Alarm Upgrades & Retrofit Services

Many Irish homes already have an intruder alarm installed, but older systems often become unreliable, difficult to use or unsupported by the original manufacturer. A full replacement is not always necessary. In most cases, a professionally engineered alarm upgrade and retrofit can modernise your system while reusing existing wiring and selected detectors.

At HomeSecurityIreland.ie, we specialise in upgrading legacy wired and hybrid alarm systems to modern, app‑enabled platforms. Our engineering-led approach ensures that every component—new or reused— is tested, validated and integrated into a reliable, future‑proof system.

When should you upgrade your house alarm?

Older alarm systems can continue working for many years, but several signs indicate that an upgrade is the safer and more cost‑effective option. These issues are common in Irish homes built between the 1990s and early 2010s.

Common reasons to upgrade

• Frequent false alarms: Ageing PIRs, deteriorated cabling or faulty door contacts can cause nuisance activations.
• No spare parts or support: Many older alarm brands are discontinued, making repairs difficult or impossible.
• Limited features: No mobile app, no event logs, no remote access, basic keypad-only operation.
• Cosmetic wear: Yellowed keypads, cracked sensors, faded or weathered external bell boxes.
• Battery failures: Old backup batteries causing system faults or power‑related issues.
• Extensions or renovations: New rooms or doors not covered by the original system.
• Insurance requirements: Some insurers require modern signalling or event logging.

If your system shows any of these symptoms, a structured upgrade is usually more reliable and cost‑effective than attempting to maintain outdated equipment.

What can be upgraded?

A typical alarm upgrade focuses on replacing the main control equipment and user interface while reusing good‑quality wiring and detectors where appropriate. This approach reduces cost and avoids unnecessary disruption to finished walls and ceilings.

Core components typically replaced

• Control panel: Replace the main board and housing with a modern, app‑enabled unit.
• Keypads: Install new keypads with clearer displays, backlighting and improved usability.
• Internal and external sounders: Fit new sirens and strobes for reliability and deterrence.
• Backup batteries: Replace panel and bell box batteries to restore proper standby operation.
• Communication modules: Add Ethernet, Wi‑Fi or cellular modules for app control and signalling.

Components that may be reused

• Wired PIRs: If in good condition and correctly positioned.
• Door/window contacts: Wired contacts often last decades if cabling is intact.
• Shock sensors: Can be reused if compatible and functioning correctly.
• Existing cabling: Reusing wiring avoids redecoration and reduces installation time.

During the survey, we test each device and cable run to determine whether reuse is viable or replacement is recommended.

Reusing existing wiring and detectors

One of the main advantages of a retrofit upgrade is the ability to reuse existing wiring. Most Irish homes with alarms installed between the 1990s and 2010s have wired cabling running to doors, windows and PIRs. This infrastructure is often perfectly serviceable.

Benefits of reusing wiring

• No need to chase walls: Avoids dust, plastering and painting.
• Lower cost: Reduces labour and materials.
• Faster installation: Most upgrades completed in a single day.
• Cleaner finish: No visible trunking or surface cables.

When wiring cannot be reused

• Damaged or cut cables.
• Incorrect cable type for modern detectors.
• Rodent damage in attics or under floors.
• Water ingress affecting cable insulation.

In these cases, we replace the affected cable or use wireless devices to maintain coverage.

Adding wireless devices to extend coverage

Many older alarms were installed before extensions, attic conversions or garden rooms were added. Wireless devices allow us to extend coverage without disturbing finished surfaces.

Common wireless additions

• Wireless motion sensors: Ideal for new rooms, converted attics or circulation areas.
• Wireless door/window contacts: Perfect for patio doors, French doors or new external doors.
• Wireless keypads or keyfobs: Add convenient control points at secondary entrances.
• Environmental sensors: Smoke, heat, CO and leak detectors where supported.
• Outdoor detectors: For sheds, garages or garden rooms.

Wireless expansion is especially useful in homes where running new cables would require redecoration.

Upgrade to mobile app control

One of the biggest benefits of upgrading an older alarm is gaining full mobile app control. Modern systems provide real-time visibility and remote management that older keypads cannot offer.

