Your alarm questions: answered

Our access control solutions are ideal for:

• Offices and commercial buildings
• Warehouses and distribution centres
• Retail premises
• Healthcare facilities
• Schools and colleges
• Multi-tenant properties

We install intruder alarms in:

• Offices
• Retail stores
• Warehouses & distribution centres
• Industrial units
• Schools & healthcare facilities
• Construction sites

No matter the size or industry, we can tailor a system to suit your security requirements.

We provide:

• Bells-only alarms
• Monitored alarm systems (with keyholder or police response)
• Wireless, wired, or hybrid systems
• Smart alarms with mobile app control
• Integrated systems with CCTV or access control

A monitored system sends alerts to a 24/7 alarm receiving centre (ARC) when triggered. The ARC can then notify your nominated keyholders or request a police response, depending on your setup.

Yes. As an NSI approved company we offer police response systems that meet required standards. Your alarm must be professionally installed, maintained, and have confirmed activations to qualify.

When the alarm is triggered, our monitoring centre will contact your chosen keyholders to attend the site. This is a common option for businesses that prefer to handle incidents internally.

Yes. With our mobile app integration, you can:

• Arm/disarm the system
• Check alarm history
• Receive real-time alerts
• Monitor multiple sites in one app

Yes. Our experienced engineers will carry out a full risk assessment, install the system to industry standards, and train your team on how to use it. We ensure minimal disruption to your operations.

We recommend at least one maintenance visit per year, or twice annually for high-risk or police-monitored systems. This ensures your alarm remains reliable and compliant with your insurance or police registration.

Our maintenance plans include:

• Full system inspection and testing
• Battery and signal strength checks
• Remote monitoring test
• Mobile app updates and support

Yes. We offer fast-response support and repairs, with priority service for customers on maintenance contracts. We also offer 24/7 technical support for monitored systems.

Yes. Our systems are installed to NSI standards, meeting the requirements of most commercial insurers. We can provide certification and documentation where required.

Yes. We ensure any monitoring data or user access is handled securely and in accordance with data protection regulations. We’ll help you stay compliant with all legal obligations.

Yes. An alarm acts as both a deterrent and a first line of defence against break-ins, theft, or vandalism. It can also lower your insurance premiums and give you peace of mind.

We provide:

• Wired and wireless systems
• Audible-only alarms
• Monitored alarms (with keyholder or police response)
• Smart alarms with mobile app integration

Our pet-friendly motion sensors are designed to ignore small animals, reducing the chances of false alarms in pet-friendly homes or offices.

Yes. Our systems can be accessed via a mobile app, allowing you to arm, disarm, and check your system status from anywhere.

Monitored systems connect to a 24/7 monitoring centre and can alert keyholders or the police.

Unmonitored systems sound an alarm locally but rely on someone nearby to take action.

Once triggered, your system sends a signal to our monitoring centre.

Depending on your setup, we will contact your keyholders and/or dispatch police if a verified break-in is detected.

Yes, we offer police response monitoring for both residential and commercial properties—subject to system compliance and registration with the relevant authorities.

Bells-only system require servicing every 12 months. Police monitored systems require servicing every 6 months.

Our service includes:

• Full system inspection
• Battery checks/replacements
• Testing connections to monitoring stations
• Ensuring app connectivity
• Compliance checks for police response systems

Contact Arc Alarms for a free no obligation quote to adopt your intruder alarm system.

Look out for:

• Frequent false alarms
• Low battery warnings
• Difficulty arming/disarming
• Lost app or monitoring connection

Yes, we offer responsive emergency repair services, with priority callouts for customers on maintenance contracts.

Yes. To retain eligibility for police response, your alarm system must be professionally maintained and meet national security standards.

Some systems will display basic fault notifications through the app, but a professional service visit is still recommended to catch deeper system issues.

CCTV helps protect your business from theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. It also improves staff safety, helps monitor daily operations, and can be crucial for resolving disputes or providing evidence in investigations.

All kinds—from retail stores, offices, and warehouses to construction sites, schools, restaurants, and multi-site operations. Whether you need to monitor a shop floor, car park, or restricted area, CCTV is a key part of any commercial security strategy.

Commercial systems are typically:

• More robust and scalable
• Designed for larger areas and multiple cameras
• Integrated with advanced features like remote access, analytics, and motion detection
• Built to comply with data protection laws and industry regulations

This depends on the size, layout, and security needs of your premises. Common areas include entrances, exits, car parks, loading bays, tills, stockrooms, and staff-only areas. We offer site surveys and custom designs to ensure full coverage.

Yes. All of our commercial CCTV systems can be accessed via a secure mobile app or online dashboard, allowing you to view live footage and playback recordings anytime, from anywhere.

Absolutely. We supply HD and 4K cameras with:

• Infrared or colour night vision
• Wide-angle lenses
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) functionality
• Weatherproof and vandal-resistant housings

Yes. We can integrate your CCTV with:

• Intruder alarms
• Access control systems
• Remote monitoring services

This gives you a fully connected and centralised security solution.

