Why Use an SSAIB Approved Company?

Can I trust the security company's employees in my home?

All personnel within SSAIB approved companies undergo security screening in accordance with British Standard 7858.

Will the company I select meet my expectations for workmanship and service?

SSAIB only approves companies that can demonstrate both technical and managerial competence, and these companies are subject to regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance.

How quickly can I expect a response if there is an issue with my alarm?

All SSAIB approved companies that install intruder alarms are required to provide a 24-hour call-out service and must respond to emergencies within 4 hours. Companies that have installed CCTV or Access Control systems, the response time is expected to be within 24 hours.

What will I receive upon the installation of an intruder alarm?

A Certificate of Compliance will be provided to you from a company accredited by SSAIB.

After having an alarm installed, will I have further contact with the installer?

Customers with a monitored alarm will be presented with a maintenance contract through SSAIB further offering peace of mind your property will be protected.

If my alarm is monitored, will the monitoring service comply with SSAIB standards?

When your alarm is installed by an SSAIB approved installer, the monitoring will be conducted by an SSAIB accredited Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). ARCs are staffed around the clock and are designed with high security and resilience, featuring air-locked environments and independent power sources to ensure continuous monitoring of your alarm signals. SSAIB mandates that approved alarm installers use ARCs that fulfil all SSAIB criteria, guaranteeing that SSAIB standards are upheld in your home security. For detailed information, please consult us for terms and conditions. SSAIB’s certification for ARCs is unparalleled in the industry and requires strict compliance with SSAIB’s approval standards. These standards encompass BS EN ISO 9001, an internationally recognised quality management system, a tailored SSAIB Quality Schedule, and all relevant industry standards and codes of practice applicable to ARCs.

How will my maintenance and monitoring contract be established?

Your maintenance and monitoring agreement will encompass ARC services coordinated by GMSE. The ARC service may be provided by the same company that installed your alarm or, more commonly, by an approved subcontracted specialist ARC provider. You have the choice to select a different ARC service if you wish. However, in that case, you would need to manage the monitoring contract independently. Should you choose this route, the monitoring service provider will likely require proof that your alarm system is adequately maintained to avoid false alarms.

What should I consider when reviewing my maintenance contract?

GMSE provides various maintenance packages, some of which may include call-out charges while others do not, typically excluding replacement parts and equipment. It is essential to thoroughly examine the terms and conditions of the maintenance contract and the options available.

How dependable is the signalling to the monitoring centre?

GMSE Fire & Security can present you with several alarm transmission systems (ATS) to relay alarm and fault signals to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). 'Dual path' signalling is more dependable than 'single path' signalling, and insurers often favour it due to the reduced likelihood of simultaneous failures. We can clarify the different options available to you. Typically, dual path ATS solutions come with an all-inclusive package for data transmission, eliminating individual call charges on a pay-as-you-go basis. A standard dual path system consists of a cable connection to the Internet Protocol (IP) and a radio connection to the mobile network. Various technologies are available; for instance, the cable connection may support serial, fast format, or Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) communications. Likewise, the radio connection could use GSM (cellular technology) or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) transmissions. Some radio solutions are linked to a single provider, while others may feature a roaming SIM to connect to the most available service.

What is the Grade of the ATS (alarm transmission system), and why does it matter?

Higher-graded ATSs ensure that any faults are reported to the ARC more swiftly. While you may have a Grade 2 alarm system, you have the option to select a Grade 2 ATS or opt for a Grade 3 or 4 ATS.

What is the simplest solution I might consider?

A straightforward option involves utilising a digital communicator connected via radio connection. This communicator initiates calls to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), including additional attempts if the initial connection fails. It also performs a daily test call to the ARC to ensure proper functionality. The charges for these individual calls will be reflected on your telephone bill. If the ARC employs a premium rate number for data reception, which could increase your expenses, your installer is obligated to notify you in writing as part of the contractual agreement.

If there is a signalling fault, how would I be informed?

Any ATS path faults will be reported to the ARC, which will then communicate the information to you directly or through GMSE. We can provide further clarification on this matter.

My alarm system is equipped with a backup power battery. What is its lifespan, and how will I know when it needs replacement to ensure my premises remain secure?

Although some manufacturers suggest that batteries may have extended lifespans, various environmental factors, such as temperature at your location and conditions prior to installation, can significantly affect battery longevity. Many installers opt to replace batteries after a specified duration, typically around 3 to 4 years, to reduce the risk of a battery failure affecting the alarm system's performance. We usually test the batteries during routine maintenance visits and will replace them sooner if necessary. Costs for replacement batteries, like other parts, may be billed in addition to your maintenance contract.

I’ve been informed that the traditional telephone line service to my location will soon be phased out and replaced with IP (Internet Protocol) voice services over broadband. How will this affect my alarm system, and what steps should I take?

National initiative is currently in progress to transition all services from PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) to IP voice services by 2027, which may affect your alarm system during the upgrade of your line. As with any modifications to telephone or broadband services, it is essential to reach out to GMSE prior to the upgrade to determine if your alarm system needs any adjustments or reprogramming to ensure it remains compatible with the new IP network.

Will I receive a discount on my home insurance if I have a burglar alarm?

It is recommended to consult with your insurance provider, as policies can vary significantly between companies. However, many insurers do offer discounts for alarms installed by SSAIB-approved companies. SSAIB conducts thorough and regular audits of its approved companies, ensuring high standards for you.

How can I obtain police response?

To secure police response in the UK, you must engage the services of a company that is approved as an installer and maintainer of intruder and hold-up alarm systems. Companies with SSAIB approval utilise SSAIB-approved ARCs (Alarm Receiving Centres) to provide round-the-clock monitoring and notify the appropriate police authority when a security breach is suspected at an alarmed property, whether residential or commercial. SSAIB approval assures you of the reliability of the alarm system's maintenance and the continuous monitoring process.