pre-existing wiring for an alarm system, this can greatly reduce the installation time of a wired system.
General Timeframes:
- Wireless Systems:
- Typically, a standard wireless home alarm system installation can be completed within a few hours to a single day.
- Wired Systems:
- Wired systems can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day or even multiple days, depending on the complexity and size of the property.
Key Considerations:
- It’s always best to get an estimated installation time from the security company during the initial consultation.
- A professional security company will conduct a thorough site survey to assess your property and provide an accurate estimate.
I hope this information is helpful.
Can I add extra sensors to my alarm package?
Why Add Extra Sensors?
- Increased Coverage: Extra sensors expand the area your alarm system protects. This is especially important for larger properties or those with multiple entry points.
- Enhanced Security: More sensors create a layered security approach, making it harder for intruders to bypass your system.
- Customization: Tailoring your sensor placement to specific vulnerabilities in your property.
Types of Sensors You Can Add:
- Door/Window Sensors: Detect when doors or windows are opened.
- Motion Detectors: Detect movement within a room or area.
- Glass Break Sensors: Detect the sound of breaking glass.
- Vibration Sensors: Detect vibrations from attempted break-ins.
- Smoke/Fire Detectors: Detect smoke or fire, providing early warning.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
- Water Sensors: Detect leaks or flooding.
Considerations When Adding Sensors:
- Compatibility: Ensure the new sensors are compatible with your existing alarm system.
- Placement: Strategic sensor placement is crucial for optimal protection. A professional security company can advise you.
- Wiring (if applicable): If adding wired sensors, consider the complexity of running cables.
- Cost: Factor in the cost of the sensors and installation.
In summary:
- Adding extra sensors is a great way to increase the security of your alarm system.
- A professional installer can help you to decide the best locations for new sensors.
- It is always best to check that the new sensors are compatible with your current alarm system.
How soon can you install my burglar alarm?
Ideally within seven days; however we can consider a fast track installation in emergency circumstances.
Would I be able to set my burglar alarm at night?
Absolutely! Yes, you can and we highly recommend it. Most modern burglar alarm systems, including those we install, are designed with a special “stay” or “night” mode specifically for this purpose. This mode allows you to arm perimeter sensors, like those on doors and windows, while disarming interior motion detectors. This means you can sleep soundly knowing your home’s entry points are secured, without triggering the alarm when you move around inside.
Many of our systems also offer zone control, allowing you to arm specific areas of your home. For example, you might arm the downstairs perimeter while leaving the upstairs disarmed.
Setting your alarm at night provides an extra layer of protection against potential intruders, giving you peace of mind while you sleep. We encourage all our customers to utilize this feature for enhanced security. If you have any questions about setting your alarm for nighttime use, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Would Intruder Alarm work with my Pets?
with careful system design and professional installation, intruder alarms have been installed in thousands of homes with Pets with positive results. We also offer Pet friendly sensors for limited number and size of pets.
Do you offer any guarantee on the alarm system?
Absolutely. We understand the importance of peace of mind when it comes to your home security. That’s why we offer a one-year guarantee on all non-Risco equipment, covering parts and labor. For our Risco UK products, you’ll benefit from a five-year warranty on Risco parts, which requires an active annual service contract.
It’s also worth noting that many insurance companies now specify that your alarm system must be under an annual service contract to maintain valid coverage. This is because regular servicing ensures your system is functioning correctly and reliably, reducing the risk of claims.
Therefore, an annual service contract not only protects your warranty but can also be essential for your home insurance.
Would my wireless internet connection interfere with the wireless alarm?
In most cases, no, your wireless internet connection should not interfere with your wireless alarm system. Modern wireless alarm systems are designed to operate on frequencies that are separate from typical Wi-Fi frequencies (2.4GHz and 5GHz).
Here’s why:
- Different Frequencies: Wireless alarms often use frequencies in the 868MHz range, which are specifically allocated for security devices. These frequencies are less congested and less prone to interference from Wi-Fi.
- Signal Strength and Robustness: Reputable wireless alarm systems are designed with robust signal strength and interference mitigation technologies to ensure reliable communication.
- Dedicated Channels: Many systems also use dedicated channels within their frequency range to minimize the risk of interference.
However, it’s important to note:
- While rare, extreme cases of very strong interference from other electronic devices could potentially cause issues. This is why it is very important to use a reputable alarm system.
- Our professional installation team will conduct thorough testing to ensure your alarm system operates reliably in your specific environment.
Therefore, you can generally have confidence that your wireless internet connection will not interfere with your wireless alarm system. We use reputable wireless systems that have been designed to avoid interference. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us
Security Tips
here are a few tips to help keep you and your property safe.
Burglar Alarms
Visible burglar alarms deter intruders. For reliable home security systems and commercial security systems, professional installation is key. We comply with BS4737 standards, ensuring optimal performance for wireless alarm systems and wired alarm systems. Avoid DIY systems; improper setup causes malfunctions. Choose an approved security company like us for expert burglar alarm installation Manchester and peace of mind.
Secure All Doors for Enhanced Home Security:
Install five-lever mortise deadlocks on front and back doors, and use them consistently. For enhanced home security systems, also add alarm contacts for doors and vibration detectors for doors. Fit all exterior doors with top and bottom bolts for added security and consider professional door security installation.
Windows
Enhance Window Security: Install key-operated window locks on all downstairs and accessible upstairs windows. For added protection, consider vibration detectors for windows and window contacts. Prioritize back windows for home security; they’re a common entry point. For professional window security installation, contact us.
Security Lighting Tips for Your Home:
Good lighting is a proven deterrent for potential intruders. Consider installing external security lights with infrared sensors; they activate upon movement, enhancing your property’s safety. For professional security lighting solutions and installations in the Manchester and Tameside area, Northern Security installations Ltd can provide expert advice and installation.
Protecting Your Home: Home & Away with Advanced Security:
Don’t tempt burglars by leaving valuables visible. Avoid posting about your absence on social media or leaving signs of an empty home. Investing in an affordable, good-quality safe is a smart security measure. For comprehensive protection, consider our wireless smart alarms and wired home security systems. We offer professional installation to ensure your home is fully protected.
Enhanced Home Safety: Wireless Fire & CO Detection:
In addition to security alarms, consider comprehensive fire safety. We install wireless smoke detectors, wireless carbon monoxide detectors, and wireless heat detectors to detect smoke, gas leaks, and excessive heat, providing crucial early warnings for your family’s safety.
Personal Attack
For personal safety and peace of mind; consider a stand alone panic attack alarm or an intruder alarm with panic attack facility. It is useful to summon help or response when you are attacked or feel threatened by an intruder or a stranger in your home.
Home Insurance & Wireless Alarm Maintenance:
A reliable wireless smart intruder alarm can lower your home insurance. Many insurers require an annual service contract for discounts.
Regular wireless alarm maintenance ensures your system’s reliability, and Northern Security Installations Ltd. servicing often leads to insurance discounts.
Contact us for maintenance plans and insurance benefits