| |  | European Regs |
| One of the most important aspects of the EN 50131 requirements is the concept of a security grade. For each installation the grade of system has to be chosen according to various factors. In fact the EN grade is described in terms of the type of intruder and how much effort they would put into a burglary.
What are the Grades?
Grade 1 is for an installation with a low risk of theft. The property is not likely to attract intruders. It is assumed that a thief is likely to be opportunistic rather than bothering to plan things in advance. This type of system is aimed at the DIY market, professional installers will not install to grade 1.
Grade 2 is for a slightly higher risk of theft. The property is likely to have something of interest to an experienced thief. In this case the intruder is expected to have some knowledge of how alarm systems work and possibly carry some tools to allow him to overcome a simple alarm system. The thief is likely to check the building for ease of access through doors, windows and other openings.
Grade 3 is for a reasonably substantial risk property. There is good reason to assume it may be broken into and might well contain objects of high value. An intruder is likely to gain access by penetrating doors, windows or other openings. The thief could be very experienced with intruder alarm systems and possess a number of tools and equipment to overcome the system
Grade 4 is for very high-risk properties. Intruders could be expected to plan a burglary in advance and have the knowledge and equipment to alter parts of the intruder alarm system to prevent detection. It is assumed that the intruder could gain access by penetration of floors, walls and ceilings. The intruder is unlikely to be working alone.
What Grade of System does my installation need?
The view in the UK tends to require grades that are higher than other countries (e.g. a shop in Belgium at grade 2 could be grade 3 in the UK). A typical view though could be:
Grade 1 would only be for domestic properties, installed by someone with a keen interest in DIY. Grade 2 would be most domestic properties and low risk commercial (e.g. florists)
Grade 3 would be for high-risk domestics and most commercial properties (e.g. Newsagent with cigarette sales)
Grade 4 would be for extremely high-risk domestic and higher risk commercial properties (e.g. bullion stores). To a large degree the choice of grade will be guided by insurance companies. The overall grade of the system is that of the individual component with the lowest grade. Therefore you could have a grade 3 control panel but grade 2 detectors, making the system a grade 2 overall. Dent Security recommend you consult with your insurer on the grade of system they require before installation goes ahead. |
For more practical advice on Grading and Risk Assessment, why not request a FREE survey via the contact page, where our highly experienced surveyor can discuss all aspects of loss prevention.
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Security System Grading