10 replies to this topic

[Troubleatmill]

Moved into the new build, it has a Scantronic 9751 bells only with 7 PIR's

Need to replace all the PIR's with pet friendly ones.
Installing company want £100 callout fee and a kidney for each PIR.

So.. options.
1/ DIY.
Are PIR sensors generic? eg - Pick anything from Fleabay and replace?

Is swapping them over a simple task for the consumer? ( using a multimeter, drill etc etc is not an issue - Only having the user manual - I don't want to start something that I can't stop. eg Alarm wailing that a microswitch has been tripped.

2/ Any recommended companies in Basingstoke area that know this type of system and can do the work for a fair price.

Thank you
Troubleatmill

[hpotter]

take it you just got the two kidneys then?

by & large generic, though some lots better than others & position of said detectors is important eg not aimed at staircase.

alarm will (should) go if you open a detector. If fitted to good std (my opinion, not always others), there will be resistors inside, not so easy to work out if you dont get it right

you will prob need the eng manual cos on activating a tamper the panel will/may want an eng code to reset, so manual will tell you how to default the panel codes. (depends on how firm progged it (& to be fair to them, we do also to prevent litigation eg following break-in alarm didnt go off cos customer been playing with it)

the call out might be to cover future call outs if pet sets them off - worth checking, or may include re-siting detectors if they are familiar with your system, as above.

[Troubleatmill]

The thing is.. They want over £50 for each sensor! That is one hefty markup on the unit price.

So that's £450 - for what should be around 1 hour's work. ( system is wired )

Is that the norm? Maybe I need to change my career.

[Specialist]

Hi: it's probably more like about 2 - 2.5 hours work to remove the old PIR's, Fit & wire the new ones & test the system & thats if no problems are encountered. As for prices, unfortunately each company set their own. There are no set standard charges throughout the industry, nor IMHO should there ever be. You may find that some companies quote you less or some quote more, it's really like taking the car to the Garage: A price lottery.

Edited by Specialist, 08 September 2010 - 06:06 PM.

[reidy]

Id say the pricing's about right, proper companies charge proper money

Most people tend to get 3 quotes before deciding, smaller companies tend to be cheaper than the bigger ones so bear that in mind

Edited by reidy, 08 September 2010 - 06:16 PM.

[jameswilson]

Without seeing the job its hard to say. PLus I can't tell what sensors they are using. All sesnors are npt the same. What sort of pet do you have etc ?

[arfur mo]

As above, remember they have to warranty the labour for a year even if. the pir has gone faulty.

Background costs of stock. Insurrances, wages, vehicles it all adds up.

This is not crocodile tears, if you buy detectors yourself and say a pir is duff, you then have to take it down, return it and likely have a row, get it back some time later and refit it, so the prices charged also cover the alarm co's risks of this possible hassle, and skilled labour is not cheap (thus far not imported cheaper from far east countries).


Arfur

[Oxford]

I have a mate who has an alarm co. in the Basingstoke area, drop me a PM and I'll pass you his details.

[norman]

thought you were going to offer another 'freebie'

[Oxford]

You guys kill me!! Love it!!