Quick answer
Back-to-base monitoring means a professional monitoring centre watches your alarm 24/7 and responds by following your instructions, such as calling you or sending a patrol. It’s most worth it for businesses, homes left empty often, and anyone who can’t always respond to an alert themselves.
How back-to-base monitoring works
Your alarm panel is connected to a monitoring centre through a communicator, usually using the internet, a 4G mobile connection or both. When the alarm is triggered, the panel sends a signal to the centre, where operators follow a response plan you set up in advance.
A typical response plan
Alarm triggers
The panel sends the zone and event to the monitoring centre.
Centre calls you
Operators call you and your nominated contacts.
Patrol if needed
If you choose patrol response, a guard can be sent to check the property.
Police if required
Where there is evidence of a break-in, police can be contacted.
Back-to-base vs monitoring it yourself
Many modern alarms can send alerts straight to your phone. That works well if you always have your phone, can respond quickly and are comfortable deciding what to do at 3am. Back-to-base monitoring hands that job to trained operators who are watching 24 hours a day.
Self-monitoring
Alerts to your phone, no ongoing monitoring fee, but you have to see and act on every alert yourself.
Back-to-base
Professional 24/7 response and optional patrols, with an ongoing monthly fee.
Who benefits most
- Businesses with stock, equipment or cash on site
- Homes that are often empty, or holiday homes
- Elderly relatives living alone
- Properties where insurers require monitored alarms
- Anyone who travels often or works long hours
Things to check before you sign up
- How the alarm connects. Older alarms that used a home phone line may need a new IP or 4G communicator after the NBN switch.
- Whether patrol response is included or charged per call-out
- Any charges for false alarm call-outs
- Contract length and cancellation terms
- Who will be on your call list, and that their numbers are current
Reducing false alarms
False alarms are frustrating and can cost money if a patrol is sent. Most are caused by pets, poorly placed sensors, open windows or users who don’t know the codes. Good detector placement, pet-friendly sensors and a proper handover go a long way.
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