Intruder Alarm Monitoring — 24/7 ARC Monitoring with Police URN Response
SSAIB-certified alarm monitoring with police URN, keyholder escalation and dual-path signalling to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
SPS Technical connects commercial intruder alarm systems to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) for monitored response across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber. As an SSAIB-certified installer, every system we commission is eligible for a police Unique Reference Number — the prerequisite for a Type A confirmed alarm response. Alarm signals are transmitted via dual-path IP and 4G signalling to EN50136, ensuring control room connection even if one path is disrupted.
Why SSAIB Certification Matters for Monitoring
Only intruder alarm systems installed and maintained by SSAIB or NSI-certified companies are eligible for a police Unique Reference Number. Without a URN, your monitoring centre cannot request a Type A police response to a confirmed alarm. Non-certified systems — including many sold by national consumer alarm companies — cannot offer genuine police response, regardless of how they market their monitoring service.
Why certification matters
Only intruder alarm systems installed and maintained by SSAIB or NSI-certified companies are eligible for a police Unique Reference Number. Without a URN, your monitoring centre cannot request a Type A police response to a confirmed alarm — meaning police attendance depends entirely on whether an officer happens to be available, not on a confirmed protocol. SPS Technical's SSAIB certification covers installation, maintenance and monitoring — so the chain from detection to response is complete and compliant.
How it works
How Monitored Alarm Response Works
When a monitored intruder alarm activates, the sequence from detection to police response is well-defined — but it only works if every element in the chain is correctly in place. SSAIB-certified installation, current maintenance certification, dual-path signalling and a valid police URN are all required for a guaranteed Type A response.
Detection
Detector activates, alarm panel triggers
Confirmation
Second confirmation source verified (dual-zone, CCTV or audio)
ARC notification
Signal transmitted via dual-path IP/4G to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)
Response
Keyholder contacted and/or police dispatched depending on confirmation type and URN status
Resolution
Engineer dispatched for fault or reset as required
Monitoring options
Monitoring Options
SPS Technical offers three levels of monitoring — from full police URN with Type A confirmed response for Grade 3 commercial systems, through to keyholder notification and bells-only with remote alert for lower-risk premises. The right option depends on your alarm grade, insurance requirements and the nature of your business.
Monitored with police response (Type A)
Grade 3 standardDual-path IP/4G signalling to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). Confirmed alarm triggers police URN response. Requires SSAIB-certified installation and current maintenance certificate. The standard for Grade 3 commercial systems.
Monitored with keyholder response
Grade 2 & aboveThe ARC contacts nominated keyholders on alarm activation. No police URN required. Suitable for Grade 2 premises or sites where keyholder response is preferred.
Bells-only with remote notification
Low-risk premisesLocal sounder activation with app or SMS notification to nominated contacts. No ARC monitoring. Suitable for very low-risk premises or as a supplementary alert layer.
Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) Monitoring
Alarm signals from SPS Technical-maintained systems are routed through an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The ARC holds your system records, keyholder details and site-specific response protocols. Where SPS Security keyholding or mobile response is part of your arrangement, the ARC coordinates directly with SPS Security's response officers.
ARC monitoring connection
Alarm signals from SPS Technical-maintained systems are routed through an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The ARC holds your system records, keyholder details and response protocols. When an alarm activates, operators have full context — not just a signal from an unknown system. Where SPS Security keyholding or mobile response is contracted, the ARC coordinates directly with SPS Security's response officers.
PSTN Switch-Off Risk Checker
If your alarm is monitored, check whether your signalling path may be affected by the PSTN switch-off based on your postcode area and current signalling type.
Takes 2 minutes — no account needed. Results are indicative only.
Knowledge Centre
Related Technical Guides
Emergency Intruder Alarm Repair and Maintenance: A Business Guide
A practical guide to commercial intruder alarm faults, emergency repair, planned maintenance, signalling issues, system takeovers and reducing security downtime.
Commercial Intruder Alarm Systems: A Business & Facilities Manager's Guide
A practical guide for business owners and facilities managers on choosing a commercial intruder alarm, including risk, Grades 2 and 3, monitoring, police response, SSAIB certification, integration and lifecycle maintenance.
Request an alarm monitoring quote
SSAIB-certified monitoring through an ARC — police URN, keyholder response and 24/7 alarm monitoring. SPS Security keyholding and mobile response available where contracted.
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