House alarm maintenance
Discussion
We have a house alarm and CCTV, fitted by a local company.
Each year we have it 'serviced' and batteries replaced in the wireless sensors - something they say they have to do as the alarm needs to go into service mode in order to replace them else it'll set it off if we undo the cover.
Also included in this service charge is £35 covering the ProControl app subscription.
We've just had the renewal annual cost for this 'service' at £264 which to me seems extortionate - what is actually carried out on a service?
Are these things self serviceable and can the app be subscribed to outside of the alarm company?
Breakdown is £125 alarm service
£60 CCTV service
£35 app subscription - all plus VAT
Each year we have it 'serviced' and batteries replaced in the wireless sensors - something they say they have to do as the alarm needs to go into service mode in order to replace them else it'll set it off if we undo the cover.
Also included in this service charge is £35 covering the ProControl app subscription.
We've just had the renewal annual cost for this 'service' at £264 which to me seems extortionate - what is actually carried out on a service?
Are these things self serviceable and can the app be subscribed to outside of the alarm company?
Breakdown is £125 alarm service
£60 CCTV service
£35 app subscription - all plus VAT
Feck them off and do it yourself - youtube/google the model of the devices.
For CCTV I deliberately go out of my way for stuff that has either has free apps like Ezviz or the use of NDR so my own HDD which I can still access via the Ezviz system. Blink doorbell using local storage rather than subscription etc
For CCTV I deliberately go out of my way for stuff that has either has free apps like Ezviz or the use of NDR so my own HDD which I can still access via the Ezviz system. Blink doorbell using local storage rather than subscription etc
Edited by IanJ9375 on Friday 25th April 10:44
Have you got/will they give you the engineer code for the panel? If you do have it, you can service yourself easily especially if you can download a user/installer manual. With the code you'll be able to put it into maintenance mode which will stop the anti tamper kicking in if you open the panel.
If you haven't got the code you may need to do a reset which may involve setting up some of the programming of users, zones etc again, Once done you'll be able to service yourself as above. It's not hugely complicate to do the reset/program procedure just feels a bit daunting. My alarm is fully wired and I reset when we first moved in, since then I've also added a gsm dialler, changed some of the zones etc to suit our needs better and I'm no expert.
Changing the batteries annually on the wireless sensors sounds like a sensible move
If you haven't got the code you may need to do a reset which may involve setting up some of the programming of users, zones etc again, Once done you'll be able to service yourself as above. It's not hugely complicate to do the reset/program procedure just feels a bit daunting. My alarm is fully wired and I reset when we first moved in, since then I've also added a gsm dialler, changed some of the zones etc to suit our needs better and I'm no expert.
Changing the batteries annually on the wireless sensors sounds like a sensible move
Edited by JimM169 on Friday 25th April 10:54
Zippee said:
Thanks - do they have to give us the service codes to access the alarm set up or is that standard?
I guess for anything major we can then just find an independent alarm engineer that won't insist on us signing up to a contract?
I don't think they have to give you the code as they will probably say they use the same one for all their installations etcI guess for anything major we can then just find an independent alarm engineer that won't insist on us signing up to a contract?
They should reprogram a new code if you request them to and let you have that - probably at a cost!
I installed an alarm at my house and one at my mother's about 25 years ago. They have never been serviced. I just change the battery when it fails.
It's an electronic device so no more need a service than your phone does.
You're paying more then it costs me to have a boiler serviced and certificated!
It's an electronic device so no more need a service than your phone does.
You're paying more then it costs me to have a boiler serviced and certificated!
Thanks all - I need to look into the app subscription then as I do use that on my phone, as well as trying to ascertain the engineers code.
That said, I'll be telling them to FO based on that cost, as mentioned above it's 2 and a half times more than it costs to service my boiler annually..
That said, I'll be telling them to FO based on that cost, as mentioned above it's 2 and a half times more than it costs to service my boiler annually..
I found the discount on our insurance for having and alarm and not having one wasn’t worth it
So I rolled up my sleeves and did it all myself
Obviously if the house gets broken into the alarm still goes off, but it wasn’t worth the servicing faff compared to the discount it got you
Edit to add, when I was first experimenting I got a platstic tub and filled it with insulation and temporarily mounted externally over the bell box
Was not that loud, so afforded me some time to try things out
So I rolled up my sleeves and did it all myself
Obviously if the house gets broken into the alarm still goes off, but it wasn’t worth the servicing faff compared to the discount it got you
Edit to add, when I was first experimenting I got a platstic tub and filled it with insulation and temporarily mounted externally over the bell box
Was not that loud, so afforded me some time to try things out
I got fed up with ours to the point of having the whole lot ripped out and replaced by a new system - this time I have complete control, it was a pre-requisite. I am likely to use the new installer if I want to expand the system but wanted the option to DIY and definitely wanted to replace batteries.
