Home Security Q&A: Alarm Grades, Keyholders, Pets & CCTV Recording (East Midlands)

Written by Dan, Managing Director, SYNERGiT GROUP LIMITED Published: Friday 23 October 2026

It is the last week of October 2026: the clocks have just gone back and darker evenings are here. This week, we answer practical questions homeowners in Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Northampton, Mickleover and across the East Midlands ask about alarm grades, keyholders, pets, footage storage and fire alarm servicing.

1. What does an alarm “grade” actually mean for a home system?

Direct answer: An intruder alarm grade indicates the level of security a system is designed to provide. Grades 1 to 3 reflect increasing risk, with differences in detection, tamper protection and signalling. For many UK homes, a properly specified Grade 2 system is a suitable choice.

Elaboration: Grade 1 is intended for lower-risk premises and less capable intruders. Grade 2 is designed for a more typical domestic risk, while Grade 3 is intended for higher-risk properties and more capable intruders. The right grade depends on the property, its risks and any insurer requirements. We assess these details before recommending a system.

2. Does the grade of our alarm affect monitoring and insurance?

Direct answer: It can. Insurers or monitoring centres may ask about your alarm’s grade and how it signals an activation. We recommend keeping the installation and maintenance documents, and checking your policy requirements directly. An alarm does not guarantee an insurance discount.

Elaboration: Monitoring is a separate choice from the system grade. Some systems sound a local siren or send an app alert; others can signal to a monitoring centre under an agreed service. Before you arrange an upgrade, check what your insurer requires in writing. We can explain the system specification and provide relevant handover documentation.

3. What is the difference between a video doorbell and a full CCTV system?

Direct answer: A video doorbell is focused on the doorstep, often with two-way talk. CCTV uses cameras to cover several areas, such as a driveway, side access or garden, and can record continuously or when motion is detected.

Elaboration: A doorbell can help you see and speak to a visitor, but its view is usually limited to the entrance. A wider CCTV design can give you useful views around the property and store recordings on a recorder or compatible system. We can help position cameras to capture relevant areas while avoiding unnecessary views of neighbouring homes or public space.

4. Can we run a doorbell and CCTV together?

Direct answer: Yes. A video doorbell and CCTV are commonly used together: the doorbell handles the entrance, while cameras provide wider coverage around the home.

Elaboration: A good layout gives each device a clear purpose. For example, the doorbell can capture a visitor at the front door, while separate cameras cover the driveway, side gate and rear garden. We plan the views to avoid needless overlap and help make the system simple to use.

5. How long should we keep CCTV footage for?

Direct answer: For many homes, 14 to 30 days is a sensible starting point, depending on what you need to review. There is no single UK retention period that suits every system, and footage should not be kept longer than necessary.

Elaboration: Think about how quickly you would notice an incident and how far back you might need to check. Longer retention needs more storage, particularly if cameras record continuously. We recommend choosing a realistic period, reviewing it as your needs change and keeping any relevant incident footage securely. The ICO’s guidance on CCTV and video surveillance explains the importance of keeping footage only as long as needed.

6. How much storage do we need for our cameras?

Direct answer: Storage depends on camera resolution, frame rate, the number of cameras and whether they record continuously or only when motion is detected. Motion recording generally uses less space than continuous recording.

Elaboration: There is no one storage size that fits every home. A higher-resolution image or more cameras can use storage faster, while motion settings can reduce the amount recorded. At a survey, we look at the coverage and retention period you want, then size the recorder and storage to suit. This makes the system practical without paying for capacity you are unlikely to use.

7. Will our pets set off the alarm?

Direct answer: Pet-immune detectors can reduce activations caused by animals, often within a stated weight limit of around 20 to 25kg. They are not guaranteed to suit every pet or room layout, so positioning and the animals’ behaviour matter.

Elaboration: A detector’s pet tolerance depends on its model and installation. Two pets moving together, a cat climbing onto furniture or an animal jumping near the detector can still cause an activation. We ask about your pets’ size and usual routes, then position detection carefully. Where needed, we can consider other detection options to help reduce false alarms.

