These days When it comes to choosing a security alarm. You have got to be smart about it. And even more so if you’re buying a security system for insurance purposes. As a former security expert who has been fitting alarms for over 5 years, I’d like to think that you will trust my advice. Especially when it comes to monitored smart-alarm systems.

The Boundary intelligent security system is a new contender when it comes to smart security in the UK. Boundary Technologies is a British company that’s looked carefully at the security industry, and found areas where some companies cut corners and made sure that they haven’t. 

The Boundary Alarm does include an exterior siren. You would think that this is quite fundamental part of an alarm system but, some companies believe that an exterior siren is not necessary in 2022. I personally disagree. I believe it’s better to scare burglars away from a distance rather than let them try and break a window or door in order to find out that you have an alarm.

This Boundary siren is the first line of defence and is a powerful deterrent. Burglars know if they do trigger your alarm it that will create a scene outside of the property & they will very likely been seen by your neighbours.

To back this up Boundary also offer the option to have a level 1 police response service (Due to commence in Q2 2022). This will only be possible If you opt for the pro plan & pay for a professional install. As this is a requirement for the alarm fitting to meet standards required for a police response.

Boundary have also looked at the DIY security market & understand that quite a lot of people are tech-savvy enough to follow an instruction guide and drill a couple of holes… so for those customers, they can save a few quid by doing it themselves. In my opinion, this is game-changing because they give the option… again most well know companies won’t do this.

Disclaimer. For your alarm to hold a level one police response, it must be fitted by a Boundary professional. 

Anyway, I will walk you quickly through the setup process very quickly and show you how easy it is. Then show you the app functionality & explain why it’s probably the best one I’ve seen to date. And then I’ll tell you about my experience with the Boundary alarm.

Five MUST ASK security questions before you buy an Alarm

So that you don’t get ripped off I’m going to arm you with 5 questions that you must put an alarm monitoring company before you part with any cash.

Question 1. If I am paying an UPFRONT fee. What is the payment for?

If you’re parting with your hard-earned cash, you should probably find out what you are paying for. Beware of security sales companies that charge you an upfront fee & even increase the prices as you add more equipment. Because you might later find out later on that you didn’t, in fact, buy any equipment at all.

Some of these companies will not only ask for the equipment back if you stop paying their monitoring fee, but there’s a good chance they’ll hit you with a cancellation fee as well.

So you see, the sensible thing to do is to find out whether you are buying the equipment or just leasing it & where your money is actually going.

Question 2. Do the Installers hold NSi certification?

Some companies will pretend that installers hold the proper certificates, but actually…they don’t have any. This is an important question because a technician who doesn’t adhere to a standard could sell you a single motion sensor for a 10 bedroom mansion just to hit a sales target. The same salesperson could sell you 10 sensors for a one-bed flat just to make more commission off of you. And they can get away with this because their work is not being regulated by the Nacoss or SSAIB.

Question 3. What is the NPCC system type?

If it is a Level 1 police response that you are looking for. It is essential to check what the NPCC system type is. If it is anything other than an NPCC A system, it does not meet the standards required for a police response. Some companies can still call the police as a regular civilian, but this will not warrant a rapid response. An actual level one police response alarm trigger with the highest priority by your local police services.

Question 4. Can you provide a URN number

Only companies that are recognised & connected to the police can provide a URN number. If a companies salesperson states that their system has a police response but can’t provide a URN, that is a red flag. As the person who told you that is most likely lying to you. If you encounter a scenario like this, you should think carefully about your decision.

Question 5. Does the company, the installers & the alarm recieving center ALL hold SSAIB / NSi Nacoss certificates?

This is an important question because many companies will advertise they meet NSi Gold standards as a blanket statement. But actually, there are three NSi certificates that you need to be aware of. One for the hardware itself. One for the installers & one for Alarm receiving centre monitoring. If a company has only one, you should be careful about committing to a subscription.

The Nacoss certification for the Alarm receiving centre is essential. Especially if you have a monitored alarm that involves placing cameras & microphones in the privacy of your own home. The last thing you want is a half-naked picture of you getting out of the shower popping up on a monitor at an alarm receiving, only to discover it later going viral on Facebook.

This is why it is of the utmost importance that the security company you choose holds all three certifications. It’s up to you to ask the questions to find out.