Commercial Alarm Systems
An intruder alarm acts immediately to detect unauthorised entry into your business premises.
Commercial alarm systems also naturally act as a deterrent to suspicious people after a quick win. Chances are, if they spot commercial alarms on your premises, they’ll seek other buildings with less visible business security measures.
Does my business need a security system?
It depends - do you value your business’s stock?
How much is that stock worth? What impact would that have to your business? Can you afford to lose it?
It’s not just monetary losses to think about.
If you’re a small business, not having a commercial security system can lead to asset loss and compromised safety. When you consider the additional costs of acts of vandalism, data breaches, and other crimes, it highlights the significance of workplace security.
While large businesses and organisations can typically absorb losses resulting from theft and other business-related offences, small businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, and manufacturers operate on narrower financial margins.
Many small business owners acknowledge the need for a commercial intruder alarm system to protect their operations. Losing expensive electronic equipment, inventory, or products can severely impact their businesses.
When you start to look at the figures and the negative impact a break-in could have on your business - it’s well worth putting in a commercial intruder detection system. That way, regardless of the type of intruder, you have peace of mind that your business assets are protected.
Commercial Alarm Systems
An intruder alarm acts immediately to detect unauthorised entry into your business premises.
Commercial alarm systems also naturally act as a deterrent to suspicious people after a quick win. Chances are, if they spot commercial alarms on your premises, they’ll seek other buildings with less visible business security measures.
Does my business need a security system?
It depends - do you value your business’s stock?
How much is that stock worth? What impact would that have to your business? Can you afford to lose it?
It’s not just monetary losses to think about.
If you’re a small business, not having a commercial security system can lead to asset loss and compromised safety. When you consider the additional costs of acts of vandalism, data breaches, and other crimes, it highlights the significance of workplace security.
While large businesses and organisations can typically absorb losses resulting from theft and other business-related offences, small businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, and manufacturers operate on narrower financial margins.
Many small business owners acknowledge the need for a commercial intruder alarm system to protect their operations. Losing expensive electronic equipment, inventory, or products can severely impact their businesses.
When you start to look at the figures and the negative impact a break-in could have on your business - it’s well worth putting in a commercial intruder detection system. That way, regardless of the type of intruder, you have peace of mind that your business assets are protected.
What is a grade 1, 2, 3 alarm system?
Commercial alarm systems are graded between 1 and 4.
Intruder alarm grades represent the level of protection required and is determined through a risk assessment on the content of your building, and your building’s fabric and structure.
Most commercial premises will require a Grade 2 or 3 system - however it’s essential that you get the right alarm system because your insurance company may not pay out if you do not have the right insurance requirements and level of cover for your business.
The grade you require is usually specified by your insurance company, or our security consultants can advise on what level is suited to your site.
Grade 1 – Low Risk
Intruders are unlikely to target Grade 1 premises, and the biggest risk is from opportunistic thieves with little knowledge of the alarm system and may be restricted to a limited range of easily available tools.
Grade 2 – Low to Medium Risk
Grade 2 dictates a higher risk of theft due to valuable property kept on site.
Intruders are expected to have a little more knowledge of the alarm system and use a general range of tools and some specialist equipment. Because potential intruders consider accessing buildings through doors and windows, a Grade 2 wireless alarm system or hardwired alternative is required.
Examples of a property where a Grade 2 alarm would be appropriate is a low-risk commercial property with a cash register- such as a bakery, hairdresser salon, or high street shop
Grade 3 – Medium Risk
Grade 3 systems are designed to combat burglars and attackers with advanced knowledge, tools and equipment (including portal electronic devices).
The system is comprehensive and protects all potential entry points of a building. High risk homes and lots of commercial properties such as department stores or newsagents fall into this category.
Intruders are expected to be conversant with the intruder alarm system and have a comprehensive range of tools and portable electronic equipment. There is a substantial risk of threat from these more experienced intruders as there are high-value contents kept on site.
Grade 4 – High Risk
Grade 4 alarm systems represent the highest level of sophistication. They are designed to safeguard commercial properties that are at an extremely high risk of theft or damage due to their valuable contents.
Examples of such properties could be banks, art galleries, high-end jewellers, or offices that handle sensitive or classified information.
