A monitored alarm means someone is always watching — even at 3am on Christmas Day. Here's how the technology works and why it makes such a big difference.
What Is a Monitored Alarm System?
A monitored alarm system is connected — via mobile network, broadband, or a dedicated communications line — to a staffed Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When the alarm triggers, the ARC receives an immediate signal and takes action.
This is fundamentally different from a bells-only alarm, which simply sounds an external siren and hopes that a neighbour or passer-by calls the police.
What Is an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)?
An ARC is a secure, staffed facility — often with redundant power and communications systems — that receives alarm signals from thousands of properties simultaneously. When your alarm triggers, an operator sees an alert on their screen showing your address, alarm zone, and key holder details.
The operator follows a pre-agreed response protocol: typically, they'll try to call your designated key holders first. If they can't reach anyone, or if the situation warrants it, they call the police (for intruder alarms) or the fire brigade (for fire alarms).
How Is the Signal Transmitted?
Modern monitored systems use two communication paths for resilience — usually a broadband/IP connection as the primary route, with a mobile network (4G SIM) as a backup. If your broadband goes down (or is cut by an intruder), the mobile path takes over automatically.
Older systems used a dedicated phone line (PSTN or ISDN), but these are being phased out as the UK analogue phone network is switched off.
Do Monitored Alarms Get Faster Police Response?
Intruder alarm systems that are installed by an NSI or SSAIB approved company and connected to a UKAS-accredited ARC are eligible for police response under the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) policy. This means the police will attend when the ARC requests it.
Systems that aren't installed to the correct standard, or that generate excessive false alarms, can lose their police response status. This is one of the key reasons to choose an SSAIB-approved installer like Security Red Alert.
Is Monitored Alarm Monitoring Worth the Monthly Cost?
Monthly monitoring fees typically range from £15 to £35 per month depending on the level of service. For most homeowners and businesses, this is a small price for round-the-clock protection — particularly for properties left unoccupied for extended periods, or businesses holding high-value stock.
Many insurance companies also offer a discount on premiums for properties with a professionally installed and monitored alarm system, which can offset some or all of the monthly cost.
Need help with this in London?
Security Red Alert covers all 32 London boroughs from our Summerstown SW17 office. Explore our Intruder Alarm Installation and Residential Security services, or call 020 8946 5567 for a free survey.