BS EN 50131 is the European / British Standard for intruder and hold-up alarm systems. It defines four security grades — Grade 1 (low risk, domestic), Grade 2 (commercial / domestic with valuables), Grade 3 (high-value commercial), Grade 4 (high-value targets, vaults). Insurers usually specify a grade based on the premises' risk profile. The standard covers system design, components, signalling, monitoring and maintenance — not just the alarm panel.
Issued by
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) / BSI.
Why it matters
Your insurer will quote a specific BS EN 50131 grade as the minimum for your premises — a Grade 2 system on a Grade 3-rated risk doesn't satisfy the insurance condition. Grade also determines whether police will respond to confirmed alarms via URN.
Questions to ask a provider
- What grade does my insurer specify for this premises?
- Will you certify the install to that grade and provide documentation?
- What's the maintenance schedule required to keep grade compliance?
Related terms
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