Is there a safe way to access this old alarm myself? Or do I need to call a pro?

Participant · 12 Jul 2022 at 17:56

Hi all

I'm looking to replace this old alarm box with a wired Ring siren.

The wiring itself doesn't bother me, as I can access the supply in the loft and connect the relevant transformer from there.

What does worry me is the accessibility of the box itself. I've never climbed a ladder higher than about 6 foot for DIY and I'm not sure how to reach this safely, and not sure I want to try either.

Thanks for any tips.

bainbridge · 12 Jul 2022 at 20:52

Can you reach it when stood outside on the porch roof? If so, I'd climb out of the upstairs window with a few handtools. If you can't reach, a tower scaffold in front of the house with a youngman board going across to the to of the porch roof will get you up a bit higher.

drakulton · 12 Jul 2022 at 21:02

Are you able to disable/shutdown the alarm system. As disconnecting the power internally from the loft may set it off as an antitamper device. As is trying to remove the external cover. A set of ear defenders/plugs may be a good idea.

WJA96 · 12 Jul 2022 at 22:35

Doing it yourself you can walk (carefully) on the roof. For a tradesman to do it they would probably request it be scaffolded or use a cherry picker. We rent boom lifts (cherry pickers) regularly for locations like this. It’s not expensive but again you need staff with IPAF tickets to operate safely whereas a member of the public could hire a boom or scissor lift and just use it.

If you’re not comfortable up a ladder then get someone in.

Mysterae_ · 12 Jul 2022 at 23:09

WJA96 said:
Doing it yourself you can walk (carefully) on the roof. For a tradesman to do it they would probably request it be scaffolded or use a cherry picker. We rent boom lifts (cherry pickers) regularly for locations like this. It’s not expensive but again you need staff with IPAF tickets to operate safely whereas a member of the public could hire a boom or scissor lift and just use it.

Is that true that a member of the public can just rent a MEWP without an IPAF cert? My IPAF card expired last year and since a change in job I've had no reason to renew it apart from some jobs around the house.

If so, a MWEP would be my recommendation to the OP as I detest ladders. However that would be a quick job for someone with less fear of mavity and a set of decent ladders.