Burglar Alarm

EN50131 Battery Calculator

by

Signal Dynamic Launches Redcare Replacement

by

Source

Signal Dynamic are excited to introduce their cutting-edge alarm signalling system, designed as a contemporary alternative to the esteemed Redcare service by BT.

The industry was taken by surprise when BT announced in February the impending shutdown of its Redcare division by August 2025. This left many in search of a new solution for alarm signalling.

Their platform serves as an essential conduit connecting residential or commercial alarm systems with Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC). Here, expert security teams are at the ready to ensure the safety of properties.

Upon activation of an intruder or fire alarm, their system promptly notifies the ARC, enabling a swift assessment to determine the authenticity of the threat. Should the danger be verified, the ARC team immediately contacts the emergency services to address the situation.

Given that insurance providers often mandate a specific standard and category of alarm signalling systems for policyholders’ properties, the diversity of product offerings in the market is crucial.

Historically, the UK’s alarm signalling sector has been led by two major entities – BT and CSL Group. With BT’s recent disclosure about Redcare, their platform is set to fill the emerging void in the market.

They are gearing up to showcase their innovative network at The Security Event at Birmingham’s NEC, confident that it will address a significant challenge currently faced by the industry and numerous customers across the nation.

Chris Byrd, their Director, commented, “

The withdrawal of BT from the alarm signalling market will have come as a shock to the industry, which is now left with the dilemma of where to go for a replacement service.

“It’s a really significant and important market. If you own a home or business, you want it to be safe and secure, and to know that, if anything does happen, you can count on an automatic and rapid response from trained professionals.

“Our platform is suitable for both residential and commercial premises, and provides an effective, robust and fully-compliant solution for intruder and fire signalling.

“At a time when the market is set to lose one of its two key players, we’re reassuring the security industry that a credible replacement is available to transition to and provide continuity.”

Their innovative network features three primary devices tailored for modern alarm signalling needs. The ‘Supervisor Core’ is crafted for single-path monitoring, catering to grades SP2-SP3+, and comes in both IP and 4G options. The ‘Supervisor Duo’ provides dual-path monitoring for grades DP2-DP3, while the ‘Supervisor Elite’ offers the highest level of dual-path monitoring at grade DP4.

These compact and discreet devices are designed for effortless installation and maintenance. With their versatile configurations and communication setups, they are perfectly suited for the most intricate intruder and fire alarm systems.

Their service extends across the UK, guaranteeing dependable alarm signalling regardless of location.

More than 95% of alarm signals reach the designated Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) in under a second, thanks to their robust and secure mobile data network.

Additionally, their network integrates seamlessly with ECHO (Electric Call Handling Operations), enhancing the speed at which ARCs can inform police control rooms about incidents.

Britannia Monitoring Services, located in Goole, East Yorkshire, is set to be among the first ARCs to embrace their network. This customer-centric ARC oversees the security of approximately 4,000 residential and commercial properties nationwide.

Leveraging their technical acumen, Britannia Monitoring Services offers invaluable support to fire and security installers, addressing any signalling queries and providing conversion support.

Steve Davies, Director of Britannia Monitoring Services, emphasizes the necessity of product variety in the market, ensuring that customers have access to multiple options.

“We’ve already heard from customers who have invested in BT Redcare and who are now looking for an alternative product. Signal Dynamic’s network offers that alternative to them.

“With a significant space set to open up in the market, after the closure of Redcare, we think Signal Dynamic is an ideal replacement.”

UK alarm signalling Guidance

by

CSL have announced new guidance following the news that BT redcare are leaving the UK signalling Market here

In light of the forthcoming discontinuation of BT Redcare’s signalling platforms, there has been a flurry of discussions throughout the industry, involving suppliers, associations, insurers, brokers, and regulatory bodies. The ensuing guidance aims to demystify the secure alarm signalling requirements, which hold particular importance for insurers and other decision-makers.

Signalling Standards – EN50136 is divided into three segments:

  • Part 1: EN50136-1 – Outlines the General Requirements for Alarm Transmission Systems (ATS)
  • Part 2: EN50136-2 – Details the Requirements for Supervised Premises Transceiver (SPT)
  • Part 3: EN50136-3 – Specifies the Requirements for Receiving Centre Transceiver (RCT)

Typically, insurers and specifiers seeking secure alarm signalling for commercial entities (and high-value residential properties) will look for solutions compliant with Category DP3 and independently certified to EN50136-1:2012 + A1:2018.