Yes. Motion-triggered alerts can be sent directly to your mobile or control centre. Some systems also support smart analytics like people counting, loitering detection, or facial recognition.

Yes. We offer 24/7 professional monitoring services where trained staff review alerts and take action, such as contacting a keyholder or dispatching police.

Yes. You must:

• Inform people via signage
• Justify the use of surveillance
• Securely store and manage the footage
• Comply with GDPR and data protection laws

We can guide you through setup and help ensure your system is fully compliant.

We supply and install:

• Wired and wireless systems
• IP (network) cameras with high-definition quality
• Remote-viewing systems via mobile app or desktop
• Day/night cameras with infrared or colour night vision
• Indoor and weatherproof outdoor cameras

Yes, our CCTV systems can be connected to a mobile app or secure online platform, allowing you to view live footage and play back recordings anytime, from anywhere.

Storage time depends on the system setup and hard drive size, but footage is typically stored from 30 days. We can tailor storage options based on your needs.

Yes, we offer full professional installation for both homes and businesses, ensuring cameras are positioned correctly for maximum coverage and effectiveness.

Absolutely. Many of our systems can be integrated with your intruder alarm for enhanced security, and viewed all in one app or control panel.

This depends on the size and layout of your property. We offer free consultations to design a system that fits your specific needs.

Yes. We provide cameras with infrared night vision and white light colour technology, ensuring clear footage even in complete darkness.

There are no monthly fees for standard CCTV systems. If you opt for cloud storage, remote monitoring, or maintenance plans, these may come with ongoing costs—always clearly explained upfront.

We provide repair and replacement services. If you have a maintenance contract with us, you’ll receive priority support and reduced call-out rates.

If you’re using CCTV in a public-facing or commercial setting, you must follow data protection laws (e.g., informing people via signage, handling footage responsibly). We can advise on staying compliant during setup.

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, almost all commercial premises must have an appropriate fire detection and warning system in place. The type of system required depends on your building use, layout, and risk assessment.

We supply and install:

• Conventional fire alarms (ideal for smaller or low-risk properties)
• Addressable fire alarms (for larger or complex buildings)
• Wireless systems (for flexible installations or heritage buildings)
• Aspiration and smoke detection systems
• Integrated fire alarms with access control, alarms, and monitoring

Yes. We offer full fire alarm system design, installation, and commissioning in accordance with BS 5839. Every system is tailored to your premises and industry-specific needs.

Absolutely. Whether your current system is outdated, non-compliant, or no longer fit for purpose, we can assess, upgrade, or fully replace it to meet current fire safety standards.

It depends on the size and complexity of the site, but we work efficiently to minimise disruption to your business. We’ll provide a clear timeline during the consultation process.

Yes. Our systems can be connected to a 24/7 monitoring centre, alerting keyholders or the fire brigade in the event of an activation—particularly important for out-of-hours protection.

Your fire alarm system should be inspected and maintained at least twice a year, as per BS 5839-1:2017. Regular maintenance ensures your system remains reliable, compliant, and covered by insurance.

Our maintenance plans include:

• Full system testing and inspection
• Battery and device checks
• Sounder, detector, and control panel verification
• Logbook updates and compliance reporting
• Priority repairs and call-out discounts

We offer fast-response repair services. If your system goes into fault mode or triggers a false alarm, we can remotely diagnose issues or dispatch an engineer promptly to resolve it.

Yes. Our systems are installed to British Standards and are accepted by insurance  providers. We provide all necessary certificates of design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

Yes. We can integrate your fire alarm with:

• Intruder alarms
• CCTV systems
• Access control systems
• Building management systems (BMS) This ensures a fully coordinated response in the event of an emergency.

All systems are installed to BS 5839 standards by fully trained engineers. We are registered with recognised industry bodies NSI and provide full documentation to meet regulatory and insurance requirements.

Battery smoke alarms are better than nothing, but they don’t offer the reliability or coverage of a professionally installed fire alarm system. Mains-powered alarms with backup batteries and interlinked detectors ensure a faster, more reliable response—especially if you’re asleep or in another part of the house.

We offer:

• Conventional systems for small to medium homes
• Interlinked smoke and heat detectors across multiple rooms and floors
• Smart fire alarms that connect to a mobile app
• Specialist systems for larger properties or homes with vulnerable occupants

We’ll carry out a home survey to recommend the right setup for your property and lifestyle.

Yes. Our professional installers will fit and fully test the system, explain how it works, and ensure everything meets current safety regulations.

As a minimum, detectors should be placed:

• In hallways and landings
• In living areas and bedrooms
• In kitchens (heat detectors, not smoke detectors)

We’ll ensure correct placement to maximise coverage and comply with building and fire safety standards.

Yes. We offer smart fire alarm systems that can send alerts to your smartphone, even when you’re away from home—ideal for peace of mind during holidays or work hours.

Yes. While many home detectors require minimal maintenance, regular checks and occasional servicing ensure the system stays reliable. We recommend an annual service for peace of mind.

