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A burglar alarm is one of the best deterrents against break-ins, intrusions, and burglaries. A must-have for all residential and commercial properties, it is an integral part of any security system, the mere sight of which is often enough to scare away intruders.
However, not all burglar alarms are created equal. You will find all kinds of alarm systems – some reliable, some not – and it is upon you to make the right decision and choose a system that provides maximum security, safety, performance, and reliability.
This may seem like a daunting task, but with proper guidance and the right resources, you can easily make an informed decision that meets your security requirements. Understanding alarm system standards – namely BS 4737 and European Standard EN 50131 – is the first step towards making sure you invest in the best security alarm system to protect your property to the fullest.
Read on to find out all about BS 4737 and European Standard EN 50131, what they are, and why our alarms at Calder Security meet their requirements:
WHAT ARE STANDARDS IN BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEMS?
The quality of a burglar alarm and its ability to function efficiently and effectively are directly influenced by its design, installation, and maintenance. To ensure that all burglar alarms are created to provide the best and highest level of security, they must meet certain standards.
Standards in burglar alarm systems exist to ensure consistency, reliability, and safety across all installations. They are documents crafted by security professionals and experts in the field to provide a benchmark for all aspects of the system, from the design to the final testing and maintenance.
These standards are all-encompassing and must be used as a blueprint for everything related to burglar alarms. They provide structured guidance and, when followed, offer critical information about the burglar alarms and their reliability. They incorporate industry best practices and outline clear instructions for the successful implementation of burglar alarms that can be depended on for maximum security and protection.
Burglar alarms that abide by these industry standards are tested and reviewed by security professionals which gives them credibility over systems that do not meet these requirements. Investing in compliant burglar alarms gives buyers the much-needed trust and guarantee that their alarm systems are made and installed in the best possible way.
When choosing a burglar alarm system to secure your premises, you do not have to leave anything to luck or chance. You can filter out the best burglar alarm systems from the plethora of options available simply by checking which systems meet industry standards and which do not.
BS 4737 AND EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50131
In the UK, the British Standards are the official standards for several different sectors, including security. They are governed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and ensure consistency across the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance process of products such as burglar alarms.
The British Standards for alarm systems are called BS 4737. They are a series of 21 British Standards that cover all aspects of intruder alarm systems, including the system design, installation, maintenance, and performance of different components that make up the alarm system, such as the detectors and signalling equipment.
In 1989, work on a new series of European Standards for security systems began and thus began the withdrawal of some of the long-established British Standards. In 2004, some British Standards were replaced by new European Standards for Intruder and Hold-up Alarm Systems – generally referred to as the Euro Standards.
The Euro Standards comprise a suite of documents, among which EN 50131 is recognised as the direct replacement for the BS 4737 series. EN 50131 maps out detailed information and requirements for intruder alarms used across Europe.
They, however, only apply to new systems. Existing ones that were designed and installed in accordance with BS 4737 remain valid and do not need to comply with new Euro Standards unless they require extensive redesign or component replacement.
The differences between EN 50131 and BS 4737 come down to their structure, risk-based nature, classification of equipment, and grading of systems. The grading of systems according to the associated risk is a significant advantage of applying European Standards, particularly for insurers and surveyors. This is not a feature found in BS 4737 and is a major difference between the two standards.
Since the UK is no longer subject to EU standards, it has UK-specific standards enforced by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA). It has a separate equivalent standard called PD 6662, also known as BS EN 50131, which replicates the EU standards for all aspects of intruder alarm systems.
COMPONENTS OF BS EN 50131 SERIES
The BS EN 50131 series of European Standards is developed to guide and regulate the design, installation, and maintenance of intruder alarm systems in the UK. The main purpose of these standards is to improve and strengthen the performance, reliability, and effectiveness of alarm systems, and to make sure they meet a strict set of safety guidelines and follow industry best practices.
These standards are there to ensure that intruder alarms provide a reliable security framework that effectively deters intruders and burglars in all kinds of properties, including residential, commercial, as well as high-risk environments. Following these guidelines and installing systems that abide by these standards offers homeowners and businesses the much-needed peace of mind that comes with a reliable security system.
There are 6 key components of the BS EN 51031 Series for intruder alarms:
EN 50131-1: General Requirements
These refer to the standards, guidelines and requirements for intruder alarms, including the system components and their functionality, the environmental conditions under which the systems must work and operate, and the overall performance specifications.
EN 50131-2-6: Detector Requirements
These focus on the requirements for detectors used in alarm systems, including those for magnetic contacts and performance standards for reliable and fault-free detection.
EN 50131-3: Control and Indicating Equipment
These outline the requirements for control and indicate equipment, including features such as specifications for the user interface, power supply requirements, and alarm verification processes and procedures.
EN 50131-4: Warning Devices
These cover the design, functionality, and requirements for the warning devices in an intruder alarm, such as the bells and sirens, by ensuring they meet a specific volume level and can perform effectively under different conditions.
EN 50131-5-3: Motion Detector Requirements
These focus on the requirements for motion detectors, such as passive infrared sensors, and specify issues including the detection pattern guidelines, sensitivity adjustments, and measures taken to minimise false alarms.
EN 50131-6: Hold-Up Devices
These refer to the requirements for hold-up devices and systems that include panic buttons or duress alarms in order to ensure clear operational guidelines and compatibility with broader system components.
