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By Published On: October 16th, 2022Last Updated: January 12th, 2026

Why You Should Use an Accredited Intruder Alarm Company

When installing or maintaining an intruder alarm system, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who installs it.

Using an accredited intruder alarm company isn’t just about ticking a box — it directly affects:

  • how reliable your system is

  • whether police response is available

  • insurance acceptance

  • long-term performance and maintenance

  • compliance with recognised standards

In short: accreditation protects you, not the installer.

What Does “Accredited” Mean for Intruder Alarms?

An accredited intruder alarm company is independently assessed to ensure they:

  • follow recognised British Standards

  • install systems correctly and consistently

  • use approved equipment

  • keep engineers trained and vetted

  • maintain proper documentation and processes

In the UK, intruder alarm installers are typically accredited by recognised bodies such as SSAIB or NSI.

These organisations regularly audit installers — meaning standards aren’t optional.

Why Accreditation Matters for Intruder Alarm Systems

System reliability and performance

Intruder alarms rely on correct design and installation. Accreditation ensures:

  • correct detector placement

  • correct zone configuration

  • compliant control panel setup

  • correct signalling and monitoring paths

Poor installation is one of the biggest causes of false alarms and system failure.

Police response eligibility

If you require police response, your alarm system must usually:

  • be installed by an accredited company

  • be monitored by an approved Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)

  • comply with relevant British Standards

Without accreditation, police response may not be available.

👉 Learn more about intruder alarm monitoring and police response.

Insurance requirements

Many insurers require intruder alarms to be:

  • installed by an accredited company

  • maintained under contract

  • compliant with recognised standards

Using a non-accredited installer can result in:

  • refused claims

  • reduced payouts

  • policy conditions not being met

Compliance with British Standards

Accredited companies work to standards such as:

  • BS EN 50131 (Intruder & hold-up alarms)

  • PD 6662 (UK implementation)

These standards cover:

  • system grading (Grade 1–4)

  • detector types

  • signalling methods

  • tamper protection

  • maintenance requirements

An accredited installer will design your system to the correct grade for your risk level — not guess.

Accredited vs Non-Accredited Installers: The Real Difference

Accredited Installer Non-Accredited Installer
Independently audited No external oversight
Works to British Standards No obligation to comply
Police response eligible Often not eligible
Insurance recognised Often rejected
Ongoing compliance No structured review
Trained, vetted engineers Varies
Documentation provided Often missing

Ongoing Maintenance and Support

Accreditation doesn’t stop at installation.

Accredited intruder alarm companies must:

  • carry out regular maintenance

  • keep accurate service records

  • ensure systems remain compliant over time

This helps prevent:

  • false alarms

  • signal failures

  • battery issues

  • non-compliance after upgrades

👉 See our intruder alarm maintenance services.

Is an Accredited Intruder Alarm More Expensive?

Not necessarily.

While very cheap installations may exist, they often:

  • cut corners

  • use lower-grade equipment

  • lack proper signalling

  • fail insurance or police requirements

An accredited installation focuses on long-term reliability, not short-term cost.

How to Check if a Company Is Accredited

Before choosing an installer, you should:

  • ask which accreditation body they belong to

  • check the accreditation number

  • verify it on the accreditor’s website

  • confirm the accreditation covers intruder alarms, not just CCTV

A genuine accredited company will never hesitate to provide proof.

SSAIB search https://www.ssaib.org/search-suppliers/

NSI search https://www.nsi.org.uk/company-finder/

FAQs – Accredited Intruder Alarm Companies

Do I legally need an accredited installer?

Not always — but you may need one for police response or insurance compliance.

Can an existing system be taken over by an accredited company?

Often yes, subject to inspection and upgrades if required.

Does accreditation apply to wireless alarms?

Yes — wireless and wired systems are both covered under the same standards.

Is accreditation important for domestic systems?

Yes, particularly where reliability, monitoring, and insurance are involved.

Final Thoughts

An intruder alarm is only as good as the company that designs, installs, and maintains it.

Choosing an accredited intruder alarm company means:

  • higher reliability

  • recognised compliance

  • access to monitoring and police response

  • peace of mind that standards are being met

It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid problems later.

Contact Cobra Fire and Security

Reviewed: 12/01/2026 Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your security provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.

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Written by : Michael Winter

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