A great alarm isn’t about one big spec — it’s the right sensors, smart setup, and dependable monitoring (with backup comms) so someone acts when it matters.
We install and service alarms across the Wairarapa — lifestyle blocks, townhouses, dairies, main-street retailers, warehouses. The same myths pop up again and again, so here’s what’s true (and what isn’t) in plain Kiwi English.
Myth 1: “An alarm stops burglars”
Reality: Alarms detect and deter — they don’t physically stop anyone. The real win is fast response: loud sirens + clear signage + professional monitoring (so the call tree kicks in and help is on the way).
Myth 2: “Wireless alarms are unreliable”
Reality: Modern wireless is solid when designed well. For new builds or renos we often run wired (PoE) for permanence, but wireless or hybrid setups are great for finished homes and rentals. The key is signal planning, device supervision, and proper placement.
Myth 3: “My phone is all the monitoring I need”
Reality: Notifications are handy — until you’re asleep, in poor reception, or on a flight. 24/7 monitoring verifies events, calls contacts in order, and can request a guard or next steps. Many customers choose app control + monitoring so nothing is missed.
Myth 4: “One keypad by the front door is enough”
Reality: Day-to-day convenience matters. Think garage/internal access, master bedroom, or rear staff door for businesses. Add keyfobs for quick arm/disarm and duress codes for safety. Multiple keypads make correct use more likely.
Myth 5: “Pets and alarms don’t mix”
Reality: They can — with the right sensors and setup. We use pet-tolerant PIRs, correct mounting heights, beam patterns and sensitivity settings. For active cats (bench jumpers) we often favour door/window contacts and shock sensors on key entry points.
Myth 6: “The siren alone will scare them off”
Reality: Sometimes, but not always. Exterior siren + strobe + signage is great, yet verified detection (e.g. multiple zones, cross-triggering, or pairing with CCTV) plus monitoring is what turns noise into action.
Myth 7: “False alarms are inevitable”
Reality: Good design kills most false alarms. We set sensible entry/exit delays, fine-tune sensitivity, zone high-risk doors/windows, and keep devices maintained. Regular battery changes and an annual service go a long way.
Myth 8: “The old panel is fine forever”
Reality: Many legacy panels lack app control, event logs, partitions, or cellular/IP backup. We can often re-use wiring and some devices but upgrade the brain so you get reliability and modern features.
Myth 9: “Power cuts make alarms useless”
Reality: Quality alarms include backup batteries and we recommend cellular/IP dual path so signals still get out during outages — handy for rural Wairarapa where lines can be a bit flaky in a storm.
Myth 10: “One motion sensor covers the whole house”
Reality: Coverage ≠ clarity. Think layers: perimeter (doors/windows), key internal areas (hallway to bedrooms, living), and smoke integration where appropriate. Fewer, well-placed devices beat lots of average ones.
What “good” looks like (homes)
- Perimeter first: contacts on main doors, shock sensors on vulnerable windows.
- Smart internal coverage: hall/living/garage motions, not just “one in the lounge”.
- Easy to live with: keypad where you enter, fobs for convenience, app for alerts.
- Resilient comms: cellular/IP path with on-board backup battery.
- Monitoring: someone acts if you can’t.
What “good” looks like (businesses)
- Entry/exit doors and rear/staff access covered and logged.
- Partitioning for after-hours cleaners or sub-tenants.
- Open/close reporting (who armed/disarmed and when).
- Hold-up/duress capability and a simple staff cheat-sheet.
- CCTV pairing for event verification on high-risk zones (till, storeroom, yard gates).
Wairarapa-specific tips we’ve learned the hard way
- Rural sheds & workshops: combine door contacts with a vibration/shock sensor on roller doors; add a driveway beam if you want early warning.
- Long driveways: cellular backup is worth it — copper can be patchy and fibre ONTs still need power.
- Main-street retail: open/close reports and panic/duress buttons build staff confidence and help with procedures.
- Rentals & offices: wireless or hybrid keeps the place tidy and reduces install disruption.
Quick answers (FAQs)
How often should I service my alarm?
We recommend annually: test zones, replace batteries, update user codes/contacts.
Can you take over my existing system?
Usually, yes. We’ll audit the panel and devices, advise what to keep, and price an upgrade path if it’ll save headaches later.
Do alarms actually reduce burglary?
They’re a strong deterrent and help with faster response — especially when the system is well-signed and professionally monitored.
Ready for a no-pressure check?
If you’re in Masterton, Carterton, Greytown or Featherston, we’ll pop by, map what you need to protect, and recommend the simplest setup that actually works.
- Explore: Alarm Systems
- Pair with CCTV: CCTV Installations
- Ask about monitoring: Alarm Monitoring
Or just call 06 216 1500 and talk to a local.
