How to Choose the Right Home Alarm System
Choosing the right alarm system protects your Perth home effectively without overspending. This guide walks you through essential decisions to find your perfect match.
Step 1: Assess Your Security Needs
Property Type Considerations
- Small unit/apartment: Basic 4-6 sensor system
- Standard family home: 8-12 sensors + glass break
- Large property/two-story: 12-20 sensors + multiple zones
- Rental property: Wireless system (easy removal when moving)
Risk Assessment
Higher risk properties need comprehensive systems:
- • Located in high-crime Perth suburbs (Balga, Midland, Armadale)
- • Frequent absences (business travel, vacations)
- • High-value contents (jewelry, electronics, art)
- • Ground-floor units with accessible windows
- • Corner properties with multiple access points
Step 2: Monitored vs Unmonitored Alarms
Monitored Alarm Systems
How it works: When alarm triggers, monitoring center calls you, verifies threat, dispatches security/police.
Pros:
- Professional 24/7 response
- Verified alarms escalated to police dispatch
- Possible insurance benefits (ask your insurer)
- Works when you're unavailable
Cons:
- Ongoing monthly monitoring fee
- Contract commitment (12-36 months)
Cost structure: Installed system + ongoing monthly monitoring
Unmonitored (Self-Monitored)
How it works: Alarm triggers, sends alert to YOUR smartphone. You call police yourself.
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- No contracts
- Lower initial cost
Cons:
- YOU must respond to alerts
- Delayed response if phone off/no signal
- No insurance discounts
- Burglars know police won't be auto-dispatched
Cost structure: Installed system only, nothing ongoing
Great White recommendation: Monitored systems for most Perth homeowners. The monthly fee is partly offset by insurance discounts, and the response is there whether or not you see the alert.
Step 3: Wireless vs Wired Systems
| Factor | Wireless | Wired |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Existing homes, rentals | New construction |
| Installation Time | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
| What Drives the Cost | Sensor count, hub tier, monitoring plan | Sensor count plus cabling labour and ceiling access |
| Maintenance | Battery change 2-5 years | Panel backup only |
| Flexibility | Easy expansion/relocation | Difficult changes |
Step 4: Essential Alarm Features
Must-Have Features
Door/Window Sensors
Cover ALL ground-floor entry points. Minimum 8-12 sensors for average Perth home.
Motion Detectors (PIR)
Internal coverage. Pet-immune if you have animals up to 25kg.
120dB+ Siren
External siren box (visible deterrent) + internal siren (disorients burglars).
Battery Backup
12-24 hour backup keeps system running during power outages.
Smartphone App
Remote arm/disarm, instant alerts, system status checking.
Recommended Upgrades
- Glass break sensors: Detect window smashing before entry
- Cellular backup: Works if internet cut (small addition to the monthly monitoring fee)
- Panic buttons: Silent alarm for medical emergencies/duress
- Smoke/fire integration: Monitored smoke detection
Step 5: Choose Reputable Brand
Bosch Solution 6000
Best overall reliability
Wired or hybrid, large zone capacity
Ajax Wireless
Best modern wireless
Fully wireless, app-first ecosystem
Ajax StarterKit
Best budget entry point
Hub + core sensors, expandable later
Step 6: Installation: DIY vs Professional
Why Professional Installation Matters
- Insurance discounts require licensed installation (ask your insurer what your policy recognises)
- Proper sensor positioning = no blind spots
- Code compliance for monitored connections
- Warranty protection (DIY often voids warranty)
- Troubleshooting support when issues arise
Decision Flowchart
Find Your Perfect Alarm System
Starting Small?
→ Ajax StarterKit wireless, unmonitored (upgrade to monitoring later)
Rental Property?
→ Ajax wireless system (easily removable, no wall damage)
High-Risk Suburb?
→ Bosch Solution 6000 monitored + cellular backup + glass break sensors
New Home Construction?
→ Wired Bosch system pre-installed during build (cheapest installation timing)
Standard Family Home?
→ Ajax or Bosch wireless monitored system (best value + features)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skimping on sensors: Dropping 2-3 sensors to trim the quote creates vulnerabilities
- No cellular backup: Burglars cut NBN lines—cellular prevents this
- Choosing based on price alone: Cheap systems fail within 2 years
- DIY in owned homes: Lose insurance discounts that recur every year
- Ignoring pet-immune sensors: False alarms from pets = boy-who-cried-wolf effect
Get Expert Alarm System Recommendation
Great White Security provides alarm system consultations for Perth homeowners. We'll assess your property, explain options honestly, and design the perfect system for your needs and budget.