1) Question: What is an Alarm zone and how many do I need?

A zone in alarm terminology is basically a slot on the control panel for a sensor. An alarm with 8 zones can handle up to 8 detectors – whether they are PIRs or reed switches or smoke detectors.

One detector corresponds to one zone.

If you have 8 zones and have used only 3 sensors so far, you have the option of adding another 5.

The sensors are assigned to zones and when a sensor is triggering the system informs you which zone a sensor has been triggered.

Getting an alarm panel with 16 zones is pointless if you’re only going to use 5 of those zones. 

2) Question: What is a PIR, and how many PIR do I need?

A PIR is a sensor that is used to detect movement. They are commonly used in burglar alarms.

A pet sensitive PIR is a PIR that has some added technology that can tell the difference between a small movement (generally a pet) and a human.

The detector allows a pet to move freely within a house but will be triggered if a large movement (like that generated by a human) is detected.

We find that most average single storey homes need 3 sensors. These go into the common areas of a house where an intruder would likely visit if they were breaking in.

The sensors would likely go:

·           somewhere facing the entry

·           a hallway or kitchen

·           a back room

If your home is very large, you may need 5 or 6 sensors.

3) Question: what is different between BOSCH 2000 and BOSCH 3000?

The Bosch Solution 2000 is a 4-8 zone alarm system. The Bosch Solution 3000 is an 8-16 zone alarm system. If you get more than 8 sensors, we will automatically upgrade you to the Bosch 3000.

They allow unique addons such as the ethernet module which allows you to arm / disarm your alarm via remote or your smartphone (android and iOS only).

Bosch 2000 cannot connect wireless detector. Bosch 3000 can connect to wireless detector via receiver B810. 

4) Question: Do I need a Wired or Wireless Alarm System?

A wired system is one where all the sensors are connected to the control panel with wires. The cables are usually run through the roof, so you won’t be able to see them.

Benefits of a wired system: never have to change the battery, more stable, more affordable.

A wireless system is one where the sensors rely mostly on batteries. Most wireless sensor has a detecting distance of about 50 meters in Open area.

Benefits of a wireless system: allows sensor access to areas which are usually not possible, especially for double / triple storey homes or homes with no roof access.

If your home in Single storey with roof access, we will recommend a wired system.

If your home has no roof access OR it’s a double/triple store and your home isn’t prewired, then we recommend a wireless / mixed system.

5) Question: What servicing do I have to do to my alarm system?

With wired alarm systems, the backup battery will need to be replaced when it is unable to hold its charge. This is generally once every 5 years. The alarm will let you know when you hear a beeping sound coming from the control panel.

With wireless systems, you would have to change the battery of the sensors every few years (normally 2 years). The sensor will generally let you know when battery runs low. We can also assist you with this.

6) Question: How loud is my alarm?

Our Bosch alarms are around 100 – 110 decibels. This is louder than a chain saw or a car horn at 5 meters away.

110 dB is as loud as a rock-n-roll band. The siren emits a high frequency oscillating siren intolerable to the human ear.

It does a great job at forcing a burglar to have to leave. 

7) Question: What do I need to do if I want to add more parts to my current alarm system,
such as more PIR, keypad, IP module or wireless receiver?

You need to have installer code on hand to program your new devices into old system.

If you don’t know the installer code for your alarm system, you need to contact us or find a qualified professional installer to re-set your alarm system to factory default setting, then re-programming the whole system.

8) Question: Can I use both wired PIR and wireless PIR for my alarm system?

Yes. We call this Mixed system. If you have a double/triple storey home and your home has no existing wiring or cabling in place, then we recommend a Mixed system which allows your mix wired and wireless devices. 

9) Question: I have an old alarm system with no brand.
Can I add new Bosch/Ness/Hills parts on it?

For hardwired devices are ok. Hardwired devices do not require to match the brand. However, wireless devices of different brands cannot be mixed.

10) What happens when my Alarm goes off?

With most alarms when an alarm is triggered will make a deafening sound for around 5- 10 minutes. This is a rule set by the state government to reduce noise pollution from false alarms. The blue light will keep flashing until you disarm the system.

The alarm will arm again and if broken into again, will sound for another 5-10 minutes.

If you have a phone line and choose the “Alarm connection to phone line” upgrade for a Bosch alarm, we can program it so that it rings up to three numbers when an alarm is triggered. When the call is picked up, it will make a siren noise to let you know the alarm has been triggered. This is the most popular option.

You may choose to call your neighbor or family / friends to check up on your property.

If you choose to add Back to base monitoring, then an alarm monitoring center will call your mobiles to let you know. They may then send out a security car to check up on the property for a fee.

If the alarm you’ve chosen is not a Bosch, please ask us what happens if you’re not sure.

We also have systems that can:

·       send SMS to you

·       ping your iPhone

11) Question: Can you set up the system according to customer’s requests?

Yes, we can set up password, dial number and disable unused channels for customers for free. If customers think it is difficult to hook up the parts, we can prewire it with short wires.

However, prewiring requires extra charge. After customers receive the products, please take some pictures of the wiring in case you forget the connection when replace the short wires with long wires while doing installation by yourself.