Types of Intruder Alarms for Businesses

Security is one of the most important considerations for any business. Luckily, the market is flooded with feature-packed intruder alarms designed specifically for commercial use. As a business owner, you might be overwhelmed with the various options on the market and need help finding the right solution. That’s where we step in. 

At A.T. Alarms, we offer a range of different business security alarms, and our expert team can help identify the right one for you. In this article, we’ve detailed the different types and grades of fire alarms so that you can become familiar with the different options.

Wired intruder alarms

Wired intruder alarms are a classic type where each component of the system — motion detectors, alarms, keypads — are all wired to the main control panel. Wired intruder alarms have long been seen as the most reliable type of intruder alarm system, though modern wireless and hybrid systems are proving effective competition.

Wired intruder alarms offer the following advantages:

• Only one point of power in most cases. Even in large premises, wireless intruder alarms will typically have few power supply units.
• Requires fewer battery changes

Some reasons a wired intruder alarm might not be suitable for you include:

• Wired intruder alarms can take longer and be more of a hassle to install than alternatives, so it may not be suitable if you require quick installation or need to install components in hard-to-reach areas.

Wireless intruder alarms

Wireless intruder alarms use radio or wifi technology to connect each component of the intruder alarm system to the main control panel wirelessly. This provides a high level of security without the laborious task of connecting multiple wires.

Wireless intruder alarms offer the following advantages:

• Easier to install
• Can be installed with less disruption to the property
• Ideal for those needing quick or temporary installation
• Cleaner finish

Some reasons a wireless  intruder alarm might not be suitable for you include:

• The batteries will need to be changed in all the devices every 2-5 years depending on usage

Hybrid alarms

Hybrid alarms give you the best of both worlds. Some components are wired to the control panel whereas others are connected wirelessly. This can be beneficial depending on where the component is located.

Hybrid intruder alarms offer the following advantages:

• It’s useful when taking over an existing system because the existing wiring can be utilised for wired devices and any expansion to the system can be installed wirelessly
• New components that are easily wired can be wired whereas components in more tricky areas can be connected wirelessly

Intruder alarm grading

In addition to the various types of fire alarms, there are also various grades. Commercial intruder alarm systems are graded between 1 and 4 and these grades represent levels of protection. Some businesses may only need basic protection, whereas businesses holding valuable items on site might require higher levels of protection. As you might expect, the higher the grade, the more advanced and expensive the alarm system. However, the tradeoff is that you’re receiving greater levels of protection. You can determine which grade is suitable for your business by getting a risk assessment. 

The grades are defined as follows:

Grade 1  – low risk

Intruders likely won’t have any knowledge of alarm systems and may use a limited range of easily available tools for their intrusion.

Grade 2 – low-medium risk

Intruders are likely to have basic knowledge of alarm systems and may use a general range of tools for their intrusion.

Grade 3 – medium risk

Intruders are likely to be familiar with alarm systems and may have a complete range of tools coupled with portable electronic equipment for their intrusion.

Grade 4 – high risk

Grade 4 is only required when security is an absolute number one priority. Intruders are likely to have the resources to plan a detailed intrusion using a comprehensive range of equipment, including substitute components in the commercial alarm system. 

A.T. Alarms is committed to bringing your business the intruder protection it needs. We offer a range of commercial security alarm systems suitable for businesses across every industry. Our team will liaise with you to find you the security solution suited to you. We offer installation, maintenance and support, and with our 24/7 helpline, we’ll come and fix your equipment should it ever suffer a fault.

Contact us today to start protecting your business.