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Help Centre / Alarm Help
What Alarm System Do I Have?
If you have moved into a property, inherited an alarm or need a user guide, the first step is working out what alarm system you have. The keypad, control panel, old paperwork and app can usually give useful clues.
Short answer
The easiest way to identify your alarm system is to look at the keypad, app, user manual, old service paperwork, or the outside of the main control panel if it is visible. Many systems show the brand name on the keypad or app, such as Orisec, Texecom, Pyronix, Gardtec, Scantronic, ADE, Accenta, Risco, or Honeywell.
You do not normally need to open the alarm panel to identify the system. In fact, opening panels, detectors or sounders can trigger tamper faults and may make the alarm harder to reset.
If you are not sure what alarm you have, Sanders Secure can often help from a few clear photos. Our Help Centre also includes user guides for some common alarm systems.
Why knowing the alarm system helps
Knowing the make and model of your alarm helps when looking for a user guide, resetting user codes, understanding keypad messages, arranging servicing, diagnosing faults or deciding whether the system is worth keeping.
It is especially useful if you have moved into a property with an existing alarm, bought a home where the previous owner left little information, or inherited a system that has not been serviced for a long time.
Once the system is identified, it is usually much easier to understand whether it can be serviced, repaired, taken over or upgraded.
Where to look for the alarm make or model
You can usually gather useful information without opening the alarm system.
The keypad
The keypad is often the best starting point. Look for a brand name, model number or logo on the front, side, display or underneath the flap if it has one.
The alarm app
If the alarm uses an app, the app name can be a clue. The app may also show the system, panel, site name, hub or connected device details.
Old paperwork
User manuals, certificates, service sheets, invoices, alarm contracts or maintenance paperwork may show the make, model, installer or date of installation.
The main control panel
The main alarm panel may have a brand name or label on the outside. Do not open it. Opening the panel can trigger a tamper fault and may expose wiring or mains-powered equipment.
External sounder or bell box
The external sounder may show the installer name, brand or logo. This does not always prove the panel make, but it can still be useful information.
Key tags, fobs or remotes
Some systems use branded proximity tags, wireless key fobs or remote controls. These can sometimes help identify the alarm range or manufacturer.
Photos that help us identify your alarm
If you contact Sanders Secure about an existing alarm, a few photos can save time and help us understand what system you have.
- A clear photo of the keypad.
- A close-up photo of any writing, logo or model number on the keypad.
- A photo of the keypad display if it is showing a message.
- A photo of the main control panel from the outside only.
- A photo of the external sounder or bell box if safe to take from ground level.
- A photo of any user manual or old service paperwork.
- A photo of any app screen showing the system name or device details.
- A photo of any remote control, fob or tag if relevant.
- A photo of any fault message or warning light.
- A note of whether the alarm sets, unsets, beeps or shows faults.
Please do not open the main alarm panel, detectors, contacts or external sounder to take photos. External photos are usually enough for an initial conversation.
Common alarm brands you may see
There are many alarm brands and panel ranges in UK homes and businesses. Some are current and easy to support, while others are older or obsolete.
You may see names such as Orisec, Texecom, Pyronix, Gardtec, Scantronic, ADE, Accenta, Honeywell, Galaxy, Risco, Visonic, Ajax or other manufacturers. Sometimes the keypad brand and panel brand match, and sometimes systems have been altered over the years.
Do not worry if you cannot identify it. A photo of the keypad is often enough for us to give an initial opinion.
Note: The brand name alone does not always tell the full story. The model, age, condition, programming, parts availability and previous maintenance history all matter.
What not to do when trying to identify an alarm
Trying to identify the system should not involve opening equipment or changing settings unless you are competent and authorised to do so.
- Do not open the main alarm control panel.
- Do not remove detector or contact covers.
- Do not remove the external sounder cover.
- Do not disconnect the backup battery.
- Do not pull out alarm cables or fuses.
- Do not try random engineer codes found online.
- Do not factory reset the alarm.
- Do not delete app devices unless you know how to add them back.
- Do not bypass faults without understanding what is being bypassed.
- Do not ignore tamper or battery warnings.
Opening alarm equipment can trigger a tamper fault. In some cases, it can also make the system harder to reset, especially if you do not have the correct user or engineer access.
What if the alarm system is old or obsolete?
Older alarms are not automatically useless. Many older wired systems can still be serviced, repaired or kept running if they are in good condition and parts are available.
However, some older systems are obsolete, unreliable, difficult to programme, difficult to repair, or no longer suitable for how the property is used. In those cases, it may be better to upgrade rather than spend money trying to keep an unsuitable system going.
The sensible route depends on the condition of the alarm, the customer’s needs, parts availability, fault history and whether the system can still be maintained safely.
When to ask for help
It is worth asking for help if you cannot identify the alarm, cannot find the user guide, have moved into a property, do not know the codes, the system is showing faults, or you are unsure whether it is worth keeping.
It is also sensible to arrange a check if the alarm has not been serviced for some time, has unknown maintenance history, or appears to have parts bypassed or disconnected.
Moved into a property
A takeover visit can identify the system, check its condition and explain whether it is worth keeping.
No user guide
If the keypad can be identified, we may be able to point you towards a suitable user guide or support option.
Faults or warnings
If the system is beeping, showing tamper, battery fault or refusing to set, it should be checked properly.
Sanders Secure can help with alarm servicing and takeovers, alarm repairs and fault finding, and new burglar alarm systems where an upgrade is more sensible.
Related help and services
If you are trying to identify an alarm system, these pages may also be useful.
Help Centre
Find alarm user guides and support information for common alarm systems.
Can you service an alarm you did not install?
Useful if you have inherited an alarm or want Sanders Secure to take over maintenance.
Alarm servicing and maintenance
For routine servicing, takeovers, battery checks and system maintenance.
Why won’t my alarm set?
Useful if your existing alarm refuses to arm or keeps showing a fault.
Frequently asked questions
These are some of the common questions we are asked by customers trying to identify an alarm system.
Need help identifying your alarm system?
If you have moved into a property, inherited an alarm, lost the user guide or need help understanding what system you have, contact Sanders Secure for practical support.