In the old system I could replace sensor batteries and reset the system but not the main battery - the initial installer tried to hold me to ransom using the whole "can't give you my engineer code" trick - I don't think he believed I'd rip out the system but at that point he wasn't going to do any more work in my house anyway.
We now have an AJAX system which I really like - is very simple to setup and use - and I have complete control over it.
In the old system I could replace sensor batteries and reset the system but not the main battery - the initial installer tried to hold me to ransom using the whole "can't give you my engineer code" trick - I don't think he believed I'd rip out the system but at that point he wasn't going to do any more work in my house anyway.
We now have an AJAX system which I really like - is very simple to setup and use - and I have complete control over it.
JimM169 said:
Zippee said:
Thanks - do they have to give us the service codes to access the alarm set up or is that standard?
I guess for anything major we can then just find an independent alarm engineer that won't insist on us signing up to a contract?
I don't think they have to give you the code as they will probably say they use the same one for all their installations etcI guess for anything major we can then just find an independent alarm engineer that won't insist on us signing up to a contract?
They should reprogram a new code if you request them to and let you have that - probably at a cost!
We pay about £225 ex VAT for the ‘service’ of our alarm and CCTV - excluding the central station monitoring, but including the odd call out or phone call as required. This is a reasonably big system with alarmed outbuildings etc.
I consider it fair value, to be honest, and not worth the time it would take me to both learn how to do it and do it myself. It also offers the comfort that we can demonstrate to our insurers that our alarm is fully maintained, should the worst happen.
To be honest, after they were able to log in and stop it going off repeatedly at 3AM after a thunderstorm blew something, that was worth it in itself!!
To me, there are other areas where I can save more money elsewhere by DIYing. We had a camera go black a few months ago and I can imagine me spending ages googling/youtubing a fix, whereas they got it working in 5 minutes. It all depends on how you value your time and if I was retired, rather than working full time, then I might take a different view.
I consider it fair value, to be honest, and not worth the time it would take me to both learn how to do it and do it myself. It also offers the comfort that we can demonstrate to our insurers that our alarm is fully maintained, should the worst happen.
To be honest, after they were able to log in and stop it going off repeatedly at 3AM after a thunderstorm blew something, that was worth it in itself!!
To me, there are other areas where I can save more money elsewhere by DIYing. We had a camera go black a few months ago and I can imagine me spending ages googling/youtubing a fix, whereas they got it working in 5 minutes. It all depends on how you value your time and if I was retired, rather than working full time, then I might take a different view.
What brand is the alarm?
I have a Visonic system and batteries seem to last 5+ years and once in engineering mode it does not set off the alarm or my silent alarm (I have tamper doing a silent alarm as it is pain to have it fully alarming). I have also replaced the control panel batteries once in about 8 years as I realised it only survived an hour during a power outage.
I wouldn't even pay more than £50 annually to cover the above, it would be a complete waste.
I have a Visonic system and batteries seem to last 5+ years and once in engineering mode it does not set off the alarm or my silent alarm (I have tamper doing a silent alarm as it is pain to have it fully alarming). I have also replaced the control panel batteries once in about 8 years as I realised it only survived an hour during a power outage.
I wouldn't even pay more than £50 annually to cover the above, it would be a complete waste.
Procontrol - It's a Pyronix panel, probably a fairly recent Euro46
Looks like you can self-add the system to their platform (though you might find your current installer has to remove it from their installs) https://www.pyronix.com/uk/downloads/procontrol-in...
As for "servicing"...
Put into engineer mode.
Maybe test\replace the backup battery.
(Sensor batteries should be warning you as they go low.)
Check there's no spiders in the PIRs
Do a walk test.
Not really anything much to do beyond that.
If you do want to takeover yourself, make a note of your ones, which ones let you walk through on entry, etc. so you can reprogram. It's generally not complex, you just have to be methodical. Last one I programmed was about 15-20 minutes, mostly working out the sequence to reset the access codes. (the default setup is pretty close to what's required for the average install.)
(note, DIYer who has installed quite a few systems, not pro)
If you want to keep it in the hands of an installer, ask a few others about costs for a takeover and ongoing service.
Looks like you can self-add the system to their platform (though you might find your current installer has to remove it from their installs) https://www.pyronix.com/uk/downloads/procontrol-in...
As for "servicing"...
