Burglar Alarm Installation
Professional burglar alarm installation for homes and businesses. Bell-only, monitored, and police-response systems. NSI/SSAIB approved. Qualified and insured.
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Burglar Alarm Installation
Qualified electrician
Same-day service
Most jobs matched within hours.
Upfront pricing
Clear quotes before work starts.
Qualified pros
NICEIC & NAPIT registered.
Pay when done
Funds held until you're happy.
How it works
Security survey
The installer assesses your property for vulnerable entry points — doors, windows, skylights, and accessible openings. They discuss your requirements: bell-only or monitored, pet-friendly sensors, key-holder arrangements, and any insurance stipulations. A system specification is produced with sensor locations and zone layout.
Panel and sounder installation
The alarm control panel is installed in a discrete, accessible location (typically a hallway cupboard or under-stairs area). The external sounder/bell box is mounted on the front of the property at high level. For wired systems, cables are run from the panel to each sensor location through lofts, wall cavities, or surface trunking.
Sensor installation
Door contacts (magnetic reed switches) are fitted to entry doors. PIR (passive infrared) motion detectors are installed in key rooms covering movement corridors. Dual-technology sensors (PIR + microwave) may be used in areas prone to false alarms. Pet-friendly sensors are positioned and configured to ignore movement below a set height.
Panel programming and zone configuration
The installer programs the control panel with your entry/exit routes, zone names, arming modes (full set, part set, night mode), entry and exit times, and user codes. Each sensor is tested for correct triggering and zone assignment.
Monitoring and police response setup
For monitored systems, the panel is connected to the Alarm Receiving Centre via a dual-path communicator (broadband + SIM). The installer applies for a URN (Unique Reference Number) from the local police force, which enables police response to confirmed activations. Key-holder details are registered.
Commissioning, testing, and handover
A full walk test is conducted — the installer triggers every sensor while monitoring panel response. False alarm prevention settings are verified. You receive a demonstration of arming, disarming, fault checking, and code management. An installation certificate is provided for your insurance company.
What's included
What's involved
A professionally installed burglar alarm system protects your property with door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a sounder. Systems range from bell-only (audible deterrent) to fully monitored alarms with a 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and police response. Installation covers system design, sensor placement, panel programming, and connection to monitoring services if required. A professional installer ensures correct sensor positioning, minimises false alarms, and can provide the URN (Unique Reference Number) needed for police response.
A burglar alarm involves wiring sensors to a central control panel, programming entry/exit routes, and configuring zones and alert behaviour. Wired systems require cable runs through walls and lofts. Even wireless systems need correct sensor placement and signal testing to avoid dead zones. If you want police response, the system must be installed by an NSI or SSAIB-approved company and conform to PD 6662 and BS EN 50131. Many home insurance policies require a professionally installed alarm and will not accept DIY installations. An approved installer ensures your system meets the required standards and is eligible for monitoring and police response.
Get a personalised quote
Typical cost: £300–£1,200per system
Every job is different — pricing depends on your property, location, and specific requirements. Describe what you need and a qualified electrician will quote you directly.
How long does it take?
A wireless bell-only system (4-6 sensors) can be installed in half a day (3-4 hours). A wired system with monitoring takes a full day (6-8 hours). Larger properties or systems with extensive cabling may take 1.5 days.
Regulations & safety
Safety notice
Ensure your alarm system has a backup battery in the control panel and external sounder. Mains power failure is a common tactic used by burglars — the battery should provide at least 12 hours of standby power.
False alarms waste police resources and can result in your URN being revoked. Ensure sensors are correctly positioned to avoid triggers from pets, draughts, moving curtains, or heating systems. Your installer should conduct a thorough walk test to verify.
Key-holder arrangements must be in place before activating monitoring. The ARC will contact key-holders if the alarm activates — ensure at least two key-holders can attend the property within 20 minutes.
BS EN 50131 (Alarm Systems — Intrusion and Hold-Up Systems)
The European standard for intruder alarm systems, specifying grades 1-4 based on the level of security required. Most residential systems are Grade 2 (low to medium risk). The standard covers detection, signalling, power supply, and false alarm management.
PD 6662:2017 (Scheme for the Application of European Standards for Intruder and Hold-Up Alarm Systems)
The UK companion document to BS EN 50131, specifying how the European standard is applied in the UK. Compliance with PD 6662 is required for systems that will have police response. It mandates the use of sequential confirmation (two separate detectors triggered) before a police response is dispatched.
NSI and SSAIB Codes of Practice
NSI (National Security Inspectorate) and SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) are the two UKAS-accredited inspection bodies for security systems. Installation by an NSI or SSAIB-approved company is required for police response and is often stipulated by insurance companies.
Police Response — URN Requirements
To receive a police response to alarm activations, the system must be installed to PD 6662 by an NSI or SSAIB-approved company, and a Unique Reference Number (URN) must be obtained from the local police force. Systems without a URN will not receive police attendance.
What to expect
Having issues with your existing installation?
Already have a burglar alarm and having issues? Check our troubleshooting guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between bell-only and monitored alarms?
How do I get police response to my alarm?
Will my alarm work during a power cut?
Can I have a burglar alarm if I have pets?
Do I need an annual maintenance contract?
Is a wireless alarm as reliable as a wired system?
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