Security system types, explained plainly
What each type of system actually is, the parts it is built from, what it suits, what it will not do, and the alternative worth considering instead. Written so you can decide what you need before anyone quotes you for it.
01634 944161All 81 guides
- BarhamBarham guide to monitored alarm systemsAn intruder alarm whose activations are passed to a monitoring centre over a signalling path, so a response can be arranged rather than relying on somebody nearby hearing the siren. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a veterinary practice.
- BorstalWireless Alarm Systems in Borstal, explainedAn intruder alarm where detectors communicate with the panel by supervised radio rather than cable, so a device that stops reporting is flagged as a fault. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a restaurant.
- CharltonHybrid Alarm Systems: what they do, and what they do not, in CharltonOne alarm system combining hard-wired devices where cable is practical with wireless devices where it is not, managed from a single panel. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a industrial unit.
- CroydonIs a graded alarm system right for your Croydon property?An intruder alarm designed and documented to one of the security grades set out in the European alarm standards, where the grade reflects the level of intruder knowledge and tooling the system is designed to resist. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a church.
- EynsfordEynsford guide to IP CCTV systemsA camera system in which each camera is a network device streaming digital video over structured cabling to a network video recorder, powered over the same cable. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a pharmacy.
- GroombridgeHd Over Coax Cctv in Groombridge, explainedA camera system that carries high-definition analogue video over the existing coaxial cable, letting an older installation be upgraded without pulling new cable. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a garden centre.
- HorsmondenAnpr Camera Systems: what they do, and what they do not, in HorsmondenA camera set up specifically to read vehicle number plates, using a tight field of view, correct angle and fast shutter, with software that turns the plate into searchable text. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a beauty clinic.
- LeeIs a colour night-vision camera system right for your Lee property?Cameras with large-aperture lenses and highly sensitive sensors, usually paired with a warm supplementary light, that hold full colour in low light instead of switching to infrared monochrome. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a MOT garage.
- Mark CrossMark Cross guide to active deterrent CCTVCameras that respond to detection rather than only recording it, typically a spoken warning, a strobe or a light triggered when someone enters a defined area outside permitted hours. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a plant hire depot.
- PemburyRemote Monitored Cctv in Pembury, explainedA camera system connected to a monitoring centre where detections are reviewed by an operator who can issue a talk-down or escalate, instead of alerts landing on your phone. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a cold store.
- RusthallFob Access Control: what they do, and what they do not, in RusthallDoor control where each person carries a credential that is recognised individually, so access can be granted, restricted by time, or withdrawn without changing any locks. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a engineering workshop.
- SouthboroughIs a door entry intercom right for your Southborough property?A system letting an occupant identify and speak to a caller and release the entrance door remotely, with audio only or with video. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a estate agents' branch.
- TenterdenTenterden guide to keypad and code entry systemsDoor control using a numeric code rather than a physical credential, on a standalone keypad or as part of a networked system. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a GP surgery.
- WaldersladeMobile Credential Access in Walderslade, explainedAccess control where the credential is issued to a phone, so permissions can be granted and withdrawn remotely without handing over hardware. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a village hall.
- Abbey WoodBusiness Wifi Networks: what they do, and what they do not, in Abbey WoodA designed wireless network using multiple access points on a managed controller, with separate networks for staff, guests and devices, rather than a single router covering as much as it can. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a caravan park.
- BethersdenIs a mesh WiFi system right for your Bethersden property?Multiple wireless nodes that cooperate as one network, relaying traffic between themselves where cable to each node is impractical. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a angling lake.
- BroadstairsBroadstairs guide to point-to-point wireless linksA dedicated wireless bridge between two buildings with line of sight, carrying a network connection where cable cannot be run. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a container yard.
- CliffeNetwork Cabling in Cliffe, explainedPermanent data cabling installed to a recognised layout, terminating at a patch panel in a cabinet, so devices, access points and cameras all have a tested, documented connection. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a museum.
- DoverCctv Maintenance Contracts: what they do, and what they do not, in DoverA scheduled programme of inspection, cleaning, testing and reporting on an installed camera system, so faults are found before footage is needed rather than after. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a care home.
- FrindsburyIs a alarm service and takeover right for your Frindsbury property?Inspecting, testing and documenting an existing intruder alarm, including systems installed by another company, and bringing it under a maintenance arrangement with the access details handed to the owner. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a convenience store.
- HeadcornHeadcorn guide to wired alarm systemsAn intruder alarm where every detector and sounder connects to the control panel by cable, giving a fixed and highly stable communication path between devices. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a farm.
