# Security Alarms
Canonical URL: https://empireelectricalcontractors.com.au/services/security-alarms
Empire Electrical Contractors · Phone +61468404608 (24/7)

Back-to-base and self-monitored security alarm systems

Modern alarm systems arm from your phone, notify you on any trigger, and integrate with CCTV and smart locks. We install, upgrade and take over existing systems across Sydney.

## What's included
- New alarm system supply and install (Bosch, Paradox, DSC)
- Wireless PIR, reed and glass-break sensors
- Back-to-base monitoring or self-monitored app alerts
- Takeover and reprogramming of existing systems
- Panic button and duress code setup
- Integration with CCTV and smart locks

## Overview
A security alarm is only useful if it actually gets used — which means it needs to be easy to arm from your phone, hard to trigger by accident, and reliable enough that you don't ignore it. We install modern alarm systems from Bosch, Paradox and DSC with app control, wireless sensors that don't chew batteries, and either back-to-base monitoring or self-monitored push alerts to your phone.
Most homes need a keypad at the front door, a PIR in every downstairs zone, reed switches on the main entry doors, and a siren where it will actually be heard. For higher-risk properties we add glass-break sensors on ground-floor windows, panic buttons in the master bedroom, and CCTV integration so a triggered zone auto-records the footage. Duress codes and separate user codes for cleaners, tradies and kids keep the audit trail clean.
Inherited an old alarm from the previous owner? We take it over — reprogram every code, replace failed sensors, get the app working and reconnect (or cancel) the monitoring. If the panel is legacy DSC PowerSeries or Ness we can usually salvage it; if it's dead, we recommend a like-for-like replacement rather than a full rewire.

## FAQs
**Back-to-base or self-monitored?**
Self-monitored (push alerts to your phone) is fine for most homes and has no ongoing fee. Back-to-base — a monitored control room dispatching a guard or police — is worth it for businesses, high-value properties or people who travel a lot.

**How much does a home alarm system cost?**
A new system with keypad, 4 sensors, siren and app control lands around $1,600-$2,400 installed. Larger homes with 8+ sensors, glass-breaks or CCTV integration run $2,800-$4,500.

**Can you take over my existing alarm?**
Yes — takeover, code reset, sensor replacement, app setup and (if you want) monitoring reconnection. Takeovers start from $220 if the panel is healthy.

**Do the wireless sensors need batteries?**
Yes — modern wireless PIRs run 5-8 years on a single battery and the panel tells you when one is getting low. Reed switches on doors last similar. Hard-wired sensors need no battery.

**Can the alarm trigger my CCTV?**
Yes — the alarm panel can trigger event recording on the CCTV NVR, so any alarm activation auto-captures the footage from the relevant cameras.

**Will it work if the power or NBN is out?**
Yes — panels have a 24-hour battery backup, and monitored systems typically include a 4G module so the signal path survives NBN outages.