Keep your house safe

What is a home security system?

A home security system is made up of interconnected electronic components that work together to detect and respond to potential threats. When triggered, these components feed information to a central control box, which can sound an internal or external alarm — or a silent alert if the system is professionally monitored. You can also receive instant notifications directly to your mobile phone, or have a security company alerted on your behalf.

Typical components include:

• Security cameras
• Motion sensors
• Entry sensors (Magnetic reed switches)
• Glass breakage sensor
• Siren
• Keypad
• Key fob
• Panic button
• Base station
• Smoke detectors
• Security system signage

What is the difference between back-to-base monitoring and self-monitoring?

Back-to-base monitoring is a professional service offered by a security company. Self-monitoring uses your existing alarm system to send notifications to your mobile phone for you to respond to directly.

What is a DIY security system?

A DIY security system is one that you purchase and install yourself, without the help of a professional. While this approach gives you full control over your setup, every component — sensors, cameras, keypads and more — will need to be correctly installed and tested by you.

A self-installed system is certainly better than having no protection at all. However, whether you go DIY or use a professional installer, you'll still need to consider factors like monthly monitoring fees, and how you'll manage arming, disarming, and any false alarms.

What are the advantages of having a home security system?

There are many advantages to having a security system, beyond the obvious one of keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Some further benefits are:

• Protecting your household and valuables
• Deterring crime
• Allowing remote access to your home
• Lowering your home insurance premiums
• Being notified of smoke or fires
• Having peace of mind

I don't have a home phone line; can I still get back-to-base monitoring?

Yes. A phone line is not necessary. Phone lines or NBN do not provide a stable form of connection, which is required for back to base monitoring. We use a secure independent system with a fallback system that does not rely on phone lines. This ensures the system is not affected by a single point of failure. For more info see our FAQ's

Wired or Wireless?

A wired security system is cabled from each sensor back to the intruder alarm control box and has a battery backup if the power is disconnected. A wireless security system relies on batteries (which need to be recharged or replaced regularly), to communicate with the intruder alarm control box. Wireless systems usually take less time to install but are more expensive for the sensors. They can however save you time and money on cabling when cabling is difficult or uneconomical. Wireless systems are more costly to operate due to the ongoing battery replacement required. Their batteries can sometimes go flat at an inconvenient time, e.g., when you are on holiday. Therefore, a wired system is preferable whenever possible.