A guide to choosing, specifying and installing the right intruder alarm for your business — from small offices to large commercial sites.
Commercial alarm systems operate in a fundamentally different environment: multiple entry points, large open areas, high-value equipment, regular false alarm risks from staff movement, and insurance requirements that specify minimum standards. A domestic alarm is not sufficient and often invalidates commercial insurance.
Alarm grades indicate the level of criminal threat the system is designed to resist. Grade 2 covers opportunist intruders — appropriate for most SME offices. Grade 3 covers determined attackers with specialist knowledge — required for financial services, pharmacies, jewellers and high-value stock environments. Your insurer will specify which grade is required.
An unmonitored alarm sounds a siren and relies on someone nearby calling the police. A monitored alarm connects to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) staffed 24/7, which verifies the alert and contacts police or keyholders. For businesses without round-the-clock staff, monitored alarms are strongly recommended. Police response is also faster for verified activations.
A properly specified commercial system includes: a central control panel (the brain), passive infrared (PIR) detectors in each room, door and window contacts on all access points, a tamper-proof external sounder, a backup battery (minimum 8 hours), and keypad or proximity fob entry. Larger premises add CCTV integration and access control.
Wired systems use physical cable runs to every detector — more reliable, harder to jam, preferred for new builds and full refits. Wireless systems use encrypted radio signals — faster to install, less disruptive, ideal for listed buildings or retrofits. Modern wireless systems (Ajax, Texecom Premier Elite Wireless) are as reliable as wired alternatives for most applications.
When choosing an alarm installer, check they are certified by NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board). These certifications are required for police response and most commercial insurance policies. Telexico holds the relevant certifications for all commercial alarm installations.
Most commercial insurers require a minimum alarm standard as a condition of cover. Failure to maintain or test your alarm, or installing a non-compliant system, can invalidate your policy entirely. Always share your insurance requirements with your installer before specification.
Modern systems integrate seamlessly: when an alarm triggers, CCTV cameras in that zone start recording and send clips to your phone. Access control logs who entered and when. This integration dramatically reduces false alarm costs and provides evidence that insurers and police can act on.