A local alarm only sounds a siren on the property and relies entirely on someone hearing it to call for help. A monitored alarm is connected to a 24/7 professional monitoring center. When triggered, live operators verify the emergency and automatically dispatch police, fire, or medical services.
The main difference is response capability. With monitored systems, trained operators receive your alarm signals 24/7 and dispatch help immediately. Local systems rely entirely on someone nearby hearing the alarm and taking action themselves.
Monitored alarms automatically notify a monitoring centre. In contrast, unmonitored alarms provide a local alert but do not notify authorities automatically. While they can alert intruders and potentially deter intruders, they often lack the reliability and efficiency of monitored systems.
Monitored smart home security systems: These come with 24/7 surveillance by a team of professionals who will notify emergency services for you. Unmonitored smart home security systems: These rely on your ability to self-monitor, even when you're away.
Monitored alarm systems offer Police response
The time that is saved with this direct connection via the monitoring centre may mean the difference between catching the criminal and arriving too late. Police response does not come with systems installed by locksmiths, handymen or non-approved security companies.
Burglars hate anything that makes a break-in noisy, time-consuming, or highly visible. Criminals look for the path of least resistance; if a target requires too much effort or poses a high risk of getting caught, they will simply move on to an easier home.
Ongoing monitoring costs are typically in the £10–40 per month range. While some systems such as those offered by Yale can be used without monitoring, most manufacturers in this price range such as Verisure and ADT offer private security response and the ability to notify police of verified break-ins.
A local alarm is an unmonitored security or fire system that triggers loud sirens, bells, or flashing lights directly at the property. It is designed to scare away intruders and alert people in the immediate vicinity, but it does not automatically contact police, fire departments, or monitoring centers.
Another way criminals may try to defeat burglar alarms is through wireless alarm jammers. These very expensive devices are sometimes able to block cellular signals, such as the ones used in wireless home security systems. But due to the high cost of cell jammers, wire cutters are still the tool of choice for thieves.
Many insurers will offer discounts for video surveillance cameras and home security systems equipped with an alarm, door and window sensors, and motion sensors. These devices are designed to help deter potential criminals and alert you (and your neighbors) of an intrusion.
Police-approved personal alarms are highly effective, non-lethal self-defense devices. They operate by pulling a pin to emit an ear-piercing 130130130–140 dB siren and flashing strobe light to disorient attackers and attract help. They attach easily to keychains, backpacks, or purses for instant, everyday access.
For some, peace of mind comes from knowing a dedicated person is monitoring your home 24/7. For others, control and cost-savings matter more, and self-monitoring is the perfect fit. Monitored systems offer a layer of backup that makes many homeowners sleep more easily.
Key Differences Between System Types
The fundamental distinction lies in external notification capabilities. Monitored systems actively contact emergency services, while local systems passively alert people within hearing range.
What are the three main types of alarms? Fire alarms, burglary alarms, and intrusion detection systems are all types of alarm systems which have different functions.
✅ IDCs connect initiating devices like detectors and pulls. ✅ NACs power notification appliances like horns and strobes. ✅ SLCs carry digital communication between the panel and addressable devices.
Alarm monitoring is a security service that connects your property’s alarm system to a 24/7 professional monitoring center. When an alarm is triggered, the system instantly sends a signal to the monitoring team, who verify the emergency and dispatch the police, fire, or medical responders on your behalf.
LOCAL ALARM SYSTEM: An alarm system which, when activated, causes an audible and/or visual signaling device to be activated and is intended to be seen and/or heard by others outside of the protected premises. A local alarm system is not monitored by an alarm service company or answering service.
Will Home Alarm Work Without Monitoring? A home security system could potentially continue to work without monitoring, depending on the security company you have chosen. However, not all equipment functions without professional monitoring.
Monitored alarms are worth it for homeowners who want a professional response if an alarm activates, especially when they are asleep or away from home. They provide added reassurance compared to relying solely on app notifications.
The Best Wireless Home Security Systems of 2026
Top systems with no-fee, self-monitoring tiers include Abode, Ring Alarm, and Eufy. These DIY kits provide local push alerts and app control without ongoing contracts. Reolink and Wyze are excellent alternatives if you primarily need cameras with local MicroSD storage.
Yes, visible security cameras strongly deter burglars. Studies by the University of North Carolina found that about 60% of convicted burglars deliberately avoid homes with clearly visible security systems and cameras to reduce the risk of being identified and recorded.
For cheaper home security, top DIY and contract-free brands like SimpliSafe, Ring, and Cove offer better affordability than ADT. You'll save heavily on both upfront equipment and monthly professional monitoring, avoiding the long-term contracts and steep installation fees that come with ADT.
Home / FAQs / Can electricians install burglar alarm systems? Yes, in theory. We would always recommend using a specialist security engineer to install an alarm system because they will be able to maximise the potential of that system much better.