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What is the best house alarm system?

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    #32
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,457 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    Effects wrote: »
    As for the Garda being called. I thought they wouldn't attend until a contact had already been to the house or something?

    I believe they will only respond if two sensors are triggered (say a door sensor and then a motion sensor) or if confirmed by camera.

    Personally I'm quite happy with self monitored alarm + bunch of IP cameras. I can call the Guards myself if I see someone on one of the cams.

    The advantage of pro monitoring would be something like if you are away on holidays with no data or if your phone is on silent etc.

    Though there are workarounds to both, iPhones at least can be set up to bypass silent mode and you can always set it up to send the notification to multiple family members, if away on holidays, etc.

    Personally I don't think third party monitoring offers enough difference for the cost, but others might feel differently.
    Kaldo wrote: »
    Thanks guys.

    Regarding to home insurance, if your alarm is self-monitored, it counts like a "Monitored Alarm" or this statement usually makes reference when the alarm is monitored by a third party company?

    Best to check with your insurance company and check the terms and conditions.


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    #33
    dubext
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭dubext


    Can I get PM for Dublin contact


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    #34
    frozenbanana
    Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭frozenbanana


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/112170889#Comment_112170889

    For alarms to be legally considered monitored (i.e. for insurance purposes or as are required for gun owners who own more than two guns) the location has to be issued with a Unique Reference Number (URN) by the guards. They will only issue it to locations monitored by professional monitoring centres, which have to be licensed by Guards as well.

    Since 2008 Guards will not respond to self monitored alarms; they respond to monitored ones when there is a secondary confirmation i.e. monitoring centre made contact with the client or they can see something on CCTV.

    Post edited by frozenbanana on


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    #35
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users Posts: 28,362 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    It seems to be time to replace our 20+ year old wired alarm system. Wiring is generally fine, though one sensor is broken. We might need a couple of additional sensors (shed), so I'm presuming wireless would work there.

    We don't need CCTV or bell integration at present, but it would be nice to have these options. I can't see much benefit in monitoring, so self monitoring for multiple users on phones would work best.

    Am I missing anything here, or should I just be contacting a few local alarm companies for costings? 



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    #36
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,457 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121020867#Comment_121020867

    The general advice here is too always get a couple of quotes from local companies.

    Most would probably recommend a HKC 10270 which supports both wired and wireless sensors. You can self monitor with an app from HKC, but there is a yearly cost for that.

    Another option worth considering is to go the DIY route, Ajax Alarm or AX Pro seem like good options. They are mostly wireless systems, though Ajax now has options to include wired sensors, though if doing DIY that might be trickier. The advantage of these systems is that self monitoring via app is free, so might be cheaper long term.



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    #37
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users Posts: 28,362 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121022627#Comment_121022627

    Thanks, DIY isn't really in my skillset, so I'll see if I can find some local providers.



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    #38
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,532 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121022882#Comment_121022882

    I would strongly recommend the HKC. Reliable, robust and flexible. A professional system that offers self monitoring options as well as central station monitoring. A wide variety of wireless and wired devices are also available. Many of the DIY systems are made simple to install at the cost of proper security. The bar for EN50131 is set so low that any system that does not meet this very basic standard is not worth considering IMHO.

    The Siemens offering is good too.


    Best of luck with whatever you go with.



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    #39
    Irish Steve
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 6,521 Mod ✭✭✭✭Irish Steve


    The big issue with HKC is that they will not provide full installation manuals if you're not a paid up member of the PSA rip off, and they also restrict access to IP monitoring in the same way.

    Getting adequate information about the panel is very hard, even though it's completely legal for a user to install their own panel, and finding out the latest release of the software is equally restricted.

    Shore, if it was easy, everybody would be doin it.😁



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    #40
    Agettle
    Registered Users Posts: 13 ✭Agettle


    ADT with my friends, so far without complaints, the 7th month has passed



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    #41
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,457 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    "I would strongly recommend the HKC. Reliable, robust and flexible. A professional system that offers self monitoring options as well as central station monitoring. A wide variety of wireless and wired devices are also available. Many of the DIY systems are made simple to install at the cost of proper security. The bar for EN50131 is set so low that any system that does not meet this very basic standard is not worth considering IMHO."

    Just to be clear Ajax Alarm and AX Pro are both "professional systems" and EN50131 certified and can support central station monitoring and a far greater variety of wired and wireless devices then HKC normally support, including some excellent external sensor options.

    It is just a pity that most installers in Ireland mostly just support the old fashioned and pretty dated HKC system and not the much more modern and versatile Ajax and AX systems. Thus Ajax/AX are left mostly to the DIY folks.



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    #42
    kub
    Registered Users Posts: 6,528 ✭✭✭kub


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121040109#Comment_121040109

    Speaking as a professional

    A DIY installer cannot connect an Ajax system to professional monitoring as one needs a PSA licence for same.

