Top 5 Signs Your Burglar Alarm Needs Repairing

Burglar alarms are a great investment for all property owners – residential, commercial, as well as industrial – in keeping their properties safe and protected from threats such as burglaries, break-ins, intrusions, and vandalism. Not only are they one of the best deterrents for criminals but also help immensely with rapid response during security emergencies.

There are many types of burglar alarms available in the market today. They can be tailored according to your specific security needs to provide optimal safety and protection to your home and business. There is no one-alarm-fits-all solution when it comes to protecting your property as each property has a unique set of security needs.

One thing, however, that is common among all types of burglar alarms is their need to be regularly maintained. Like all electrical equipment, burglar alarms tend to wear out over time and can show signs of faults and issues.

A faulty burglar alarm can be a serious security vulnerability that can put you and your property at risk. Therefore, it is crucial that you stay on top of your game and ensure that your burglar alarm keeps working in optimal conditions throughout its lifetime.

At times, your burglar alarm can show signs that indicate the need for repairs. Knowing what these signs are and how to respond to them can be extremely helpful in minimising system vulnerabilities and ensuring the alarm remains reliable and effective.

Read on to find out more about the top 5 signs your burglar alarm needs repairing, the risk of having a faulty burglar alarm, the importance of a well-maintained burglar alarm, and determining when the system needs to be repaired or replaced:

FAULTY BURGLAR ALARMS

A burglar alarm is a type of security system that serves to detect unauthorised entry into a building or a certain area within it. It does this by using a combination of sensors that pick up any unusual activity and sound an alarm to send out an audible, and oftentimes visual alert.

The main components of a burglar alarm include:

• The control panel – the brain of the system integrated with all the other components.
• Sensors – devices used to detect intrusions and sound an alarm.
• Keypad – the main interface used for arming and disarming the alarm.
• Sounder – the audible sound that the alarm makes when it is triggered.
• Battery – the primary or backup power source for the system and its components.

Some of the most common types of sensors the alarm system uses are motion detectors, door/window sensors, and glass-break detectors. These sensors are strategically placed in high-risk areas including all the entrances and exit points, and areas with valuable items, equipment, inventory, or data.

Burglar alarms discretely monitor your property, drawing attention only when something unusual happens. They are straightforward security systems that don’t require much to function effectively – until they malfunction or stop working.

In such situations, it is important to take immediate action to repair them and fix any issues that may affect the system’s performance. Faulty burglar alarms are unreliable and may leave your property vulnerable to theft, break-ins, intrusions, and vandalism.

It is important to look out for any signs that may indicate a faulty system as they are generally early signs of bigger issues. The longer you wait to address the problems, the bigger they will become. Delaying repairs may not just result in costlier fixes but also compromise your property’s security.

TOP 5 BURGLAR ALARM REPAIR SIGNS

When a burglar alarm needs repairs or maintenance, it will show a few warning signs that indicate its failing health. These warning signs must not be ignored, and remedial action must be taken as soon as possible. Waiting for the system to completely stop working can put your property at risk and make it a lucrative target for opportunistic burglars.

Here are the top 5 signs your burglar alarm needs repairing:

Sign 1: Constant Beeping

A burglar alarm that is constantly beeping is not just a nuisance but also an indicator of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If the control panel on your burglar alarm is continuously beeping or flashing, it may mean one (or more) of the following:

• Low battery warning
• Faulty detector
• Communication failure
• Tamper alert

Sign 2: System Not Arming/Disarming

Arming a burglar alarm means activating it to monitor any unusual activity and security breaches. When armed, all the components of the system are on high alert and ready to respond to any unauthorised presence. Disarming a burglar alarm, on the other hand, refers to deactivating it, such as when authorised individuals enter the area, and you do not want the alarm to get triggered by their presence.

Both arming and disarming are important features of a burglar alarm system that must always be working properly. Problems with arming the system may leave the property unmonitored and unprotected, and problems with disarming may cause frequent false alarms causing inconveniences as well as unnecessary responses from law enforcement.

Issues with arming and disarming the system are generally caused by one (or more) of the following reasons:

• Software glitch
• Keypad issue
• Communication error between components

Sign 3: Battery Issues

Some components of a burglar alarm system are dependent on battery power to work properly. These include wireless sensors, keypads, and control panels using backup power. Like all electrical components, the batteries will degrade over time and directly affect the performance of the burglar alarm system.

If you get low battery warnings, are constantly replacing the battery, or are losing power during an outage, all these are signs to get the system checked. An unpredictable battery makes for an unreliable burglar alarm system as it can stop working at any time and leave your property vulnerable in terms of security.

Sign 4: Sensors Not Responding

Sensors are an integral part of a burglar alarm system as they are responsible for detecting any unusual or unauthorised activity and triggering the alarm as a response. Any issues with the sensors can result in them not being able to function as they should and, in the worst-case scenario, result in an intrusion gone undetected.

Having a burglar alarm system installed on your property and not being able to pick up on intrusions is the last thing you would want since it would render the alarm system utterly useless. Unresponsive sensors need to be repaired immediately and are often the result of one (or more) of the following reasons:

• Misaligned sensors
• Damage
• Interference
• Door or window left open or unlocked
• Environmental conditions (temperature, dust, dirt)

Sign 5: Unexpected Alarm Triggers

Unexpected alarm triggers are usually due to false alarms, but that is not always the case. They can also be the result of a fault within the alarm system and a serious issue that requires immediate repairs and attention.

