Commercial Security Systems Frequently Asked Questions
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My CCTV / Access Control system was installed by another firm. Can I still have a Securus UK Care plan?
My CCTV / Access Control system was installed by another firm. Can I still have a Securus UK Care plan?
The Securus UK Care Plan, covering the service and maintenance of CCTV, Access Control, Door Entry and related equipment, is suitable for any system, regardless of who installed it. We will need to undertake a system appraisal prior to confirming cover. Any existing issues can be identified at this stage and a plan agreed with you to rectify those, prior to commencing cover under the Care Plan. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
The Securus UK Care Plan, covering the service and maintenance of CCTV, Access Control, Door Entry and related equipment, is suitable for any system, regardless of who installed it. We will need to undertake a system appraisal prior to confirming cover. Any existing issues can be identified at this stage and a plan agreed with you to rectify those, prior to commencing cover under the Care Plan. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
What are your normal service, repair & maintenance response times?
What are your normal service, repair & maintenance response times?
We aim to provide a next day service to all of our Care Plan customers if they have an urgent repair or maintenance issue. Our Care Plan document provides full details of the cover provided - please take a look at the brochure and wording on this page.
We aim to provide a next day service to all of our Care Plan customers if they have an urgent repair or maintenance issue. Our Care Plan document provides full details of the cover provided - please take a look at the brochure and wording on this page.
Should I be concerned about the risk of security breaches if I need to install CCTV in sensitive areas?
Should I be concerned about the risk of security breaches if I need to install CCTV in sensitive areas?
There are a range of considerations if you need to install CCTV in sensitive areas of your business. These include limiting the specific areas that are visible, considering the type of camera that is used and ensuring that you have the latest security software installed. If you would like to know more about your options and the security precautions that are available, please speak with one of the team and ask them to explain the options to provide the most suitable CCTV security solution for your circumstances.
There are a range of considerations if you need to install CCTV in sensitive areas of your business. These include limiting the specific areas that are visible, considering the type of camera that is used and ensuring that you have the latest security software installed. If you would like to know more about your options and the security precautions that are available, please speak with one of the team and ask them to explain the options to provide the most suitable CCTV security solution for your circumstances.
We have automated gates fitted on our property, is it possible we could get an access control or door entry system installed that would operate them?
We have automated gates fitted on our property, is it possible we could get an access control or door entry system installed that would operate them?
Yes, our highly trained engineers can install your new system then wire a command cable to your existing gates (or automated doors, roller shutters, turnstiles etc.) meaning that they can be opened from the access control or door entry system.
Yes, our highly trained engineers can install your new system then wire a command cable to your existing gates (or automated doors, roller shutters, turnstiles etc.) meaning that they can be opened from the access control or door entry system.
We have an audio door entry system but want to be able to see who is at the entrance, how easy would it be to upgrade?
We have an audio door entry system but want to be able to see who is at the entrance, how easy would it be to upgrade?
Usually we can upgrade an existing door entry system from audio to video using the existing cable infrastructure in place. Wherever possible, we look to use as many parts of your existing system. This speeds up the installation and reduces the cost to you. Please talk to us about your requirements and let us know which equipment you currently have installed, if you know. We may also be able to identify it from photographs.
Usually we can upgrade an existing door entry system from audio to video using the existing cable infrastructure in place. Wherever possible, we look to use as many parts of your existing system. This speeds up the installation and reduces the cost to you. Please talk to us about your requirements and let us know which equipment you currently have installed, if you know. We may also be able to identify it from photographs.
When somebody calls using our video door entry system I can hear them but not see them on my monitor, what should I do?
When somebody calls using our video door entry system I can hear them but not see them on my monitor, what should I do?
As well as installing systems, we can also repair, service and maintain audio and video door entry systems. With a combined total of over 60 years in the security industry we are able work on a very wide range of systems from all the top brands.
As well as installing systems, we can also repair, service and maintain audio and video door entry systems. With a combined total of over 60 years in the security industry we are able work on a very wide range of systems from all the top brands.
If my broadband connection is not working will my CCTV cameras still record?
