5 Signs Your Alarm System is Outdated (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

1) Still on a landline (PSTN)

Panels that report over copper are increasingly unreliable as services migrate to IP/cellular.

• Risk: communication can drop without notice; events never reach monitoring.
• Fix: add a 4G/5G communicator or IP module; place the router/panel on UPS; test event delivery.

2) No mobile app control

Modern panels support arming, status, and push notifications on your phone.

• Risk: you can’t act in real time if you don’t see the alert.
• Fix: upgrade to an app-enabled panel/communicator; enable notifications and event logs.

3) No integration with CCTV or smart devices

Old alarms operate in isolation; today they should “talk” to cameras, lighting, doorbells, and smart locks.

• Risk: reaction without evidence or deterrence.
• Fix: link alarm triggers to camera clips, switch on lighting, and control locks for containment.

4) No firmware updates or end-of-support

Unsupported panels accumulate known vulnerabilities and bypass methods.

• Risk: more ways to defeat the system.
• Fix: choose current models with OTA updates; schedule maintenance windows for upgrades.

5) Frequent false alarms

Often caused by ageing sensors, poor zoning/sensitivity, or stale programming.

• Risk: “alarm fatigue” — real events get ignored.
• Fix: use dual-tech PIR in tough areas, validate with door/window contacts, tidy entry/exit logic.

A. Connectivity & alerts

• Trigger a test alarm: confirm local siren and push/SMS/call/monitoring event.
• Simulate failure: pull internet and mains — check battery and secondary path take over.

B. Sensors & zones

• Run a walk-test for every sensor; verify each trips on the panel.
• Remove false-alarm drivers: pets, warm air drafts, drapes, reflective glass.

C. Log & access

• Review the event log: arm/disarm, tampers, faults, “silent” zones.
• Rotate user codes; remove generic/shared codes; set correct user roles.

1) Add a communicator

Retrofit a 4G/5G or IP module with an app. Keep existing wiring/sensors; gain push alerts and redundancy.

• Pros: fast, budget-friendly; Cons: old panel limits remain.

2) Replace the panel “core”

New control panel + keypad/sirens; reuse good sensors. Modern logic, app, and reporting.

• Pros: future-proof; Cons: more labour; zone re-mapping.

3) Integrate with CCTV & smart devices

Tie alarm events to camera clips, lighting scenes, intercoms, and smart locks.

• Pros: stronger deterrence + evidence; Cons: requires compatibility and careful tuning.

4) 24/7 professional monitoring

Send events to a licensed monitoring centre for verification and escalation.

• Pros: faster response, audit trail; Cons: monthly fee.

Targeting

• Use dual-tech PIR where drafts or glass cause issues.
• Pair motion with contact or glass-break for two-factor triggers.

Logic

• Set realistic entry/exit times and routes; remove “long detours”.
• Require two distinct events at night (e.g., motion + door) for external calls.

Video verification

• Attach pre/post alarm clips from key cameras to each event.
• Use line-crossing/zones outdoors instead of basic motion.

Power & redundancy

• Test batteries yearly (panel and sirens); replace when capacity drops.
• Always run dual paths: IP and cellular.

Monthly

• Send a test event; quick walk-test for priority sensors.
• Scan the log for faults/tampers and “quiet” zones.

Quarterly

• Sounder test (internal/external); clean sensors and housings.
• Review video clips against alarms; refine analytics zones.

Annually

• Firmware updates; battery capacity test; scenario refresh.
• Audit integrations: locks, lighting, intercom, cameras.