Monitoring Station?

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 12:47pm #1

Could someone tell me who is the cheapest in terms of alarm monitoring for a home?

Is €200 + extra for a service for an alarm to be monitored annually a bit OTT?

Thanks

kub · 02-06-2014 12:50pm

Perhaps ask your installer? Or are you with Phonewatch?

Avns1s · 02-06-2014 12:56pm

Mr. G wrote: »

Could someone tell me who is the cheapest in terms of alarm monitoring for a home?

Is €200 + extra for a service for an alarm to be monitored annually a bit OTT?

Thanks

You should be able to monitor it yourself if you want. Your installer should be able to set it up to text your mobile either on your land line or a GSM dialler. The GSM dialler is pricey to start with but with either method, your only cost is the texts the unit sends to you.

If you get a text, you can decide yourself what to do about it as in call the Gardai or not.

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 12:57pm

kub wrote: »

Perhaps ask your installer? Or are you with Phonewatch?

I think the installer may be adding commission to it, hence why I'm trying to do my own research.

It's not monitored at the moment. The €200 per year is for the monitoring of the system (not to connect it) however I'm convinced you can get monitoring for less than this.

It's a HKC 8/12 panel, although I doubt that matters. Not with PhoneWatch but it hasn't been serviced in years so probably could do with one. It hasn't had any false alarms since we got it.

KoolKid · 02-06-2014 1:17pm

Are you getting a full monitoring and maintenance package for that price or just monitoring?

kub · 02-06-2014 1:18pm

Avns1s wrote: »

You should be able to monitor it yourself if you want. Your installer should be able to set it up to text your mobile either on your land line or a GSM dialler. The GSM dialler is pricey to start with but with either method, your only cost is the texts the unit sends to you.

If you get a text, you can decide yourself what to do about it as in call the Gardai or not.

The Gardai will not respond to people ringing up stating that they got a text stating their home alarm has gone off.

If they did then there would be no need at all for the Garda response criteria or the entire En standards.

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 1:27pm

KoolKid wrote: »

Are you getting a full monitoring and maintenance package for that price or just monitoring?

Just monitoring

kub · 02-06-2014 1:30pm

That is a lot for monitoring only, have you got radio back up or anything like that?

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 1:38pm

kub wrote: »

That is a lot for monitoring only, have you got radio back up or anything like that?

Nope, it would be connected to a landline.

Which station is the cheapest for monitoring?

Avns1s · 02-06-2014 1:42pm

kub wrote: »

The Gardai will not respond to people ringing up stating that they got a text stating their home alarm has gone off.

If they did then there would be no need at all for the Garda response criteria or the entire En standards.

That's entirely untrue.

I got an alert on one alarm that I am listed for recently. Turned out there was a break in. When the Gardaí arrived, they said that in future, once I got an alert, that I should contact them and meet them outside the building and not go in myself.

kub · 02-06-2014 1:53pm

Avns1s wrote: »

That's entirely untrue.

I got an alert on one alarm that I am listed for recently. Turned out there was a break in. When the Gardaí arrived, they said that in future, once I got an alert, that I should contact them and meet them outside the building and not go in myself.

Excellent so let's all self monitor our alarms by text, shut down all monitoring stations etc.

Sorry but what that Garda meant was if you arrive at an alarm activation and there is signs of a break in then obviously ring them before you go in.

The way the system works is each alarm system that is properly monitored is fitted and certified to a standard known as EN 50131. The installer sends the certification to the alarm monitoring station which then in turn applies to the Garda divisional head quarters for a number called a URN.
So in future when the monitoring station gets an activation from that particular premises they quote the URN number to The Garda control room, who then get a unit to respond.

Whether you like it or not that is how it works.

kub · 02-06-2014 1:55pm

Mr. G wrote: »

Nope, it would be connected to a landline.

Which station is the cheapest for monitoring?

Have you already asked your installer this?

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 2:00pm

kub wrote: »

Have you already asked your installer this?

Yes, but the installer said that they only use that monitoring station.

Any recommendations on a cheaper station?

kub · 02-06-2014 2:01pm

Mr. G wrote: »

Yes, but the installer said that they only use that monitoring station.

