APE Fire & Security Highlights The Benefits Of Upgrading The Existing Fire And Security System

For property owners looking to further protect their home or business or for anyone with an intruder alarm system, one of the easiest and quickest things that they can do is to upgrade the existing system.

They may decide to upgrade the system by replacing the old system completely or by adding different elements to the existing system, in order to update it.

The need to upgrade the security system

There are many reasons why someone may want to upgrade their current fire or security system. For many people, their systems may just be old and need an update.

Smoke detectors need to be replaced at least every 10 years for them to comply with British Standards. But intruder alarm panels, access control and CCTV systems or parts can get dated and may not work efficiently sooner.

Smart apps - popular upgrade option

An extremely popular upgrade option is smart apps, which can connect to the entire security system

An extremely popular upgrade option is smart apps, which can connect to the entire security system and is able to control it from a smartphone. For many people, this is a convenient feature and is worth the upgrade. With these systems, users can set, unset and view footage from their smartphone.

Additionally, technology is always moving and developing. Even in 5 years there can be a huge difference in camera quality and capability.

IPCCTV and advanced CCTV technology

CCTV technology is constantly advancing and is one of the most popular things that property owners install, when upgrading a system.

IPCCTV is a new type of CCTV technology that allows footage and control of the cameras over the smart apps, over the internet. These cameras have increasingly good quality, of up to 5 mps, which means they are incredibly useful for number plate and facial recognition.

Upgrading the security on the existing system

Depending on the level of security that the alarm system already provides, users will determine what direction to take, when upgrading their system.

If an intruder alarm system is already installed on the property, a super simple step to up the security levels is to switch to a monitored system. A monitored system is where a security company will oversee the alarm and respond, when it goes off. This means that the system is looked after, even in the absence of property owners.

Easy integration of access control, CCTV and intruder alarm

Access control and CCTV can be integrated easily to an existing intruder alarm system

If a monitored alarm system is already deployed, why not think about additional features that could be added to the alarm system. Access control and CCTV can be integrated easily to an existing intruder alarm system, in order to increase the security of the property.

Additionally, smart apps mean that users can control the entire system from their smartphone, from wherever they are. Features of these apps include remote access of the system and push notifications can be turned on and off, as per the need.

Choosing a monitored alarm

For many people, a standard intruder alarm may be fine. The alarm sounds and someone either in the building or nearby will respond to the alarm going off, by calling the police. But for those who are not in the building or house, and an intruder isn’t put off by the sound of the alarm, then an impact of an intruder alarm is limited.

This is where monitoring comes in. A monitored alarm, when it goes off, sends a signal directly to a monitoring station, which is manned round the clock.

Property owners can choose what happens from there. Most often the monitoring center will contact a keyholder first, which will be nominated by the owner. And then, the police can be contacted.

How to upgrade the security system?

Old or outdated systems can be updated or modified dependent on the desired system requirements. With all systems, it depends on the age of the panels that have been installed, as to whether there is a need to have the system fully upgraded or just some components need to be replaced.

Desired security level and features of the fire or security system can also affect the upgrade of system

The desired security level and features of the fire or security system can also affect the upgrade of the entire system.

Smart Home Apps are a very new thing in the security industry and are very useful in keeping the premises secure and protected at all times. With full control of the intruder alarm, access control and CCTV systems, all from the smartphone, can have benefits in both – residential properties and businesses.

Multiple benefits of updating the current security system

There are many benefits of updating the current security system as well. It can potential be cheaper to upgrade the existing system, rather than having an entirely new system installed that can be quite expensive.

Property owners may also find that not all of the components of the home or commercial security system installed needs upgrading and it can also be quicker as old cabling could be used, if compatible with the new system, which can save engineers lots of time.

Adding extra features to the security system

Adding new elements to the existing security system can be quick and easy. Access control, intruder alarms and CCTV can all be integrated easily, in order to improve the security system massively. APE Fire & Security’s range of Smart apps also allows property owners to control all their fire and security systems from one single app conveniently.