This certification ensures that the system adheres to the highest contemporary standards, verified independently. It encompasses alarm message transmission systems and offers guidelines on ATS configuration, network security, and encryption protocols.

Depending on the context—be it a domestic or commercial setting—other signalling categories like SP2 or DP2 might be suitable. Tailored solutions may also be proposed based on a thorough risk assessment. For insurance-related advice, businesses and individuals are encouraged to consult with their insurance broker or insurer, as such counsel is regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

To be certified under the systems standard EN50136-1, both the equipment and the components—RCT (EN50136-3) and SPT (EN50136-2)—must be certified collectively. Standalone certification of the SPT does not meet the requirements.

ECHO Security Burglar Alarm signalling to the Police – Secure It All (nsi-gold-approved.co.uk)

ECHO Security Burglar Alarm signalling to the Police

by

ECHO stands as a pivotal alarm transfer service, enhancing the efficiency of police responses to emergency alarms. Its fully automated electronic alarm transmission system bridges alarm receiving centres (ARCs) with police control rooms, ensuring that alarm signals are swiftly relayed upon confirmation and verification.

About – ECHO

Privately funded and established in 2019/20, the ECHO platform extends its services to all blue light entities prepared to receive transmissions. The adoption of ECHO has surged since 2021 and is projected to grow further as more police forces show interest, aligning with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) SSG standards for Intruder and Hold Up alarms. In scenarios where time is of the essence, ECHO is instrumental in expediting the response times of blue light services to emergency alarms.

Alarm systems that are subject to police response, set up by certified installers and supervised by sanctioned ARCs or monitoring centres, are integrated with ECHO as soon as the corresponding police forces are equipped. The Metropolitan Police and Essex Police were among the first to adopt ECHO connectivity in 2021. To locate a certified installer, utilize the company finders provided by the UKAS-accredited certification bodies, NSI and SSAIB.

ECHO enhances the rapidity of police interventions for Intruder and Hold-up alarms from ECHO-integrated premises. In urgent situations where time is critical, property owners and residents can rely on a swifter reaction from ECHO-affiliated emergency services, ensuring more efficient action and stronger deterrence.

ECHO establishes a direct link for Intruder and Hold-up Alarms to police response units.

Looking ahead, the potential exists to leverage ECHO technology to refine fire alarm systems, minimizing false alarms in vital facilities like care homes and hospitals. This advancement aims to bolster safety for individuals and assets, while also heightening the efficiency of emergency service deployments.

For the latest information on areas serviced by ECHO-connected police forces, visit the ECHO-connected section on the Home page.

Consult with us to determine the availability of ECHO-connected services in your region.

ECHO enhances the alarm monitoring and signaling process, providing comprehensive benefits to Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) and their partners in emergency services, fostering improved risk management and more efficient, sustainable operations.

Rapid Alarm Signaling to the Police

The ECHO hub modernizes alarm signaling to law enforcement, replacing the conventional voice call approach with a streamlined electronic system. This innovation can reduce police response times by 1 to 4 minutes.

Precise Incident Reporting

Trained call handlers are adept, yet under duress, errors can occur. ECHO mitigates the risk of human mistakes, such as miscommunication of addresses or incident details, ensuring precise and automated information transfer.

Instantaneous Event Confirmation

When ARCs signal alarm activations, the police provide an incident number for record-keeping and potential follow-ups. ECHO expedites this exchange, providing instant access to critical information, thus saving time and allowing personnel to prioritize other urgent tasks.

Enhanced Keyholder Coordination

Timely communication of keyholder information and their estimated time of arrival is crucial for first responders. ECHO is set to integrate these details into the alarm transmission process, improving coordination.

Streamlined Feedback Mechanism

Feedback on the nature of the alarm—genuine or false—is invaluable for ARCs to enhance service quality. ECHO aims to simplify the feedback loop, enabling ARCs to work with maintenance providers and property owners to minimize false alarms and optimize alarm effectiveness.

BT Redcare are closing operations

by

On 31st January 2024, BT announced that they had made the decision to close all BT Redcare operations on 1 August 2025.

Alarm installation professionals have been issued an Important Notice highlighting the necessity to transition all clients currently utilizing BT Redcare services to a different service provider promptly.

What is BT Redcare?

For over three decades, BT’s Redcare division has been a leading supplier of alarm signaling systems for residences and businesses in the UK, offering a comprehensive array of products. This includes the pioneering self-monitoring Alarm Transmission System, known as Redcare ‘Classic’, and the dual-path system, Redcare GSM.