Any recommendations on a cheaper station?

Off the top of my head I know that Top Security and Mcm Security are less than that.

Avns1s · 02-06-2014 2:01pm

kub wrote: »

Excellent so let's all self monitor our alarms by text, shut down all monitoring stations etc.

Sorry but what that Garda meant was if you arrive at an alarm activation and there is signs of a break in then obviously ring them before you go in.

The way the system works is each alarm system that is properly monitored is fitted and certified to a standard known as EN 50131. The installer sends the certification to the alarm monitoring station which then in turn applies to the Garda divisional head quarters for a number called a URN.
So in future when the monitoring station gets an activation from that particular premises they quote the URN number to The Garda control room, who then get a unit to respond.

Whether you like it or not that is how it works.

Listen, you obviously have a vested interest here given your first comment. You've explained how things are perhaps supposed to work in theory and I've explained how things work in practice and in reality. The OP can decide for themselves what to do. I have better things to be doing than rowing it out with you.

kub · 02-06-2014 2:02pm

Avns1s wrote: »

Listen, you obviously have a vested interest here given your first comment. You've explained how things are perhaps supposed to work in theory and I've explained how things work in practice and in reality. The OP can decide for themselves what to do. I have better things to be doing than rowing it out with you.

Pity I know what I am talking about isn't it?

Oh and you attend every text alarm activation in this country do you? That you mention how you know how it works in practice.

Have you ever rang the Gardai and reported that you got an activation from an alarm system......try it some time.

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 2:16pm

I'm not choosing sides here but I know a close relative who's neighbour's alarm went off. The neighbour was a business and it had been going off on a continuous basisat least once a month- not monitored, not maintained. They rang 112 and the Gardaí came out in minutes, no questions asked. Turned out it was again a cat rubbing against the window.

However, this was a neighbour ringing so maybe that is different.

I appreciate the suggestion re an SMS dialler but to be honest peace of mind is worth more and at least if nobody answers somebody knows.

KoolKid · 02-06-2014 2:18pm

Mr. G wrote: »

Nope, it would be connected to a landline.

Which station is the cheapest for monitoring?

For Central Station Monitoring you would need to connect through a licenced installer.
The price you are quoting does seem expensive if nothing else is included.
Shop around and you should get a better deal.

kub · 02-06-2014 2:18pm

AFAIK The Gardai have to attend when someone calls them, in the event of technology calling them it is a different story

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 2:19pm

KoolKid wrote: »

For Central Station Monitoring you would need to connect through a licenced installer.
The price you are quoting does seem expensive if nothing else is included.
Shop around and you should get a better deal.

As a matter of interest, is this for Gardaí response or a general rule?

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 2:21pm

kub wrote: »

AFAIK The Gardai have to attend when someone calls them, in the event of technology calling them it is a different story

So am I correct in saying if it texts me I cannot call the Gardaí but if a neighbour hears the alarm, she can ring the Gardaí?

KoolKid · 02-06-2014 2:29pm

Mr. G wrote: »

As a matter of interest, is this for Gardaí response or a general rule?

For Garda response definitely. I have heard stories where stations deal directly for keyholding response only.

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 2:33pm

I'll ring around. I've read situations where monitoring is €99 hence why I'm asking.

Finally, can anyone recommend a pet immune PIR? I was hoping to swap the sensor before it gets serviced to save a bit of money.

I'm not sure if these PIRs are a common thing used in Ireland. Thanks

kub · 02-06-2014 2:34pm

Then there is the home insurance companies to consider as well with regard to annual check ups on the system.

kub · 02-06-2014 2:35pm

Mr. G wrote: »

I'll ring around. I've read situations where monitoring is €99 hence why I'm asking.

Finally, can anyone recommend a pet immune PIR? I was hoping to swap the sensor before it gets serviced to save a bit of money.

