Alarm Control Panels:

There are literally hundreds of Alarm Control panels to choose from and your chosen installation company will mostly likely only offer a few choices. The control panel is the heart of your system so decide on one that has all the options you currently require and then allow a little extra capacity just in case you decide to upgrade later on (for instance if you currently only require 5 zones, consider an 8 to 16 zone panel ,at least then if you decide on extra detectors you will have the extra capacity).

Above is a picture of a Gardtec 800 Series control panel shown with an onboard Keypad and Digicom communicator, this is the unit I have installed in my own property, Its affordable, reliable, and expandable. There are many other good makes of control panel and some are listed below, most manufactures make smaller non expandable panels to offer a greater choice to the consumer. I know that at the end of the day you all have a budget to stick to, but honestly folks get the best you can afford, Don't skimp when it comes to your home security.

Here are some guidelines:

Decide on a Control panel with the facility of at least one Remote Keypad, the idea here is that the installer can then hide the main control panel and you'll then have just a small keypad on show.

Allow at least a couple of extra zones for possible future expansion of the system. If all the onboard zones are used up can the unit be expanded to accommodate more at a later date, without needing to replace the entire control panel.

Think of how you will use the alarm system, will you need to disable certain areas at night, will you need to omit the kitchen for instance if you leave the dog in. Does the panel have the option to omit any individual zone, and can it also be set up to quickly set and unset certain areas (we might call these part setting options).

Who will use the alarm, how many codes will you need, do you want the facility to see which user has set/unset the alarm and details of when. Will you need set-only codes (for cleaners etc), or a Duress code (for when your pressured to unset the alarm). Will you only want to give certain users the ability to unset specific protected areas

Ademco Microtech:

The superb high-end systems offered by the Galaxy range enable a security systems installer company to create virtually any size of system, from residential through to high specification bank installations with total confidence. The panels are complemented by a full range of peripherals offering integrated flexibility unmatched in the industry. Self diagnostics. Intrusion trace. Event log date search. Full function remote servicing. 7 user access levels.

Castle Care-Tech:

The Castle Care-Tech range of intruder detection control systems is designed for the smallest domestic home right through to the largest commercial applications.

To ensure that your security system provides you with maximum protection and is trouble free and reliable, system design is of paramount importance.

All products are manufactured in the UK to the highest quality standards.

Gardtec:

(Part of the Risco Group), have developed one of the most flexible ranges of control equipment available. Under the banner of 'The Gardtec Range', every possible need has been catered for, from the basic systems through to larger commercial system requiring multiple zones.

What is evident in all GardTec equipment is the effort they put in to make technology work for both installers and end users alike. Keeping the user/engineer interface simple has helped make the Gardtec range of control panels one of the most popular ranges available.

Guardall:

A Full range of Control Panels for Residential, Commercial, and large Commercial/Industrial applications.

Up to 512 Circuits and 32 Areas on PX500. Integrated Access Control can also be added for up to 32 Doors and 1000 Access Users. Fully upload/downloadable for control, configuration, event logs, remote service and diagnostics. PX and QX are programmed identically, and use the same peripherals.

Menvier:

They are a leading manufacturer of intruder alarm control panels, digital communicators and ancillary devices for both the domestic and commercial market sectors.

Menvier Security is also approved to BS EN ISO9001 and by the BSI as manufacturers of security equipment. They are also members of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).

Scantronic:

Scantronic's diverse product range includes multi-zone hard-wired and hybrid systems, such as the 8 series, the 9750 and 9850, wire-free systems, digital and voice communicators, detectors and social alarms.