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Monitored alarm systems in the UK are moving towards IP-based services and phasing out landline signalling.
Does that mean your alarm will stop working and become non-compliant for insurance companies? Not at all!
The alarm will continue working normally, except that you would only have to migrate the communications of the alarm to an appropriate IP channel to send the signal and get insurance coverage.
However, there is more than one way to connect to IP services such as broadband, 4G, and 5G networks.
This is where dual-path alarm signalling comes in.
Security alarm and fire alarm systems can be configured as monitored systems where, in addition to sounding an audible alarm, the alert is sent directly to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
Depending on the type of monitoring plan you have with your security company, the ARC either alerts the designated keyholders or reports the alarm activation to the police and other relevant emergency services.
Read on to find out all about single-path vs dual-path in alarm signalling and its implications for your insurance policy:
ALARM MONITORING AND SIGNALLING
Alarm monitoring is when your property is professionally and remotely monitored and managed by an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
When the alarm system’s control panel registers a threat, it triggers an alarm and automatically generates a signal that is sent to the ARC. The type of action that the ARC takes depends on the type of alarm monitoring service you opt for: keyholder monitoring or police response.
Previously, the UK relied on the age-old but highly reliant PSTN network. This network protocol used the landline to send the signal to the ARC.
However, PSTN services have been discontinued since 2025, with even the 3G network being retired.
From 2029, the 2G network will also begin to phase out, with a complete switch-off by 2033, leaving behind only the broadband, 4G, and 5G networks.
The UK is phasing out these technologies simply because they are old, not as secure, and not as reliable in sending data.
Relatively newer technologies like 4G and 5G provide better coverage, speed, reliability, and efficiency, thereby offering customers even more seamless security signalling services.
SINGLE-PATH SIGNALLING
A Single Path Alarm Transmission System or ATS uses only one communication route between the alarm system and the ARC.
There is no fallback system in between, which means the signal will be either sent through the broadband line or wirelessly through the 4G/5G network.
For example, the alarm might communicate using:
An IP/broadband connection
A cellular/mobile connection
Another single approved communications route
Single path signalling is typically suited for homeowners, and its simplicity offers reliability and lower costs.
However, as you may have already guessed, the biggest downside of this service is that it only uses one communication route to send the signal.
For example, if the broadband line is cut, then the signal may not be sent until the connection is restored.
How common is a broadband cut?
It depends on where you live, but statistically, broadband companies/ISPs have developed their infrastructure to support multiple fallbacks even if the broadband line is cut. However, if the line is cut just outside your premises, then it is likely that the signal will not be sent to the ARC.
This is why most commercial spaces and even properties in crime-prone areas avoid going the single-signal route.
DUAL-PATH SIGNALLING
Dual-path signalling, as the name suggests, is a method that employs two routes of communication.
This method combines the best of both worlds and offers broadband and wireless connection routes.
These systems typically combine an IP connection with cellular connections, offering a highly reliable and robust system that delivers all signals on time.
In the context of insurance companies, the reliability of dual-path connectivity is why NSI describes dual-path signalling as more resilient and notes that insurers generally prefer it.
Keep in mind that dual path does not simply mean that there are two SIM cards in the communication module of your alarm system.
The system uses a combination of a LAN connection and a SIM card to wirelessly transmit data.
WILL MY INSURANCE PROVIDER REQUIRE DUAL PATH?
Don’t assume anything. When it comes to insurance, the best way to cover your bases is to read the fine print in the policy.
UK insurers can specify requirements such as:
The alarm’s security grade, commonly Grade 2 or Grade 3.
The required Alarm Transmission System (ATS).
Whether the ATS must be single or dual path.
The required ATS performance/notification category.
Installation and maintenance by an approved or recognised installer.
Connection to an appropriate ARC.
We recommend that customers establish the insurer’s preferred or required ATS grade before committing to a specification. This way, you will be covered on all fronts and have the best security and insurance coverage for your property.
When the insurance policy only prefers dual path, you may be able to get away with installing a single-path alarm. However, if dual-path is a condition of the policy, then you will have to go with a dual-path alarm system.
The wording in the policy is what makes the distinction when choosing between single and dual path alarms.
WHAT ABOUT GRADE 2 AND GRADE 3 SYSTEMS?
Alarm grades and your alarm’s transmission system are related but not the same.
In the UK, guidance commonly associates:
Grade 2 with lower-risk commercial premises and higher-risk domestic applications.
Grade 3 with higher-risk domestic and many commercial applications.
There are different alarm transmission notification options and performance categories. For CSL DualCom, a signalling company complies with all the various requirements that your insurance provider may have to provide you with comprehensive transmission services (more on this below).
If all of this seems complicated to you, then you have to know that your job is not to go through the details of the alarm system.
For the best coverage and security options, you will need to hire a professional installation company like Calder Security to help you assess your alarm system, insurance requirements, and signalling solutions.
Security consultants will help you figure out the best alarm system and the transmission system for your property depending on multiple factors such as the size of the property, its location, history of break-ins, etc.
WHAT IS DUALCOM?
DualCom GPRS is an alarm signalling device from CSL DualCom Limited.
This service is not to be confused with BT Redcare, which used the now phased-out PSTN technology to relay alarm signals.