8. Who should be a keyholder for our alarm?

Direct answer: Choose two or three responsible adults who live nearby, can be contacted reliably and know the alarm code and agreed procedure. Avoid relying on someone who travels frequently, and never share codes widely.

Elaboration: A keyholder may be contacted when the alarm activates, so they need to understand what you expect them to do. Explain how to identify themselves, how to contact you and who else to call. Keep the list up to date if someone moves, changes their number or should no longer have access.

9. What is actually expected of a keyholder at 2am?

Direct answer: If asked, a keyholder may attend, check the property from outside and contact the homeowner. They should never enter if there may be a risk. They should only silence or reset the system if they are authorised and know how to do so.

Elaboration: Agree the response plan in advance, including who will be contacted and whether the keyholder is expected to attend. They should not put themselves in danger or confront anyone. If something looks wrong, they should move to a safe place and contact the homeowner or appropriate emergency services. A clear plan helps everyone respond calmly.

10. What do system upgrades and additions typically cost?

Direct answer: As a guide, a new intruder alarm starts from £650 and CCTV starts from £750. Additions and monitoring vary by system and requirements. We provide a final price after a survey, so the recommendation reflects the property and your priorities.

Elaboration: These are starting prices, not fixed quotes. The property layout, equipment, camera positions, cabling, recorder capacity and signalling requirements can all affect the final cost. We discuss the options before work begins, so you can understand what is included and choose a suitable approach.

Upgrade or service	Guide price
Intruder alarm system	From £650
CCTV system	From £750
Additional camera	Priced after survey
Additional detector	Priced after survey
Extra storage or NVR	Priced after survey
Monitoring	Monthly agreement, price confirmed for the system
Home security survey	£0

11. How often should home fire detection be serviced and tested?

Direct answer: We recommend testing domestic smoke alarms weekly using the test button and checking them monthly for faults, damage or obstruction. Integrated or landlord fire alarm systems typically need professional servicing annually, with a record kept of tests and service visits.

Elaboration: Follow the alarm manufacturer’s instructions for testing, battery replacement and sensor cleaning. Keep vents clear and do not paint over or cover a detector. If you have an integrated or landlord system, the building’s use and system requirements may call for a different service interval. We can help confirm the appropriate arrangements for your property.

12. What happens to the alarm and CCTV when we sell the house or move out?

Direct answer: You can leave a fixed system as part of the sale, take compatible removable smart devices or ask about transferring monitoring. Before handover, reset app accounts and codes, review stored footage and provide clear system information to the new owner.

Elaboration: A straightforward handover can explain how to arm and disarm the alarm, use the CCTV recorder and contact the monitoring provider if applicable. Remove your access from shared apps and follow the system instructions for deleting or transferring users. We can advise on the equipment and documents that may help make the changeover simple.

13. What did we install for a detached home in Oadby, Leicestershire?

Direct answer: For a four-bedroom detached home in Oadby with two cats and a home office, we installed a Grade 2 monitored intruder alarm with pet-immune detection, a video doorbell, three cameras and a 2TB motion-recording unit, plus interlinked smoke and heat detection. The work was completed in one day.

Elaboration: The cameras covered the driveway, side gate and rear garden, with the recorder configured for around 30 days of retention. We planned the alarm detection around the household’s two cats and included the home office in the security layout. Each property is different, so our home security survey helps us understand your priorities before we recommend a solution. To book one, contact our team and we will find a time that suits you.

Free survey	What to expect
Cost	£0
Focus	Your home’s security and fire detection requirements
Next step	A recommended solution based on the property and your priorities

Darker evenings, pets, keyholders and storage all come down to one thing: a system designed around your household rather than a generic package. Contact SYNERGiT to arrange your free survey, and we will give you a clear, expert recommendation for intruder alarms, CCTV and fire detection that keeps your home protected and your routines simple.