If my broadband connection is not working will my CCTV cameras still record?
This depends on how your CCTV system is configured and what your requirements are. We always ask our clients to explain their objectives before installing any system so we can ensure that you get the right system for your needs. In most cases, it makes sense to ensure the CCTV system will continue to record independently of your internet connection and there are a number of different ways we can achieve this for you, building additional redundancy into the design. For example, if the CCTV cameras are hard-wired to your recorder, NVR or DVR, or have an internal memory, then the recording will be stored, even though you may not be able to access images remotely for a period of time. The activity on your site is still being saved to the hard drive of the recorder.
This depends on how your CCTV system is configured and what your requirements are. We always ask our clients to explain their objectives before installing any system so we can ensure that you get the right CCTV system for your needs. In most cases, it makes sense to ensure the system will continue to record independently of your internet connection and there are a number of different ways we can achieve this for you, building additional redundancy into the design. For example, if the CCTV cameras are hard-wired to your recorder, NVR or DVR, or have an internal memory, then the recording will be stored, even though you may not be able to access images remotely for a period of time. The activity on your site is still being saved to the hard drive of the recorder.
Can I operate my access control system remotely?
Can I operate my access control system remotely?
Yes, many companies can provide remote control of your access control system. Our recommended solution for customers requiring remote operating of their access control system allows you to view events, control doors and open entrances from your smartphone or tablet. If you would like to know more about how such a system can work, please contact us.
Yes, many companies can provide remote control of your access control system. Our recommended solution for customers requiring remote operating of their access control system allows you to view events, control doors and open entrances from your smartphone or tablet. If you would like to know more about how such a system can work, please contact us.
Are CCTV cameras static or can they be moved to view things?
Are CCTV cameras static or can they be moved to view things?
There are generally two types of CCTV camera - static and 'pan, tilt & zoom' (PTZ). A static CCTV camera gives you a fixed view of an area you wish to monitor or protect; however a PTZ camera can be controlled by a either an operator using a joystick, artificial intelligence software, or linked to detectors or motion sensors to control the movement of the camera. The advantage of a PTZ camera is that you can change the view to cover a larger area where required.
There are generally two types of CCTV camera - static and 'pan, tilt & zoom' (PTZ). A static CCTV camera gives you a fixed view of an area you wish to monitor or protect; however a PTZ camera can be controlled by a either an operator using a joystick, artificial intelligence software, or linked to detectors or motion sensors to control the movement of the camera. The advantage of a PTZ camera is that you can change the view to cover a larger area where required.
What is the difference between an IP and an analogue CCTV system?
What is the difference between an IP and an analogue CCTV system?
An analogue system uses CCTV cameras that are hard wired to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), whereas an IP system uses a Network Video Recorder (NVR) and can connect to CCTV cameras on your network. This can potentially negate the need for excessive cabling, although cameras can be wired to the NVR where possible. As a general rule IP cameras can have a higher frame rate at higher definition meaning better images are captured. If you would like to know more about the differences, or have any questions about the image quality you might need for your system, please call us to discuss your requirements.
You might also be interested in this article: Upgrading Your Analogue CCTV System
An analogue system uses CCTV cameras that are hard wired to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), whereas an IP system uses a Network Video Recorder (NVR) and can connect to CCTV cameras on your network. This can potentially negate the need for excessive cabling, although cameras can be wired to the NVR where possible. As a general rule IP cameras can have a higher frame rate at higher definition meaning better images are captured. If you would like to know more about the differences, or have any questions about the image quality you might need for your system, please call us to discuss your requirements.
You might also be interested in this article: Upgrading Your Analogue CCTV System
How long will recorded images be stored on my CCTV system?
How long will recorded images be stored on my CCTV system?
This can depend on several factors - number of CCTV cameras; size of the hard drive in the NVR (Network Video Recorder) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder); record resolution settings; and activity on site. However we would consider all those factors when recommending a system and the aim would be to retain images for 20-28 days. We can also help you address any data protection considerations.
This can depend on several factors - number of CCTV cameras; size of the hard drive in the NVR (Network Video Recorder) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder); record resolution settings; and activity on site. However we would consider all those factors when recommending a system and the aim would be to retain images for 20-28 days. We can also help you address any data protection considerations.
