Intruder Alarm Questions and Answers

Hi there, just came across this thread. We've just been told that our burglar alarm control panel needs replacing, a bit of a shock as it's only just over 3 years since it was installed . The company are quoting us almost €300 to replace it (almost half what we paid to have the whole system installed in the first place) and I feel that we could be throwing good money after bad. We're also reluctant to pay the company more money when it seems that we were sold a dud product 3 years ago (or am I naive in thinking that an alarm should last longer than 3 years? :mad:). Would anyone know or recommend an alarm company that might replace it for us (we don't need a new system i.e. sensors etc, just the panel) at a reasonable price?!

Lumbarda wrote: »

Hi there, just came across this thread. We've just been told that our burglar alarm control panel needs replacing, a bit of a shock as it's only just over 3 years since it was installed . The company are quoting us almost €300 to replace it (almost half what we paid to have the whole system installed in the first place) and I feel that we could be throwing good money after bad. We're also reluctant to pay the company more money when it seems that we were sold a dud product 3 years ago (or am I naive in thinking that an alarm should last longer than 3 years? :mad:). Would anyone know or recommend an alarm company that might replace it for us (we don't need a new system i.e. sensors etc, just the panel) at a reasonable price?!

Hi Lumbarda,
That is strange, why do you need it replaced if it is only 3 years old ? Do you know what make the alarm is ?

Lumbarda wrote: »

Hi Altor, it's a Gard Tec system, the dial up part isn't working (it's a monitored alarm) and I guess it must be integrated as they said the whole panel will have to be replaced. I'm just wondering if it's just "one of those things" i.e. it can happen, we're just unlucky (tho' have to say don't know anyone who only got 3 years out of their alarm!) or if it's that it's a bad system and we'd be better off getting it replaced by something that we might get more than another 3 years out of! Any advice much appreciated.

I will send you a pm with my number if you want me to have a look at it for you..

300 for a panel/digi replacement is actually a good price. All things go faulty from time to time and alarm systems are no exception. On the whole of it panels are actually very reliable and rarely go faulty so are unlucky.

The lightening explanation is the likely cause of the digi fault which is fairly common especially in areas where telephone lines are ran on poles.

Thanks a million for all the advice. It's a Gard Tec GTX. The engineer asked me about lightning as well when he was out looking at it, but it stopped dialling through to monitoring about a week or so ago and I don't remember there being a storm around about then. Guess I could have been asleep though!

BTW I've learnt quite a bit about alarm systems over the past couple of days, but still a long way to go so, excuse my ignorance , but what's a "digi"?

Thanks a mill, Altor!

You are correct, you must have a faulty sensor on that zone.
You could test the sensors if you have a multimeter ?
You can get it serviced and the engineer can find the fault for you..
Them panels are not made anymore but a panel change is still going to give you the same fault..
Hope this helps,
Any problems let me know..

koolkid wrote: »

Hi Marley. If the sensors are as old as the panel , a complete new system would be the cheeper option in the long run.

Thanks for that. Out of interest for a new system would the house be considered pre-wired or would it mean re-wiring. Eircom will only fit a wireless system as they say the wiring is too old.

Marlay wrote: »

Thanks for that. Out of interest for a new system would the house be considered pre-wired or would it mean re-wiring. Eircom will only fit a wireless system as they say the wiring is too old.

The wiring would be ok but would need to be tested to make sure.
Most old alarms systems can be replaced and brought up to todays standards by changing the main alarm panel. Phonewatch would rather you put in there wirefree system and not do the upgrade but thats just away of getting more money out of you..

center15 wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a house alarm for a non pre wired out I think a wireless system would be the best way to go.

Hi center15,
There are different types out there to choose from. I suppose it depends what you want from the alarm. Do you want the alarm monitored, do you want to be able to set and unset the alarm remotely, do you want to be able to add access controls on the alarm, do you want to have it monitored through the internet, do you have a phone line in the house, do you want x10 controls on your alarm.
Best advice i can give you is get a load of installers in your area out to give you a free site survey. They would be able to give you more info by having a look at the place you want alarmed.. If you want any more info on panels they decide to use or need any more info before you get the alarm installed just post here and i will do my best to answer your questions..

center15 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. I really only want a basic system, door, window and movement sensors. Remote turn off isn't too important to me, I've seen some alarms on eBay any advise if something like this will do the job. I'd be well able to install any system really. How often roughly do wireless systems require battery changes?

Stay away from alarms off ebay, if your going to get an alarm to protect your home then get yourself something descent.

The CS250 or the new ATS from ge are two good hybrid wire free systems. They have a built in dialer for monitoring to a monitoring station too.
batteries on these systems last 4 - 5 years.

eman66 wrote: »

I'm moving house and wondering if it's worth my while to take an eircom phonewatch system with me. I signed up for the free 3 year monitoring which happened to expire just as I'm moving. I don't plan to continue with this now that I have to pay the monthly sub. Phonewatch have told me that their will be a disconnection charge if I don't continue with monitoring.

In the new house there's a bunch of wires coming out beside the fuse box which I think might be for an alarm system, but I'm not sure. Should I take the phonewatch system with me.

Hi eman66,
You have the system in 3 years so your contract is up with them.. Is it a wire free alarm or wired ?