With the impending phase-out of the Public Switched Telephone Network, numerous existing systems are set to become obsolete. Alarm installers are proactively transitioning customers to innovative products compatible with the new fiber network. BT Redcare has also developed a suite of products in anticipation of the UK’s telephone network transition to all-IP. This suite, comprising Redcare Essential, Advanced, and Advanced Extra, will be phased out starting 1st August 2025.

Choosing a replacement for your Redcare monitored alarm

The significance of alarm systems for a your insurance cannot be overstated, and consulting an insurance broker is advisable to ensure the selected replacement product matches the existing system’s performance.

The UK’s current alarm standards have introduced various single path (SP) and dual path (DP) categories for Alarm Transmission Systems. A product equivalent to the Redcare Classic or GSM would be a dual path system that satisfies the DP3 category.

A dual path Alarm Transmission System that is certified to meet BSEN 50136-1:2012 and operates at a DP3 level will be recognised as an equivalent substitute. Presently, products like CSL Dualcom Gradeshift Pro DP3.

Additionally, it is crucial that any new system is:

  • Installed by a company regulated by either the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).
  • Properly maintained under a maintenance contract by a company or installer accredited by one of the aforementioned inspectorates.

BT has informed alarm installers well in advance about the necessity of transitioning services, and alternative providers are ready to support the alarm signaling sector. Nevertheless, customers and installers should proceed without delay to prevent potential product shortages as the 1 August 2025 deadline approaches.

Alarm companies often advise customers to verify with their insurers that the proposed replacement Alarm Transmission System is approved.

Should you be affected by the discontinuation of BT Redcare services, or if you are unsure about the compliance of new systems, reaching out to us is recommended.

BT Telephone line shutdown implications for security systems

by

Openreach (the provider of telephone infrastructure in the UK) is shutting down the old telephone network and replacing it with a new All IP upgrade.

The All IP and Exchange Exit programmes (openreach.co.uk)

The UK is undergoing a significant technological shift.

Analogue to Digital Transition:
The traditional landline phone network in the UK, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), is being phased out by 2025.
The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has set out a program for phone companies to transition from the old analog copper network to an entirely digital phone system over IP (Internet Protocol) by 2025.
This transition involves upgrading landline services to new digital technology using an internet connection, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Digital Voice, or All-IP telephony.
The change aims to improve call quality, offer new features (like anonymous caller rejection and three-way calling), and ensure a more efficient and reliable communication system.
What It Means for Consumers:
For most consumers, this change will be straightforward.
If you already have an internet connection, the migration may be as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router instead of the traditional wall socket.
Telecoms companies will contact their customers ahead of the migration, so you don’t need to take any action until your provider reaches out to you directly.
Remember, nobody will lose their landline service due to this transition, and there will still be an option for a ‘landline only’ service if someone prefers not to purchase a general internet connection. The move to digital technology will enhance communication capabilities and pave the way for a more reliable and efficient phone network in the UK.
However Intruder alarms and security systems usually use legacy equipment designed for ‘copper’ pstn and not IP. It is recommended all systems are upgraded to utilise the new communication lines.

Mobile provider 3G shut off

by

The mobile service providers have announced that the 3G network will be shutoff in favour of 4G and 5G services. While this doesnt usually cause a problem for mobile handsets (as these are usually less than 3 years old) other devices using these networks are usually considerable older and not thought of to upgrade or replace. Intruder alarm signalling systems are one of these systems. If your alarm system is using 3G for its signalling it will be unable to work after the below dates

Vodafone 3G has shutdown its 3G system We’ve switched off 3G | Vodafone

EE 3G has started its shutdown We’re Switching Off Our 3G Network (ee.co.uk)

Three 3G has started its shutdown Our plans to switch off 3G | Support | Three

o2 will start its shutdown in 2025 Virgin Media O2 to begin switching off 3G in 2025 with enhanced customer experience as network evolves – Virgin Media O2

If you’re already using a newer 4G or 5G device, you shouldn’t need to do anything. Some 4G devices might still need a software or settings update to ensure its operation. Your provider will tell you if that’s the case and explain how to make the updates needed.

Fly-tipping Surveillance Cameras with Rapid Emergency Response

by

“Dynamic Flytipping Solutions: Landowners and councils require vigilant monitoring to detect flytipping incidents in real time, rather than after the fact as is common with most systems. When our system identifies an illegal dumping event in progress, we promptly notify emergency contacts for swift action to apprehend the offender. Our systems begin at £599.00 +VAT, with a monthly cost of £48 +VAT for the Lite plan. This package includes cloud recording and SIM expenses, providing an affordable flytipping alarm system.”

