Alarm Systems Belfast
The Complete Buyer’s Guide to Grades & Monitoring
If you are researching alarm systems in Belfast, you will quickly discover a wide range of options: wired, wireless and hybrid systems; different security grades; professional monitoring; smart integrations; and the possibility of police response. This guide explains these choices clearly and shows how Technicall designs, installs and maintains systems that match your property, your risk profile and your budget in Belfast and the surrounding areas.
At a Glance: What You Will Learn
Wired, Wireless and Hybrid
The key differences between wired, wireless and hybrid alarm systems, and which type is most suitable for homes compared with business premises.
Security Grades
What EN50131/PD6662 security grades mean, and how to choose the right grade for your property in Belfast.
Professional Monitoring
The difference between self-monitoring through an app and professional ARC monitoring with trained operators.
PSNI Police Response
How PSNI police response operates in Belfast for alarm systems registered with a Unique Reference Number (URN).
PSTN Switch-Off
Why the UK’s PSTN switch-off affects older diallers, and what upgrade options are available to ensure reliability.
Costs and Maintenance
Typical installation costs, timescales and what to expect in terms of ongoing maintenance requirements.
How to Choose the Right Alarm System
Begin with the Property and the Risk
Every site is unique. A semi-detached home in East Belfast faces different challenges than a retail unit in the city centre or a warehouse on the outskirts. The right solution comes from assessing the layout, points of entry, valuables, occupancy patterns and the surrounding environment.
Technicall’s process: survey, tailored specification, neat installation, optional monitoring, and ongoing servicing.
Wired, Wireless and Hybrid Systems
Wired systems are highly reliable and ideal for new builds or properties undergoing renovation where cabling is straightforward.
Wireless systems are quick to install with minimal disruption, making them well suited to occupied homes.
Hybrid systems combine both, offering flexibility where some cabling exists but wireless devices provide additional coverage.
Alarm Grades Explained (EN50131 / PD6662)
Alarm grades align the system to the expected level of risk:
- Grade 1: Very low risk (rarely used).
- Grade 2: Low to medium risk (common for Belfast homes and smaller businesses).
- Grade 3: Medium to high risk (required for many retail and warehouse sites).
- Grade 4: Very high risk (specialist environments).
Insurers typically require Grade 2 or Grade 3, installed and maintained by an approved provider.
Monitoring, Police Response and PSTN Switch-Off
Monitoring Options
Self-monitoring: Receive app notifications if the alarm activates. This is cost-effective and convenient, provided someone is always available to respond.
ARC monitoring: Your system connects to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) where trained operators verify activations and contact keyholders or request emergency services. This provides greater resilience and satisfies most insurer requirements.
Modern systems use IP or cellular signalling with backup paths, particularly important with the PSTN switch-off.
Police Response in Belfast (PSNI)
In Northern Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) follows the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Security Systems Policy.
To qualify for police response, an alarm must be installed by an accredited provider and registered with a Unique Reference Number (URN).
Only ARC-monitored systems with a valid URN and verified alarm events are eligible for police attendance. Excessive false alarms can lead to suspension of response status.
Technicall designs and maintains systems in line with PSNI and NPCC policy, and we assist clients with URN applications.
PSTN Switch-Off: What It Means
The United Kingdom is withdrawing its analogue PSTN telephone network. Older alarm diallers that rely on this infrastructure will no longer function correctly.
If your system still uses a traditional landline dialler, it should be upgraded to IP or cellular signalling. This can often be completed during routine servicing.
Smart Features in Demand
Modern alarm systems integrate smart technology for convenience, control and peace of mind. Expand each feature to see a detailed breakdown.
- Why it matters: Provides flexibility and reassurance by allowing you to control the system from anywhere.
- How it works: Secure mobile app integration links directly to your alarm panel for instant control.
- Use case: Forgot to set the alarm before leaving for work? Activate it from your phone in seconds.
- Why it matters: Prevents you from leaving your home unprotected.
- How it works: The app uses your phone’s GPS to detect when you have left without arming the system.
- Use case: Receive a notification as you drive away reminding you to activate the alarm.
- Why it matters: Helps you verify alarm events immediately.
- How it works: When the alarm triggers, the system automatically pulls linked CCTV clips to your app.
- Use case: Get a 10-second clip of the triggered zone straight to your phone for fast decision-making.
- Why it matters: Provides centralised control over both security and staff access.
- How it works: Links your alarm panel with electronic door access systems.
- Use case: Ensure staff enter through authorised access points, with the alarm automatically set or unset at opening and closing times.
- Why it matters: Prevents system downtime by catching issues early.
- How it works: The system runs automatic diagnostics and sends alerts for low batteries, faults or connection failures.
- Use case: Receive a notification if a detector battery is running low, so maintenance can be arranged before failure.
Technicall’s Process
Our proven approach ensures clarity and confidence at every stage of your security journey.
Survey and Advice
We begin with a detailed site assessment and risk discussion to understand your property and requirements.
Design and Quotation
You receive a clear specification that meets insurance and compliance standards, tailored to your site.
Professional Installation
Our engineers deliver neat, efficient installation with full handover and user training.
Monitoring Integration
We connect your system to an ARC for 24/7 monitoring, or configure secure app-based alerts.
Servicing and Support
Ongoing maintenance and rapid call-out support keep your system reliable and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about alarm systems in Belfast.
Yes. Most insurers require a Grade 2 or Grade 3 system installed and maintained by an accredited provider.
PSNI will only respond to ARC-monitored alarms that are registered with a Unique Reference Number (URN) and comply with NPCC policy.
Modern wireless systems are highly reliable. For larger properties, a hybrid system provides additional flexibility.
No. With the PSTN switch-off, you will need to upgrade to IP or cellular signalling.
Get In Touch
If you are considering alarm systems in Belfast, the best starting point is a free survey. We will confirm the correct grade, layout, signalling method and monitoring options for your property, and provide a clear proposal.