Intruder Alarm Installation in Cornwall — BS EN 50131 Graded
A break-in takes 90 seconds. Your current alarm — if it's even working — takes 20 minutes for anyone to respond. We design Cornwall homes and businesses out of that gap with BS EN 50131 wireless and wired intruder systems.
An intruder alarm is a system of sensors, control panel, and external sounder designed to detect and respond to unauthorised entry. UK intruder alarms are graded under BS EN 50131 — Grade 1 for domestic, Grade 2 for low-risk commercial, Grade 3 for higher-risk commercial. Insurance and police-response (URN) requirements typically demand Grade 2 minimum for businesses.
If you're a Cornwall homeowner, shop, holiday let, farm, or industrial unit, you've likely faced the problem: decade-old bells-only systems nobody hears, no police response, and an insurance dispute when claiming.
We fix that. You get a graded, dual-path, monitored-capable system that insurers and the police actually recognise, installed cleanly and serviced properly.
Types of Intruder Alarms We Install
Grade 2 wired intruder alarms
For most commercial premises and larger homes. Hardwired sensors and sounder. Reliable, low-maintenance, and the insurer-default choice for business protection.
Grade 2/3 wireless intruder alarms
For retrofits, listed buildings, and properties where cabling is impractical. Battery-managed sensors offer the same rigorous compliance as wired systems without the mess.
Grade 3 commercial alarms with dual-path signalling
For higher-risk premises (jewellery, pharmacy, electronics retail). Required by some insurance policies. Combines IP + GSM signalling so cutting one path doesn't cut the response.
Domestic Grade 1 alarms
For owner-occupied homes. Lower spec than commercial but fully compliant with most home insurance policies and provides highly effective deterrence against opportunistic break-ins.
What a properly graded intruder alarm actually buys you
- Stop break-ins before they startVisible, sounding alarms abandon 58% of attempted commercial break-ins within 4 minutes (ONS 2024).
- Get the police response your bell-only alarm doesn'tOnly monitored, BS-graded systems get a Police URN and direct police dispatch.
- Protect your insurance claimNon-graded alarms often void cover. Our paperwork stops the dispute before it starts.
- Cut your premiumMany insurers discount BS EN 50131 Grade 2 systems by 5-15%. Ask your broker.
- Sleep easierPush notifications to your phone the moment a sensor triggers, so you know before the neighbours do.
How we install your intruder alarm
Free site survey
Mitch walks the property, identifies entry points, asks about your insurance grade requirement and your incident history.
System design + quote
Within 48 hours: written quote with sensor positions, grade designation, signalling spec (audible-only, dual-path monitored, etc.).
Install
Typically 1-2 days for a small commercial / domestic install. Sensors positioned to avoid pets, drafts, false-trigger sources.
Commission + test
Every sensor walk-tested, sounder verified, signalling path verified to the ARC (if monitored).
Documentation + handover
System manual, sensor map, code-set training, ARC URN registration, 6-monthly service reminder.
Why Choose Us
Most break-ins are stopped, not solved. According to UK Office for National Statistics 2024 burglary data, 58% of attempted commercial break-ins are abandoned by intruders within 4 minutes — and the presence of a sounding alarm is the most-cited reason for abandonment in police interviews.
Source: Office for National Statistics, 2024 burglary data.
Insurer-recognised BS EN 50131 grades
Design and commissioning to the standard your policy requires.
Dual-path option
IP + GSM means cutting one line doesn't cut the response.
Mitch installs every system
No subcontracting. The man who surveys the job does the job.
Local-only, Cornwall-only
Same-day quotes from Helston to St Ives.
About the engineer
Mitch Clementson — Founder + Engineer
Mitch has spent 16 years installing fire and security systems across Cornwall — from listed cottages in Helston to commercial premises in Truro. Every job he quotes, he installs. Every system he commissions, he services. There is no subcontracting, no surprise team, no "the engineer will be in touch" — you call, he answers.
- BS 5839-1:2025 — Commercial fire alarm design, installation, commissioning
- BS 5839-6:2020 — Domestic fire alarm grading
- BS EN 62676 — CCTV system standards
- BS EN 50131 — Intruder alarm grading
- BS 5266-1 — Emergency lighting code of practice
- BS 5306-3 — Fire extinguisher commissioning and servicing
- British Fire Consortium member (independent standards verification)
"A bells-only alarm is a deterrent. A monitored, BS EN 50131 graded system is an actual response. The difference matters when there's nobody home and the police won't come unless somebody calls them."
— Mitch Clementson, Founder of MC Fire & Security
What's included in your intruder alarm install
- Site survey + insurance-grade assessment — included.
- System design — sensor positioning, signalling type, grade designation matched to your premises and insurance requirement.
