FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

CCTV
  • What is the difference between CCTV and a complete security system?
    While integrated security systems with CCTV installation provide comprehensive protection, CCTV alone is reactive - it only records events. A complete security system includes alarms, access control, and professionally installed CCTV cameras working together to actively prevent intrusions and manage access. This integration offers real-time alerts, access management, and video verification of events. Our expert CCTV installation services ensure your surveillance equipment is strategically positioned for maximum coverage and properly connected to your broader security infrastructure.
  • How does access control work with CCTV systems?
    Modern access control integration combines video surveillance with entry management. When someone uses their access card or fob, the system records both the access attempt and video footage of the event. This provides visual verification of who entered, enhancing security by ensuring credentials aren't being misused.
  • Can security cameras work without internet?
    Security camera systems can operate without internet, recording footage to local storage devices. However, internet connectivity enables remote viewing, real-time alerts, and cloud backup features. For businesses requiring constant monitoring, a stable internet connection ensures maximum system functionality and remote access capabilities.

Fire Alarms
  • Can fire alarm systems integrate with other building safety systems?
    Yes, modern fire alarm systems can integrate with multiple building safety and management systems throughout your property. Our fire alarm integration services connect your fire detection equipment with access control systems, CCTV surveillance, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, and building management platforms. This comprehensive approach ensures coordinated emergency response, including automatic door release, lift control, HVAC shutdown, and emergency notification. We design these integrated solutions to meet BS 5839, BS 7273, and BS EN 50136 standards, providing complete documentation and testing for each integration point. For critical facilities, we implement redundant communication pathways to maintain system reliability even during power or network failures.
  • What types of fire alarm systems do you install throughout the UK?
    Reliance Systems Ltd install a comprehensive range of fire alarm systems across the UK, including addressable fire alarm, conventional fire alarm, wireless fire alarm, and hybrid fire alarm solutions. Our fire alarm installation services cover all property types from residential homes to large industrial facilities. Each system is designed to meet specific BS 5839 requirements based on your building's layout, occupancy, and risk assessment. We specialize in both basic detection systems and advanced solutions featuring aspirating smoke detection fire alarm, flame detection fire alarm, and multi-sensor technology fire alarm. All installations include full documentation, user training, and commissioning certificates.
  • How often should fire alarm systems be tested and maintained?
    According to BS 5839 compliance requirements, fire alarm maintenance should include weekly testing of the system and professional servicing every 6 months. This ensures optimal performance and legal compliance. A five-minute check should be performed weekly, while comprehensive inspections must be conducted bi-annually to maintain safety standards and meet regulatory requirements.

Intruder Alarms
  • Can intruder alarm systems integrate with smart home technology?
    Yes, modern intruder alarm systems can seamlessly integrate with multiple smart home and security technologies throughout your property. Our intruder alarm integration services connect your detection equipment with smart locks, CCTV surveillance, lighting control, mobile apps, and home automation platforms. This comprehensive approach ensures coordinated security response, including automatic lighting activation, door locking, camera recording, and instant notifications. We design these integrated solutions to meet BS 4737, PD 6662, and BS EN 50131 standards, providing complete documentation and testing for each integration point. For enhanced security, we implement redundant communication pathways to maintain system reliability even during power or network failures.
  • What types of intruder alarm systems do you install throughout the UK?
    Reliance Systems Ltd install a comprehensive range of intruder alarm systems across the UK, including wireless burglar alarms, hardwired security systems, monitored alarm systems, and hybrid detection solutions. Our intruder alarm installation services cover all property types from residential homes to large commercial facilities. Each system is designed to meet specific PD 6662 requirements based on your building's layout, occupancy, and risk assessment. We specialize in both basic detection systems and advanced solutions featuring PIR motion sensors, door contacts, glass break detectors, and dual-technology sensors. All installations include full documentation, user training, and commissioning certificates.
  • How much does it cost to install a burglar alarm system?
    Burglar alarm installation costs vary depending on system type, property size, and security requirements. Wireless burglar alarm systems offer different pricing structures compared to hardwired installations, while monitored systems include ongoing monthly service fees. Each installation is uniquely priced based on your specific security needs, property layout, and chosen technology. We provide free security assessments and detailed quotations to ensure you receive the most cost-effective solution tailored to your specific requirements and budget considerations.

Gates & Barriers
  • How much does it cost to install electric gates?
    Electric gate installation costs vary depending on gate type, size, automation system, and site requirements. Residential electric driveway gates typically range from basic swing gate automation to premium sliding gate systems with advanced access control features. Commercial and industrial installations require heavy-duty components and enhanced security features. Each installation is uniquely priced based on your specific access control needs, property layout, ground conditions, and chosen technology. We provide free site surveys and detailed quotations to ensure you receive the most cost-effective solution tailored to your specific requirements and budget considerations.
  • What types of electric gates and barriers do you install?
    Reliance Systems Ltd install a comprehensive range of electric gates and security barriers across the UK, including swing gates, sliding gates, barrier arms, bollards, and industrial security gates. Our gate installation services cover all property types from residential driveways to large commercial facilities and event venues. Each system is designed to meet specific security and access control requirements based on your property's layout, traffic flow, and safety considerations. We specialise in both standard automation systems and advanced solutions featuring keypads, intercoms, smartphone control, and integrated CCTV systems. All installations include full documentation, user training, and commissioning certificates.
  • Can electric gates be integrated with smart home systems?
    Yes, modern electric gates can seamlessly integrate with smart home and security technologies throughout your property. Our gate automation systems connect with smartphone apps, home automation platforms, CCTV systems, intercom units, and access control systems. This comprehensive approach ensures convenient remote operation, including smartphone control, visitor management, automatic opening schedules, and security notifications. We design these integrated solutions to work with popular smart home platforms, providing complete setup and configuration for each integration point. For enhanced convenience, we implement multiple access methods including remote controls, keypads, proximity cards, and smartphone applications.

