Go on vacation with peace of mind: Some practical advice to protect your habitat

The key points of vigilance in the choice of an alarm system

An alarm system is made up of several elements to which can be added maintenance and remote monitoring services: a control unit controlling the activation and deactivation of the detectors and constituting the heart of the system, movement detectors, opening, one or more sirens (indoor / outdoor), cameras and a transmitter (radio or wired).

Certain characteristics of a powerful alarm are key to deter any attempted intrusion and to properly protect a home. The alarm must be resistant to any attempt to damage its system - interference with waves, tearing, deactivation or destruction. The more it will be equipped with repellent functions - fog, smoke, siren, flashing light, detection on approach… - the more it will scare away burglars.

In addition, thanks to home automation, the alarm systems can be controlled remotely with a smartphone and able to act intelligently in the event of potential intrusions; they can simulate a presence with the lighting of the home lights, in the event of the user's unusual absence, or even trigger the closing of motorized roller shutters.

A simple reflex: trust certification

To be sure to choose a high-performance alarm system, all you have to do is check whether the product is certified. All certified products are in fact subject to verifications (laboratory tests, audit of manufacturing sites, periodic checks, etc.) and attest to the performance of the product.

• The "NF2AP" certification guarantees resistance to attempts to tear off, destruction, deactivation or even jamming and has three levels of protection (1 to 3 shields) and is issued by the CNPP (National Center for Prevention and Protection).
• Complementary, the certification of "CSPN" alarms (First Level Security Certification) and the “@” certification attest that the product guarantees a high level of robustness against cyber attacks. Issued respectively by ANSSI (the National Information Systems Security Agency) and by the CNPP, they are based on a compliance analysis and digital intrusion tests.

Have your alarm installed by a professional vs DIY (Do It Yourself)?

The consumer can call on a professional installer (electrician or specialist), with whom he maintains a relationship of trust and proximity, and who works in partnership with industrial companies. He may also prefer to take out a subscription with a service provider. It also happens that he decides to install his alarm system on his own. Each of these possibilities has its advantages.

Time Saving

A professional installer or a technician attached to a service provider will be efficient and will know how to react in the event of a problem with the configuration of the accommodation or with the product. The alarm device will be installed in strategic places in a limited time, while having the certainty of quality equipment.

If the consumer chooses to install his alarm system alone, he will have to be a handyman so as not to waste too much time. Some steps can be tricky, such as risk analysis; consequently, it is necessary to be vigilant in the choice of the product, to install the device so as to receive a maximum of network, and to check if the device works after its installation.

Maintenance

Service companies as well as some professional installers offer a subscription to check the performance of the alarm system and ensure its maintenance. If the customer installs his alarm himself, he saves the cost of installation and subscription, but will have to take care of the maintenance of his equipment.