Having an alarm system installed: what should you look out for?

The honest version

You'll find dozens of articles about alarm systems online. Most of them are written by online shops that want to sell you something, or by "review sites" that earn commission on them. This article was written by someone who actually installs them. Every week, all over the Netherlands.

Wireless or wired?

It's the first question everyone asks. The short answer: it depends on your situation.

Wireless works well if you don't want any drilling or cutting into walls. Installation usually takes between half a day and a full day. The sensors run on batteries (which last 1 to 3 years), and very thick walls can make it harder for the signal to get through. But for most homes, wireless is perfectly fine.

Wired is the most reliable option. No batteries, and it can't be disrupted by a jammer. Installation is more invasive, though, because cables have to be run through the building. For a new build or a major renovation, it's the logical choice.

Hybrid is what we do most often for business customers: a wired core (the control panel plus the most important sensors) with wireless extensions where cabling is awkward. The best of both worlds.

Alarm receiving centre: the difference between beeping and action

This is where a lot of people try to save money, and that's a shame. An alarm system without an alarm receiving centre is basically a loud beeping box. In an empty street during the day, nobody takes any notice.

With a connection to an alarm receiving centre, the alarm is picked up by an operator. They check the camera images (photo verification), assess the situation and, if needed, alert the police. And not just any call-out: a Priority 1 dispatch. That means the police treat it as an actual burglary.

The difference in monthly cost is relatively small. The difference in protection is enormous.

Which sensors do I need?

You don't need to secure every square centimetre. A well-chosen set of sensors is more effective than sticking detectors up everywhere.

For a home, the basics start with magnetic contacts on the front door, the back door and, if you have them, the patio doors. These detect whether a door is opened. Add motion detectors in the hallway and living room; two is enough for most homes. Then an external siren to alert the neighbourhood and scare off the burglar, and an internal siren as an extra deterrent.

Optional but recommended: PIR cameras, which are motion detectors with a built-in camera. They let the alarm receiving centre see what's happening as soon as an alarm is triggered, which cuts down false alarms enormously. And if you have leaded glass or large areas of glazing, a glass-break detector is a sensible addition.

Why we work with Satel

There are dozens of alarm brands. We've worked with Satel for years, and there's a good reason for that.

Satel is a Polish brand with more than 30 years of experience. The hardware is robust, the software is fast and the smartphone app (INTEGRA CONTROL) simply works well. No hassle.

We install two models. The Satel Integra is designed for larger homes and businesses and can be expanded to 256 zones, so it grows with you. The Satel Perfecta is for homes that want a reliable, user-friendly system without too much complexity.

Both are compatible with a connection to an alarm receiving centre and come with a good app.

Control from your phone

Every system we install can be operated from your smartphone. Arming and disarming, checking the status, receiving alerts, managing users: you can do it all from the app. Whether you're on the sofa or abroad.

Insurance discount

Many people don't know this: if you have a VEB-certified alarm system, many insurers offer a discount on your home contents insurance. That can save you 5 to 15%. AM Security & Process Monitoring is a VEB-certified installer (VEB is the Dutch security industry association), so our installations automatically qualify.

Some insurers even require a certified system for full cover. Check your policy, as it could save you money.

What does it cost?

That depends on the size of the property and the number of sensors. Putting an exact price on a website makes little sense, because every situation is different.

What we do instead: come round free of charge, look at your situation and put together a clear quote. Transparent, with no hidden costs. And if it's not right for you, there's no obligation.

Request a free consultation

Still unsure? Get in touch and we'll be happy to advise you, with no obligation whatsoever.