What are the main differences between an online and a standalone access control system?
What are the main differences between an online and a standalone access control system?
Both control access to your property however the online access control system allows you to monitor activity on site much more closely. An online access control system is controlled from software on your PC, allowing you to add, delete and amend user details from the software as well as monitoring events, open entrances, and set up and amend time zones for users. A standalone access control system is a simplified system, set up at each individual door, where fobs supplied simply grant a user access through an entrance.
Both control access to your property however the online access control system allows you to monitor activity on site much more closely. An online access control system is controlled from software on your PC, allowing you to add, delete and amend user details from the software as well as monitoring events, open entrances, and set up and amend time zones for users. A standalone access control system is a simplified system, set up at each individual door, where fobs supplied simply grant a user access through an entrance.
What is covered by the service and maintenance care plan?
What is covered by the service and maintenance care plan?
Our service and maintenance care plan has 3 levels of cover to choose from. With our Essential cover you get a preventative maintenance visit, app management, free technical support and next working day response. In addition to these, should you opt for Enhanced cover you receive free call out and labour, and with Premium the cost of any replacement parts are also covered. The care plan can provide cover for your Access Control, CCTV, Density Control Systems, Door Entry Systems, Rapid Deployment CCTV and Thermal Screening Solutions.
Our service and maintenance care plan has 3 levels of cover to choose from. With our Essential cover you get a preventative maintenance visit, app management, free technical support and next working day response. In addition to these, should you opt for Enhanced cover you receive free call out and labour, and with Premium the cost of any replacement parts are also covered. The care plan can provide cover for your Access Control, CCTV, Density Control Systems, Door Entry Systems, Rapid Deployment CCTV and Thermal Screening Solutions.
Can your equipment be leased or is it only available for permanent installations?
Can your equipment be leased or is it only available for permanent installations?
Many businesses require temporary security solutions. Construction sites and outdoor events are typical examples of businesses that need a temporary CCTV security system. We are able to offer rapid deployment CCTV systems on a rental basis, including installation and removal. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Many businesses require temporary security solutions. Construction sites and outdoor events are typical examples of businesses that need a temporary CCTV security system. We are able to offer rapid deployment CCTV systems on a rental basis, including installation and removal. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
My security system was installed by a previous occupant of my building. Can you service, maintain and repair it?
My security system was installed by a previous occupant of my building. Can you service, maintain and repair it?
Yes we can. Depending on the issue, we may be able to repair the existing system or simply replace just the broken components. We also offer a range of annual service and maintenance care plans with a range of different cover options. These can cover all elements of your CCTV, door entry and access control systems. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Yes we can. Depending on the issue, we may be able to repair the existing system or simply replace just the broken components. We also offer a range of annual service and maintenance care plans with a range of different cover options. These can cover all elements of your CCTV, door entry and access control systems. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Can I access the images from my CCTV system remotely?
Can I access the images from my CCTV system remotely?
Yes you can. A networked CCTV system can be configured to allow access to the images from any internet-enabled device. A user access control system is used to ensure only those authorised to do so have access to the images.
Yes you can. A networked CCTV system can be configured to allow access to the images from any internet-enabled device. A user access control system is used to ensure only those authorised to do so have access to the images.
What is the difference between Access Control and Door Entry systems?
What is the difference between Access Control and Door Entry systems?
With an access control system, the user has a keyfob, swipe card or access code to allow them to open a door, gate, or any kind of entrance. A door entry, or intercom, system has a panel at the entrance and the visitor can then talk to somebody within the property who can then decide whether to grant access via the entry system. Access control systems are typically used on sites which require automated management of the right of individuals to access specific areas of a site.
With an access control system, the user has a keyfob, swipe card or access code to allow them to open a door, gate, or any kind of entrance. A door entry, or intercom, system has a panel at the entrance and the visitor can then talk to somebody within the property who can then decide whether to grant access via the entry system. Access control systems are typically used on sites which require automated management of the right of individuals to access specific areas of a site.