What is an Alarm Receiving Centre?
An Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) is a purpose-built, staffed facility that receives alarm signals from monitored systems. NSI and SSAIB-approved ARCs operate to BS 5979 Category II standard, which requires physical security equivalent to a bank vault, continuous manned operation, redundant power supplies and secure signalling links. Your alarm communicates with the ARC via a digital communicator — a device inside your alarm panel that connects via broadband and, as backup, a 4G mobile data SIM.
What happens when your alarm triggers?
- Signal received — Within seconds of activation, the ARC receives a signal identifying your address, the zone that triggered (e.g. 'front door', 'living room PIR') and the type of event (intrusion, tamper, panic).
- Verification — The operator attempts to verify the alarm. Methods include: calling your home phone to check for a cancel code; watching CCTV footage if integrated; or waiting for a second device to trigger (confirming sequential activation rather than a single false trigger).
- Response despatch — If the alarm is confirmed, the operator contacts the police, your nominated keyholder or a professional guarding company — whichever you have instructed for that type of event.
- Keyholder notification — Your nominated keyholders (typically two, one of whom should be local) are called in order until someone confirms they are attending or the situation is resolved.
- Incident report — After every activation, confirmed or not, you receive a written incident report for your records and insurer.
Signalling methods
Dual-path (broadband + 4G)
The gold standard. Signals via broadband as primary; automatically switches to 4G SIM if broadband fails. Required for Grade 3 commercial systems and recommended for all properties.
Single-path broadband
Signals via broadband only. Lower cost, but if your router is reset or broadband is cut by a burglar, the signal cannot reach the ARC.
4G-only
Suitable where broadband is unreliable. Not dependent on any landline or broadband connection.
Redcare / BT Redcare (legacy)
Older dedicated signalling service over BT telephone lines. Being phased out as BT migrates to all-IP networks. Systems on Redcare should be migrated to dual-path IP.
How much does alarm monitoring cost?
Professional monitoring from Sure Alarms starts at £18/month on an annual contract. This includes dual-path signalling (broadband + 4G), 24/7 ARC response, keyholder notification and full police-response eligibility. See our alarm costs guide for a full comparison.
Add Monitoring to Your Alarm
Sure Alarms can add NSI-approved monitoring to any existing alarm — even systems not installed by us. Free assessment, no obligation.