Furthermore, do not confuse the “dual” in DualCom as a service that offers only dual-path signalling. The service is designed to cater to various security needs and has multiple products in its portfolio that offer both single and dual-path signalling.
Primarily, DualCom is designed to provide dual-signal communication, as that is the flagship product of the company, but you can choose the transmission protocol depending on your requirement.
DualCom offers both the mobile network as well as your IP path to transmit the signals.
Dual signalling was developed in 1996 by CSL, and it has, since then, been at the forefront of alarm monitoring and signalling services. It ensures that if one path is tampered with or fails to work due to a fault, the other one can be relied on to carry the signal forward.
A benefit of using dual-path signalling is also that it helps distinguish between genuine emergencies and false alarms by sending constant updates to the ARC, such as those of power failures, tampering, and loss of signals, to help them make an informed decision and respond appropriately without unnecessarily dispatching emergency services.
Dual-path is best for commercial spaces or properties that require fallback options as per insurance requirements.
Some of the best features of DualCom GPRS include:
High-speed signalling on GPRS
Single or multiple signalling paths
Automatic path switching
Unique GradeShift® technology
WorldSIM access
Signalling path failure detection
No need for a dedicated telephone line or PSTN protocol
Insurance and emergency services approval
Fixed tariff and unlimited signals
Compliant with BS 5839 for fire applications
Compliant with EN 50131 for security applications
HOW DOES DUALCOM GPRS WORK?
Here are the steps DualCom uses to improve signal reliability:
The alarm system gets activated due to a security or fire threat using strategically placed sensors around the property.
The DualCom GPRS system is instantly alerted to the alarm trigger.
The system immediately transmits the alert to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) using the primary signalling path, i.e., the GPRS/mobile data network.
In case the primary signalling path fails due to problems such as signal issues or interference, the secondary signalling path automatically gets activated to transmit the signal successfully without any delay.
The signal received at the ARC is thoroughly vetted and verified to rule out any false alarms and gauge the nature and intensity of the risk.
The appropriate response is determined by professionals at the ARC, and the keyholders or emergency services are immediately contacted based on the type of alarm monitoring service.
DualCom sends regular updates to the ARC covering both system status and health diagnostics for ongoing monitoring.
DUALCOM GPRS GRADESHIFT® TECHNOLOGY
DualCom GradeShift® technology offers products that are suitable for different grades of alarms without having to change the hardware platform. In simple words, there is a singular product used for all grades: G2, G3, G4, or Fire.
The grade can be selected using remote programming via the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) or the installer of the alarm.
All grades are quick and easy to install and can easily be upgraded (or degraded) depending on your security needs, without having to install a new alarm signalling device.
DualCom G2
DualCom G2 is an EN Grade 2 dual-path signalling service designed for premises with low to medium risk. GPRS and GSM are its primary signalling paths, whereas IP wired paths (broadband) are secondary and used as backup. Its specifications include CSL Gemini polling every hour to reduce false flags.
DualCom G3
DualCom G3 is an EN Grade 3 dual-path signalling service designed for premises with medium risk and large commercial properties. GPRS and GSM are its primary signalling paths, whereas IP wired paths are secondary and used as backup. Its specifications include CSL Gemini polling every 10 minutes and priority polling.
DualCom G4
DualCom G4 is an EN Grade 4 signalling service designed for the highest risk premises and premium commercial installations.
It is compliant with EN 50131, the strictest security regulations, to ensure maximum safety, security, and insurance approval. Its specifications include CSL Gemini polling every minute, with reporting every 3 minutes, to comply with said requirements.
It also keeps a 96-hour memory log and, when combined with WorldSIM®, it significantly reduces line faults and offers the highest possible protection.
DualCom Fire
DualCom Fire sends signals to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to minimise loss of life and property during a fire.
It plays a crucial role in fire safety and can be relied on to send an instant alarm when the need for fire signalling arises, whether the property is vacant or occupied. It has a voltage range of 10 to 30 volts and is easy to install.
Priority Polling™
This feature is available on all GPRS G3 products to check the connection with the ARC to confirm it is up and running. For high-priority and high-risk alarm systems, the frequency of these checks is increased, hence the name, to minimise the detection time for issues such as signal loss, power failure, or tampering.
Gemini Call Back
This unique Call Back feature offers added peace of mind by calling the DualCom over the GSM path at no additional cost if it fails a GPRS polling call. This is done to check the status of the communication path, verify the genuineness of the alarm, and check the alarm signalling device and its authenticity.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
Confused with all the technical jargon and specification requirements? Don’t worry, we are here to take the load off your shoulders and provide you with a system that simply works.
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 of 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 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 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).
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.
Our alarm monitoring services work seamlessly with IP signalling services and offer you round-the-clock, uninterrupted monitoring of your property.
Our Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) works 24/7 to ensure you receive the maximum level of security and peace of mind, even when you are away from your property.
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.
Need help matching signalling to your insurer’s requirements? Calder Security can assess single-path vs dual-path options, DualCom setup, and what your policy actually needs. Contact us here or call 0800 612 9799 for a free assessment.
Related reading: BT Redcare closure guide · Monitored alarms without a landline · Police response for burglar alarms · PSTN switch-off checklist · Burglar alarm services
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on single-path vs dual-path alarm signalling, and which one your insurer requires.
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