Servicing your intruder alarm system is essential for ensuring your property remains secure, your alarm functions reliably, and you comply with UK security standards and insurance requirements. Without proper maintenance, you risk system failures, delayed police response, or invalidated insurance.

🛡️ WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SERVICE YOUR INTRUDER ALARM SYSTEM?

⚖️ 1. Legal and Insurance Obligations

While there is no direct legal requirement for domestic or commercial intruder alarm maintenance, most insurers and police forces require that your alarm system is:

• Regularly maintained by an approved company

• Installed and serviced to recognised standards

Failure to do so may result in:

• Insurance claims being rejected following a break-in

• Loss of police response status if the system is unreliable or generates false alarms

  
  

📘 2. Compliance with UK and British Standards

✅ BS EN 50131 Series

This set of standards governs the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of intruder and hold-up alarm systems in the UK. Key points include:

• Systems must be inspected and tested regularly

• Maintenance should be carried out by a competent, certified provider

• Alarm systems should meet the required Grade level (1 to 4) based on risk

✅ PD 6662

A key UK implementation standard that confirms your system conforms to BS EN 50131. It’s often referenced by:

• NSI (National Security Inspectorate)

• SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)

Both NSI and SSAIB certification bodies require that systems be inspected at least annually, or bi-annually for monitored systems, depending on their grading and type.

🔧 3. Ensures System Performance and Reliability

Intruder alarm systems involve sensitive electronics that can degrade over time. Servicing ensures:

• Sensors, detectors, and control panels work correctly

• Backup batteries are tested and replaced if needed

• Communication lines (e.g., to ARC or police) are operational

• False alarms are minimised through system calibration

  
  

🚔 4. Maintains Police Response (Where Applicable)

If your alarm is monitored and has police response (via a Unique Reference Number or URN), you must:

• Maintain the system in accordance with NPCC policy

• Ensure two false alarms or more within 12 months do not lead to response downgrades or loss

Only approved systems maintained to BS EN 50131 / PD 6662 standards are eligible for URNs.

💰 5. Protects Insurance Coverage

Many insurers will include clauses that:

• Require the system to be regularly maintained

• Invalidate claims if the alarm was not functional at the time of a break-in

• Offer discounts only if the system is maintained by an NSI or SSAIB-accredited provider

  
  

✅ Summary

Regular intruder alarm servicing protects your property, supports police and insurer requirements, and gives you peace of mind that your system will work when you need it most.