Anti-Theft & Burglar Alarms Stop break-ins before they start
How burglar alarm systems work, door, motion and glass-break sensors, wired vs wireless, phone alerts, shop anti-theft (EAS) gates and avoiding false alarms.
01How a burglar alarm works
A burglar alarm detects a break-in, sounds a loud siren, and alerts your phone, so someone can act straight away.
02Types of sensors
Triggers when a door or window opens.
Senses body movement. Pet-friendly versions ignore small animals.
Listens for the sound of breaking glass.
Triggers when a rolling shutter is lifted.
Detects drilling or hammering.
Lets staff or family raise an alarm silently or loudly in an emergency.
03Arming modes
- Away: every sensor is active, for when everyone has left.
- Home / Stay: only doors and windows are active, so you can move around inside at night.
- Entry and exit delay: a few seconds to enter your code before the siren sounds.
- User codes: give each person their own code, so you know who armed or disarmed it.
04Wired or wireless?
| Wireless | Wired | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Quick, no drilling or cable runs | Cables run to every sensor |
| Power | Sensors run on batteries that need changing | No sensor batteries |
| Best for | Homes, rented flats, shops and offices already furnished | New builds and large sites |
For phone alerts, a panel with a SIM card (GSM) can call or SMS you even if the internet is down. Wi-Fi or app alerts add convenience. Many panels support both.
05Anti-theft gates for retail shops
Shops also use EAS (electronic article surveillance): small tags on products and antennas at the exit. If an unpaid item passes through, the gate sounds an alarm. Staff remove or deactivate the tag at billing. Pair it with a CCTV camera at the billing counter and the exit.
06ELÈTTRON Z+ Security wireless kit
Our own Z+ Security kit is completely wireless: a control panel with keypad, door and window sensors, a PIR motion detector and remotes, with no wiring and a fast install. See the Z+ kit on our products page.
07Avoiding false alarms
- Use pet-friendly motion detectors if you have pets
- Do not point motion detectors at windows, heaters, AC vents or curtains that move
- Change sensor batteries when the panel shows a low-battery warning
- Show every family member or staff member how to arm and disarm
- Close doors and windows fully before arming
08Common questions
Will the alarm work in a power cut?
Yes. The panel has a backup battery, and wireless sensors run on their own batteries.
Can it call me when it goes off?
Yes. Panels with a SIM card call or SMS you; app-connected panels send notifications.
Does it work with CCTV?
Yes. When the alarm triggers, open your camera app to see what is happening before you respond.
Is it worth it for a small shop?
Yes. A shutter sensor, a motion detector and a siren with phone alerts give strong protection at low cost.
Need help choosing?
Tell us about your home, society, shop or office. We will suggest what fits, visit the site, and give you a clear quote. See our burglar alarm service.