Difficulty rating: Low
These tasks should be fairly straightforward, whether you have experience doing DIY or none at all.
Before you get started on any of our 'how to' guides, please take a moment to read through our DIY safety tips.
1. Alarms
Before buying your alarm decide what features and functions you'll need to best protect your home.
There's a good range of systems to choose from...
Wired or wireless alarms?
- DIY alarm systems are either wired or wireless. Wired systems can be a bit tricky to install as you'll need to run wires from each detector all the way back to the central control unit.
- Both types of system usually use a number of detectors. These either sense movement or are triggered if a magnetic contact is broken - when someone opens a door or window, for example.
Break-contact detectors
- These protect vulnerable entry points such as the back and front doors and ground floor windows. Work out how many you'll need.
PIR movement sensors
- PIR sensors are triggered by body heat and movement. They're good for covering large areas inside your home. But the sensors aren't right for doors and windows as they can be triggered by people or animals passing outside.

- Place PIR sensors so the beam doesn't point at a window, lamp or heat sources like radiators - these will set them off.
- Check sensors cover enough area for the rooms you want to protect.
Control box
- Most control boxes need a mains power supply, with a back-up battery in case of power failure.
- Get a tamper-proof box so the alarm goes off if an intruder tries to disable it. And make sure small children can't reach the keypad!
Alarm box
- Send burglars a clear message: fit the alarm box to the front of your home or somewhere that's very obvious to passers-by. But place it high enough so no one can mess about with it.
- If people can reach your home from the back, position a second alarm box so they can see it
Helpful hint...
Got pets? Work out the best place to put your PIR sensor so they don't set it off. If you think an animal is likely to trigger the sensor when you're out, you can buy a sensor that's pet-friendly.
2. CCTV (Closed circuit TV)
- Catch the criminals on camera ... CCTV systems give you that extra peace of mind when you want to keep an eye on what's going on outside and deter intruders. They're really easy to fit and don't need special electrical connections.
- The simpler systems include one or two cameras and a controller that plugs directly into your TV or computer.
- More sophisticated CCTV systems record pictures from the cameras while you're out.
- If you're using CCTV cameras in dark areas or want clearer images after dark, it's worth buying outside security lighting.
Helpful hint...
Got pets? Work out the best place to put your PIR sensor so they don't set it off. If you think an animal is likely to trigger the sensor when you're out, you can buy a sensor that's pet-friendly.
7. Fitting external door locks
For expert advice on installing secure external door locks see our How to fit a lock guide.
Helpful hint...
If you're installing new circuits or electrical equipment outside your house, you have to let your local council know before you start. You'll also need to pay a fee to have the work tested and certified when the installation is finished.
8. Wireless security
Wirefree security allows you to secure your home without the need for wiring into a mains supply or the services of an expensive qualified electrician.
The benefits of wireless security
Wirefree products mean there is no need to damage your décor, lift carpets, or run cables when fitting. All components are self contained and no connections are required
Wireless security products
We offer a range of wirefree alarms consists of three kits; a standard kit for smaller homes, a home kit that contains ‘pet friendly’ sensors ideal for family homes, CCTV wireless products and a top of the range premium telecommunicating kit which will ring and inform you when the system is triggered for the ultimate peace of mind.
To compliment this we offer a number of accessories such as additional PIR detectors, door / window contacts, remote controls, and smoke alarms.
Installation tips
- Ensure you have all the necessary tools to complete the installation such as a drill, screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, spirit level and a ladder
- Take your time when removing all components from the packaging, this is when parts can easily go missing and is the cause of most helpline calls
- Pair all components on a table prior to installing in position around your home.
- All of our products comes with a detail installation guide