Looking for A Texecom Installer, Sheffield/NE Derbyshire

[dalethecaptain]

Hello to everyone on DIYnot!

I have been lurking around for years and the forum has helped me out a lot without the need to register, however I now need to get some assistance form the helpful community here.

I'm after someone to quote and install a wired security system in the Sheffield area, and to get advice on remote monitoring and response.

A recent spate of burglaries in our area and the fact that I travel a lot has prompted me to look again at security systems. I am looking to instal a Texecom Premier Elite 48 panel with wired PIR's.

The house is a two up two down terrace and was prewired with intention of going with a monitored alarm system, so there is wiring for 2 x PIR in each of the downstairs rooms, 1 x PIR at the stair head/landing, 2 x external sounders (front or rear if needed) 1 x front entry door contact, 1 x front entry external key prox, and 1 x internal alarm panel inside front door.

The main reason for choosing Texecom is its integration with management and automation systems, however I am aware that for monitored/police response this may not be permitted, I am awaiting to see what discounts my insurance company gives as to whether or not I head down this route.

I have the RS232 com modules for the integration, but would like more information on Texecom's IP based communication. The area where I live is semi industrial and does have power outs (socialist republic of Sheffield) more than a few times a year, to which end I would also like to explore GSM comms as an added layer of security.

The house has a modern heating/control system based around Crestron/BACNet and Texecom is currently the only security system that integrates reliably with this, hence the choice.

Any advice or recommendations will be much appreciated!

Many thanks in advance.

 

[sparkymarka]

Wait untill you have had the insurance quote to see if it's worth having it monitored, it will cost you quite a bit if your going down that route, if not why not install it yourself ? Look for local ssaib or nsi companies if you need it monitoring .

 

[dalethecaptain]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I was under the impression for it to mean anything for insurance companies the system had to be installed by a recognised installer, and a lot of companies (naming no names) like to flog you their own limited feature equipment only leaving you stuck should they increase the prices as they do from time to time.

The monitored route does give a 'significant' reduction in insurance on unoccupied property. Obviously, Police response etc has monthly costs and has implications on installation practices from what I understand.

I would love to have a go at installing myself, I do automation and control equipment for my day job, but as I need to rely on the system I was looking for the extra piece of mind.

 

[sparkymarka]

Yours costs are going to be install inc equipment, digi / dual com/ redcare this is per year,URN costs around £55 for intruder and £55 if you want panic aswell then your maintence per year ...get a costing from a local installer .

 

[Hoover]

Think you will be surprised that it will cost more to monitor than you would save on your insurance. Years ago a family friend was offered £40 discount on their insurance if it was maintained by nsi or ssaib company and had monitoring, and that could be saved in just a few months and isnt likely to stop you from being burgled.

The comip needs your router to be up and running, and this is unlikely unless you have backup power for this.

The gsm module can be used in a ip mode, so you just need a gprs signal. In this mode however it will not be able to send texts out.

You can install texbase/ montex but the pc its installed on has to be on all the time for it to email you.(power problem)

Your burglar would have to test your system to know it it was monitored or not, so are less likely to take the risk.

 

[dalethecaptain]

Again, thanks for the quick replies.

Without going into too much detail on an open web forum, and going by the usual comparison sites, a house like mine should be £650-730 a year to insure. Pretty much all standard home & contents insurance policies allow 60 days of absence per year. I have done this absence in one stint, hence my insurance is around £1800 per year. So £40-60 per month on a monitored alarm will knock it back to a little more than a standard policy, the only way I can reduce it in real terms.

I have considered attaching the router and server I keep in the house to a UPS to keep the IP based system up in power outages, this is a better option for all equipment concerned.

Am I correct in assuming that for a monitored alarm it will need two separate sources for signalling alarms, i.e IP based and POTS/Modem?

Its not much good to signal me via email or SMS as I'm not in the country, and my key holders also have to work, so using a response centre seems to be a viable alternative. Again, I am fishing around for best responses as I don't want to blindly walk into a plan thats does not fit my needs.

 

[sparkymarka]

Cheaper to get a house sitter ! Lol... To be honest I've worked for a nsi/ ssaib company since 1988 .. I could get free monitoring from work , but to be honest never seen the need,I've had a premier since version 1 and only ever used a pstn text untill the last couple of years since getting a cheap gsm unit, it's ok having a monitored system but even this is not guaranteed , for example your alarm goes off at 11 Friday night when the police are dealing with trouble at the pub, will they attend ? Do you have any keyholders close by ?

 

[socdesign]

Wow that's a hefty premium.

For normal domestics most insurance companies will give 5% discount for having a non-maintained working alarm and 10% discount for a maintained system.

Beware though, if you tick either option and are broken into without having set the system, the insurance company will not pay out.

My preference is the Galaxy IP over the Texecom. The current Texecom IP solution is not very secure (probably low risk for a domestic though!) - they have something else in the pipeline to replace it.

 

[Europlex]

............................ and a lot of companies (naming no names) like to flog you their own limited feature equipment only leaving you stuck should they increase the prices as they do from time to time.......................

I take exception to that statement as I'm sure other pro companies would.

 

[dalethecaptain]

Yes, the premiums are high because insurance views the property as an uninhabited dwelling, so regarding unset alarms and unlocked window catches I have become fully conversant with insurance terms and clauses over the last 15 years, in the last 5 years they have tightened up further.

Keyholders all live and work within 15 minutes of my house, again a long standing arrangement has been that I have to fill out form 1600 and something with the key holders details at the local Police Station when my wife and I are away for long periods.

If its not viable or cost effective for a monitored alarm, then having the ability to check the system status remotely is great for piece of mind. Thats all I'm looking for, by GSM or IP, makes no difference other than set up cost.

Socdesign: Sorry for the confusion, but do you mean the Honeywell Galaxy System, or the Galaxy Control Building Management system?

The Galaxy Controls 600 system I am familiar with but it is way overkill, I also looked at the Galaxy alarm systems, but integrating these to show door contacts, system status, virtual keypads and event logging requires a load of programming and testing on the Crestron side. The Texecom module for Crestron is a simple RS232 string that tags on and is very robust, and above all is a lightweight program so its reliable. Network security is not an issue for me, that end is covered.

Europlex: I take exception to being held over a barrel by the insurance companies, I am not about to pay a major alarm installer or other for more of the same. The major players flatly refuse any form of third party integration, therefore any product they offer is not suitable for my requirements, so you will forgive me for not wasting anymore time exploring that path. I am looking for a specialist installation partner.