Key app features

• Remote arming and disarming: Ideal for busy households, rental properties and second homes.
• Event notifications: Alerts for alarms, tamper events, faults and low batteries.
• Activity logs: See who armed or disarmed the system and when.
• Zone status: Check open doors, windows or active faults.
• User management: Add or remove users without reprogramming the panel.

App control significantly improves usability and ensures the system is used consistently.

System architecture of a modernised alarm

A retrofit upgrade replaces the “brain” of the system while keeping the physical detection layer where appropriate. The architecture becomes a hybrid of wired and wireless components.

Logical architecture (text-based diagram)

[Mobile App] <----> [New Control Panel] <----> [Existing Wired Sensors]
      |                     |                     |
      |                     |                     |
   Cloud Services      Wireless Devices      Sirens / Outputs
  

This hybrid approach provides the reliability of wired detection with the flexibility of wireless expansion.

Our alarm upgrade process

Every upgrade follows a structured engineering process to ensure reliability, safety and long-term performance.

1. System assessment

• Inspect existing panel, keypad, detectors and cabling.
• Test each wired device for correct operation.
• Identify any faults, damaged cables or obsolete components.

2. Upgrade plan

• Explain what can be reused and what should be replaced.
• Recommend wireless additions if coverage gaps exist.
• Specify communication modules (Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, cellular).

3. Installation

• Remove old panel, keypad and sirens where necessary.
• Install new control panel and user interfaces.
• Reconnect and test all wired sensors.
• Add wireless devices as required.

4. Commissioning

• Program zones, entry/exit routes and night mode.
• Configure app access and user accounts.
• Perform walk-tests, tamper tests and communication checks.

5. Handover

• Demonstrate system operation and app features.
• Provide documentation and user guidance.
• Explain battery maintenance and troubleshooting.

Case study: Retrofit upgrade in a Dublin semi‑detached home

Background

• 3‑bed semi‑detached home with a 15‑year‑old wired alarm.
• Frequent false alarms from ageing PIRs.
• No app control, no logs, outdated keypad.
• New rear extension not covered by the original system.

Objectives

• Modernise system without major redecoration.
• Add coverage for new extension and patio doors.
• Enable mobile app control for both homeowners.

Solution

• Replaced old panel with a modern hybrid control unit.
• Reused existing wired contacts and shock sensors.
• Replaced faulty PIRs with new units.
• Added wireless contact and shock sensor to new patio doors.
• Installed new external bell box for improved deterrence.
• Configured app access and event logging.

Outcome

• Reliable, modern alarm with full app control.
• Coverage extended to all new areas.
• False alarms eliminated.
• System now used daily thanks to improved usability.

Alarm upgrade planning checklist

Before your upgrade assessment, consider the following:

• List all doors and windows you want protected.
• Identify any new extensions or rooms not covered.
• Check the condition of your existing keypad and sensors.
• Note any false alarms or recurring faults.
• Decide whether you want app control and notifications.
• Consider adding environmental sensors (smoke, CO, leak).

Frequently asked questions about alarm upgrades

1. Can you reuse my existing alarm wiring?

In most cases, yes. Wired cabling in Irish homes is often still in excellent condition. We test each cable run during the survey to confirm suitability.

2. Do I need to replace all my sensors?

Not always. If wired PIRs, contacts or shock sensors are functioning correctly and compatible with the new system, they can be reused.

3. Will I need to repaint or repair walls?

No. Retrofit upgrades reuse existing wiring routes, so no chasing or plastering is required.

4. Can I add wireless devices to my old system?

Yes. A modern hybrid panel allows wireless expansion for new rooms, extensions or outbuildings.

5. How long does an alarm upgrade take?

Most upgrades are completed in a single day, including commissioning and app setup.

6. Will I get mobile app control?

Yes. Modern panels support full app control, notifications and event logs.

7. What happens to my old keypad?

It is replaced with a modern keypad featuring clearer displays and improved usability.

8. Can you upgrade very old alarms?

Yes. Even systems over 20 years old can often be upgraded by reusing wiring and replacing the core hardware.

9. What if my system has faults?

Faults are common in older systems. During the survey, we identify whether the issue is with wiring, detectors or the panel, and recommend the most cost‑effective solution.

10. Is upgrading cheaper than replacing?

In most cases, yes. Reusing wiring and selected detectors significantly reduces cost and installation time.

For more advice on alarms, CCTV and smart home security, visit our Home Security Advice & Guides.