How to Prevent False Alarms and Keep Your Security System Reliable

False alarms are one of the biggest frustrations in the security industry. They waste police resources, can result in fines, and : most dangerously : cause people to ignore their alarm when it really matters.

The good news? Most false alarms are completely preventable with the right equipment, training, and maintenance.

Studies show that up to 98% of alarm activations attended by UK police are false. Whether you're protecting a home or a business, knowing why they happen : and how to prevent them : is key to keeping your system reliable and aligned with current police policy.

What Causes False Alarms?

False alarms usually fall into three categories: user error, environmental factors, and equipment issues.

1. User Error (Most Common Cause : up to 85%)

Simple mistakes account for the majority of false activations:

• Forgetting to disarm before entering

• Entering the wrong PIN multiple times

• Leaving doors or windows unsecured

• Failing to brief visitors, cleaners, or contractors

• New users not being onboarded properly

  
  

What helps most:

• Provide onboarding for every new user and schedule annual refresher training

• Keep a quick-start guide by keypads covering entry/exit times and what to do after an accidental trigger

• Make sure keyholders and the monitoring centre share up-to-date contact details and passcodes

2. Environmental Factors

Your surroundings can play tricks on sensors:

• Pets moving within detection zones

• Balloons, curtains, or plants moving in draughts

• Insects crawling across sensors

• Temperature changes or rattling windows in high winds

Professional installers design systems to minimise these triggers : but ongoing awareness helps too.

3. Equipment Issues

Technical problems can also cause false alarms:

• Low batteries in wireless sensors

• Loose wiring or damaged connections

• Misaligned door contacts or PIR sensors

• Outdated equipment incompatible with new networks

• Dirty sensors affected by dust or insects

• Network changes when upgrading to IP/GSM paths without proper supervision settings

• Temporary broadband or mobile outages triggering comms faults if not configured correctly

Routine inspection, a professional risk assessment, and correct signalling supervision prevent most of these issues before they escalate.

The Real-World Impact of False Alarms

Police Response, URNs and Fines

UK police attendance is governed by policy. To receive police response, your system needs:

• A Unique Reference Number (URN) issued via an NSI or SSAIB accredited installer

• Compliance with BS EN 50131 and PD 6662

• Monitoring by an approved Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)

Without a URN, your alarm is treated as a local system only : sirens, app notifications and keyholder calls, but no police dispatch.

To reduce false dispatches, BS 8243 requires alarm confirmation (often two independent detector activations, or sensor plus video). Repeated false activations can lead to fines (£50–£100 in many areas) and your URN being downgraded or withdrawn, meaning slower or no police attendance when it really matters.

Insurance Consequences

Frequent false alarms can lead insurers to raise premiums or question system maintenance. Many policies require an NSI or SSAIB certificate proving your system is maintained and compliant.

Business Disruption

For companies, false alarms mean:

• Keyholders called out at unsociable hours

• Operations halted while premises are checked

• Complaints from neighbours and staff fatigue

• Loss of confidence in your security measures

Practical Steps to Prevent False Alarms

1. Proper Training and User Awareness

Everyone who operates your alarm should know:

• How to arm/disarm correctly

• Entry/exit times and zones

• What to do after accidental activation

• How to test the system safely

  
  

Make training routine:

• Onboard every new user and schedule annual refresher courses

• Keep a simple quick-guide by the keypad

• Practise abort/cancel procedures and passcodes with your ARC/keyholders

2. Clear Daily Procedures

Establish simple habits:

• Check all entry points before arming

• Keep pets in non-monitored areas

• Secure moving items (balloons, blinds)

• Have a backup keyholder if the main user is away

3. Smart System Design

Pet-Friendly Sensors Designed to ignore movement below a set weight/height, allowing pets to roam freely without triggering alarms.

Strategic Sensor Placement Installers position sensors away from vents, windows, and heat sources to avoid environmental interference.

Quality Equipment Choose reputable brands with:

• Dual-technology (PIR + microwave) detection

• Adjustable sensitivity

• Battery and fault monitoring

• Encrypted wireless communication

4. Advanced Technology That Helps

Video Verification When alarms trigger, connected cameras send short video clips to the monitoring centre. Operators visually confirm whether it's a genuine break-in before contacting police : dramatically reducing false dispatches.

AI and Smart Integration Modern systems use artificial intelligence to learn normal household or business patterns. They can ignore everyday movement or familiar sounds while alerting you to genuine anomalies.

Smart Home Integration Link your alarm with mobile apps and smart devices for features like:

• Auto-disarm when your phone arrives home

• Zone bypassing during maintenance or decorating

• Remote control and alerts in real time

5. Regular Maintenance and Servicing

Battery & Power Checks Low batteries are the leading cause of wireless alarm faults. Replace annually, keep spares, and monitor charge levels through system diagnostics.

Sensor Cleaning & Alignment Dust, cobwebs, and vibration can misalign detectors. Gently clean sensors with a soft cloth and ensure fittings are tight.

System Testing Run a test at least monthly:

• Activate "test mode" to avoid dispatch

• Verify each sensor triggers correctly

• Check communication paths (Wi‑Fi and GSM; PSTN where still in use)

• Confirm dual‑path signalling supervision, poll intervals and failover are working

Professional Annual Servicing Certified engineers (NSI/SSAIB) will:

• Test all zones and sensors

• Replace backup batteries

• Update firmware and software

• Verify compliance with BS EN 50131 and PD 6662, and confirm BS 8243 alarm confirmation settings where police response is required

• Provide documentation for insurance and, where applicable, URN compliance

6. Collaboration with Your Monitoring Centre

Good communication helps prevent repeat issues:

• Keep contact details and keyholders up to date

• Agree on verification procedures before dispatch

• Report recurring triggers to your installer or ARC

Patterns of false alarms often reveal fixable root causes.

7. Choosing the Right Alarm Partner

When selecting a security company, look for:

• NSI or SSAIB certification

• Compliance with BS EN 50131, PD 6662 and BS 8243

• Proven experience with similar sites

• Comprehensive user training, onboarding and annual refreshers

• Regular maintenance programmes

• Approved ARC monitoring with URN application and management where police response is required

• Modern technology with false‑alarm‑reduction features

Our Approach at Hound Security Systems

At Hound Security Systems, we believe your alarm should deliver peace of mind, not constant interruptions.

Our process includes:

• Detailed on-site surveys, professional risk assessment and tailored system design

• Expert installation and sensor placement to British Standards

• Full user onboarding and annual refresher training for every operator

• 24/7 ARC monitoring with video verification and BS 8243 confirmation

• Support with URN applications and ongoing URN compliance (where police response is required)

• Ongoing maintenance to keep systems in peak condition

  
  

If you're struggling with frequent false alarms : or want to install a modern system built to avoid them : we can help you achieve reliable, worry-free protection.

Conclusion

False alarms aren't inevitable. With the right equipment, training, and professional support, you can maintain a dependable system that only alerts you when it truly matters.

Contact Hound Security Systems today to schedule a maintenance check or discuss a new installation designed to stay "Always On Guard."