Home alarm systems in Belgium: how to choose the right one
An alarm system is no substitute for a good lock and does not make a house impenetrable. What it does is reduce the time the intruder has: it alerts you to the intrusion whilst it is taking place, and a burglary that goes on for too long is a burglary that fails. This page explains how to choose a system suitable for a home in Belgium, what to look out for, and what to ignore.
The four questions that determine everything
1. Wireless or wired?
In a property that is already occupied, thewirelessalmost always wins out: no chiselling, no false ceiling, and installation takes just half a day. The detectors last for several years on their batteries and alert you themselves when the battery is running low. ThewiredIt remains a viable option for new-build projects, major refurbishments and commercial premises: nothing needs replacing, nothing gets in the way. In between these scenarios, the hybrid approach allows you to use wired connections where accessible and switch to wireless elsewhere.
2. What level of resistance — the ‘grades’
The European standardEN 50131classifies systems from 1 to 4 according to the type of intruder they can withstand. TheGrade 1refers to the opportunist without the right tools: this is the level ofDIY home alarm systems. TheGrade 2covers the savvy intruder with a basic level of knowledge — this is the standard expected in a typical home and is generally the minimum requirement for connection to a remote monitoring centre. Beyond that, we are in the realm of high-security premises and professional settings.
3. What should happen when the siren sounds?
This is the question that is most often overlooked. Three scenarios to consider before buying:
- You are notified, you decide.Notifications on your phone, photo verification via the app – you can call whoever you like. No subscription required.
- An operator clears up the confusion.A monitoring centre receives the alarm, checks it and alerts the emergency services if necessary. That is the role of ourdispatching option.
- A security guard is on his way.A patrol assesses the situation on the spot and secures the area — see theresponse following an alarm.
The equipment is the same in all three cases. It is the back-end process that changes, and it is this that involves a recurring cost.
4. How many points need to be protected?
The number of detectors has a much greater impact on the price than the brand. Allow for: one motion detector per high-traffic area on the ground floor, onemagnetic contactAt each accessible point, an indoor siren, an outdoor siren for deterrence, and a keypad near the entrance. A flat requires three or four of these components; a terraced house, six to eight; a detached house requires, in addition to theoutdoor detection.
What really matters when it comes to equipment
Photo verification
A detector that sends a series of images when triggered changes the nature of the system: within ten seconds, you know whether it’s an intruder or your cat. Without it, every alarm means a trip out. In our view, this is the best value-for-money option in the catalogue.
Routes of transmission
An alarm control panel that communicates solely via the internet router will stop working when the router is switched off. Reputable control panels combine Ethernet, Wi-Fi and one or two SIM cards: to disable the alarm, one would therefore need to cut off the landline and several mobile networks simultaneously. See thealarm transmitters.
Tamper protection
Each component must be audible if it is open, disconnected or obscured. This is a basic feature, but it is what sets professional-grade equipment apart from entry-level products sold in supermarkets.
The possibility of extending
You won’t be able to install everything on the first day. Check how many devices the control panel can support: as long as you stay within a few dozen, you’ll never run into any problems. The worst-case scenario is having to replace the control panel just to add a detector.
The product ranges we stock
Ajax— wireless, meticulous installation, photo verification; the most popular range for residential use.Pyronix / Hikvision AX PRO— two-way radio, compatible with Hikvision cameras.ParadoxandHoneywell— wired and hybrid, for wired installation.VESTA— Z-Wave alarm and home automation systems in the same control unit.Dahua AirShield— alarm and video in a single app.
What the Belgian regulations say
An alarm system installed in a home must beregisteredwith the federal contact point. The registration is free of charge, is completed online, and must be kept up to date. It does not require any remote monitoring contract.
If you are also installing CCTV cameras, this requires a separate declaration, which must be confirmed each year. Further details can be found in our article on themandatory registration of CCTV cameras.
Finally, a useful comment on thelocal authority grants: Most Belgian local authorities subsidise mechanical security measures — locks, cylinders, impact-resistant glazing — but almost always exclude alarms and CCTV cameras. Check your local authority’s regulations before counting on this.
Where to start
The simplest way: start with aready-to-fit kit, the components of which are paired at the factory, and then complete the set. If you’re unsure about the composition, theconfiguratorguides you through a few questions, and theprice detailsgives you the orders of magnitude. To have it fitted, see theinstallation.
Not sure whether a component is compatible with your existing system?Get in touchPlease provide your alarm control panel reference number: we’ll check this before you place your order.