Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a security system, make sure it is set every time you leave the house. If you don’t have a home security alarm system, it might be time to consider getting one.

A home security alarm system can do more than alert you to attempted intrusions — it can also allow you to remotely check in on the house while you’re away and, with smart locks, you could even let a neighbour in to water plants or check on pets.

Whether a wired or wireless alarm system is better will depend on your needs from a security system. Hardwired alarm systems generally offer more reliability, while wireless systems provide a more streamlined installation and are portable which implies that you can take the wireless alarm security system with you if you decide to leave your current home. A home security alarm system can also be a combination of hardwired and wireless.

There’s a wide range of sophisticated security system cameras, which you can mix and match to build a surveillance system to suit the specific security needs of your home and lifestyle.

Advances in video and wireless technology have made full-colour, full-motion and high-resolution video images the standard among security system providers. Not only can you set up complete video surveillance throughout your home, but you can choose from various types of security cameras designed to deliver indoor or outdoor views, in well-lit conditions or when night vision is needed, thermal vision in extreme conditions, AI and video analytic cameras that can double up as intrusion detectors.

Remote monitoring can be controlled from your smart phone, tablet, or laptop or alternatively by a video monitoring control room which can exponentially increase your security or huge cost saving by reducing the need for on-site guards.

“Home security system” doesn’t only refer to houses; it applies just as much to apartments. Tenants and apartment owners have possessions as valuable as home-owners, so they are just as vulnerable, if not statistically more.

Whether you own or rent your home, you have the right to protect yourself and the place where you live. However, you may want to at least run your potential security measures by your landlord first to let him or her know, particularly if it involves any kind of installation (and many companies require the sign-off of the landlord for installation).

A wired security package is likely not an option when renting, but you can find plenty of wireless packages that are perfectly suited for an apartment. Plus, you can’t bring a wired system with you when you move, so you don’t want to waste that investment on a home you won’t be staying in for a long period of time.

Home security cameras are a great addition to any home security system, providing you 24/7 access to your home, regardless of your location. Home security novices often make the mistake of installing just one camera. However, most cameras can rotate only so much and zoom only so far. Like alarm detectors and beams, home security cameras should be installed in multiple strategic areas throughout your home.

Instead of focusing on a specific number of security cameras to install, consider which locations in and around your home will provide the widest viewing ranges. While all homes are situated differently, most have high-traffic spots that are more vulnerable to break-ins. You should place cameras to cover as many of these areas as possible.

The best answer is: maybe. It depends on the type of security system technology you have and where you place the sensors.

Regular motion sensors

The standard motion sensor will detect any motion, whether it’s caused by an intruder or your pet headed to its water dish.

Pet immune motion sensors

A pet friendly motion sensor uses a combination of several different technologies to determine the mass, speed, size, and movement patterns of moving objects, to read the body temperatures, and to detect infra-red emissions to rule out household pets but placement of such detectors is of utmost importance for it to work as intended.

The type of home security system you have installed determines what happens when there is a power outage in your home.

If your system is equipped with sufficient backup power it should continue to operate as normal.

Traditional Phone Lines: If your alarm system operates over traditional phone lines, it will continue to communicate with the monitoring centre in the event of a power outage. The phone lines remain operational and the main security control panel in your home will likely continue to operate on backup power for a specified amount of time. It is however recommended to have an additional communication option, like a radio transmitter, as phone lines can be cut.

Cellular Radio: This type of wireless home security system continues to work during power outages, drawing their power from battery backup for several hours. Like a cellular phone, communication is rarely affected by localized power outages.

Internet: These types of home security alarm systems are the most vulnerable in power outages as a loss of power usually results in an Internet outage as well. Without an Internet connection to a monitoring centre, these types of systems stop communication until power is restored and the Internet is up and running. We recommend installing a backup power system for your internet connection.

There are a lot of security systems out there, so if you often fall victim to power outages, you’ll want to ensure you are protected during those times by having the option of an extended backup power supply that can cope with repetitive power outages in a day. We also recommend going for a dual communication option which most modern security systems are capable of.

Many modern home security systems are controllable via smartphone apps. Systems with app compatibility have become known as smart home security systems. There are several components in a security system that might be controllable with a smartphone or tablet. The Internet has made it easier than ever before to set up a smart home in which you can remotely control your door locks, cameras, alarm systems, etc.

Your Security system needs to be serviced on a regular basis to ensure it’s working properly. After all, what good is a fancy home security system if it fails when you need it most? Many security authorities recommend an annual service to ensure everything is in working condition. Companies like Allsec Security Systems, offers annual service agreements.

With Allsec Security Systems, you own all of the equipment unless the security system was installed on a finance lease basis.

When considering home security systems, you may find yourself asking a common question: how much is it going to cost me? Unfortunately, there isn’t one set fee that all companies abide by. Home security costs commonly range anything from R 3600 – R 50 000 after all equipment, installation, and monitoring fees are accounted for. Some home security systems can go into the 6-figure cost! That’s a pretty substantial range, meaning you should be able to find a system at a price point that works for you.

Yes and no. Most quotes and costing will be obligation free but some are quite intricate designs and might be subject to an NDA or design cost but this will always be discussed on the first obligation free site visit.

Call out fee includes travel and the first hour labour.

Yes, we can offer consultation for Farms, Commercial properties and even private homes. We also provide training to their staff so that installation can be done in-house and Allsec will oversee installations.

Yes. All of our Security DVR/NVR systems are Internet enabled. That means you can view live and recorded video from anywhere via an Internet connection.

We do installations, servicing and repair and off-site monitoring, anywhere in the Western Cape.  We also have sub-contractors who will assist in other provinces but under the strict supervision of Allsec Security Systems.