Put into engineer mode.
Maybe test\replace the backup battery.
(Sensor batteries should be warning you as they go low.)
Check there's no spiders in the PIRs
Do a walk test.
Not really anything much to do beyond that.
If you do want to takeover yourself, make a note of your ones, which ones let you walk through on entry, etc. so you can reprogram. It's generally not complex, you just have to be methodical. Last one I programmed was about 15-20 minutes, mostly working out the sequence to reset the access codes. (the default setup is pretty close to what's required for the average install.)
(note, DIYer who has installed quite a few systems, not pro)
If you want to keep it in the hands of an installer, ask a few others about costs for a takeover and ongoing service.
We have a Pyronix system that cost £20 a year for the online subscription.
In 3 years I've replaced one battery in a door sensor which the system told me needed replacing as it wouldn't arm.
I installed our HiLook cameras which are zero maintenance bar maybe giving them a clean once a year.
In 3 years I've replaced one battery in a door sensor which the system told me needed replacing as it wouldn't arm.
I installed our HiLook cameras which are zero maintenance bar maybe giving them a clean once a year.
A lot of what you are paying for is behind the scenes. There is a lot of cost involved in being a member of nsi or ssaib. Constant vetting and audits, CPD and admin. Quite expensive insurance as well as your alarm company is on the hook if your house gets broken into and the alarm fails to perform, your home insurers will look to recoup the loss from the security company. They are not ripping you off, it just costs a lot more to do the job properly in accordance with BS and EN than it does to do a half arsed diy go at it not really knowing what to do, or a bob a job sparky that thinks he knows everything about anything that uses power.
£35 is over what pyronix ask installers to charge end users, its supposed to be £30
£35 is over what pyronix ask installers to charge end users, its supposed to be £30
I installed and look after my fathers wireless Visonic, as said it costs peanuts to maintain really and its been trouble free for 4 years.
Setting them up initially is the hardest part really, if you have the engineers code it is a bonus.
I did put a power supply on the external bell box as i did not fancy climbing ladders when batteries needed changing.
Setting them up initially is the hardest part really, if you have the engineers code it is a bonus.
I did put a power supply on the external bell box as i did not fancy climbing ladders when batteries needed changing.
When the batteries get low in the Pyronix sensors they let you know via a warning on the control panel.
If I recall correctly to change the batteries you can do it without an engineer code - just unscrew the screw and when it triggers the tamper alarm, get someone to turn the alarm off at control panel via the code or a key tag. Swap the battery, put it back together and it will sort itself out.
The tricky ones are the pair in the bell box depending on where it is mounted assuming that is also wireless.
I've found the batteries in mine will last two to three years, I write the date of installation on each battery.
The app subscription does have to go through your installer or another Pyronix contact. It is about £35 per year.
If I recall correctly to change the batteries you can do it without an engineer code - just unscrew the screw and when it triggers the tamper alarm, get someone to turn the alarm off at control panel via the code or a key tag. Swap the battery, put it back together and it will sort itself out.
The tricky ones are the pair in the bell box depending on where it is mounted assuming that is also wireless.
I've found the batteries in mine will last two to three years, I write the date of installation on each battery.
The app subscription does have to go through your installer or another Pyronix contact. It is about £35 per year.
Matt_E_Mulsion said:
When the batteries get low in the Pyronix sensors they let you know via a warning on the control panel.
If I recall correctly to change the batteries you can do it without an engineer code - just unscrew the screw and when it triggers the tamper alarm, get someone to turn the alarm off at control panel via the code or a key tag. Swap the battery, put it back together and it will sort itself out.
The tricky ones are the pair in the bell box depending on where it is mounted assuming that is also wireless.
I've found the batteries in mine will last two to three years, I write the date of installation on each battery.
The app subscription does have to go through your installer or another Pyronix contact. It is about £35 per year.
Unless the installing company have followed the EN50131 standard correctly and set the system to engineer reset on tamper, then you wont be able to use the system until it has been reset with the engineer code.If I recall correctly to change the batteries you can do it without an engineer code - just unscrew the screw and when it triggers the tamper alarm, get someone to turn the alarm off at control panel via the code or a key tag. Swap the battery, put it back together and it will sort itself out.
The tricky ones are the pair in the bell box depending on where it is mounted assuming that is also wireless.
I've found the batteries in mine will last two to three years, I write the date of installation on each battery.
The app subscription does have to go through your installer or another Pyronix contact. It is about £35 per year.
So does everyone here think a service only consists of batteries? Interesting.
Edited by OldGermanHeaps on Friday 25th April 21:53
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