Safe and sound

Our interview with Tony Morgan this month (pages 20-21) shows just how natural it is for entrepreneurial electrical contracting firms to add a security division to their group. In Morgan’s case, Wessex Fire and Security has blossomed from the buds of Wessex Electrical to become a core part of the business. However, for every one that takes the plunge there is another that gives the security industry a wide berth.

Perhaps barriers such as the need to set up a 24-hour response team if entering into the alarms market are stopping electrical firms from branching out into the security arena. Others may cite the need for NACOSS/NSI approvals and the associated costs of that as another factor that puts them off.

A new wire-free security and home management system from Elite Security Products (ESP) called Infinite addresses these issues and comes up with a solution. After installing the system, set up an account with ESP’s dedicated 24-hour monitoring service and they will ensure an immediate response to an alarm event. Peace of mind for the homeowner. But the best bit is the ongoing revenue for you the installer. A typical charge to the consumer for such a service is £10/month. ESP takes around half of that for providing the service; the remainder goes to the installer. Sounds like easy money to me. And there is no need to be NACOSS/NSI-approved.

The reason that 24-hour monitoring is taking off is that unfortunately an alarm siren no longer seems to have the desired effect of summoning assistance. On receiving a signal from Infinite, the monitoring service will automatically be made aware of previously recorded user information such as addresses, phone numbers, details of nominated keyholders and so on.

The system has a built-in, two-way listen-in system that kicks in after an alarm event to confirm the alarm status and communicate, if appropriate, with the user. During listen-in, the occupants will be asked to provide a previously advised password to confirm their identity; an alternative password can be supplied which signals that the homeowner is under duress.

If no password can be obtained, the monitoring service will then contact the three nominated keyholders, usually neighbours or relatives, or a professional keyholder service.

For those householders that don’t want the 24-hour monitoring service, self-monitoring can still be carried out. The system can be easily programmed to dial up three numbers after an alarm event or upon manual request from the user. When a call is received, the person answering can enter a pre-agreed code that opens up the two-way speech communication via the panel’s on-board speaker and microphone – particularly useful if the system is used as an emergency contact mechanism for the elderly or infirm.

The system is an easy-to-install, 32 zone, wire-free intruder alarm. Not only that; Infinite also offers an optional home automation module embracing x-10 technology. Up to 16 devices around the home such as lamps, sockets and switches can be controlled. An x-10 receiver between the appliance plug and its socket allows Infinite to talk directly to the appliance via the 240 V ring main. A further module allows the home automation to be carried out by mobile phone connection. Maybe it is time to look at the security market.