Choosing Your Security System

Choosing and designing your security system is an important decision. The quality and placement of the alarm detectors will determine your level of security. OCTO will assist you all the way until your alarm is fully installed and functional. Included in our offer to you is a free assessment and advice at your premises before or after you buy an alarm kit from us.

OCTO only supply world class products that are fully supported by local suppliers. The OCTO-recommended assessors & installers are highly qualified and experienced on the products range and can assist you with the correct placement of the alarm detectors.

1. Why Do You Need a Security Alarm System?

A security alarm system acts as your first line of defense against potential threats. It not only deters burglars but also provides peace of mind, knowing your home and loved ones are protected. Modern systems come with a wide range of features that allow for remote monitoring, instant notifications, and quick access to emergency services.

2. Types of Security Alarm Systems

  • Wired vs. Wireless Systems
    Wired systems are reliable and often less prone to interference, but they require professional installation and can be more expensive due to the complexity of wiring.
    Wireless systems, on the other hand, offer flexibility and are easier to install. They’re ideal for renters or anyone looking for a quick, fuss-free setup.

  • Monitored vs. Unmonitored Systems
    Monitored systems are connected to a service provider that responds when an alarm is triggered, while unmonitored systems rely on loud alarms to scare off intruders. Monitored systems often come with additional fees for 24/7 professional monitoring, but they provide an extra layer of security.

3. Key Features to Look For

  • Mobile App Integration
    The ability to control your alarm system via your smartphone is a must-have feature. You can arm or disarm the system, receive notifications, and even view live camera feeds no matter where you are.

  • Panic Buttons
    In the event of an emergency, a panic button provides immediate access to help. Whether it’s connected to your mobile app or installed in your home, it’s a great safety feature for quick action.

4. DIY Installation vs. Professional Installation

For those who enjoy taking matters into their own hands, many alarm systems come with easy DIY installation guides. However, professional installation is often recommended for more advanced systems that require wiring or specialized knowledge.

5. Pricing and Packages

When shopping for an alarm system, you’ll notice a wide range of pricing options. Basic systems often include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a control panel. More comprehensive packages may include additional features like cameras, glass break sensors, and professional monitoring.

6. Alarm in a Box: Simplifying Home Security

If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, Alarm in a Box offers a range of pre-packaged security systems that are easy to install and come with everything you need to protect your home. With competitive pricing and top-notch customer support, you can secure your home in no time.

where to start

Select a KIT above that will fit in with your requirements. If the kit that you selected is not covering the planned areas you can add additional alarm detectors as per below. 

Outgoing Doors

All outgoing doors must be protected. The kit includes 1-3 door detectors.

Indoor PIR Passive Infra-Red Detectors

All areas where valuable items are kept must be protected with an Indoor PIR detector. For residential premises normally the Main bedroom, TV Room, Kitchen and Garage area must be considered for PIRs. Business premises all the areas where valuable items are hosted.

The indoor harsh environment (Infra-Red + micro wave detection) PIRs is used in indoor areas that is not properly enclosed and where wind can blow in.

Outdoor Protection

Outdoor protection serves as an early warning system. If the system is correctly installed, the outdoor protection can easily be controlled from inside the premises without any movement limitations or inconvenience.

Controlling your outdoor protection – the detectors can be connected to a second partition. The second partition functions as a separate alarm which can be controlled from a keypad and/or the remote control. Indication lights can be installed outside and inside the premises.

These indication lights will show the alarm status of the outdoor protection and allow the user to arm and disarm the system from various points inside and outside the house with the remote control.

We are here to assist you

Should you need an expert to assist you with designing your system, have any questions, any security related enquiries, complaints or compliments please reach out to us!

CONTACT US

Additional Information

Control Units

The control panel is supplied with 5/8 on-board hardwired zones expandable to 32/64 zone after adding zone expanders. Each Alarm Kit has a clear description of the number of zone available on the control panel. It is recommended to connect one alarm detector per zone, so the number of zones will determine the size of the control panel (8 alarm detectors = 8 zone control panel).

For wireless systems the control panel is supplied as a hybrid (wired + wireless) control panel or with a separate transceiver that connect to the wired control panel.

Power Supply to the Control Unit

  • Use Transformer 12 Volt 40VA to supply AC power to the Control unit from 220Volt.
  • Use Battery 12 Volt 7 AH as a battery backup in case of a power failure. This standby time for this battery will be determined by the number of wired detection sensors. Wireless sensors are supply with batteries to power the sensors.
  • For extended battery backup and faster recharge add Sherlo 3,2 Amp power supply with 7 A/H battery or Sherlo 6,4 Amp power supply with 17 A/H battery.

Wireless Communication

All wireless alarm systems use a radio frequency, normally 433MHZ or 868 MHZ, to communicate between the control panel and wireless alarm detectors via a receiver or transceiver (receiver & transmitter combined). There are one-way and two-way communication technologies.

With the one-way communication technology, each alarm detector has a transmitter and can only send information to the control panel. The limitation of the one way communication is that the control panel cannot test and communicate the status of the wireless alarm detectors.

The two-way communication technology, the control panel and alarm detectors each have a transceiver. This allows for two-way communication between the control panel and the alarm detectors. The control panel can now test (normally every 24 hours) and communicate the status of the alarm detectors. Effective RF jamming detection and extended battery life of the alarm detectors is some of the features two-way communication technology. All the wireless Alarm Kits on offer on this site is equipped with two-way communication technology. For high security requirement the wireless communication is encrypted to prevent hacking of the system. For further information click HERE or contact 076 028 0229 for assistance.

What is the difference between a Gel Battery and a Lead Acid Battery?

When Gel batteries were introduced into the industry, they were roughly 4 times the cost of a lead acid battery. As higher volumes were produced for the Gel batteries, they rapidly reduced in price and increased in quality. Today, a gel battery will cost roughly 30% more than that of a wet lead acid battery with none of the headaches, maintenance, or charging issues. A common question asked is what are the main differences between these batteries so to help you out, below highlights the key advantages and disadvantages of Gel and Lead batteries.

GEL BATTERY

ADVANTAGES 

  • Sealed
  • Spill-proof
  • Maintenance free
  • Classified as non-hazardous goods for air, rail & road transportation
  • Extremely low self-discharge rate
  • No gassing
  • Withstand a wide range of temperatures  
  • Withstand shock & vibration better than any other battery
  • No terminal corrosion
  • MSDS sheets not required
  • Can be installed near sensitive electronic equipment 
  • Excellent deep cycle performance

DISADVANTAGES

  • More expensive than lead acid
  • Sensitive to overcharging (although this is not an issue with a correctly specified SMART charger) 

LEAD ACID BATTERY

ADVANTAGES 

  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Widely available
  • Good size to capacity ratio 
  • Good deep cycle performance

DISADVANTAGES

  • Require strict maintenance
  • Require ventilated rooms for recharging
  • Suffer from terminal corrosion
  • can leak is casing is cracked causing hazardous spill
  • Require rubber gloves & goggles when maintaining
  • Vent substantial quantities on hydrogen & oxygen gasses as well as other toxins 
  • Will quickly sulphate if left discharged for any period of time
  • Are easily damaged if over-charged
  •  Have high self-discharge rate

BRANDS

SMARTPHONE MONITORING

POLICY & RETURNS

Shipping and Delivery

Returns policy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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