    An installation done by a DIY person, cannot comply with EN50131 as certificates cannot be issued for same by that individual.

    HKC is a professional manufacturer with professional solutions for professional installers.



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    #43
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    What's your opinion on the Ajax if fitted by HomeSecure (believe only licenced installers in Ireland)?

    I am in no-mans-land a little and was hoping this thread might help - but more questions than answers.

    Have a pre-wired house - so obviously "any old" HKC alarm installed will be worthwhile - however would really really appreciate the future-proofing and tech of something like the Ajax Fibra (wired but not available in Ireland) and it does seem a pity that there's no real progress on the HKC alarms in terms of their interactivity with things like homeassistant (lots of effort to 'smartify' the alarm as seen in https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058006828/hkc-alarm-with-home-assistant-integration/ and in some cases progress to integrate actively blocked).



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    #44
    kub
    Registered Users Posts: 6,528 ✭✭✭kub


    When you say integration, what is it you are trying to achieve?



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    #45
    Repo101
    Registered Users Posts: 195 ✭✭Repo101


    What are the advantages that Ajax have that you don't get with HKC or ADT? I'm looking at systems at the moment and I can only seem to get quotes for HKC.

    I'm looking at installing an alarm system in a semi d, 8 windows, french doors, motion sensors, 3 pir CCTV cameras outside, motion detection, inertia detection and 2 internal CCTV. The most important thing is having an app and being able to get notifications of detections and to have a back-up battery in a power outage.

    Is there an integrated system that does all this that isn't HKC?

    I would also require remote monitoring as well but the app is the most key as it is for an elderly parent who is moving into a new build that will be wired for an alarm and I need to be able to set the alarm remotely for them.



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    #46
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121060272#Comment_121060272

    remote arm

    would also like to make use of the info provided by any PIR / window sensors.

    (simple example being to able to be aware that windows are / aren't open - and to not switch on heating if they are)



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    #47
    kub
    Registered Users Posts: 6,528 ✭✭✭kub


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121061432#Comment_121061432

    HKC have all of that



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    #48
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Standard install? If so I'll be getting it done asap!


    (Note don't want to use hkc ecosystem to be turning off heat pump etc, have all of that already built via homeassistant, simply want homeassistant to be aware of all the sensor states too)



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    #49
    davidconroy46
    Registered Users Posts: 260 ✭✭davidconroy46


    Hkc hybrid has all those features. It will let you know through your app if anything is open, Tamper faults low 🔋 etc. You can have the option of to inhibit, open zones, Tampers etc. Setting up temporary user codes for workers on your property etc.

    Risco is another good option.



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    #50
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I don't want to use a hkc app - I have enough apps already.

    Integrating it with homeassistant is what I'm after.

    Does look like Risco can support local polling access via Homeassistant



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    #51
    Craigels
    Registered Users Posts: 722 ✭✭✭Craigels


    I’m considering getting a wireless alarm fitted from home secure at the moment. I really haven’t a clue about alarms. Is the system the offer good ?



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    #52
    Relax brah
    Registered Users Posts: 798 ✭✭✭Relax brah


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121077591#Comment_121077591

    Second this.

    Looking at the same, any suggestions?



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    #53
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users Posts: 28,362 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121077591#Comment_121077591
    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121358915#Comment_121358915

    Don't know about Home Secure but I got a bit peeved that most of the providers I contacted were pushing pay-monthly deals which cost more, once you get into year 3 or beyond. There was just one provider who was happy to give a straight up-front payment cost, and he did a neat. clean install for me last month - Best Security.



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    #54
    linthum
    Registered Users Posts: 47 ✭linthum


    anyone know if ring is any good?



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    #55
    mrbubbles
    Registered Users Posts: 88 ✭✭mrbubbles


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121067567#Comment_121067567

    @emmet02 Did you find a good option for an alarm that will work with HA? It looks like Texecom or Siemens Vanderbilt SPC are the two most popular options but can't find an installer for either...



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    #56
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121568728#Comment_121568728

    Afraid not - got absolutely nowhere and got side-tracked. I am thinking that a konnected.io board sat on top of any wired "dumb" alarm that supports it is my way forward. Alternatively - just go full konnected.io board [no other alarm 'host' ] (https://konnected.io/products/konnected-alarm-panel-pro-12-zone-kit) with my pre-wiring, and then I "just" need to find someone to install all sensors etc.

    However have done almost nothing further than that so far.

    Post edited by [Deleted User] on


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    #57
    mrbubbles
    Registered Users Posts: 88 ✭✭mrbubbles


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121573931#Comment_121573931

    Thanks for getting back to me. I ended up buying a Texecom starter kit and have spent the last week installing. There are a few things to get your head around but I'm pretty happy with the system and it all seems to be working now. Haven't integrated it with HA yet, that's the next step!



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