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Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to common questions about security systems, installation, maintenance, and our services across Essex and Greater London.

General Questions

How quickly can you respond to emergency callouts?

We offer 24/7 emergency response across Essex and Greater London, typically arriving within 2-4 hours depending on location and time of day. Emergency callout charges apply outside normal business hours (Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat 9AM-1PM).

Do you provide free security surveys?

Yes, we offer free, no-obligation security surveys for all new customers. Our experienced engineers will assess your property, identify potential security risks, and recommend the most suitable solutions for your needs and budget.

What areas do you cover?

We provide services across Essex, Greater London, and surrounding areas within a 30-mile radius of our Brentwood base. This includes major towns like Ilford, Romford, Chelmsford, Basildon, Stratford, and many others.

Are your engineers qualified and insured?

All our engineers are fully qualified with relevant certifications including ECS Gold Cards and ongoing professional development. We maintain comprehensive insurance including Public Liability (£2M) and Employers' Liability (£10M).

Burglar Alarms

What types of burglar alarms do you install?

We install both wired and wireless burglar alarm systems from leading manufacturers including Texecom, Pyronix, and RISCO. Options include basic bell-only systems, monitored alarms with police response, and smart systems with smartphone app control.

Can you upgrade or take over my existing alarm system?

Yes, we specialise in alarm takeovers and upgrades. We can often enhance your existing system without complete replacement, adding features like smartphone control, additional sensors, or monitoring services while maintaining your current setup.

How do I know if my alarm qualifies for police response?

For police response eligibility, your system must be professionally installed to SSAIB standards and monitored through a recognised Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). We can assess your current system and advise on any upgrades needed for police response qualification.

What maintenance do burglar alarms need?

Annual maintenance is recommended to ensure reliable operation. This includes battery replacement, sensor testing, communication checks, and software updates. We offer comprehensive maintenance contracts with priority response for any issues.

Can I control my alarm system remotely?

Yes, most modern systems we install include smartphone app control, allowing you to arm/disarm your alarm, receive instant notifications, and check system status from anywhere with an internet connection.

CCTV Systems

What resolution CCTV cameras do you recommend?

4K cameras provide excellent detail for identification purposes and are our standard recommendation. However, we'll assess your specific requirements, viewing distances, and budget to recommend the optimal resolution - from HD 1080p to 4K systems.

Can I view my CCTV cameras remotely?

Yes, all our modern CCTV systems include remote viewing capabilities via smartphone apps or web browsers. You can view live footage, playback recordings, and receive motion detection alerts from anywhere with an internet connection.

How long can CCTV recordings be stored?

Storage duration depends on the number of cameras, recording quality, and hard drive size. Typically, systems store 2-4 weeks of continuous recording. We can design systems with longer storage periods using larger drives or cloud storage solutions.

Do CCTV cameras work in the dark?

Yes, all our cameras include infrared night vision capability, providing clear black and white images in complete darkness up to 30+ meters depending on the camera model. Some cameras also offer colour night vision with ambient lighting.

What ongoing maintenance do CCTV systems need?

CCTV systems require minimal maintenance - mainly lens cleaning, checking connections, and software updates. We recommend annual health checks to ensure optimal performance and offer maintenance contracts with priority support.

Fire Alarms

How often should fire alarms be serviced?

Professional fire alarm servicing is typically performed every 6 months to align with BS 5839-1 recommendations. Recent 2025 updates allow a 5–7 month window for scheduled visits, with weekly user tests advised. This ensures system reliability and legal compliance.

What properties require fire alarm systems?

Commercial premises, HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), care homes, schools, and many other non-domestic buildings require compliant fire detection systems. Requirements vary based on building use, size, and occupancy. We can assess your specific obligations.

What's the difference between smoke and heat detectors?

Smoke detectors are ideal for most areas and detect particles from fires quickly. Heat detectors are better for areas prone to false alarms (kitchens, garages) as they detect temperature increases rather than smoke particles. We specify the right detector type for each location.

Do you provide fire alarm certificates?

Yes, we provide all necessary certification including installation certificates, commissioning documents, and service records. These are essential for insurance claims, building compliance, and health & safety requirements.

Can fire alarms be connected to emergency lighting?

Yes, fire alarm systems can be integrated with emergency lighting to ensure safe evacuation routes are illuminated when the alarm activates. We design and install complete fire safety systems meeting current regulations.

What happens if my fire alarm has a fault?

Fire alarm faults should be addressed immediately for safety and legal compliance. We provide 24/7 emergency callouts for fire system faults, with typical response within 4 hours. Many faults can be diagnosed remotely to expedite repairs.

Warranties & Pricing

What warranties do you offer on installations?

All installations include comprehensive warranties: 2 years on equipment, 12 months on installation labour, and lifetime technical support. We also offer extended warranty packages for additional peace of mind with priority support options.

How do you price your services?

Pricing depends on system complexity, property size, and specific requirements. We provide transparent, fixed-price quotes with no hidden costs. All prices are plus VAT. Typical starting prices: burglar alarms from £450 plus VAT, CCTV systems from £850 plus VAT.

Do your systems qualify for insurance discounts?

Many of our professionally installed systems meet insurance company requirements and may qualify for premium discounts of 5-15%. We provide all necessary certification and documentation to submit to your insurer.

What's included in maintenance contracts?

Maintenance contracts include regular system inspections, battery replacements, software updates, priority response for faults, and discounted rates on repairs. Fire alarm contracts include mandatory 6-monthly servicing and certification.

Do you charge for quotations and surveys?

All surveys and quotations are completely free with no obligation. We believe you should have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your security without any upfront costs.

Still Have Questions?

Our experienced team is here to help. Get in touch for expert advice and personalized solutions.