Home Alarm Systems

Wired alarm systems connect sensors to the control panel via physical cables run through walls and ceilings during installation. They're extremely reliable (no battery changes, no wireless interference), virtually unhackable, and ideal for new builds or major renovations where walls are open. However, installation is more invasive in existing homes and expanding the system later requires running additional cables. Wireless alarm systems connect sensors to the control panel via radio signals, making installation far less invasive in existing homes with no cable running required. They're easier to expand later and can be repositioned if needed. However, sensors require periodic battery changes (typically every 2-3 years), wireless signals can potentially be jammed by determined intruders, and signal reliability depends on construction materials and distance from the control panel. For most Sydney homes, modern wireless systems provide excellent reliability with significantly easier installation. For new construction or comprehensive renovations, wired systems offer ultimate reliability. We assess your specific situation and recommend the approach that balances reliability, budget, and installation practicality for your property.

Internal alarm sirens typically operate at 85-95 decibels, roughly equivalent to a lawnmower or kitchen blender, loud enough to be extremely uncomfortable for intruders inside your home and alert your household immediately. External sirens reach 100-110 decibels, comparable to chainsaws or rock concerts, audible several houses away to alert neighbours and deter intruders from continuing. Yes, alarm sirens are intentionally loud and attention-getting, that's precisely their purpose. However, modern systems offer adjustable volume settings and can be configured for different responses based on time of day or sensor type. For example, opening a door after bedtime might trigger a full siren immediately, while motion detection during the day might trigger warning beeps first. Properly configured systems with quality sensors rarely false-alarm, meaning your neighbours won't hear sirens unless genuine intrusions occur. We configure appropriate siren responses during installation based on your property type, proximity to neighbours, and local noise considerations.

Absolutely. Modern pet-immune motion sensors specifically accommodate households with pets while maintaining effective intrusion detection. Pet-immune sensors work by detecting heat signatures and movement patterns, distinguishing between small animals moving close to the ground (pets) and larger heat signatures at human height (intruders). Most pet-immune sensors accommodate pets up to 35-40kg depending on the model, sufficient for the vast majority of household pets including large dogs. Proper sensor positioning is critical, mount sensors high and angle them to look across rooms rather than down at the floor where pets travel. Avoid positioning sensors where pets can climb furniture to reach human-height detection zones. We assess your specific pets during consultation (size, climbing ability, typical movement patterns) and position sensors accordingly. For households with very large dogs or multiple large pets, we may recommend perimeter protection (door and window sensors) rather than relying heavily on motion detection, or strategic motion sensor placement in areas pets don't access.

Both options work, depending on your priorities and lifestyle. Self-monitoring means alarm alerts come directly to your phone via app notifications, and you're responsible for verifying the situation and calling police if needed. This eliminates monthly monitoring fees (typically $30-60), gives you direct control over responses, and works well if you're usually available to respond and comfortable taking action during alerts. Professional monitoring means a 24/7 monitoring centre receives all alarm signals, verifies incidents using your security cameras or by calling you, and dispatches emergency services following their protocols. This ensures response even if you're asleep, overseas, or your phone is dead, reduces false police callouts through professional verification, and provides documented response logs valuable for insurance. Professional monitoring suits families who travel frequently, elderly residents, or anyone wanting guaranteed response regardless of personal availability. Many systems support both options, letting you self-monitor day-to-day and activate professional monitoring during holidays. We install systems compatible with professional monitoring services but leave the decision to you based on your specific needs and budget.

Alarm system backup batteries (in the main control panel) typically last 3-5 years before requiring replacement. These batteries keep your alarm functioning during power outages, maintaining security even when electricity fails. When backup batteries begin weakening, the system displays low battery warnings on the keypad and sends notifications to your phone, providing weeks of advance notice before actual failure. Individual wireless sensor batteries (in door/window contacts and motion sensors) typically last 2-4 years depending on sensor activity and battery quality. When sensor batteries weaken, you'll receive low battery alerts identifying which specific sensor needs attention. Replacing sensor batteries is straightforward, usually requiring a small screwdriver to access the battery compartment. We use quality long-life batteries during installation to maximise replacement intervals. During training, we show you how to replace batteries yourself, though we're happy to handle this during service visits if you prefer. The key point is that modern systems warn you well in advance of battery failures, giving plenty of time to arrange replacement before security is compromised.