Alarm Grades

The Grades range from 1 which is the lowest risk, to 4 which is for very high risk premises.

The grades are based on the European Standard BS EN 50131, which has replaced the older British Standards BS4737, BS7042 & BS6799. These standards require a risk assessment, which will allow a detailed specification of the equipment that needs to be installed. Risk assessments are graded based on the type of risk and the effort that an intruder might be prepared to go to, in the event of a burglary.

Grade 1 Alarms - Low Risk

This type of alarm system is suitable for properties which are unlikely to attract an intruder and where any attempted break-in is likely to be an opportunist crime, with no prior planning.

Premises falling into this grade would be basic domestic properties without an insurance requirement.

Grade 2 Alarms - Low to medium risk

This type of alarm system is suitable for properties that might attract an experienced thief with some knowledge of alarm systems, access points who may carry some tools which could be used to circumvent a simple alarm system.

Premises falling into this grade would be most domestic properties and low-risk commercial properties such as florists or greengrocers.

Grade 3 Alarms - Medium to high risk

This type of alarm system is suitable for properties which are at a substantial risk of burglary and are likely to contain high value, ease of disposal items. The intruder would be expected to have a good knowledge of alarm systems.

Premises in this grade would be high-risk domestic properties and most commercial properties such as garages and newsagents.

Grade 4 Alarms - High risk

This type of alarm system is suitable for properties which intruders could be expected to plan in advance, have a good knowledge of and also have the tools to bypass the alarm system. Intruders may also gain access through walls, floors and ceilings.

Premises falling into this grade would include high value jewellers, museums and banks.