An intruder alarm system provides many functions and is designed, among other things, to prevent and deter attempted burglaries. In the event damage is done and the burglary is perpetrated, the alarm also functions as a warning so that the ongoing burglary can be discovered, and the scope and cost of the losses can be limited.
What you should consider when procuring a system
Are you considering installing an alarm system in your company? Certain businesses are required by, for example, their insurance company or public authorities to have an intruder alarm system. Irrespective of what applies to your business, there are a number of points to consider before you commence a procurement.
Start by conducting a security analysis in order to ensure that you acquire the right alarm system for your needs and requirements. The analysis should answer the following questions:
- Who are the standards authorities, e.g., insurance companies, or does the business in which the alarm system is to be installed have a policy which lays out the requirements?
- Who will use the system? That is, which requirements are there in terms of function and user-friendliness?
- Which class of alarm does your business have according to your insurance terms and conditions? The requirements established in the insurance terms and conditions determine the class of alarm system relevant to you, and companies are most often encouraged to use class 2 alarm systems. The scale stretches from class 1 to class 4 in which the latter class is subject to the most stringent requirements.
What does it mean to choose a certified supplier?
By choosing an intruder alarm system from a certified supplier, a user can rest assured that the system satisfies the insurance terms and conditions issued by Insurance Sweden in the form of actuarial recommendations. The recommendations are formulated as insurance terms and conditions and set forth the requirements which should be established for approval of various protective technology systems or measures. In certain cases, there are also references to other relevant technical rules and regulations issued by other organisations – e.g. the Swedish Theft Prevention Association and the Swedish Fire Protection Association.
Choose a supplier who is certified for the correct class of alarm system. Certified suppliers may be certified in alarm system classes 1, 2, 3 or 4. Choose a supplier who is certified in the class of alarm system you intend to procure.
With a certified provider, you will benefit from an intruder alarm system which, among other things:
- meets the requirements of relevant rules and regulations;
- is inspected upon delivery;
- is installed by an installation firm;
- is regularly inspected, cared for and maintained such that it maintains good functionality;
- is inspected once per calendar year with not more than 15 months between inspections (Any deviations which are detected will be remedied within three months following the date of inspection in the event they are not approved by the insurance company); and
- will have a current inspection certificate.
