Q: Are the alarm systems complicated to use?

A: No - our systems are as easy or complicated as would like. We keep the level of sophistication appropriate to the customers requirements. If you want to adjust the system from a remote location (i.e. you have a Villa in Cyprus BUT are UK based) , it is just a matter of accessing the internet website settings page & entering your LOGIN details - your system can be altered by clicking the ON and OFF toggles to change the settings. Finally, hit the submit button and the new changes will take effect with 12 hours. Alternatively you can JUST call us on the phone or email  etc.!

Q. Who chooses the LOGIN code and password?

A. The customer can choose - however, we advise you adhere to our recommendations for added security. Suffice to say we can email any PASSWORDS etc. to your account email address if you forget or misplace the LOGIN details.

Q. How do I turn the security ALERT OFF?

A. Whenever you feel that you do not require the alert warning feature to trigger and send you an email and/or SMS text message, all you have to do is LOGIN to your account from any computer WORLDWIDE and alter the ON/OFF toggles to change the settings.

Q. How do I turn the security system OFF?

A. This depends upon the system you have fitted. If you are at the property, you would punch your code into the keypad as you left. In the event that you are away from the property and need to switch the system on / off, you will need access to the internet. JUST LOGIN to your account from any computer WORLDWIDE and alter the ON/OFF toggles to change the settings.

Q. Can I use the system at night?

A. Yes - all of our home alarm systems are Zoned. There are THREE main zones. Normally, this would be the entire house (FULL security), downstairs ONLY (NIGHTTIME  security) and perimeter ONLY. Therefore, you could switch your system on before you go to bed for added security at NIGHT OR if you felt vulnerable in the DAY, you could switch ONLY the perimeter security ON. This allows you to move freely upstairs and downstairs, however, in the event that the building perimeter was breached the alarm will spring into action.
 

Q. If I accidentally trigger my security system, what will happen?

A. In the event that you returned to your property in the middle of the night, having just caught the midnight flight from GATWICK and accidentally forget to switch your system OFF as you entered the building, the alarm would spring into action. Subject to the level of alarm system sophistication (Central monitored enabled or NOT) would depend upon what action would be taken. However, we explain in great detail the action to be taken, subject to what type of system is fitted.  

Q. Will I know if the system has been triggered whilst I was away?

A. Yes. You would have received an email and / or SMS text message and / or call from us.

Q. I have pets. Can I still have a security system fitted?

A. Yes. However, for security cameras you would have to consider either keeping your pets in a room which has a camera without an ALERT facility OR switch the ALERT facility OFF in those rooms that the pet or pets have access.

Conventional alarm systems can be fitted with detectors that ignore the movements of pets (subject to their size).


Q. What is the difference between Wireless and a wired?

 
A. A NEW technology being incorporated into security systems uses, "wireless" technology. As the name suggest the various systems speak to each WITHOUT wires, by utilizing the airwaves in the property - as opposed to running wires throughout. When you compare the difference between wired or wireless security systems there are advantages and  disadvantages with both. For this reason, we sometimes recommend a hybrid system which uses both wired and wireless technology - this can give you the best of both worlds.

Q. What happens if there is a power cut?

A. Our systems are normally supplied with a completely separate battery back up system (UPS). Since CYPRUS suffers with power cuts on a routine basis this is very important. More sophisticated systems ALSO include an email alert in the event that there is a power interruption. Once a power failure alert is received appropriate action can be taken.

Q. I've heard about Wireless security - are theses systems any good?
 

A. Some are, some aren't. Wireless security systems can be prone to false alarms from rogue frequencies (airwaves). However, the systems we install have been designed and tested for reliability - we only get false alarms on very rare occasions. Another potential disadvantage with wireless system, is that the various alarm detectors require the batteries to be changed on a regular basis. However, the system we utilizes a NEW technology which allows for battery conservation - greatly lengthening the normal battery life. Wireless sensors also tend to be slightly larger as they must incorporate a battery.

Finally, some less expensive wireless security alarm systems can possible by jammed - making the sensors redundant.  We only use wireless systems that incorporate specialized DATA ENCRYPTION between sensors - any form of jamming would not interfere with our alarm security systems.

Q. Is an internet security camera system better than a conventional bell and keypad system?
 

A. The answer to this question really depends on the customers requirements. The advantage with a camera based system is that it allows the owner to VIEW, LISTEN and then RECORD or RESPOND in the event of an alert.

Unfortunately, due to the unreliable broadband system currently in Cyprus, internet based camera systems are NOT suitable for the island - especially, where the camera system is being utilized purely for security.

However, as the broadband system improves there are certainly a number of advantages compared with conventional methods of security.

Say for instance, the OWNER of a Paphos villa is currently at his London home and will be for at least the next six months.

Whilst the OWNER is away the security system triggers - what would be the sequence of events?

Assuming in each case that neither system is connected to a central monitoring station,  but both systems send out an SMS Text message (which is standard with ALL camera based systems).

Example 1 - Conventional home security system, with Siren and connected for SMS alert (WITHOUT monitoring)

• Email & SMS text received - glass breakage detector has triggered

• You assume the Siren is sounding and external lights are flashing at your Paphos Villa

• You must now decide if this is a FALSE alarm

• You can call the installation company, your friend or the Paphos Police (Cyprus Police charge €50 / false call out)

• Eventually you decide to call the Paphos Police

• 1 hour later the Police call you back and say that nothing has been found and suggest you have the system checked, since they will NOT respond to any further false alarms

• This is probably when YOUR property is MOST vulnerable

Example 2 - Internet security camera system

• Email & SMS text received - lounge camera has triggered

• Go to nearest computer connected to the internet and LOGIN to your email account

• You pick up your recent emails and confirm the lounge camera has been triggered

• You then check the SNAPSHOT picture attached to the email

• Unfortunately, the picture does NOT show anything unusual

• You then LOGIN to your CyprusProtection.Com customer account and access the Pan Tilt and Zoom camera

• You then use the online system to look around the room - you zoom in to check the windows are secure

• Everything looks fine so you decide to switch on the camera microphone & listen for any unusual NOISES

• Everything seems FINE

Obviously, the internet security camera offers more functionality. However, current conventional alarm systems still offer HIGHER levels of security - camera's currently cannot be switched on and off with a keypad as you leave the premises and also make NO provision for Medical alert, flood, fire, gas and zoning (night time security when asleep) .

We are hoping to shortly release a security alarm system that is also connected to a security camera - offering the best of the worlds. Please email us for further details.

Q. How long is my system guaranteed for?
 

A. All of our systems are guaranteed for the first year following installation. However, we would highly recommend that either a basic or premier annual maintenance contract is also considered during commissioning. We can advise you of the current choices available.   

Q. Do you service security systems that you haven't installed?

A. Yes. We do offer servicing and maintenance of alarm systems that we have not supplied. We are able to advise on each individual system, with regard the overall quality of the equipment and installation. However, we are unable to offer any warranties on systems that we have not supplied and fitted.