- Joydens WoodDual Path Signalling in Joydens Wood, explainedA monitoring signal arrangement that sends alarm events to the monitoring centre over two independent routes, typically broadband and the mobile network, so the loss of one does not silence reporting. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a pub.
- LooseApp Controlled Alarms: what they do, and what they do not, in LooseAn intruder alarm that can be armed, disarmed and reviewed from a smartphone app in addition to its keypad, giving remote visibility of the system's state and history. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a jeweller.
- NewingtonIs a pet-tolerant detection system right for your Newington property?Motion detection tuned or masked to ignore animals up to a set weight and height while still catching human movement, avoiding false alarms in homes with pets. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a butcher's shop.
- QueenboroughQueenborough guide to external detection systemsDetection placed outside the building itself, aiming to identify an intruder approaching or attempting to enter before they reach a door or window. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a dry cleaner.
- ShornePerimeter Beam Systems in Shorne, explainedPaired infrared transmitter and receiver units positioned to create an invisible line across a boundary, garden or driveway, triggering when the beam is broken. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a body shop.
- StratfordShock And Vibration Sensors: what they do, and what they do not, in StratfordDetectors fitted directly to a door, window frame, safe or wall panel that respond to the physical shock of an impact or forced-entry attempt, rather than to movement in a room. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a timber yard.
- Tunbridge WellsIs a door and window contact system right for your Tunbridge Wells property?Simple two-part magnetic switches fitted to a door or window and its frame, reporting an open-closed state to the alarm panel as the most basic and reliable form of perimeter detection. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a brewery.
- WigmoreWigmore guide to panic alarm systemsA dedicated alarm function, separate from intruder detection, that can be triggered manually to raise an immediate alert regardless of whether the main system is armed. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a server room.
- BapchildPersonal Attack Buttons in Bapchild, explainedFixed manual buttons positioned at specific points of risk within a building, wired or radio-linked into the alarm system to raise an immediate alert distinct from intruder detection. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a private clinic.
- Borough GreenDeterrent Signage And Decoys: what they do, and what they do not, in Borough GreenVisible signage and non-recording dummy devices intended to suggest a level of security presence and discourage casual attempts before any genuine detection is involved. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a care agency.
- CharingIs a security fog system right for your Charing property?A device that releases a dense, harmless fog into a room within seconds of triggering, rapidly reducing visibility to obstruct an intruder and buy time before anything can be taken. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a golf club.
- CrowboroughCrowborough guide to sounder and strobe systemsExternal audible sounders and visual strobe units mounted on the outside of a building to announce an alarm activation and identify the site as the source of the alert. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a boarding kennels.
- ErithKey Safes And Key Management in Erith, explainedSecure storage for physical keys, ranging from a simple coded wall-mounted key safe to a managed key cabinet that logs who removes and returns each key. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a taxi firm.
- GreenwichDvr Versus Nvr: what they do, and what they do not, in GreenwichThe two main recorder types behind a CCTV system: a DVR processes analogue camera signals over coaxial cable, while an NVR receives already-digitised video from IP cameras over a network. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a cycle shop.
- HollingbourneIs a PTZ camera system right for your Hollingbourne property?Pan-tilt-zoom cameras that can be moved and zoomed remotely, either manually by an operator or automatically along a preset patrol route, covering a wide area from a single mounting point. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a dental practice.
- LarkfieldLarkfield guide to dome and turret camera systemsFixed cameras housed in a compact dome or turret casing, chosen for a discreet, tamper-resistant appearance suited to indoor and covered outdoor areas. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a gym.
- MargateBullet Camera Systems in Margate, explainedCylindrical, forward-facing cameras with a clearly visible lens and body, generally chosen for external mounting where an obvious, visible deterrent is wanted. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a warehouse.
- PeckhamFisheye 360 Cameras: what they do, and what they do not, in PeckhamA single camera with an ultra-wide fisheye lens capturing an entire room or open area in one frame, which can then be dewarped into a normal-looking view during playback. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a HMO.
- RotherfieldIs a 4K CCTV system right for your Rotherfield property?CCTV cameras recording at 4K ultra-high-definition resolution, giving substantially more image detail than standard HD, particularly useful when footage needs to be zoomed in after the event. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a hotel.
- South DarenthSouth Darenth guide to starlight low-light camera systemsCameras built with larger, more sensitive sensors that capture usable colour footage in near-darkness without relying purely on infrared illumination. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a vape shop.
- SwanscombeThermal Camera Systems in Swanscombe, explainedCameras that detect heat signatures rather than visible light, allowing them to identify a person or vehicle in complete darkness, fog or smoke where conventional cameras cannot see. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a coffee shop.
