When companies consider monitored burglar alarm systems, it’s usually for one of two reasons. Either they’re getting a system installed for the first time, or they just experienced the loss and disruption to business operations caused by robbery, vandalism, or a break-in.

Monitored burglar alarm systems help deter burglars, discourage employee theft, and ensure employee safety. Composed of a series of devices that detect unauthorized entry, a monitored alarm sends a signal to a central monitoring station when an intruder is detected. These nationwide monitoring centers provide continuous service – 24/7/365 – and will alert local police to dispatch authorities to the scene as necessary.

Standard equipment
A basic monitored burglar alarm system includes:

Control panels. This is the power source of the entire system. Typically, the control panel is hidden from plain sight – located in the roof or server closet – and is connected to all other alarm components including an existing Plain Old Telephone System (POTS).

Security keypads. These are installed outside the main entrance and allow employees to get in and out of the office. A digital display notes whether the system is armed or disarmed. If equipped with a dual-communication (two-way) system, people at the central monitoring station can talk directly through this device to check if a person who has tripped the alarm is authorized to be there. Additional panels can be set up and installed in other locations throughout the company for a fee (up to $100 per extra keypad).

Motion detectors. Also known as passive infrared (PIR) detectors, these devices trip the alarm by sensing changes in the infrared energy levels when an intruder is in the area.

Door and window contacts. These magnetic devices are placed along door jams and window frames and trigger the alarm system when opened.

Glassbreak sensors. The sensors identify the acoustic shock waves of glass breaking and set off the system.

Sirens. These loud horns can be attached to the inside and outside of the building and may include strobe lights to draw immediate attention to the intrusion.

Hard wired vs. wireless
Monitored alarms are available in hard-wired and wireless formats depending on dealer availability and customer preference. If your office has existing wiring from a previous alarm system, it’s easy to add a monitored alarm to it. Otherwise, a wireless system is considered more practical – you don’t have to disturb the work area with drilling or lifting floors or carpets.

While the security keypad will be in plain sight of potential intruders and employees, the main control panel, which is the brains of the system, is typically installed in closets or backrooms. This helps minimize the risk of intruders or disgruntled employees disabling the system.

Instant alarm vs. audible delay systems
Home alarms typically use loud horns or sirens to scare intruders and to alert neighbors to call the authorities. With your business, you really can’t depend on the kindness of other people since most neighboring businesses are likely to be empty, too, when an alarm sounds. Still, many companies choose the loud alarm system to frighten intruders off the premises before they can cause any damage to the infrastructure or property.

An alternative is to install an audible delay system that first triggers the alarm before setting off any sirens. This setup is designed to help authorities catch the perpetrator while committing the crime. For example, you could snag disgruntled ex-employees who sneak into the office after hours to steal equipment or to sabotage your computers.