How it works
An alarm consists of a control panel, detectors and sirens. Detectors report doors and windows opening (magnetic contacts), movement (PIR detectors react to body heat), breaking glass, smoke or flooding. The control panel decides whether it is a real alarm, sets off the siren and sends a message.
Who comes
- Phone notification: you learn about the alarm and decide yourself what to do next.
- Alarm receiving centre (PCO): a security company watches the signals around the clock and sends a response team.
- Combining it with cameras helps confirm whether the alarm is real.
What to watch out for
- Choose the security grade under EN 50131 according to the risk of the building.
- Wireless detectors are reliable and encrypted today, but the batteries need replacing.
- In Slovakia, installing alarms for other people requires a licence under the Private Security Act. Beware of unverified installers.