Access Control
  • How much does access control installation cost?
    Access control installation costs vary depending on system type, number of doors, user capacity, and integration requirements. Basic keycard systems for small offices typically start from entry-level solutions, while advanced biometric systems with multi-door control require higher investment. Commercial and enterprise installations need sophisticated software, database management, and network integration capabilities. Each installation is uniquely priced based on your specific security requirements, building layout, user numbers, and chosen authentication technology. We provide free security assessments and detailed quotations to ensure you receive the most cost-effective access control solution tailored to your specific requirements and budget considerations.
  • What types of access control systems do you install?
    Reliance Systems Ltd install a comprehensive range of access control systems across the UK, including keycard readers, biometric scanners, keypad entry systems, proximity card readers, and smartphone-based access solutions. Our access control installation services cover all property types from residential buildings to large commercial facilities and secure government buildings. Each system is designed to meet specific security and user management requirements based on your facility's layout, security levels, and operational needs. We specialise in both standalone systems and networked solutions featuring visitor management, time attendance integration, CCTV connectivity, and cloud-based management platforms.
  • Can access control systems integrate with existing security systems?
    Yes, modern access control systems can seamlessly integrate with existing security infrastructure throughout your facility. Our access control solutions connect with CCTV systems, alarm panels, visitor management platforms, time attendance systems, and building management systems. This comprehensive approach ensures unified security operation, including real-time monitoring, automated alerts, visitor tracking, and comprehensive audit trails. We design these integrated solutions to work with popular security platforms, providing complete setup and configuration for each integration point. For enhanced security, we implement multiple authentication methods including cards, biometrics, mobile credentials, and PIN codes.

Fibre & Data
  • How much does fibre optic installation cost?
    Fibre optic installation costs vary depending on cable type, distance requirements, connection points, and network complexity. Basic Cat6 structured cabling for small offices typically starts from entry-level solutions, while advanced fibre backbone systems with multi-building connectivity require higher investment. Commercial and enterprise installations need sophisticated network equipment, patch panel configurations, and integration capabilities. Each installation is uniquely priced based on your specific connectivity requirements, building layout, user numbers, and chosen networking technology. We provide free network assessments and detailed quotations to ensure you receive the most cost-effective data cabling solution tailored to your specific requirements and budget considerations.
  • What types of data cabling do you install?
    Reliance Systems Ltd install a comprehensive range of data cabling solutions across the UK, including Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a ethernet cables, single-mode and multi-mode fibre optic cables, and structured cabling systems. Our network installation services cover all property types from residential buildings to large commercial facilities and industrial complexes. Each system is designed to meet specific performance and connectivity requirements based on your facility's layout, bandwidth needs, and operational demands. We specialise in both basic networking solutions and advanced infrastructure featuring wireless integration, server room builds, patch panel installations, and cloud-based network management platforms.
  • Can fibre optic cables work with existing network infrastructure?
    Yes, modern fibre optic systems can integrate effectively with existing network infrastructure throughout your facility. Our data cabling solutions connect with ethernet networks, wireless systems, server equipment, CCTV platforms, and building management systems. This comprehensive approach ensures unified network operation, including high-speed connectivity, reliable data transmission, network monitoring, and comprehensive performance tracking. We design these integrated solutions to work with popular networking platforms, providing complete setup and configuration for each connection point. For enhanced performance, we implement multiple connection methods including fibre backbone, ethernet distribution, wireless access points, and managed switches.

Security Systems Maintenance
  • How often should security systems be serviced?
    Most experts recommend servicing security systems, such as CCTV and alarms, at least once or twice a year to ensure optimal performance and compliance with insurance requirements.
  • What is included in a typical CCTV maintenance visit?
    A CCTV maintenance visit usually includes camera cleaning, lens adjustment, checking cables and connections, testing recording equipment, and ensuring all system components are functioning correctly.
  • How do I know if my fire alarm system is compliant with UK regulations?
    Fire alarm systems should be maintained in line with BS 5839 standards. Regular professional inspections and up-to-date records help ensure your system remains compliant with UK fire safety laws.
  • Can you maintain security systems installed by another company?
    Yes, we provide maintenance and support for most major security system brands, even if your system was installed by a different provider. Our engineers are trained on a wide range of equipment.
  • How quickly can you respond to a security system fault?
    We offer rapid response times for emergency call-outs, often attending site the same day or within 24 hours, depending on your location and the nature of the fault.
  • Is regular security system maintenance required for insurance?
    Many insurance policies require proof of regular professional maintenance for security, fire, and alarm systems. We provide detailed service reports to help you stay compliant.
  • Do you offer maintenance contracts for businesses and residential customers?
    Yes, we offer tailored maintenance contracts for both business and residential clients. Our plans include scheduled inspections, priority support, and emergency call-outs.
  • What types of security systems do you service?
    We service a wide range of systems, including CCTV, fire alarms, intruder alarms, access control, electric gates, barriers, and network infrastructure.
  • How can I tell if my security system needs maintenance?
    Common signs include false alarms, loss of image quality, error messages, system beeping, or unresponsive controls. If you notice any of these, contact us for a professional check-up.
  • How do I arrange a security system maintenance visit?
    You can book a visit by calling us on 01738 504000 or by using our online contact form. Our team will arrange a convenient time to attend your property.