- WainscottWireless Cctv Systems: what they do, and what they do not, in WainscottCameras that transmit video to the recorder over Wi-Fi rather than a network cable, avoiding the need to run cabling to each camera position. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a nail bar.
- YaldingIs a solar-powered CCTV system right for your Yalding property?Cameras powered by an attached solar panel and battery, allowing installation in locations with no mains power connection, provided there is reasonable daylight exposure. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a scrap yard.
- BermondseyBermondsey guide to battery CCTV camera systemsStandalone cameras running entirely on an internal rechargeable battery, needing no permanent power or cable connection, aimed at flexible or temporary deployment. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a haulage yard.
- Brixton4g Cctv Systems in Brixton, explainedCameras that transmit footage over the mobile network rather than a fixed broadband or Wi-Fi connection, suited to sites with no local internet infrastructure at all. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a sign maker.
- City of LondonVideo Doorbells: what they do, and what they do not, in City of LondonA camera-equipped doorbell that shows and records visitors at the front door, sending a live notification to a smartphone app when the button is pressed or motion is detected. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a accountancy practice.
- DoddingtonIs a cloud-recorded CCTV system right for your Doddington property?CCTV footage stored off site in cloud storage rather than, or in addition to, a physical recorder on the premises, protecting the recording even if the on-site hardware is stolen or damaged. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a chiropractic clinic.
- FordcombeFordcombe guide to edge recording (SD card) systemsCCTV cameras that store footage directly on an SD card within the camera itself, rather than sending it to a separate recorder, useful as a simple or backup recording method. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a community centre.
- HawkhurstCctv Video Analytics in Hawkhurst, explainedSoftware running on cameras or the recorder that automatically interprets footage for specific events, such as a person crossing a line or entering a zone, reducing reliance on someone watching every feed. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a marina.
- IwadePeople Counting Systems: what they do, and what they do not, in IwadeA camera or sensor-based system that tallies how many people cross a defined line or pass through a doorway, turning footfall into a number rather than a recording you have to watch back. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a plant nursery.
- Longfield HillIs a line-crossing detection system right for your Longfield Hill property?A video analytics feature that raises an alert when something crosses a virtual line drawn across the camera image, commonly used to flag entry across a boundary rather than mere movement within a scene. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a courier depot.
- New ElthamNew Eltham guide to vehicle barrier systemsA powered arm or rising barrier that physically blocks a vehicle route until released by a permitted trigger, controlling who can drive in or out rather than who can walk through. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a cinema.
- PlumsteadGate Automation Systems in Plumstead, explainedMotorised opening for an existing or new gate, driven by an access trigger rather than manual pushing or pulling, usually paired with safety devices required for a powered moving structure. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a self-storage facility.
- ShorehamApartment Intercom Systems: what they do, and what they do not, in ShorehamA shared entry system serving multiple flats or units from one or more entrance points, allowing each resident to see and speak to a caller and release the door remotely. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a takeaway.
- StoneIs a biometric access system right for your Stone property?Access control using a physical characteristic, most commonly a fingerprint, to confirm identity, removing the ability to lend or lose a credential the way a card or fob can be. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a construction site.
- TrottiscliffeTrottiscliffe guide to face recognition access systemsAccess control that identifies a permitted user by their facial features captured at the reader, allowing hands-free entry without presenting a card or touching a device. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a school.
- WhitstableMagnetic Lock Systems in Whitstable, explainedAn electric locking method using a magnet and armature plate to hold a door shut with power applied, releasing instantly when power is removed rather than through a moving mechanical bolt. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a optician.
- AylesfordElectric Strike Locks: what they do, and what they do not, in AylesfordAn electrically releasable striking plate fitted in place of a standard door keep, allowing a mechanical latch or bolt to be released remotely while keeping the door mechanically locked otherwise. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a farm shop.
- Blue Bell HillIs a break-glass and exit device system right for your Blue Bell Hill property?The manual override hardware fitted alongside electronic door locking to guarantee an occupant can always exit, whether by breaking a call-point-style unit or pressing a dedicated exit button. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a tattoo studio.
- CatfordCatford guide to door closer and hardware systemsThe mechanical fittings, closers, hinges, seals and hold-open devices, that determine whether an access-controlled or fire door actually closes and locks reliably after every use. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a tyre fitting garage.
- CrayfordTime And Attendance Systems in Crayford, explainedA system that records when staff arrive and leave, usually by reusing the same credential used for door access, to produce hours-worked data for payroll or rostering rather than for security alone. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a builders merchant.