Such properties may attract the attention of professional thieves who are highly organised and may work in teams. These criminals may possess the necessary expertise and equipment to evade detection and carry out their nefarious plans.
To gain access to the property, these criminals may explore all possible means, including entry through the ceiling or floor.
Grade 4 alarm systems are to be used when security takes precedence over all other factors.
What are the different types of commercial alarm systems?
Commercial alarm systems are designed to protect businesses and commercial properties from theft, vandalism, and other types of security threats.
The different types of commercial alarm systems BTT install and service includes:
Wireless alarm system:
A wireless alarm system is a security system that uses wireless technology to communicate between the various components of the system. Unlike traditional alarm systems that require hardwiring, wireless alarm systems rely on radio signals to transmit information between sensors, control panels, and other components.
Wireless alarm systems typically include a range of sensors that can detect intruders, such as door and window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break detectors. When an intrusion is detected, the sensors send a signal to the control panel, which can then sound an alarm or notify the monitoring station.
Wireless alarm systems are popular because they are relatively easy to install and can be more flexible than wired systems. They can also be more difficult for intruders to disable because there are no wires to cut. Additionally, wireless systems can be expanded more easily than wired systems, allowing homeowners to add sensors or other components as needed.
Wired alarm system:
A wired alarm system is a security system that uses physical wiring to connect its various components. Typically, a wired alarm system includes sensors placed on doors and windows, motion detectors, and a central control panel.
When a sensor is triggered, such as when a door is opened or a window is broken, the control panel sends a signal to a monitoring centre or sounds an alarm on the premises.
The advantage of a wired alarm system is that it is generally more reliable and less prone to false alarms than wireless systems. Because the sensors are physically connected to the control panel, there is less risk of interference or disruption of the signal.
Hybrid alarm system:
A hybrid alarm system is a security system that combines the features of both wired and wireless alarm systems. This type of intruder alarm system uses a combination of wired and wireless sensors to monitor a property, providing the benefits of both types of systems.
Hybrid alarm systems typically use wired sensors for the most critical areas of a property, such as entryways and windows, where a wired connection is most reliable. Meanwhile, wireless sensors are used for areas where it may be difficult or impractical to run wiring, such as in detached buildings or areas where wiring may be unsightly or disruptive.
The advantage of a hybrid alarm system is that it offers the reliability and stability of a wired system, while also being flexible and easy to install and modify, like a wireless system. It can be customised to fit the specific needs of a property, and it can be expanded easily if necessary.
Bells only intruder alarm:
A bells only intruder alarm is a security alarm system that sounds a loud bell or siren when an intruder is detected. The system is typically installed in a building or property and is designed to detect unauthorised entry into the premises.
When the alarm is triggered, the bell or siren will sound to alert people nearby that there may be an intruder. The aim is to discourage the intruder from continuing with the break-in or to alert people nearby so that they can take appropriate action, such as calling the police.
Bells can only ring for 10 minutes, but the internal sounder/keypad will continue to sound until user code is entered into the keypad. Bells only intruder alarms are relatively simple and inexpensive compared to more advanced security systems that may have additional features - such as monitoring by a security company or CCTV cameras
Dialler intruder alarm:
This alarm, when activated, will automatically call a pre-specified phone number. You can choose anyone; perhaps an out-of-hours point of contact or you directly.
Most businesses will have a dualcom or RED Care installed with a remote monitoring centre to monitor the alarm out of hours, so if the alarm is activated and a confirmed alarm is received at RMC, then they will call the key holder. There has to be a minimum of three key holders on the list living no more than about 30 minutes away.
Smart intruder alarm:
Like the dialler intruder alarm, when it’s triggered, it will contact you or the other specified contacts via your app. Smart intruder alarms have WiFi built in, or can attach a WiFi module to the panel. By using an app on a mobile device, you can remotely access the alarm panel to set or unset the alarm, omit zones, and receive notifications if the alarm has been activated.
Most new alarms have the facility for businesses to remote in via an app, whereas older alarm panels may only be able to install dualcom or RED Care - provided you have a phone line.
As the PTSN phone lines are coming to an end soon, the minimum requirement will be to have broadband installed with WiFi.
Is a wired or wireless commercial alarm system best?
Whether a wired or wireless commercial alarm system is best depends on a number of factors, including the size and layout of your business premises, the level of security required, and your budget for installation and maintenance.
