Frequently Asked Questions

We cover Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield, and the wider East Midlands including areas like Alfreton, Ripley, Belper, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, and surrounding towns. If you're unsure whether we cover your specific area, give us a call on 01773 687 111 and we'll be happy to confirm.

Yes, we hold NSI Silver accreditation. This means our work is independently audited to meet British and European standards. NSI approval is recognised by insurance companies and is required for police-response alarm monitoring. Our accreditation is maintained through regular re-assessment by the National Security Inspectorate — it is not a one-time certification. You can read more on our about page.

Absolutely. We provide free, no-obligation site surveys and quotes for all our services. We'll visit your property, assess your requirements, and provide a detailed quote with no pressure to proceed. Call us on 01773 687 111 or use our contact form to get started.

Yes, we serve both. From single-camera home CCTV systems to full commercial security installations with alarms, access control, and CCTV across multiple sites. We tailor every system to the specific needs of the property and the customer, whether it's a family home, a retail unit, an office building, or an industrial site. There's no minimum or maximum project size — we assess every enquiry on its merits.

We work with leading brands including Hikvision and Dahua for CCTV, Pyronix, Texecom and Orisec for intruder alarms, and Paxton, Videx and CAME for access control and gate automation. We select equipment based on reliability, performance, and value for money — and we'll always explain why we're recommending a particular product rather than just specifying the most expensive option.

Our office is open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm and Saturday 9am–1pm. For emergencies, we provide 24/7 callout support for customers on maintenance contracts, 365 days a year. If you're locked out of your premises or your alarm is malfunctioning at any time of day or night, we're here to help. Call us on 01773 687 111.

The number of cameras required depends on the size and layout of your property, the areas you want to monitor, and your objectives — whether that's deterring opportunistic crime, monitoring access points, or recording evidence. We carry out a free site survey to assess your specific needs and recommend the minimum number of cameras required to achieve effective coverage. Most domestic properties need between 2–8 cameras, while commercial sites vary considerably depending on the size and number of entry points.

Yes. All the CCTV systems we install support remote viewing via smartphone, tablet, or PC. We set up the app and walk you through how to use it as part of the installation handover. You'll be able to view live footage and access recorded clips from anywhere with an internet connection. We use apps from Hikvision and Dahua that are reliable and user-friendly, even for those who aren't particularly tech-savvy.

Storage duration depends on the capacity of the recorder and the number of cameras. Most systems we install provide between 14 and 30 days of continuous recording. We can advise on the appropriate storage capacity for your requirements and upgrade storage if needed. It's worth being aware that for commercial premises, UK GDPR regulations govern how long footage can be retained and how it must be managed — we'll advise you on this during the survey.

Standard HD CCTV typically records at 1080p resolution, which is sufficient for most domestic and light commercial applications. 4K cameras offer significantly higher resolution, making it possible to digitally zoom into footage and clearly identify faces or number plates at greater distances. 4K cameras also require more storage space and more powerful recorders. We'll recommend the appropriate resolution based on your coverage requirements and budget — there's no benefit in specifying 4K if HD will do the job.

In most cases, planning permission is not required for domestic CCTV systems. However, if cameras cover public areas or neighbouring properties, there are legal obligations under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. For commercial properties, planning permission may be required if the installation affects the external appearance of a listed building or is in a conservation area. We'll advise you on any relevant legal considerations during your free survey so there are no surprises.

The right alarm system depends on your property type, your lifestyle, and your monitoring requirements. Bells-only alarms sound an audible siren locally but don't notify anyone else. Monitored alarms connect to an Alarm Receiving Centre that can notify keyholders or request a police response. Smart alarms offer app-based alerts and remote control. We'll assess your needs during a free survey and recommend the most appropriate system for your situation — there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

To qualify for police response, an alarm must be installed by an NSI or SSAIB approved installer and connected to a police-compliant Alarm Receiving Centre. As an NSI Silver approved company, our alarm installations meet this requirement. Monitoring contracts are arranged through specialist ARCs rather than directly through us, but we'll guide you through the process and connect you with the right provider when the system is installed.

Many insurance providers offer discounts for properties with professionally installed, NSI or SSAIB approved alarm systems. The level of discount varies between insurers, but it can be significant — particularly for commercial properties or high-value homes. It's worth contacting your insurer before installation to confirm their requirements, as some specify the grade of alarm or level of monitoring that qualifies for a discount. Our NSI Silver status means the systems we install will satisfy most insurers' requirements.

False alarms can usually be attributed to user error (incorrect code entry), sensor sensitivity, or environmental factors such as extreme temperature changes, pets, or insects triggering motion sensors. We tune sensors carefully during installation to minimise false triggers, and we take time at handover to make sure you're fully confident using the system. If your alarm does activate unexpectedly, we'll support you in identifying and resolving the cause. Repeated false alarms on monitored systems can affect police response status, so it's important to address them promptly.

