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Home > Private Security Authority
Private Security Authority
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Choosing the right intruder alarm system is an important task. In this
leaflet we hope to inform you of some of the issues you should consider
when you decide to install such a system. |
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At the outset
You are obliged by law to use the services of an installer, who is
licensed by the Private Security Authority (PSA), where you are paying
for the installation, upgrade, repair or maintenance of an Intruder
Alarm System. Check our website (http://www.psa.gov.ie) under "Licence
Holders Register" to see a current list of licensed installers. |
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Why opt for a licensed installer?
All licensed installers are experienced experts who, as a normal part of
the licensing process, have been vetted by the Gardaí and are subject to
ongoing regulation by the PSA. Licensed installers have demonstrated
their competence in achieving compliance with the applicable European
standard setting out how the intruder alarm system is installed. This
standard obligates the installer to issue you with two copies of a
"certificate of conformance" - one for yourself and perhaps the second
can be passed to your insurance company if you are seeking a discount on
your insurance premium.
Licensed installers have also proven their competence in the day-to-day
management of their business by independent auditing and assessment to
the relevant Irish standard that lays down requirements for the proper
running of the business.
Your chosen installers should be in a position to show you their PSA
Licence. If he or she can't produce one then don't hire them.
A PSA licensed installer brings with them an assurance of quality,
reliability and an expertise and experience that you can rely on. |
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Unlicensed installers and you?
Unlicensed installers are committing a criminal offence and the PSA has
convicted several installers and companies. Where the services of an
unlicensed installer are engaged both the unlicensed installer and the
client are liable for criminal prosecution with penalties of fines
and/or imprisonment. |
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What alarm system do I choose ?
There are a number of types of intruder alarm systems on the market,
each having different characteristics. Your local licensed installer
will be happy to go through the options available.
Your installer will undertake a security survey of your premises,
evaluate where your property's security can be strengthened and select
the most appropriate technology to safeguard your premises.
Types of systems include those with a warning bell only or systems that
signal to a telephone number nominated by the householder when the alarm
is triggered.
DIY systems are also available but expert knowledge and competence is
required when these are chosen. Where there is any doubt on your part
regarding your expertise to install an alarm system yourself the best
option is to seek the services of a licensed installer. DIY systems
installed by unlicensed persons lacking the required expertise and
experience are more likely to be prone to false alarms. The reassurance
of expertise comes with a licensed installer which will mean less
problems and better support service. In addition the PSA cannot help
where a problem arises in relation to a DIY system installed by a
person.
Your licensed installer is the best person to explain the differences
between each system including the costs variations that will arise. |
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I want to be sure that someone will respond quickly to my intruder alarm
when I'm away. What are my options?
You might consider using a PSA licensed company to monitor your alarm on
your behalf thus allowing you to have the reassurance that a dedicated
service will respond to an alarm being set off at a time when you cannot
respond, e.g. an alarm that's set off when you are on holidays.
Your licensed installer will explain the advantages of a fully monitored
intruder alarm system where notification of a triggered alarm is passed
to the Gardaí for response.
Only companies licensed by the PSA can provide monitoring services and
your licensed installer can provide further details.
Where a monitored intruder alarm system is installed you should be given
the name, address and contact number of the licensed monitoring station
or centre. |
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Anything else I should know before I have the alarm installed?
A list of licensed intruder alarm installers are available on the PSA
website or you can get the list from your local Garda Station. Discuss
with your installer their assessment of the risks associated with your
property. Consider whether or not, because of the risk assessed and your
particular needs and circumstances, a fully monitored system is what you
need.
It is recommended that you get quotes from a number of licensed
installers and carefully consider their risk assessments of your
property. Look at what you want the alarm system to do, what benefits it
has and how much it will cost before making your decision,
Before choosing, review the relevant contract you may be asked to sign
for the installation and, possibly, maintenance. Where a monitored
system is chosen, you may also be required to enter into a separate
contract for the monitoring service as not all licensed installers
provide this service directly to their customers.
Once you know the installer holds a current PSA Licence appropriate to
the work, you can be reassured that someone with proven expertise will
be helping to keep you and your property safe.
What happens when the licensed installer hands over the system to you?
Once installed your licensed installer should provide an "as-fitted"
document to you. This document is your guarantee that the system does
what you want it to do, does what the licensed installer has told you it
will do and includes any agreed changes made to the system while it was
being installed.
You should also receive full operating instructions for the system.
Finally, you should receive a formal "Certificate of Compliance". Your
insurer may look for a copy of this document. Keep copies of all
documents you are given. You might need them in the future. |
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What about maintenance?
All alarm systems should be properly maintained in order to keep the
system in full working order. Your licensed installer should outline the
specific areas of the system that will be maintained as part of their
preventative maintenance programme. Should you decide to enter into a
contract or agreement for maintenance you may wish to engage the
services of the licensed installer who carried out the installation or
you can opt for another licensed installer to carry out the maintenance
after the system has been installed and handed over to you. |
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