Burglar alarm systems replacement options - all wireless now?

ahar · 14 Dec 2019 at 09:45

We have a cheap wired alarm system that was installed when the house was built 3 years ago (not our choice) - we don't really use it as the PIR in one of the rooms keeps being set off by the guinea pigs (the little buggers, also not my choice) when they're there and it doesn't seem to have a way of shutting off that PIR easily, and there is a minor fault that comes up now and again stopping it working.

Now, I could get an engineer out and bugger around with it, but its cheap no-brand with no smart features, no external connection and no monitoring and it doesn't feel worth the cost.

I've seen the new Ring wireless system which seems very interesting (I already have a Ring doorbell which I like), but given I have the wiring in place already (PIR, door sensors etc) what I'd really like is something with that connected functionality that I can hook up to the existing bits and pieces.

Yale, ADT etc only seem to sell wireless ones now. Anyone any experience of system that might be able to use my existing wiring but have the internet connected type features like the Ring system?

PS I know what these forums are like - not interested in discussions about whether an alarm is worth it at all or alarm vs CCTV.

Relentless81 · 14 Dec 2019 at 09:49

I would completely write off wireless as the wiring is there. Just upgrade what you have and utilise the wiring, if you can find a decent electrician a lot of them install alarms, my electrician installed mine, otherwise just find a reputable installer and discuss what can be done with them

ahar · 14 Dec 2019 at 11:33

Do you have a wired one with connected features? If so, which one and is it any good?

NoobCannon · 14 Dec 2019 at 14:01

I have an Honeywell wired alarm, think its a galaxy 2, its not “smart” as such i.e no internet connectivity, but its a monitored system, including fire alarm and tamper etc etc by adt.

lewism · 14 Dec 2019 at 22:30

Whats the make of the alarm panel? even the most basic of the cheapest should still be able to work. Guinea Pigs are too small to set off a PIR, It's either faulty or installed wrong.

Even then, if you wanted monitoring/wireless/integration etc most professional kits these days come with some variant of it. Pyronix, Texecom, HKC.

You could go down an installer route which will cost you >£500 or DIY. It's always down to budget.

Pottsey · 15 Dec 2019 at 11:19

ahar said:
we don't really use it as the PIR in one of the rooms keeps being set off by the guinea pigs (the little buggers, also not my choice) when they're there and it doesn't seem to have a way of shutting off that PIR easily,

You could put tape over it or paper and tape. As long as there is no movement in the paper the PIR will effectively be disabled.

TripleT · 15 Dec 2019 at 18:06

I have a texecom which is "connected". Have an app and alerts when it's switch on off etc plus I can do it remotely if needs be.

App isn't fantastic UX wise but it works.

I have the wiring in place like you from a new build so he just fitted sensors. You can get sensors that won't pick up the pig. I have a massive dog so don't use the sensors when he's home, just set the doors, windows and garage. You can set whichever combo you like.

I had a couple extra wireless sensors added too.

Think it was £200 extra for the connected feature.

SimonR · 15 Dec 2019 at 23:24

Pottsey said:
You could put tape over it or paper and tape. As long as there is no movement in the paper the PIR will effectively be disabled.

Unless the PIRs are anti masking then this will cause the alarm to go off permanently.

ahar · 16 Dec 2019 at 07:49

Pottsey said:
You could put tape over it or paper and tape. As long as there is no movement in the paper the PIR will effectively be disabled.

The little sods are not always in the same place - I did do this for a bit but it was a pain swapping them around as my wife and daughter have them in different places.

And yes, they do love them more that me!

ahar · 16 Dec 2019 at 07:52

lewism said:
Whats the make of the alarm panel? even the most basic of the cheapest should still be able to work.

It's so cheap I can't even see a brand name!

TripleT said:
I have a texecom which is "connected". Have an app and alerts when it's switch on off etc plus I can do it remotely if needs be.

Cheers, will take a look at Texecom

Psycho Sonny · 16 Dec 2019 at 16:18

ahar said:
The little sods are not always in the same place - I did do this for a bit but it was a pain swapping them around as my wife and daughter have them in different places.

And yes, they do love them more that me!

Yale has pet friendly PIR's in their wireless system.

So get the Yale Sync Alarm and add some of them into it you can buy extra as needed.

ahar · 17 Dec 2019 at 14:13

Yale alarm is wireless unfortunately, from what I can see

eviled · 17 Dec 2019 at 22:01

Another vote for Texecom

I’ve got the premier elite, average app but works, very customisable, and priced well

Hyburnate · 17 Dec 2019 at 22:45

It's wireless but Ajax systems seem pretty good at the mo.

Psycho Sonny · 18 Dec 2019 at 01:16

ahar said:
Yale alarm is wireless unfortunately, from what I can see

So what?

Just rip the old system out. Its what I did and my mate doing the same.

ahar · 19 Dec 2019 at 13:22

Psycho Sonny said:
So what?

Just rip the old system out. Its what I did and my mate doing the same.

I started the thread to ask about connected alarm systems that might use my existing wiring

Beta · 19 Dec 2019 at 18:07

I've just installed a texecom elite. I had to go wireless for most of it as I didn't want to start ripping into nice plaster work, but the same unti could essentially be used for a wired system. As you have the wiring in place, should be an easy switch to make. Texecom connect is an add on unit that allows you remote access via a phone app.

It's not a perfect interface, but far better than their old implementation and does push notification easily enough. Obviously has the same limitations of any connected system in that if your power is cut, or your internet line cut then you won't get the notifications unless you have your router on a UPS and has a mobile data backup.

Psycho Sonny · 20 Dec 2019 at 02:26

ahar said:
I started the thread to ask about connected alarm systems that might use my existing wiring

why?

wired alarms are a thing of the past.

Beta · 20 Dec 2019 at 08:39

Psycho Sonny said:
why?

wired alarms are a thing of the past.

Other than the convenience of installation of wireless, if you have the wires already in place, what advantages does wireless offer?

Replacing the OPs wired system with a newer wired system with the functionality he wants would be far cheaper, arguably more reliable, and doesn't have the hassle of replacing batteries every couple of years.

I would have gone wired any day of the week if I already had the required wiring already in place. The ONLY reason I went majority wireless is because I didn't want to run new wiring and have to patch plaster.

Psycho Sonny · 20 Dec 2019 at 10:59

Beta said:
Other than the convenience of installation of wireless, if you have the wires already in place, what advantages does wireless offer?

Replacing the OPs wired system with a newer wired system with the functionality he wants would be far cheaper, arguably more reliable, and doesn't have the hassle of replacing batteries every couple of years.

I would have gone wired any day of the week if I already had the required wiring already in place. The ONLY reason I went majority wireless is because I didn't want to run new wiring and have to patch plaster.

he may want to place sensors in different places. i know one of my sensors was in a stupid place like behind the fridge freezer so it was useless.

others weren't covering doors / main points of access, etc.