After investing in the security of your property with an alarm system installation, keeping it maintained regularly is one of the major factors in getting the best value and performance out of your burglar alarm system. Having routine maintenance in place goes a long way in improving the functionality and lifespan of your whole alarm system.
The last thing you want to happen is for your intruder alarm to fail just when you need it the most because it has not been properly maintained. The losses suffered because of technical or mechanical failure can be immeasurable.
Your burglar alarm system is made of a complex series of components, which need checking regularly to ensure they remain fully operational. Regular alarm maintenance helps ensure that all component parts of the alarm are working correctly and can often prevent faults from developing and pre-empt issues with your security system.
When to service your burglar alarm
Audible Only Systems should be serviced once a year to ensure that all devices are working properly and that the chance of false alarms is kept to a minimum.
Monitored Systems must be serviced at least twice a year for the monitoring station to continue their service.
A burglar alarm maintenance contract will ensure that your alarm is fully checked on an annual basis but if you want a police-monitoring contract the system will need to be checked twice a year. Alarm checks can be carried out either by an installer visiting your home, or remotely.
If you are a customer of ours, and already in our system, we will remind you when your service is due. If we have not serviced your system before and you don’t know when it was last serviced, it would be a good idea to have a service done and then you will be reminded each year.
What is included in an intruder alarm maintenance appointment?
A reputable servicing company will thoroughly examine all aspects of your alarm system to ensure they meet both the exacting British Standards of safety, and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB). Thus, make selecting an SSAIB-approved servicing company such as Highlander Security Systems essential.
The alarm will be checked to ensure both individual components and the alarm are functioning properly – and provide suggestions as to how best preserve the lifespan of your alarm. Where faulty devices are identified, Highlander Security Systems will discuss replacement or upgrade opportunities with customers. This ensures your security system remain operational and the upgrades we recommend will enhance performance levels and extend life expectancy.
Check the log/history of the alarm system since last maintenance service
Visually inspect all major alarm components including cabling & connections where accessible for signs of deterioration or damage
Check mains power supply including charging rates
Check battery power supply including charging rates
Check and walk test all detectors
Check and test audible warning devices for correct operation
Check satisfactory operation of manually operated devices e.g. panic buttons
Check and test remote signalling equipment (where appropriate)
Make adjustments or minor programming as necessary
Repair minor faults where necessary (additional costs may apply)
Provide user training (if required)
Log all test results
Return the alarm system to operational status
Who should service my alarm?
It is not necessary for the same company that installed your system to provide the maintenance. In fact, we regularly take over alarms that were installed by other suppliers.
A good maintenance service company will be able to provide you with a comprehensive customer care package. As well as servicing your alarm once or twice a year, for example, they should also remind you when a maintenance service is due, provide 24/7 customer support and attend call outs promptly.
Regardless of whether you own a commercial or residential intruder alarm system, you can have great peace of mind knowing that a regularly maintained alarm will always be keeping your home or business property safe.
At Alarmwise Security Systems, we can look at different home security options to suit your security needs and budget. From home burglar alarm systems to home CCTV systems and everything in between, we provide a wide range of security services to help secure your home or business. To discuss your home or business security, or to find out more about the services we offer, please get in touch with us today.