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The beginning of 2024 has seen a huge increase in requests from Property Management Companies requesting us to investigate faults on existing Entry Systems installed within residential developments they manage. 95% of the systems we are called upon to inspect are 10 - 20 years old and were most probably installed when the property was originally built, with no maintenance carried out since this time.
Many have broken call buttons or have failed completely, and have been like this for years until the complaints from residents become too much to cope with. Technology has come a long way in the past decade and we are now able to upgrade and replace damaged & failed entry systems quickly and economically utilising existing cabling without the need to re-cable properties, in most cases we can even upgrade existing Audio Entry Systems to Video with no additional cabling required.
Why Use The Existing Cabling - When You Can Install a GSM System?
This is fine when you are connecting 1 property, however, where multiple properties are required to be connected this can become a nightmare for Property Management Companies as most property owners/tenants use their mobile phones to be the connected device for the entry system to call, this is all well and good until the owner/tenant changes their mobile phone & number or moves house completely, in both cases the phone numbers assigned to the property have to be erased & re-programmed which in some cases can be carried out remotely or in most cases require an engineer to visit site to reprogram the system which will incur a cost.
Required Features That We Notice Are Often Missing:
Push to Exit Button:
Many systems are not fitted with a Push to Exit Button, which is used to release the door when leaving the property, these can be in the form of a button or an infra-red sensor which means that you do not have to make physical contact with the button and is a favourite now following COVID.
Emergency Glass Break Switch:
Another and more serious component that is often not installed is an Emergency Glass Break Switch, this is not so necessary where a standard Lock Release is used, however, where a Electro -Magnetic Lock or Solenoid Bolt locking device is used it is a necessity as in case of emergency it allows the power to the locking device to be cut, so allowing the door to be released until the switch is reset, Many of these locking devices are found to rely solely on a Push to Exit Switch which only allows momentary timed release.
External Fire Man's Switch:
Another and more serious component that is often not installed is an Emergency Glass Break Switch, this is not so necessary where a standard Lock Release is used, however, where a Electro -Magnetic Lock or Solenoid Bolt locking device is used it is a necessity as in case of emergency it allows the power to the locking device to be cut, so allowing the door to be released until the switch is reset, Many of these locking devices are found to rely solely on a Push to Exit Switch which only allows momentary timed release.
If you are considering a New Entry System or Upgrade to an existing installation please ensure that you use a Certificated Approved Installer. If you would like further information or advice on available systems please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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- Written by Ian Dibbs
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Welcome to Gemini Security Solutions, where your safety is our priority. Your home is your sanctuary, and protecting it should be effortless. With our range of house alarm systems, you can rest easy knowing that your loved ones and belongings are safe and secure. Let's delve into the various types of house alarms offered by Gemini Security Solutions, each designed to meet your unique needs and preferences.
1. Wireless Alarm Systems
Say goodbye to cumbersome wiring installations with our wireless alarm systems. Perfect for both homeowners and renters, these systems offer easy setup and flexibility without sacrificing security. Using a combination of sensors, motion detectors, and control panels, our wireless alarms provide comprehensive coverage for your entire home. Plus, with remote monitoring and smartphone integration, you can stay connected and in control, even when you're away.
2. Hardwired Alarm Systems
For those seeking maximum reliability and stability, our hardwired alarm systems offer a robust solution. Installed directly into your home's electrical wiring, these systems provide uninterrupted protection against intruders, fires, and other emergencies. With backup battery support and tamper-resistant components, you can trust that your home is safeguarded around the clock, no matter what.
3. Smart Home Security Systems
Take your home security to the next level with our smart home security systems. These innovative solutions combine advanced technology with seamless integration, allowing you to monitor and control your entire home from anywhere in the world. From smart cameras and doorbell cameras to smart locks and motion sensors, our smart home security systems offer unparalleled convenience and peace of mind.
4. Burglar Alarms
Protect your home against unwanted intruders with our burglar alarm systems. Equipped with sensors that detect unauthorized entry, these alarms emit loud sirens and trigger notifications to alert you and deter potential burglars. With options for both indoor and outdoor use, you can customize your burglar alarm system to suit your home's layout and security requirements.
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW BLOG
The final days of 2023 ended as it began, in a whirlwind of installations and planning for 2024.
As we moved into 2024 we were nearing completion of a prestigious project in Hertford Town Centre
which we are very proud to have been involved in.
The Development consists of two blocks of residential apartments containing 98 one and two
bedroom homes with a small selection of commercial units located on the Ground floor.
The requirements were for a Video Entry System with Access Control & Full Concierge facilities
while offering a Safe and Secure environment for the residents.
To meet the developer's requirements and provide a future-proof system we chose a system from
Paxton Access is a market-leading UK manufacturer of access control and door entry with over
30 years experience within the industry.
The system installed uses web-based software with 24/7 management & engineer access via the on--
site system server which allows full system operational monitoring.
The Four Main Entrance Doors are accessed via Marine Grade Stainless Steel Video Entry Panels
which provides communication to each individual residential block and the on-site concierge, in
addition access is allowed by either Coded Access, Proximity Tag or Bluetooth when using an
assigned Smart Device.
Two additional doors are controlled by a Proximity Tag Reader.
All 98 apartments are supplied with a compact 4.3” touchscreen video entry monitor which provides
full duplex speech, call log facility & video snapshot of callers.
Proximity tags are assigned to each apartment which allows full on/off-site tag management should a
tag be misplaced.
The system installed is fully integrated with the developments Fire Detection systems so should an
alarm occurs within either block all doors within the affected block release automatically.
In addition to the Video Entry System, we were asked to provide a site-wide CCTV Surveillance
The system is linked back to the Concierge desk where he/she can have full control over the system.
For the system, we installed components supplied by Genie Products, a company we have used for
over 20 years for their unwavering reliability and high quality.
The system installed provides coverage of the main external public areas around the development
including the existing Bus Station.
The system is made up of Nineteen 4MP high-resolution ‘Eyeball’ cameras which provide a wide
angle of coverage and up to 50m nighttime vision via IR illumination.
Recording is via a 32-channel network recorder installed within a secure remote location, this recorder
allows full remote access and the ability to add additional cameras as required.
Both systems are now fully operational, and we are now partway through our next development.
If you would like further information on any of the systems installed please contact us via
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.