- ElthamVisitor Management Systems: what they do, and what they do not, in ElthamA system for logging, badging and sometimes pre-registering visitors at reception, replacing a paper signing-in book with a searchable digital record and, often, a printed temporary pass. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a food production unit.
- GreenhitheIs a access audit trail system right for your Greenhithe property?The reporting layer of an access control system that records every credential use, door event and administrator change into a searchable history, used to answer who went where and when. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a joinery workshop.
- HildenboroughHildenborough guide to PoE network switch systemsA network switch that delivers electrical power to connected devices over the same cable carrying data, removing the need for a separate power supply at every camera, access point or intercom. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a recruitment agency.
- Langton GreenPoe Extenders And Injectors in Langton Green, explainedDevices that add power-over-Ethernet capability to a run that either exceeds normal cable distance limits or connects to a switch that does not itself supply PoE. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a dental laboratory.
- MardenFibre Network Links: what they do, and what they do not, in MardenA network connection using optical fibre instead of copper cable, used where distance, electrical interference or bandwidth needs exceed what standard Ethernet cabling can reliably deliver. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a sports club.
- ParkwoodIs a business wireless access point system right for your Parkwood property?Purpose-designed wireless access points intended for commercial deployment, offering better coverage, capacity and central management than domestic-grade routers, typically deployed in numbers across a building. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a campsite.
- RomfordRomford guide to VLAN-segregated network systemsA network design that logically separates traffic into distinct virtual networks on shared physical infrastructure, keeping, for example, CCTV, access control and office traffic apart even where they run over the same cabling and switches. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a car park.
- Sole StreetNetwork Racks And Patching in Sole Street, explainedThe physical infrastructure, cabinet, patch panels and cable management, that organises where every network cable terminates, turning a tangle of leads into a documented, serviceable installation. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a motorcycle dealer.
- SwanleyUps Power Protection: what they do, and what they do not, in SwanleyAn uninterruptible power supply that keeps critical network, CCTV or alarm equipment running briefly on battery during a mains outage, and cleanly filters minor power fluctuations the rest of the time. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a car dealership.
- WadhurstIs a surge protection device system right for your Wadhurst property?Devices fitted at the mains supply or on individual circuits to absorb voltage spikes before they reach sensitive electronic equipment, reducing the risk of damage from lightning strikes or switching surges. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a nursery.
- WyeWye guide to Cat6 structured cabling systemsA wired network cabling standard offering higher bandwidth and better interference resistance than older Cat5e cabling, installed as the physical backbone for network, CCTV, access control and telephony devices across a building. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a salon.
- BenendenWifi Site Surveys in Benenden, explainedAn assessment of a building's wireless environment, construction, interference sources and expected device density, used to plan access point placement before a wireless network is installed or upgraded. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a managed block.
- BridgeRemote Diagnostics Support: what they do, and what they do not, in BridgeThe ability to check the status, configuration and health of CCTV, alarm, access or network equipment from off site, often resolving or narrowing down a fault before an engineer needs to attend in person. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a office.
- ChislehurstIs a system takeover service right for your Chislehurst property?Assessing and assuming ongoing support for a CCTV, alarm or access system originally installed by another company, so it can be maintained and expanded going forward without a full replacement. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a off-licence.
- DittonDitton guide to emergency callout repair servicesReactive attendance to fix a CCTV, alarm or access fault that has left a system non-functional or a site insecure, prioritised ahead of routine scheduled work. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a bakery.
- Foots CrayFootage Export Services in Foots Cray, explainedRetrieving and exporting recorded CCTV footage in a usable format for a specific incident, request, or evidential purpose, correctly handled so the exported clip remains admissible and traceable. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a laundrette.
- HastingsGdpr Compliant Cctv Setup: what they do, and what they do not, in HastingsConfiguring and documenting a CCTV installation so its coverage, signage, retention and access practices meet UK data protection obligations, since recording identifiable people makes a CCTV system a personal data processing activity. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a car wash.
- Istead RiseIs a retention and storage planning service right for your Istead Rise property?Calculating and configuring how much recorded CCTV footage a system can store and for how long, balancing camera count, resolution and frame rate against available storage and any retention policy requirement. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a skip hire yard.
- LongfieldLongfield guide to turnstile and speed gate systemsPhysical barriers in a reception or entrance lobby that only allow one person through per valid credential, so a door release cannot simply be held open for a group behind the person presenting a card. Below: the parts involved, where it fits, where it stops being the right answer, and how it works out on a print shop.
Using These Guides: Common Questions
What they cover and where an engineer is needed