Beginners guide to UK burglar alarms for homes and flats

Je welcome vous to a practical, friendly beginner’s guide to UK burglar alarms for houses and flats. I’ll walk vous through the core choices — wired vs wireless, the role of PIR sensors, what monitored alarms offer, and how to keep false alarms to a minimum. Expect clear advice, concrete examples and tips you can use when choosing or upgrading a system.

Wired vs Wireless Alarms: clear pros and cons for homes and flats

How wired systems work and when they suit you

Wired systems connect sensors, detectors and the control panel with physical cabling. They tend to be reliable, low-maintenance and harder for intruders to tamper with. For many houses, especially larger properties or new builds, a wired alarm offers stable performance and long-term value. Installation can be disruptive and more costly because of the cabling work, so for rented flats or listed properties wiring may be impractical.

How wireless systems work and when they’re better

Wireless alarms use radio signals between sensors and the hub. They’re easy to install, can be fitted quickly with minimal damage and are ideal for tenants or heritage buildings. Battery-powered sensors allow flexible placement. Downsides include the need to monitor battery life, potential interference in dense blocks of flats, and slightly higher purchase costs for equivalent features.

Understanding PIR sensors and smart placement

What a PIR sensor does

A PIR (passive infrared) sensor detects motion by sensing heat changes from a moving body. It’s the most common motion detector in domestic alarms because it balances sensitivity and affordability. PIRs are best used to monitor corridors, living rooms and stairwells where movement is expected only when the property is occupied or when an intruder is present.

Best placement and pet-friendly choices

Mount PIRs at around 2–2.5 metres, angled to cover the room while avoiding direct sunlight and heating sources that trigger false activations. If vous have pets, choose pet-immune PIRs (they ignore small animals up to a specified weight) or position sensors to avoid low zones. Use complementary sensors — door contacts, glass-break detectors or magnetic contacts — to reduce blind spots.

Monitored alarms vs self-monitoring: what you should expect

What professional monitoring offers

A monitored alarm sends alerts to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) which verifies and escalates incidents. In the UK, many homeowners value monitored systems because they offer 24/7 oversight, verified alarm procedures and options for police or keyholder call-outs. Costs include a subscription, but the increased assurance and faster reaction can be worthwhile, especially for vulnerable households.

Self-monitoring and app-based systems

Self-monitored systems alert vous via smartphone notifications or sirens. They’re cheaper and give direct control — vous decide if an event is a genuine intrusion. Modern smart systems include cameras, temporary arm/disarm codes and integration with voice assistants. However, response depends entirely on vous reacting to notifications; delayed responses can reduce effectiveness.

False alarms: causes and realistic reduction strategies

Common triggers for false alarms

False alarms often stem from user error (wrong arming mode), poorly placed sensors (drafts, pets, heaters), low batteries or faulty devices. In flats, building works, cleaning staff or delivery couriers can also trigger sensors. Repeated false alarms may affect police response policies; many UK forces prioritise verified activations.

Practical steps to reduce false alarms

• Configure zoning correctly so you can arm downstairs or perimeter-only when someone is home.

• Regularly test devices and replace batteries before they run low.

• Use verified alarms (camera or two-source verification) when police response is critical.

• Train household members on arming/disarming routines and give visitors temporary codes.

• Choose the right sensor type for each location: glass-break for large windows, magnetic contacts for doors, PIRs for open areas.

• Keep firmware and app software up to date to prevent communication glitches.

Key takeaways (quick checklist)

• Decide between wired (stable, long-term) and wireless (flexible, easy install) based on property type.
• Use PIR sensors intelligently: good mounting, pet-friendly models if needed.
• Consider a monitored ARC service for continuous protection; self-monitoring suits confident, tech-savvy users.
• Reduce false alarms with proper zoning, maintenance and verified alarm features.
• Think about insurance discounts and police response policy when choosing monitoring levels.

Final overview: choosing the right alarm for your UK home

Je hope this guide helps vous weigh options clearly. For a house with renovation plans, a wired system may be sensible; for a flat or rented property, a quality wireless kit often wins. Combine PIRs with door/window contacts, pick monitoring that fits your lifestyle and budget, and prioritise correct installation and regular maintenance to keep false alarms low. With the right choices, vous get reassurance, practical protection and a system that fits your daily life.

For practical supplier guides and technical details on UK alarm installations, monitoring options and typical installer services, see redvalecommunications.co.uk — a useful resource to compare specifications and monitoring approaches.