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False alarms are not only a source of nuisance for people but are also a resource burden for law enforcement. While burglar alarms are one of the best inventions for modern security, they can sometimes malfunction and cause a false alarm signal.
That, however, doesn’t make alarm systems bad. In fact, false alarms are now considered a problem of the past thanks to modern systems designed to minimise this issue. While the chances of a modern and compliant alarm system sending out a false alarm are very slim, the technology is prone to occasional errors, so it isn’t entirely impossible.
Also, since multiple (more than three) false alarms in 12 months are grounds for police withdrawal, it is important that home and business owners keep their alarms in check. This is especially true for damaged, unmaintained, non-compliant, or faulty systems.
Read on to learn more about preventing false alarms, common sensor issues, the importance of burglar alarm maintenance, and some helpful tips on the settings and best practices to make the most of these systems and keep your property safe:
FALSE ALARM – TRUE NUISANCE
Burglar alarms may seem complicated, but they are very simple devices. They are equipped with a battery/power module, a siren, a sensor, and a housing that holds everything in place. This is the foundation for every burglar alarm system.
Newer models may have more components, such as electronics, a modem for communication, and more, but the core components remain the same.
The most important thing inside the alarm is the sensor. This tiny device collects information from the environment, like changes in heat, sound, and movement, and processes this information to determine the presence of a threat.
If you arm (or activate) the alarm, the sensor will begin scanning for environmental changes. So, if someone enters a monitored space, the alarm will go off immediately. In most cases, a problem in the sensor could “trip” the system or make it think that there is an intruder in the premises, causing a false alarm.
False alarms can be caused by several common sensor issues and may even be caused by a failing electronic component, especially in the case of smart alarms that have an onboard System on a Chip (SOC).
There are a variety of sensors for different alarms. Here are the most common ones:
- Door and window sensors – to detect when someone tries to gain unauthorised access via changes in pressure or a break in the connection when opening a door/window,
- Motion sensors – to detect any movement or kinetic activity in a limited space,
- Glass break detectors – to detect the sound of breaking glass, and
- Shock sensors – to detect vibrations in the area being broken into.
A problem in any one of these sensors can theoretically cause a false alarm. Some systems have a redundant backup that can take over in the event of a failing sensor, but even then, there is a chance that these systems may trip and cause the alarm to malfunction.
False alarms can also be caused independently due to human error, such as when someone enters the premises when the system is armed or if the user enters the wrong code at the keypad. Alarm nuisance calls can also be sent due to environmental conditions, such as a gust of wind that sends a piece of wood or furniture in the way of the sensors.
COMMON SENSOR ISSUES
Apart from human and environmental issues, false alarms can also be triggered due to a few common sensor issues. Let’s discuss some of the most common issues for nuisance calls and some false alarm reduction tips:
Motion Sensor Placement
Motion sensors aimed at curtains, ceiling fans, or plants near vents or HVAC outlets can be prone to tripping. Even placing the sensors in direct sunlight or an area of draft can cause the system to trigger.
In this case, these types of false alarms can be caused by environmental factors rather than a fault in the sensor component itself. A simple remedy for this would be to change the placement of the sensors.
This is why professional installation is so important. Security companies like Calder Security are accredited and have professional technicians who use best practices to avoid these problems and help you get the most out of the alarm system.
Component Failure
The sensors themselves can malfunction and cause errors that can lead to false alarms. This can happen if insects like spiders slip inside the alarm, especially if there are visible cracks due to wear and tear.
This type of wear and tear is common with alarms placed in open sunlight or in areas that are exposed to the environment. The plastic housing of the alarm can crack, which can cause dust, debris, and even insects to crawl inside.
A simple fix for this would be to simply have the alarms maintained by a professional third-party servicing company. Regular maintenance and checking can ensure that the system remains operational and that the alarm is free from debris or insects.
Low Battery or Unstable Power
A lower battery or unstable power supply can cause the sensors to trip as well. This happens due to either low or very high voltage. In the case of low voltage or a low battery, the sensors can interpret the dip in the sensor signal strength as an intrusion and cause a false alarm. The opposite is also true in the case of high voltage fluctuations.
Not to mention that these events can also eventually lead to burnout and cause nuisance alarm calls.
Aging Components
Alarm components are built to last, but they do not last a lifetime, which is why they must be replaced or repaired promptly. Thanks to compliant practices and the British Standards, these components can take years, sometimes a decade, to fail, but they can eventually become faulty.
This is especially true for alarms that are exposed to occasional voltage fluctuations or environmental factors. Small errors can accumulate and cause the system to eventually fail.
This type of wear and tear can also affect the wiring and may lead to loose connections over time. Luckily, these issues can easily and quickly be identified by maintenance technicians who can detect issues by running diagnostic tests.
EMI Issues
Although rare, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) can also cause sensors to trip. Electromagnetic waves are common in the world, and chances are that you are currently surrounded by them via internet routers, cell towers, and even appliances.
Even though these signals are relatively weak, in the right circumstances, such as in high-density areas or areas with 5G, EMI can cause problems in the sensors. This digital “noise” can trick the sensors into triggering a false alarm.