- All hardware — control panel, sensors, sounder, keypad, batteries, signalling module (if monitored).
- Installation labour — typically 1-2 days for small commercial / domestic; longer for multi-zone or listed buildings.
- Commissioning — every sensor walk-tested, codes set, app set up, URN registered with the ARC if monitored.
- Documentation pack — sensor map, user manual, training session.
- 12-month workmanship warranty + manufacturer hardware warranty.
- First 6-monthly service — calendar reminder set.
Every quote is itemised — you see exactly what you're paying for. Same-day quotes across Cornwall.
Recent Work
What Our Customers Say
5.0 Google rating from 36 reviews. Recent customer feedback mentions reliable service, tidy work, clear explanations, and professional fire and security installations across Cornwall.
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MC Fire and Security provides intruder alarm installation across Cornwall:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a burglar alarm cost in the UK?
Burglar alarm costs depend on the type of system, the number of sensors, and whether it's wired or wireless. A basic bells-only system for a standard home is at the lower end, while a fully monitored commercial system with multiple zones will cost more. Mitch provides free site surveys and no-obligation quotes - call 07498 819185 for an accurate price.
What is the difference between monitored and bells-only alarms?
A bells-only alarm sounds a siren when triggered - it relies on neighbours or passers-by hearing it. A monitored alarm sends a signal to a monitoring centre or your phone, so you're alerted immediately wherever you are. Monitored systems offer a faster response, especially for rural Cornwall properties where nobody might hear a siren.
Can I get police response to my alarm?
Police response to an intruder alarm requires a Unique Reference Number (URN) from the police, and the alarm must be installed and maintained by an inspector-certificated company (typically SSAIB or NSI accredited). MC Fire and Security can install a system that meets the technical requirements. If police response is essential to you, Mitch will discuss the options during your site survey.
What is a URN (Unique Reference Number) for alarms?
A URN is a number issued by the police that links your alarm system to their response database. When your monitored alarm triggers and the monitoring centre contacts the police, the URN ensures they respond. To obtain a URN, your alarm generally needs to be installed by an accredited company and meet specific false alarm reduction standards.
Do burglar alarms reduce insurance premiums?
Yes, many insurers offer reduced premiums for properties with professionally installed alarm systems. Some policies require a specific standard (like BS EN 50131) or accredited installation for the discount to apply. Even without a specific requirement, a professional alarm system strengthens any insurance claim. Mitch installs all systems to BS EN 50131, which is what most insurers look for.
What is an NSI or SSAIB approved installer?
NSI and SSAIB are the two main inspectorates that certify security companies in the UK. Accredited installers are regularly audited to ensure their work meets industry standards. MC Fire and Security is a British Fire Consortium member and installs all systems to BS EN 50131 and PD 6662:2017. If your insurer specifically requires SSAIB or NSI certification, Mitch will let you know upfront.
How often should intruder alarms be serviced?
BS EN 50131 recommends at least annual servicing for intruder alarm systems. Most insurers and monitoring companies require this too. Regular servicing catches sensor drift, battery degradation, and wiring issues before they cause false alarms or failures. MC Fire and Security offers maintenance packages to keep your system in top condition.
Wired vs wireless burglar alarm - which is better?
Wired alarms are the most reliable - no batteries to replace, no wireless interference, and a tamper-proof connection. Wireless alarms are quicker to install, cause less disruption, and suit older properties or listed buildings where cabling is impractical. Mitch will recommend the best option based on your property during the free site survey.
What happens when my alarm goes off and I'm not home?
With a bells-only system, the siren sounds for a set period and then resets. With a monitored system, the monitoring centre receives the alert and follows your agreed response plan - that could mean calling you, calling a keyholder, or contacting the authorities. MC Fire and Security can set up smartphone alerts so you're notified instantly, wherever you are.
Can I keep my existing alarm and switch to a new monitoring company?
In many cases, yes - as long as your existing system is in good working order and meets the required standards. MC Fire and Security can take over the servicing and maintenance of systems originally installed by other companies. Mitch will inspect the system and advise whether it's worth keeping or replacing.
What is the PSTN switch-off and how does it affect my alarm?
The UK's traditional phone network (PSTN) is being switched off, with the rollout happening through 2025 and beyond. If your alarm currently sends signals over a phone line, it will stop working once your line is migrated to digital. MC Fire and Security can upgrade your alarm's communication to work over broadband or mobile networks, ensuring it keeps working after the switch. Call Mitch on 07498 819185 if you're unsure whether your system is affected.
Get a Free Site Survey
Ready to protect your property? Call Mitch on 07498 819185 or message on WhatsApp.
Last updated: 2026-05-13