ALARM GRADES ACCORDING TO BS EN 50131
One of the highlighting features of the BS EN 50131 series of standards is the classification of alarm systems into different security grades. These grades apply to all types of intruder alarms and are based on the likelihood of the property being targeted for an intrusion and the level of effort required to bypass any security defences and access the premises.
Alarm grades help define the level of security an intruder alarm system can provide, understanding which is crucial to choose a system that best fits your property’s security requirements.
All alarm systems conforming to BS EN 50131 follow the same grading structure, irrespective of the brand, manufacturer, or installer, and make it easy to compare the functionality and performance of different systems to make an informed investment in your property’s security.
Grade 1 Intruder Alarms
These intruder alarms are basic systems with simple detection devices with minimal features, such as door and window sensors. They offer limited protection, which makes them suitable for properties that carry a low risk and are unlikely to be targeted by intruders, such as residential properties with no significant items of value. Other properties where they may be used include small office spaces and small workshops.
Grade 2 Intruder Alarms
These intruder alarms include basic motion detectors and tamper-resistant devices, making them suitable for moderate security needs where the property is likely to be a target of an intrusion due to the presence of valuables, equipment, and other items of interest. They are designed to deter opportunistic criminals with limited skills and are appropriate for securing homes and small businesses such as retail shops, small offices, and salons, especially after business hours.
Grade 3 Intruder Alarms
These intruder alarms use advanced detection technology and features such as tamper-proofing and anti-masking to enhance their security levels and make them suitable for high-risk properties with a substantial risk of intrusion. Their state-of-the-art capabilities make them difficult to bypass, even by experienced intruders with advanced tools and techniques. They are generally used in homes with high-value items and commercial properties such as warehouses, supermarkets, and high-end retail stores.
Grade 4 Intruder Alarms
These intruder alarms include advanced sensors, secure communication methods, and strict monitoring protocols, making them best suited for properties requiring the highest level of security. Designed for protection against the likelihood of an intrusion, these systems can monitor all areas of the property and can offer protection against even highly skilled criminals using advanced techniques. This makes them the best option for high-risk residential and commercial properties, including banks and government facilities.
WHY DO OUR ALARMS MEET BS 4737 AND EN 50131?
BS 4737 and EN 50131 are not a legal requirement, but are highly recommended and prioritised by installers, buyers, and end-users. Systems that do not meet these standards can be deemed unfit for security purposes, which is why it is crucial that you invest in a product that meets rigorous standards when it comes to its performance, reliability, and safety.
Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, you must understand the importance of these standards and how they can help increase your property’s security and protect it from potential intruders and burglars.
At Calder Security, all our systems meet the stringent requirements of BS4737 and European Standard EN50131 (Intruder Alarm Systems in Buildings). Here’s why:
Quality and Reliability
Intruder alarms that meet BS 4737 and EN 51031 are designed to meet rigorous quality assurance measures and procedures. They are thoroughly tested to ensure reliability in protecting against intrusions and unauthorised access. They are built to withstand tampering and force, with all their components designed to offer precise detection, a longer lifespan, and a reduced likelihood of false alarms.
Credibility and Consistency
Compliance with these standards helps build trust and credibility with customers and end-users. Knowing that the alarm systems meet the highest quality standards provides reassurance of the system’s performance and effectiveness. Also, since all alarms follow the same guidelines and best practices, there is consistency in terms of the quality standards, installation practices, and maintenance schedules.
Insurance Requirement
When it comes to protecting your property from intrusions, especially those that are medium to high-risk, insurance companies give a lot of importance to the presence of security measures, aka intruder alarms, and whether they meet the legal requirements and standards. Meeting BS 4737 and EN 50131 is often a prerequisite for offering coverage and discounts. Not meeting these requirements could have you paying more in premiums, and in the worst case, having your coverage denied in case of an intrusion or burglary.
Police Response
Apart from meeting insurance requirements, compliance with intruder alarm standards is also a requirement for police response, as their policies rely heavily on these requirements as well. Alarm systems meeting these standards are prioritised by emergency services, with many police forces only responding to alarms that come from compliant monitoring alarm systems. Having a compliant intruder alarm could be the difference between a prompt police response in case of an emergency and being left waiting to be rescued.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
At Calder Security, we provide a broad range of security systems, including burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control systems, and CCTV systems. We are professionals working in the security industry for over 40 years and have extensive knowledge on all kinds of security systems suitable for different types of properties.
Here’s why you should choose Calder Security for alarm systems that conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards:
- We offer professional installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair services for all kinds of alarms, along with professional keyholding services.
- We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.
- We are SSAIB-approved installers and all of our burglar alarm installations are carried out by qualified, experienced engineers who comply with standards: PD6662: 2010, DD243 and BS8243, required to qualify for police assistance.
- Our systems meet the stringent requirements of BS4737 and European Standard EN50131 (Intruder Alarm Systems in Buildings).
- We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.
- Our expert installers can guide and train users before leaving the site, making sure they are comfortable with the system and understand how it works.
- We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due, as we understand the importance of proper upkeep and maintenance.
- We offer a 24-hour emergency call-out and can help you when your alarm goes off at 3 am if needed, and we can also talk you through fault fixes over the phone.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on BS 4737 and European Standard EN 50131, and why our alarm systems meet them.
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