Professional installers overcome this problem by using compliant hardware and best practices like shielding to reduce EMI noise, which can dramatically lessen the chances of a false alarm.
System or Configuration Issues
Incorrect sensitivity settings or overly aggressive settings can cause the sensors to trip often, leading to frequent false alarms. These settings are configured by default by the manufacturer, but can be changed using the admin settings by installers.
A non-professional technician can easily mess up the arm or detection settings for the alarm, which can eventually lead to errors. Other settings, such as configuring entry and exit delays, can also cause false alarms. For example, users might not have time to disarm the alarm when entering, causing the alarm to send out a false signal.
Cross-Checking Sensor Signals
Another common reason for false alarm triggers can occur if there is only one alarm system placed for a property. A lone sensor is more likely to send out a false alarm than two sensors.
The logic behind this is simple: even if one alarm fails or triggers incorrectly, the second alarm nearby can be used to confirm whether the signal is genuine. For example, an intruder entering a premises is more likely to trigger multiple alarms rather than just one.
By cross-checking the signals, the system can verify the forced entry and send out a confirmed signal to the police, alerting them of the break-in.
WHY ALARM MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT
Alarm systems are the first line of defence for your home security, but without professional installation or maintenance, they too can fail and lead to false alarms.
One of the best false alarm reduction tips is to ensure that the system is regularly serviced and maintained by a professional so that it functions properly around the clock.
Here are some important ways regular maintenance can reduce false alarms:
Detection of Faults
Whether it is wear and tear or faulty wiring, false alarms can be triggered by several factors that can be addressed if the system is regularly inspected by a professional.
With regular inspections, the issues can be fixed before they even start to affect the system, and since servicing includes cleaning the system of dust, dirt, pollution, and rust, and changing the batteries, it doesn’t just fix potential faults and issues but also increases its life.
Higher Efficiency for Callouts
Did you know that regular maintenance can not only reduce false alarms but can also increase the efficiency of genuine callouts?
Having your burglar alarm regularly maintained by a professional security company like Calder Security can help the system work at maximum efficiency and ensure that no callouts are missed. This is especially true for smart alarms that depend on wireless systems.
Since these systems use electronics and software tools, they may be prone to digital errors, and if the alarm accumulates processing errors, it may not be able to send genuine calls to the ARC or law enforcement.
The good news is that security companies like Calder Security offer maintenance contracts which not only help keep the system running but also enable the users to get priority attention during callouts.
Even if there is a successful break-in, these best practices can help you get approvals on your insurance claims and even make your case stronger to have police response privileges reinstated in the event of withdrawals.
Reduced insurance premiums
Lack of efficient security can cause more than just losses; it can also push up your insurance premiums. A smooth and efficient system can help insurers offer you better premiums. Since you will be following all the best practices, your property will be deemed safe in normal circumstances, which can help you reduce premiums over time.
Something as simple as regular maintenance can enable insurance companies to offer discounts and help you get priority support from relevant agencies.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD ALARMS BE MAINTAINED?
In most cases, it is a good practice to have the alarm system serviced and maintained every six months. However, you may have to call in a technician even earlier if there are environmental factors involved, such as a power surge, lightning strike, or other environmental-related events.
This is why an annual maintenance contract would make more sense since it will allow you to call out a professional for servicing whenever you think there might be a problem.
Professional technicians, such as those provided by Calder Security, use their SSAIB accreditation and the British Standards of Safety to carefully inspect each system, thereby decreasing the chance of device failure.
Here is a list of checks that you can expect from any professional technician during a regular visit:
- Checking previous logs since the last maintenance activity,
- Assessing major components of the system, including the cables and connections for visual signs of damage or deterioration,
- Checking the main power supply for interruptions and surges,
- Inspecting the battery, including its charging rates,
- Maintaining and testing the sensors,
- Testing the sounders for audible warnings,
- Checking the operated buttons, such as the panic buttons,
- Diagnosing remote signalling equipment (where applicable).
HOW MUCH DOES ALARM SERVICING COST?
Maintenance may seem like an added cost, but if you add up the actual cost of a robbery or break-in, then you will realise that an annual contract would make much more sense in the long term.
On average, domestic burglar alarm maintenance and repair services cost between £60 and £130 for a one-off service or £80 to £200 per year for an annual service contract. This includes full testing of the entire alarm system, including the control panel, sounders, and sensors, as well as the engineer’s time on site.
ALARM MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS
Maintenance contracts are retainers that guarantee that the system will be looked after and that all its servicing needs will be taken care of by the security company. It will keep your system as a top priority in case of an unexpected fault or during emergency callouts, regardless of the time of day.
The duration of the contract, cost, and the fine print may vary between contracts and companies, and you may set up a custom maintenance contract as per your requirements and budget.
Some maintenance contracts can include professional burglar alarm monitoring services for added security and protection as well.
Here are the top benefits of a maintenance contract:
- A regularly maintained system by professionals,
- 24-hour coverage,
- Reduced callout and labour charges,
- Potential reduction in insurance premiums.
- 24/7 – 365 days of security for your home.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.
We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards. We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.
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.
We understand the importance of regularly maintaining security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.
We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.
We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information about preventing false alarms and the best practices for ensuring a fault-free alarm system.