We know that choosing a security system for your home or business can be a difficult decision. With so many options and so much technical jargon floating around, it can be hard to know what is right for you and your budget. This blog attempts to explain what you get as part of a Bulldog security package and bust some of the jargon.
Our security systems contain a number of key components:
- A main alarm panel – which connects to an app on your phone and/or a 24/7 monitoring centre who can send out a guard to your property if needed
- Passive Infra Red (PIR) sensors – which will alert the system to the presence of anyone in the property – A panic alert key fob – which can be carried with you and activated in the event of an emergency – for example if you think there may be an intruder in the property
- A wireless touch-screen key pad – which operates like the main alarm panel but can be carried around into different rooms with you and gives the ability to set the alarm from wherever you are in the propery -for example in bed at night!
- An alarm box to go on the outside of your house to act as a visual deterrent
Our systems – key features
- Phone app – This allows you to set and unset the alarm remotely using your phone and can be used to check the alarm is set from anywhere in the world
- Frequency hopping – Our sensors work on multiple frequencies and can swap from one to another as needed. This eliminates interference from other electrical devices in the area such as microwaves or phones, meaning you get a consistent, reliable service.
- Two-way communication – All devices talk to each other upon activation – the PIR sensors alert the alarm panel and the panel alerts the monitoring station – ensuring a speedy response. Our key fobs light up when activated/pressed so that the user knows the system has done what is asked of it.
- Transmission range – the distance that the equipment will transmit to before repeaters/signal boosters are needed. Bulldog’s equipment usually works well up to about 100m, which means a minimal amount of signal boosters would be used in an average property. Less equipment means quicker installation and less disruption.
- Three ways to connect – Our main alarm panel has the ability to connect to the monitoring station in three different ways:
- 1. Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) also known as a standard land line
- 2. Broadband – used primarily for camera units and the phone app
- 3. GSM (sim card) – this can be used as a back-up or as a stand-alone, eliminating the need for a phone line or broadband. Having three different methods means better reliability for the customer, as there’s a back- up for the back-up if needed.
- Partitions – You can set the alarm to operate in the main section of a property/business while another section is disarmed. This can be particularly useful at night, for example you can leave the alarm off upstairs if you have children that sleep walk or just like to sneak into your bed at night.
- SirenNet – An alarm will sound upon activation of any device containing this e.g the bell box on the outside of your house/property or smoke alarms. This will carry on until the alarm is disabled in the correct way.
- Encryption – Our sensors use a 128-digit encryption key to stop burglars trying to intercept signals to disable your house alarm without using the key fob or code.
- Power G Peripherals – The manufacturer of the equipment we supply. Among the highest quality, most reliable kit available. Back-up battery – All of our systems have up to 48 hours back-up battery should the mains electricity go down, helping to keep you protected even in the event of a power cut.
- Remote software updates – Our equipment can all be updated remotely, ensuring you have the very latest systems running, with no waiting around for an engineer.
- Pet-friendly – All sensors are designed not to activate if an animal – up to 35kg in weight – is in the house. If a human was crawling around they would probably weigh more than this and the alarm would activate.
We can also adapt our sensors to suit your requirements. If you have pets it may be that a single beam sensor would be more suitable for you, rather than a full spread beam, or we can use door and window sensors which alarm when they are opened. We know that no two properties are the same and will work with you to meet your needs. If you’d like to have a chat about designing a security system that fits your home or business get in touch.