Our Service includes:

• Testing of all smoke and heat detectors
• Battery and mains power checks
• Signal and sounder testing
• Cleaning of sensors to prevent false alarms
• Expert advice on any system upgrades

Frequent false alarms could be caused by dust, steam, faulty sensors, or incorrect placement. Contact us and we’ll quickly diagnose and resolve the issue to keep your home safe and hassle-free.

Yes. All our installations comply with BS 5839 Part 6, the British Standard for fire detection in domestic properties. We’ll ensure your system meets all necessary safety requirements.

Yes. We provide landlord-compliant fire alarm systems for HMOs and rental homes, including interlinked detectors and documentation for local authority approval.

Yes, we can integrate your fire alarm with:

• Burglar alarms
• CCTV systems
• Home automation systems

This gives you a complete, connected safety setup.

When your alarm is triggered, the fogging unit activates and releases a thick, white fog in seconds. This fog obscures vision completely, making it nearly impossible for an intruder to navigate, steal, or vandalise anything.

Security fogging is ideal for:

Retail stores (especially high-value goods like electronics or jewellery)

• Warehouses and distribution centres
• Pharmacies and healthcare facilities
• Offices and data centres
• Homes with luxury or high-value items

No. The fog is non-toxic, non-staining, and safe for people, pets, and electronics. It leaves no residue and dissipates naturally after a short time.

Yes. Our fogging systems can be fully integrated with your existing intruder alarm system and activated automatically upon confirmed alarm triggers. Manual activation options are also available.

Typically, fogging systems are designed to activate when a property is unoccupied (e.g., during break-ins). However, in some high-risk scenarios, they can be triggered by trained staff during a live threat or robbery, depending on the setup.

Yes. Our professional team will design, install, and test your fogging system to ensure maximum coverage and reliable performance. We also provide training on system use and safety.

Yes. Like all security equipment, fogging systems benefit from periodic checks to ensure pressure levels, nozzle integrity, and readiness. We offer maintenance plans to keep your system in top condition.

The fog fluid is stored in a sealed cartridge or tank and only needs replacement after activation or expiry (usually 3–5 years if unused). We’ll handle this as part of routine maintenance or after deployment.

Yes. Security fogging is proven to be one of the most effective deterrents. Once visibility drops to zero, intruders typically flee within seconds, unable to find their way or locate valuables.

In many cases, yes. Insurers recognise fogging systems as a proactive security measure and may offer reduced premiums or require them for high-value stock protection. We can assist with providing compliance documents.

The fog typically lasts 30–60 minutes depending on ventilation. It dissipates naturally, and your premises can be safely re-entered once it clears.

Yes. We can carry out controlled tests as part of installation or maintenance visits, allowing you to see how the system performs without risk or mess.

These systems can be installed along fences, walls, gates, driveways, or open areas such as gardens, yards, or industrial compounds. We customise every installation based on the layout of your site and specific security needs.

Yes. Our infrared beams are designed to perform reliably in various weather conditions, including rain, fog, and snow. We only use professional-grade equipment that is weather-resistant and built for long-term outdoor use.

Absolutely. Our perimeter protection systems can be integrated with intruder alarms, CCTV, lighting, and mobile monitoring apps—creating a comprehensive, layered approach to your site’s security.

Our beam systems can be calibrated to reduce false alarms caused by small animals or environmental movement. We’ll tailor the settings based on your location to ensure reliable performance without unnecessary alerts.

This depends on the model used, but most beams can cover distances from 20 to over 100 metres. For larger sites, multiple sets can be installed and linked to cover the required area.

Yes—while commonly used on commercial and industrial sites, IR beams are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance security around gardens, driveways, or outbuildings.

Our systems are tamper-resistant and include features that alert you if someone attempts to block, move, or disable the beam units.

Proper lighting:

• Deters potential criminals
• Increases visibility for CCTV systems
• Helps staff or residents feel safer
• Reduces the risk of trips, falls, or other accidents
• Can be set up to activate automatically when motion is detected

Yes. Security lighting complements other security systems. It can improve the quality of CCTV footage at night and discourage suspicious activity before an alarm or camera is triggered.

Yes. We install security lighting for:

• Residential homes, gardens, and driveways
• Offices, warehouses, and car parks
• Retail stores, schools, and public buildings
• Construction sites and gated areas

Each system is tailored to the unique layout and security needs of the property.

We supply and install:

• Motion-activated lighting
• High-powered floodlights
• LED lighting for energy efficiency
• Integrated lighting with CCTV and alarm systems

Yes. We offer lighting systems that:

• Work on timers
• Can be controlled via mobile apps or smart home systems
• Integrate with your intruder alarm or access control system

We carry out professional installation with minimal disruption. We’ll assess your property, recommend the best placements, and complete the work safely and efficiently.

Absolutely. Security lighting can be added to your existing alarm or CCTV system to enhance coverage and effectiveness.

Yes. Most of our systems use low-energy LED lighting which is long-lasting and cost-effective. Motion-activated and dusk-to-dawn settings also reduce unnecessary usage.

We provide fast repair and replacement services