Monitored Burglar Alarms Overview: We walk you through the purchase process to help you get the Burlar Alarm you need.

Need to protect your business against break-ins and theft? A burglar alarm system can provide you with peace of mind and enhanced security.

Then you can choose to speak with one of our Purchasing Advisors who can walk you through the process and handle any issues or questions that arise. Our Advisors provide these services and more:

• Verify your information and give an overview of the purchasing process
• Provide purchasing tips and send buyer's guides
• Provide supplier profiles and ratings
• Mediate issues with suppliers

Like access control systems, burglar alarms have several components:

• Control panel. The brains of the setup – and it's not usually the keypad that you see. This central station monitors all of your sensors and communicates with the central monitoring station in the event of an incident, the same as a fire alarm system.
• Keypads. Used for arming and disarming the system, as well as other setup and control options. Having multiple keypads is a must if employees enter through more than one door.
• Sensors. There are many different kinds of sensors you can put in place to detect intruders, but there are two very common types. Magnetic contacts are cheap and reliable, and are used to tell when doors or windows are opened. Motion detectors use either infrared or microwaves to sense activity. Other types of sensors include pressure-sensitive switches and acoustic glassbreak detectors. Depending on your exact security needs, the dealer you work with should be able to describe the best combination of sensors for you.
• Alarms. Your burglar alarm may or may not have audible and visible trouble indicators. Most of the time this is a loud horn or siren designed to both drive intruders away and attract attention to your building.

Who's manning the phones?

No matter what combination of sensors and keypads your alarm system uses, the most important single aspect of the whole setup is the monitoring service you use.

When your alarm is tripped, it sends a signal to the monitoring service. An operator there will then call a pre-set phone number to ask if there's trouble. If they don't get the designated contact, or if that person can't confirm that everything is under control, the monitoring service will call the police to respond to a break in.

These monitoring services have round-the-clock coverage and can respond to trouble calls in just seconds. It's worth taking the time to interview them on the phone and ask about their training policies, response times, and experience – don't just take the word of the hardware salesperson.

Also make sure you get an alarm system that can be used with multiple providers: don't get locked into using one monitoring service because your control panel is proprietary.

Wired or wireless?

As with access control systems, you'll need to consider whether you'll want a wired or wireless system. Both have advantages: wireless can be easier to install, but in most cases you'll need professional installation for the locks and scanning devices no matter how the system is connected. Typically, wireless systems are more expensive, but price differences have fallen in recent years.

Security beyond an alarm

Do keep in mind that a burglar alarm is the just one step in a chain of security precautions that every business should take. Basic improvements like upgraded locks and windows, along with well-lit parking lots and entryways, can dramatically decrease your chances of falling victim to a break-in. Taking care to lock up expensive and portable items like LCD projectors and notebook computers can help reduce the damages if there is a break-in.

Ready to start talking to monitored burglar alarm system dealers? Submit a free request for quote and we'll connect you with the best suppliers in your area.

Free Burglar Alarm Price Quote