In many cases, yes. We specialise in security system takeovers, where we take over responsibility for an existing alarm, even if it was originally installed by a different company. We'll inspect the system, re-programme it to our standards, and bring it under our NSI-approved service cover. This is often significantly more cost-effective than a full replacement. Contact us to discuss your existing system and we'll advise honestly on whether it's worth keeping or replacing.

We install a range of access control solutions including proximity fob and card readers, PIN keypads, video intercom and door entry systems, biometric readers, and integrated systems that combine multiple methods. The right solution depends on the number of users, the level of security required, and whether you need an audit trail of access events. We work with trusted brands including Paxton and Videx to deliver reliable, scalable systems for both domestic and commercial customers.

Yes. Modern security systems can be integrated so that CCTV cameras automatically record when an access control event occurs, alarms can be armed and disarmed via the access control system, and all events are logged with timestamps. Integration provides a much clearer security picture and simplifies day-to-day management, particularly for commercial premises with multiple staff members and access points. We'll design the system with integration in mind from the outset so everything works together seamlessly.

Yes. Many of the access control systems we install support remote management via a browser or smartphone app. This allows you to grant or revoke access credentials, review the access log, release door locks remotely, and receive notifications of access events. Remote access capability is particularly useful for businesses managing contractors, deliveries, or staff across multiple shifts, and for homeowners who want to let in visitors without being physically present at the property.

A video door entry system (also known as a video intercom) combines a door-mounted camera and audio intercom with an internal monitor or smartphone app, allowing you to see and speak to visitors before granting entry. They range from simple single-dwelling units to multi-tenant systems for apartment blocks or office buildings. Some systems integrate with your smartphone, allowing you to answer the door remotely and release the lock even when you're not at the property — a particularly useful feature for busy households and businesses.

Swing gates open inward or outward like a door and are the most common choice for domestic driveways. They require clear space in front of or behind the gate line for the leaves to open — so they suit wider driveways and flat approaches. Sliding gates travel horizontally along a track parallel to the fence or wall, making them ideal for sloped driveways, narrow entrances, or situations where there is insufficient space for leaves to swing. Sliding gates also tend to be more suitable for wider commercial entrances. We survey your property before recommending, and there are hybrid options — such as bi-folding gates — for particularly constrained spaces.

For most domestic properties in Nottingham, Derby, and the East Midlands, planning permission is not required for gates up to 1 metre high adjacent to a highway, or 2 metres elsewhere. Gates on listed buildings or within conservation areas may require consent. Commercial installations are more likely to need planning permission, particularly where they affect traffic visibility or are on a larger scale. We will advise you on likely requirements during your free site survey, and it is always worth contacting your local planning authority if you are unsure before proceeding.

We recommend at least one full service every year. Electric gates are mechanical systems subject to weather, wear, and heavy daily use. Annual servicing checks the motor and drive mechanism, lubricates moving parts, tests and adjusts safety features such as photocells and safety edges, verifies the control system and remote functions, and checks for any wear on hinges or gate leaves. Regular servicing extends motor life significantly, keeps safety certifications current, and prevents the more expensive breakdowns that arise from deferred maintenance. We offer annual maintenance contracts for both domestic and commercial customers across the East Midlands.

Yes — and this is something we do on the majority of our gate installations. Combining gate automation with a video intercom system means you can see who is at your gate and open it remotely from inside your property or from your smartphone. Paired with a CCTV camera covering the entrance, you have a complete record of every vehicle and visitor. We regularly integrate gate automation with our access control and CCTV systems for commercial sites across Nottingham and Derby, creating a fully joined-up perimeter security solution managed from a single platform.

NSI standards recommend that alarm systems are serviced at least once a year, and monitored systems may require twice-yearly servicing to maintain police response status. CCTV systems benefit from an annual check to clean cameras, verify recording quality, and check hard drive health. Access control systems should be reviewed annually to ensure firmware is up to date and access credentials are current. We offer maintenance contracts that cover all of this, so you never have to remember to book a service.

Our service visits include a full functional test of all system components, cleaning of camera lenses and sensor covers, a check of all wiring and connections, firmware and software updates where applicable, battery replacement (if required), and a written service report. We'll also flag any components that are showing signs of wear or approaching end of life, so you can plan ahead rather than deal with unexpected failures at an inconvenient time.

Yes. Customers on maintenance contracts receive 24/7 emergency callout support, 365 days a year. If your alarm is sounding unexpectedly, a camera has stopped recording, or your access control has failed, call us on 01773 687 111 and we'll respond as quickly as possible. Emergency response times vary depending on your location and time of day, but we aim to attend within 4 hours for critical faults affecting your security.

In many cases, yes. We specialise in security system takeovers, where we take responsibility for an existing alarm, CCTV, or access control system — even if it was installed by another company. We'll carry out an inspection to confirm the system is in good working order, re-programme it to our standards, and bring it under our NSI-approved service cover. This is often significantly more cost-effective than full replacement. Contact us to discuss your existing system.