These unexpected alarm activations are not just a nuisance, but they can cause issues such as desensitisation to actual alarm triggers and an unnecessary load on the system components. You may also be charged a hefty fine if emergency services are dispatched repeatedly due to the false alarm triggers as it wastes both their time and valuable resources.

Some common reasons for unexpected alarm triggers include:

• Damaged wiring and circuits
• Interference and obstructions in the sensors
• Pets setting off the alarm
• Software issues

WHY DO BURGLAR ALARMS DEVELOP FAULTS & HOW TO FIX THEM?

Burglar alarms can develop different types of faults that can adversely affect their performance and reliability during an emergency. What causes these faults, though? And how can they be fixed? Let’s find out.

Here are some of the most common reasons for burglar alarms developing faults and showing signs of damage and deterioration:

• Age of the equipment – burglar alarms are electrical devices with several electrical components including sensors, keypads, and control panels. Like all electrical systems, they are prone to deterioration over time, regardless of how advanced and state-of-the-art the system is. Even the best burglar alarm systems have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, after which they may start to show signs of faults.
• Improper installation – often you will find that the reason for your burglar alarm developing faults is improper installation. This can happen if your system was installed by an untrained individual having inadequate knowledge about the security system, resulting in issues such as poor wiring and misaligned sensors.
• Lack of maintenance – having your burglar alarm professionally installed by a certified security specialist is only one part of ensuring a reliable system. The other half is regular maintenance. A lack of maintenance is one of the biggest reasons for burglar alarms deteriorating prematurely and not being able to perform as they should.

BURGLAR ALARM REPAIRS

If you notice any warning signs in your burglar alarm that may indicate the need for repairs, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issues. These include restarting the system, cleaning the sensors, and changing the batteries. If that doesn’t do the trick, that’s your cue to drop the DIY hat and call in the professionals.

A professional understands the system from the inside out and is skilled in working with all the components. They can get to the root of the problem without wasting any time and get your burglar alarm up and running in top-notch condition.

Professional burglar alarm repairs include fixing the issue at hand, running a full system diagnostic to test all the components, and catching any potential issues that may cause issues down the line.

In addition to that, a professional security system expert can also replace any parts that need replacement and offer upgrades by adding new components for an even better-performing burglar alarm than before.

Repair Vs. Replace

Determining whether your burglar alarm needs to be repaired or replaced is an important decision that needs to be carefully considered. It depends on several factors and requires you to assess the current state of your burglar alarm system including its age, its performance, and component reliability. Whether there have been any recent security breaches and tampering attempts also plays a huge role in the repair vs. replace decision.

While repairing your burglar alarm has many benefits such as cost savings, quick fixes, and an extended lifespan of the current components, it may not always be the best option. If your burglar alarm is more than 10 years old and does not respond to repairs and fixes, it may be time to replace it with a newer, more advanced burglar alarm system with better features and functionality.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BURGLAR ALARM FAULT-FREE

Here are a few tips to keep your burglar alarms working fault-free for the entirety of their lifespan:

1. Having a professional service install your system can significantly reduce the risk of faults and issues since they are experts in the field and know what they are doing.
2. Go for reliable brands that offer guarantees and product warranties to ensure reliability and performance.
3. Opt for a feature-rich alarm system for a higher level of control over how it operates.
4. Consider pet-friendly alarm systems for homes with pets to avoid accidental triggers.
5. Training users on how to use the system, including how to arm/disarm the alarm and troubleshoot simple issues.
6. Clean the burglar alarm regularly and protect it from extreme heat, moisture, and other environmental conditions.
7. Keep the sensors free from any obstructions, position them strategically, and regularly clean them to keep dust, dirt, and those pesky spiders away.
8. Schedule an annual service by a professional to check the health of the system and detect any potential issues before they become a problem.

BURGLAR ALARM MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

Many security companies, including Calder Security, offer maintenance contracts to their customers along with providing regular maintenance and service checks. A maintenance contract is a contract between the security company and the burglar alarm owner which states the duration of the contract, the price, and other details.

Opting for a maintenance contract ensures that your burglar alarm system will be taken care of by professionals, leaving you both carefree and at ease. The contract puts your system on top priority with the security company, with any unexpected issues responded to at the earliest.

The benefits of a maintenance contract include:

• A professionally maintained burglar alarm system
• 24-hour coverage
• Reduced call-out and labour charges
• Reduction in insurance premiums

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of burglar alarm services with professional installation, monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.

We have been in the security industry for over 40 years and have extensive knowledge about all kinds of burglar alarm systems. Our experts can also recommend the best system suited for your domestic and commercial security needs.

We are SSAIB-approved installers and all of our burglar alarm installations are carried out by qualified, experienced engineers that 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 have both wired and wireless systems and can also advise you on the best option for your property. Our expert installers guide and train users before leaving the site, making sure they are comfortable with the system and understand how it works.

We understand the importance of having to regularly maintain 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, reminders, and contracts 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 on faulty burglar alarms, top signs that your burglar alarm needs repairing, and tips on how to keep them working reliably and efficiently for longer.

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