What if your fibre can stop your alarm system from working?
What if your fibre can stop your alarm system from working?
The nationwide rollout of fibre in South African homes is apparent around almost every residential corner. However, along with the major advantage of added connectivity comes an unknown impact on the operations of home alarm systems, placing residents at risk.
This is according to Dawie Loots, CEO of MUA Insurance Acceptances, who states that the installation of fibre in some residences has impacted the home’s existing telephone copper lines, which has resulted in the alarm company not receiving the alarm signal if the system is reliant on these lines. “In most cases, the homeowner has only noticed the impact on their alarm system when the armed response company is not responding to an activated alarm.”
It goes without saying that a failure in communication from the home alarm system to the armed response company is not an ideal situation if someone is facing a home invasion, says Loots. “Unfortunately, there are also implications for the homeowner’s insurance if the home alarm system is not functioning properly as most insurers require the alarm system to be fully functional in order to cover any related claims.”
Loots says the solution to overcoming this communications challenge is to switch over to a radio device for the alarm system so that it is not dependent on a working phone line. This however, does not guarantee that the alarm will be fully functional at all times. “Most importantly, ensure that your alarm is tested on a regular basis – not just by ensuring that it is in working order, but also that the armed response company receives the emergency signals when the alarm is triggered,” he concludes.
By Dawie Loots, CEO of MUA Insurance Acceptances