Home security systems recommendations with full rewire

[spynage]

Hi.

A client has asked for a home security system as part of a rewire. It occured to me that I'm never installing these only ripping them out! The most I ever do is to install the RING cameras and doorbells. I told her I'm not experienced with home security systems but she's keen to work with me. What would folks recommend? I'm imagining something a bit more modern that is wifi enabled etc and can be controlled via an app. I'm not keen on running cables to all the windows and doors, maybe just room IR sensors? Any recommendations?

Cheers.

 

[pc1966]

If you are talking about CCTV then putting in Ethernet cables for PoE cameras is the best choice. No batteries to bother with, no mains power or wall-wart adaptors to go with cameras, no issues of wifi coverage or poor performance due to neighbours access points, etc. Also having some wired networking helps a lot for any other internet devices that you want a good reliable connection to, and even to having a couple of cabled wifi access points around the place to give to good uniform coverage for wireless devices.

If they are really wanting a secure alarm then best to speak to a specialist company as the likes of "BT redcare" style of police monitoring is only available to professionally installed and maintained alarm systems to keep false alarm rates down. The details of specs here are beyond my knowledge but the type of system might be important in terms of house insurance coverage, etc.

I don't know if non-wired sensors are going to be acceptable for such systems.

Yes, the issue of what the police will actually do following an alert is a debate for another day...

 

[pc1966]

If running in Ethernet cable that can go outside then weather and UV protection is an issue. You do get UV tolerant cable which is fairly easy to work with, or you can use trunking / conduit / etc to protect it. Ethernet cable is a lot more fragile than T&E so pulling through and physically protecting it against abrasion or sharp bends (which can impact on data speeds worst-case) needs a bit more care.

You can get fairly cheap (£100-250 sort of range) cable testers that will verify all 8 (4 twisted pair) conductors are good and in some cases also give you cable length estimates and some can pinpint the distance to a fault. That plus decent quality RJ45 crimp tool, is a must!

 

[Dustydazzler]

Back in the olden days we used to run in 6 core or 8 core alarm cable to the corner of each room , and we had a guy on the firm who would come in and 2nd fix for us and set up the alarm system

But Aren't 99% of domestic security systems wireless today ?

 

[spynage]

Thanks for the replies. It's a pretty small 2 storey house. I think wifi coverage would be good enough here. I agree that a battery system is not ideal. The lady had a break in a few years ago where they ransacked her house. I think she wants something that will just trigger via room IR sensors. I said she should have a smart app enabled system. Excuse my ignorance but can anyone point me in the direction of a suitable system for a small domestic property?

Cheers.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Texecom wireless system is pretty good for domestic with App on phone, probably all she needs, if you go monitored with alarm co and Police, it can get a little silly on price

 

[spynage]

Texecom wireless system is pretty good for domestic with App on phone, probably all she needs, if you go monitored with alarm co and Police, it can get a little silly on price

That looks ok to me. It says proximity tags? I suppose those are for if you want to walk around at night without triggering the alarm? Wondering if it geolocates the phone but maybe that isn't necessary?

 

[plugsandsparks]

Proximity tags usually refer to small tags you attach to your keys to arm and disarm system without having to put in any codes into keypad

 

[kropaske]

+1 for texecom, very good system from small domestics to huge commercial installation. You can go wireless with their mesh technology or wired. On the top of that they got smartcom 4g module last year for phone monitoring etc so even if power is lost you will still get notifications and be able to arm or disarm system

 

[MJPD29]

I have pyronix/hikvision at home, both cameras and alarm. Integrate well into one app too, it's been in 3 years with no issues. Found it best to stay with same manufacturer for both.

 

[FlashG1973]

Pyronix enforcer with the home app for me. I’ve used the Texecom wired alarms for years, so I would imagine their wireless kit will be quality too. Wouldn’t go past either of these two manufacturers

 

[KWCFC]

Can't go wrong with Texecom or Pyronix. Although apparently texecom have been having issues with quality control recently, so something to keep an eye.

Another one to consider is Orisec. Not used it myself but they very recently entered the industry over the past couple years and a lot of my installer friends rave about it