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I've often wondered about that last point. I got some Smartwater forensic liquid through work years ago, and it came with window stickers etc - should be a deterrent, but I sometimes think it's more of a statement saying 'hey look, we've got stuff worth nicking'. Ironically we don't really have...

Now that's not a bad idea! 👍 Only issue I suppose is if anyone tried to enter via the roof hatch, as there is then no functioning PIR to catch them, but it's probably unlikely (pitched polycarbonate roof, would require access via neighbour's driveway and forcible entry) and then there's still an...

The time has come to update our house alarm (to address a few issues and get better functionality); we've found an installer that we're happy with, but could do with a bit of help in deciding how extensive the upgrade should be. The current system is based around a Risco Eurosec CP8, fully...

Well, I've seen lots of recommendations for Hikvision kit (and a few scare stories about links to the Chinese government... really not sure they'd be that interested in my driveway or my network for that matter 😄). But installers all tend to have their own favourites, and a couple of local firms...

As it happens, one company just quoted me £85 [*ahem* plus VAT] also known as £102 for annual servicing on the alarm system. Interesting when my parents have just arranged for theirs (similar system) to be done for £50 (and the same guy said he doesn't believe annual CCTV maint is necessary - as...

An interesting point. I know some people feel the same about dash cams (I mean in the sense that they may or may not want to provide footage to an insurer!).

Argh, yes, so we either have to accept that risk and have a convenient hybrid, internet-connected house alarm or we forget the idea and stick to good old-fashioned wires and sirens (which of course tend to get ignored...). Now that sounds potentially useful, will look out for that. Probably...

Ah yes that's another thing, some installers seem to assume you want a monitor, others that you don't. If you can do everything (e.g. viewing & configuring) on a PC on the same network (as I had assumed, correctly or otherwise!) then I think I'd settle for that, especially if the recorder's...

This is the one I've seen mentioned, although I imagine others may be available: https://spiderex.co.uk/

Site won't let me add another 'thanks' reaction today, but anyway... thanks @UNG - that's really helpful and raises a few things I hadn't thought of. I did vaguely wonder if there was such a thing as jamming for WiFi cameras and also wireless alarm systems as they seem to be all the rage these...

Our WiFi hasn't always been that great, although it's a fair bit better since I upgraded the router - still by no means perfect, but passable most of the time. So quite a few good reasons there to steer away from WiFi cameras, although I'm still a bit apprehensive about getting a fancy...

I thought that might be the case (re wiring). It's this kind of exposed wiring that made me a bit dubious. Anyway, thanks everyone for some useful points there.

I'm considering getting CCTV installed and have a load of questions whizzing around my head. First of which is - do I really need to pay a stack of cash for someone to install some fancy kit from Hikvision, Dahua or wherever, when I could put up a couple of WiFi cameras (e.g. Ring, Netatmo, Arlo...

As a DIY-er, I wouldn't be suprised if sleeving gets overlooked by homeowners... in my case I'm not sure I spotted it first off, but did so later when I looked back at the picture I'd taken. Nonetheless I'd sussed out that the g/y wasn't being used as an earth, hence 'earth' in quotes. Had I...

Been at work so not fitted yet (in any case I was interested to see how the debate on here pans out :) ). The invoice mentions altering the wiring in order to allow the fan timer to operate. The flex to the switch looks new. Yes I was trying to envisage how that conversation might play...

Thank you, that's definitely good to know.

Thanks everyone for all your responses... especially Geoff1946 who rightly predicted that I'd be a bit bewildered by what we can call the 3 Core Controversy, and kindly addressed my main query, and also Andy(tm) for the correction to that advice. To answer a few questions... The extractor fan...

I need to replace a pull cord switch for a shower extractor fan, but would appreciate advice regarding wiring as the old and new switches are different types. I'm attaching a picture of each. The existing switch has common, L1 and L2, with the lives currently going together into COM and both...

Thanks everyone for those comments/suggestions (and yes, BG's guarantee is definitely encouraging :).

Thanks, that's good to know. On the topic of the dimmer switch, I had an old one knocking around so decided to try it out with the Osram LEDs, as I couldn't find any info on the Osram site about which dimmers are compatible with these particular lamps. I presume the dimmer is a leading edge one...