  • Solar-Powered Convenience: Traditional systems typically rely on rechargeable batteries, which can be cumbersome to maintain. Frequent recharging consumes valuable time and incurs costs. However, by integrating solar panels, we eliminate the need for frequent battery replacements. The sun becomes your dependable power source!
  • We make use of the dependable cloud recording system found at siacloud.co.uk. Here are the essential features to consider::
  • Storage Duration: The system archives event recordings for a maximum of 365 days or until a 10GB storage limit is reached, whichever occurs sooner. This guarantees long-term access to past data. This aspect is particularly beneficial for instances where it’s necessary to revisit previous events, regardless of the current status of the device.
  • Enhanced Security with Offsite Cloud Recording: Our system stands out by not just recording data on the local device but also securely backing it up offsite. This approach provides an additional security measure, safeguarding against potential risks like device damage, theft, or tampering. With offsite cloud storage, your recordings are protected and preserved, even if the onsite equipment is affected.
  • Efficient Access: The cloud-centric design ensures rapid access to event footage. Regardless of your location, be it on the premises or afar, you can quickly obtain the necessary recordings. This quick access is vital for examining incidents, conducting compliance audits, or keeping abreast of events. Overall, the system’s blend of prolonged data retention, secure offsite storage, and speedy access bolsters security and provides reassurance to users.

For the installation of fly-tipping detection CCTV with professional monitoring in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the Midlands, and Warwickshire, consider our services that offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.

CCTV for Farms

by

“Farm Security Solutions: Farms require effective gate monitoring for security purposes, as well as comprehensive coverage of their premises for stock monitoring. Gate surveillance is crucial to prevent trespassing and theft. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems offer both observation capabilities and alarm events.” Our systems start at £299.00 +VAT and £18 +vat pcm for the Lite plan. This includes cloud recording and SIM cost. This is our lite system giving a low cost for cctv for farms.

  • Battery-Free Convenience:
    Traditional security cameras with rechargeable batteries can be a hassle to maintain. Frequent recharging is time-consuming.
    By integrating a solar panel, you eliminate the need for frequent battery changes. The sun becomes your power source!
    No more balancing on ladders to swap batteries—just consistent, hassle-free operation.
  • Enhanced Security and Accessibility:
    Positioning cameras at elevated points (which require ladders for battery maintenance) can deter unauthorized access.
    Solar-powered cameras allow you to place them higher up, enhancing physical security.
    Plus, no more worries about nighttime power—our system includes battery backup to protect during darkness.

We utilise the robust https://siacloud.co.uk cloud recording system. Let’s break down the key points:

  • Retention Period:
    Your system stores event recordings for up to 365 days or until they reach a 10GB limit, whichever comes first. This ensures that historical data is accessible for an extended period.
    This feature is valuable for scenarios where you need to review past events, even if the device itself is no longer available.
  • Offsite Cloud Recording:
    Unlike many systems that solely record data locally on the device, offsite cloud recording adds an extra layer of security.
    By storing recordings offsite, we mitigate risks associated with device damage, theft, or tampering. Even if the physical device is compromised, your data remains intact in the cloud.
  • Fast Retrieval:
    The cloud-based approach enables swift retrieval of events. Whether you’re on-site or remote, you can access recordings promptly.
  • This responsiveness is crucial for incident investigations, compliance checks, or simply staying informed about what transpired.
    In summary, the system’s combination of extended retention, offsite storage, and efficient retrieval enhances security and peace of mind for all users.

Our system offers two monitoring options: professional monitoring or self-monitoring at reduced costs. If an AI detects an event involving a person or vehicle, you’ll receive a notification on your smartphone. With professional monitoring, we’ll also reach out to the appropriate emergency contacts.

Our systems are equipped with AI for smart detection of persons and vehicles bring forth numerous advantages:

  • Object Recognition and Tracking: Through real-time analysis of video streams, AI algorithms have the capability to identify and track distinct objects or individuals, thereby boosting the precision of surveillance.
  • Selective Anomaly Detection: Tailored to recognize only humans and vehicles, AI-powered systems effectively disregard movement from non-relevant sources such as plants, animals, and small creatures. Strategic placement of detectors is crucial for enhancing immunity to false alarms.
  • Operational Efficiency: Equipped with AI, CCTV cameras analyze situations as they happen, providing prompt responses to any incidents.
    These functionalities work together to elevate the overall security, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the surveillance setup.

CCTV for farms in herefordshire, worcestershire and the west midlands