I'm not sure if these PIRs are a common thing used in Ireland. Thanks

How big is the pet? I always use the Bosch pet friendly PIR.

quadrifoglio verde · 02-06-2014 2:37pm

Heres a list of all of the PSA licenced monitoring stations. you will still need a psa registered installer to connect you to the station, but you should be able to find cheaper monitoring quotes if you ring them up and ask for a quote.
http://www.psa.gov.ie/Website/psa/psa.nsf/04E02B0A8F97847E80257143002C82CB/$File/Security%20Guard%20(Monitoring%20Centre)%20Licence%20Holders%20(23-05-2014).pdf

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 3:00pm

kub wrote: »

How big is the pet? I always use the Bosch pet friendly PIR.

17kg dog?

KoolKid · 02-06-2014 3:06pm

Mr. G wrote: »

I'll ring around. I've read situations where monitoring is €99 hence why I'm asking.

Also ensure you are comparing like with like.
Some may be monitoring, if you don't have alarm verification technology it may be only key holder response.
If you have no maintenance contract in place this may also restrict the responses you are getting.

kub · 02-06-2014 4:02pm

Mr. G wrote: »

17kg dog?

He is a big one, if memory serves me correctly I think the Bosch ones go up to 15 kg.

Diet perhaps? Only messing does anyone here know of a pet immune PIR that will ignore that dog?

Mr. G · 02-06-2014 4:04pm

kub wrote: »

He is a big one, if memory serves me correctly I think the Bosch ones go up to 15 kg.

Diet perhaps? Only messing does anyone here know of a pet immune PIR that will ignore that dog?

Pyronix go to 25kg. Would it be more likely to set off false alarms?

Maybe it might be best to leave her outside of the house. She's only 6 months and my guess is that she might go past 25kg, but for the sake of €20..

Evolution1 · 02-06-2014 10:38pm

The guards will not attend for one sensor alarm activations..
I've had them attend a property after a kitchen beam was tripped, then the back door and then the front door.. I probably only got the response from them as I know them and I had remotely re armed the system and had it trigger again ..
.. But if you can get the monitoring cheap enough then definitely go for it .. The thing that confuses me is that the monitoring station won't send the gardai unless you give them the go ahead ... Maybe it's different for Phonewatches camera system

altor · 02-06-2014 10:51pm

kub wrote: »

He is a big one, if memory serves me correctly I think the Bosch ones go up to 15 kg.

Diet perhaps? Only messing does anyone here know of a pet immune PIR that will ignore that dog?

RISCO have one that does 45kg.

kub · 02-06-2014 10:56pm

altor wrote: »

RISCO have one that does 45kg.

That is the one for donkeys

altor · 02-06-2014 11:11pm

kub wrote: »

That is the one for donkeys

All depends how big your ass is kub

Mr. G · 03-06-2014 9:38am

Thanks guys

Edit: Spoke to MCM which ended up to be €127 + VAT. Seemed like a nice crowd to deal with. So far I think they're the cheapest around.

KoolKid · 03-06-2014 10:24am

That is around the average charged by many installation companies.

Mr. G · 03-06-2014 11:04am

KoolKid wrote: »

That is around the average charged by many installation companies.

Top Security were €150 + VAT and Phonewatch were more than that (They were €35 a month, and a new alarm).

kub · 03-06-2014 11:14am

I would suggest that you speak with your installer and tell him you rang around and you want him to connect your system to another station.

KoolKid · 03-06-2014 11:17am

Shop around more locally and you will find €150 incl vat is more the average.

Razor44 · 03-06-2014 12:20pm

Evolution1 wrote: »

The thing that confuses me is that the monitoring station won't send the gardai unless you give them the go ahead ... Maybe it's different for Phonewatches camera system

well thats not exactly true, the Central station will send the gards if the alarm is verified (2 zones or more), even if there isnt a Keyholder with a min of a 30min ETA. where it gets tricky is if you get a 2 zone activation but its the same zone, its a gray area. its technically verified but at the same time its not. some CS's will call a kh and ask do they want the gard's with them as well on that sort of activation other's will send the gards and keyholders as a matter of course. but the CS needs to balance calling the gards all the time. You can end up with a bad rep and the gards not going to alarms from CS x instead of CS y, because y dont ring them all the time

camera systems are different again, if you see something on the camera i.e a break in its visually verified, so you can send the gards as you can see whats happing on the site.

hope that helps, im out of it about a year and a half so the SOP's could have moved on a bit.

Monitoring Station?

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