CCTV records what happened. An intrusion alarm reacts the moment something happens — sounding a siren and alerting you on your phone so you can act immediately. For homes that are often locked and for shops after hours, the two work best together.
Components of an intrusion alarm
- Control panel — the hub that arms/disarms the system and triggers alerts.
- Door/window (magnetic) contacts — detect when an opening is breached.
- PIR motion sensors — detect movement inside a room.
- Glass-break, vibration and shutter sensors — common for shops and showrooms.
- Siren — indoor and outdoor sirens to scare intruders and alert neighbours.
- Keypad, remote or app — to arm and disarm the system.
Wired vs wireless alarms
| Wired | Wireless | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Cabling to every sensor | Quick, minimal wiring |
| Best for | New construction, large sites | Existing homes, shops, rented spaces |
| Maintenance | Very low | Periodic sensor battery changes |
| Expansion | Needs new cabling | Add sensors easily |
How you get alerted
Modern panels connect over Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a GSM/4G SIM and send app notifications, SMS or calls when an alarm is triggered. A SIM-based panel keeps working even if the intruder cuts the internet line.
Pair your alarm with CCTV
When an alarm triggers, the first thing you want to do is check what's happening. With CCTV on your phone, you can verify the event in seconds and decide whether to call the police — avoiding panic over false alarms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pets set off motion sensors?
Pet-immune PIR sensors are available that ignore small animals below a set weight, so pets can move freely while the system is armed.
Will the alarm work during a power cut?
Yes. Alarm panels have a built-in backup battery, and wireless sensors run on their own batteries.
Can I arm and disarm the alarm from my phone?
Most modern alarm systems include a mobile app to arm, disarm and receive alerts from anywhere.
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