Benefits of wired commercial alarm systems
Wired intruder alarm systems are more reliable and less prone to false alarms than wireless systems - as they are less susceptible to interference. They are also typically less expensive to maintain over the long term.
A wired alarm system may be a better choice for larger buildings or those with complex layouts, as in the long term, they are more reliable and cost-effective.
Benefits of wireless commercial alarm systems
Wireless intruder alarms are typically easier and faster to install than wired systems, as they do not require wiring to run throughout the building. They are also more flexible and can be easily expanded or reconfigured as the needs of your business change.
Wireless alarms are sometimes a better choice for smaller buildings or premises with simpler layouts, as they are easier to install.
How often do I need to set my Intruder Alarm?
Everyday.
Every time the last employee leaves the building or if there are employees in the building but not in certain areas (especially if you have night worker) then you need to set your alarm.
Intruder alarm servicing and maintenance
BTT provides full intruder alarm services and intruder alarm maintenance, as well as alarm monitoring.
How to choose the best intruder alarm system for your business
BTT are here to help. We know that commercial alarm systems can be a complex topic, as there’s a wide variety of solutions on the market today.
We visit your business premises to perform a free security audit. This enables us to assess all the security risks to your business and provide you with a detailed audit of the areas that expose your business to opportunists.
We will look at the layout of your site, entrances and exits, the nature of the different buildings and any existing security measures.
Book a Free Security Audit
Commercial intruder alarm FAQs
What happens when my alarm goes off?
When a door, window, or motion sensor is triggered and your system’s disarm code is not entered into the keypad within the pre-set time, an alarm siren will sound. Depending on your intruder alarm system, the alarm will sound for around 5-10 minutes - before stopping and automatically re-alarming.
Most systems will have a pre-programmed ‘delay’, usually around 1 minute or so, within which the alarm monitoring centre will wait until they call you or your chosen contact person/s.
This delay allows you to disarm the system (if it is a false alarm) and not receive a phone call every time a false alarm goes off. If the delay goes by and the alarm is still going, the relevant telephone numbers will be called until they reach someone who answers.
All BTT alarms come with a security app. When your alarm goes off, you’ll be notified. You’ll then have the opportunity to review the incident and if necessary, the police will be alerted.
What are the advantages of monitored alarm systems?
Monitored alarm systems are connected to a central monitoring station - immediately notifying the local police or nominated key holder if the alarm is triggered. This ensures a rapid response to any potential security breach and provides 24/7 protection. The mere presence of a monitored alarm system can act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
Moreover, many insurance companies offer lower premiums to businesses with an installed monitored alarm system, as it reduces the risk of theft or damage to the property.
Who handles my alarm installation?
The experienced BTT Comms security team handles all of our intruder alarm installations. The security alarms we chose to provide are designed with the installer in mind, and as such, the features on our innovative alarms make installation simple and quick.
Is my alarm system pet friendly?
BTT Comms offer a variety of pet-sensitive alarm systems. All wall mount Grade 2 Capture models feature an innovative two-stage pet immunity option as standard, while maintaining Grade 2 catch performance. A double-stacked optical system that provides pet-tolerant shape discrimination means that the alarm systems are inherently pet immune.
What about business alarm systems pricing?
Pricing for business alarms is always bespoke to the premises and will only be submitted once the requirements have been established and full survey carried out. If it’s a brand new building or full refurbishment, we can provide pricing once the scope of the project has been agreed and we have been furnished with the site drawings.
Boost your security!
Intruder alarms can be used in conjunction with Access control, Gates and Barriers and CCTV ensures your business remains as secure as it can possibly be.
CCTV
It's important for the security of your business to know who is coming in and out of your building and be able to monitor their whereabouts.
Additionally, should the worst happen, CCTV evidence is useful to prove or disprove any allegations.
Learn more about CCTVAccess Control
All businesses whether small medium or large have assets, staff and property that need to be protected.
There have been so many times that doors are left unlocked, which opens up the possibility of opportunist theft and malicious damage.
Learn more about Access ControlSecurity Gates
There are many different types of Security Gates and Barriers.
Some gates and barriers can be automated so at a push of a button you can grant access and some which you can tie in with access control which again, automates entrance but also gets them to verify their identity.
Learn more about Security Gates