Is Your Burglar Alarm Still Up to Scratch? Signs It Needs Updating
A burglar alarm is only as good as its condition. Many homeowners and business owners in Plymouth have an alarm system installed and then assume the job is done. But security technology evolves, systems age, and what was more than adequate a decade ago may now leave you more exposed than you realise. Here are the key signs that your burglar alarm might be due for an upgrade.
Your system is more than ten years old.
Alarm technology has advanced significantly over the past decade. Older systems may lack the sensitivity, connectivity, and reliability of modern units. If your control panel, sensors, or bell box haven't been replaced in ten years or more, it's worth having a professional review. Components degrade over time, and an ageing system is far more likely to fail when you actually need it.
You're getting frequent false alarms.
The occasional false alarm can happen, but if your system is triggering regularly without cause, that's a serious red flag. Frequent false alarms often point to faulty sensors, deteriorating wiring, or a control panel that's no longer functioning reliably. Beyond the frustration, repeated false alarms can desensitise your neighbours and, in some cases, lead to fines or reduced police response priority. It's a problem that shouldn't be ignored.
Your alarm isn't monitored.
A bells-only alarm makes a noise, but if nobody is around to hear it, it may do very little to protect your property. Monitored alarm systems alert a professional response centre when triggered, ensuring that the appropriate action is taken even when you're away. If your current system has no monitoring in place, it may be time to consider an upgrade, particularly for business premises or homes that are left unoccupied for long periods.
It wasn't installed by an accredited company.
Not all alarm installations are equal. If your system was fitted by an unaccredited installer, there's no guarantee it meets current British Standards or your insurer's requirements. Many insurance policies specifically require that alarm systems be installed and maintained by an SSAIB-registered or NSI-approved company. If you're unsure who installed your system or whether they hold the right accreditations, it's worth getting a professional assessment sooner rather than later.
It hasn't been serviced recently.
Like any piece of safety-critical equipment, a burglar alarm needs regular servicing to keep it working as it should. Batteries, sensors, and communication components all require periodic checks. If your system hasn't been looked at by a qualified technician in the last twelve months, you can't be confident it will perform when it counts. Regular maintenance not only keeps the system reliable but also ensures it continues to meet any conditions set out in your insurance policy.
Your property or circumstances have changed.
If you've extended your home, moved into new business premises, or changed how your building is used, your existing alarm system may no longer provide adequate coverage. A system designed for a two-bedroom flat won't give the same protection to a four-bedroom house with a garage and outbuildings. Any significant change to your property should prompt a review of your security setup.
Not sure if your alarm is still up to the job?
We offer free, no-obligation surveys across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall. Our qualified technicians will assess your existing system and give you honest, straightforward advice on whether it needs attention, whether that's a service, an upgrade, or a completely new installation. We work with both residential and commercial properties and are SSAIB-registered and BAFE-approved, so you can be confident you're in safe hands.
Give us a call on 0800 195 6393 or email info@ace-fire.co.uk to book your free survey. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Resources & Extra Reading
National Security Inspectorate (NSI) - https://www.nsi.org.uk/
SSAIB Certified Alarm Receiving Centre - https://www.verisure.co.uk/blog/ssaib-certification?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+-+UK+-+Generic+-+Security+-+New+Structure&campaignid=22761178291&utm_content=ai_max&vs_cid=CjwKCAjwgO7RBhBKEiwAZNP85lUokzohfdhCXeoOyWaayFP77xkh-dM26B4--uzmOVmS_KUn4CuTVRoC8ykQAvD_BwE&rs_sid=g&camp=google_generic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22761178291&gbraid=0AAAAADiQfVRVyxDRg6P0X39ywRIRJql6m&gclid=CjwKCAjwgO7RBhBKEiwAZNP85lUokzohfdhCXeoOyWaayFP77xkh-dM26B4--uzmOVmS_KUn4CuTVRoC8ykQAvD_BwE
