Alarms and telecare after the PSTN switch-off
Many intruder alarms, fire alarm signalling units and telecare devices send alerts to a monitoring centre over the phone line. If that line changes, the alarm may stop reporting without any visible sign.
Decisions to make
Does the alarm signal over the line at all?
Some panels only sound locally; others dial a monitoring centre or use a separate signalling service. Your alarm company can tell you which applies.
Replace, upgrade or re-route signalling
The options are set by the alarm company and monitoring centre. They may recommend a digital signalling unit or a different communication path.
Who must test after the change
The monitoring centre must receive a test signal from the live installation after your line is migrated, not only before.
Inventory checklist
- Each alarm panel, its location and the line or number it uses
- Alarm company and monitoring centre contact details and contract reference
- Telecare users or vulnerable people who rely on the service
- Whether the alarm has its own battery backup, and how old it is
Questions for your supplier
- Is this panel supported on a digital line, and on which signalling path?
- Do you need to visit or replace equipment before our line is migrated?
- Who will send and confirm a test signal after migration?
- What happens to alerts during a power cut or internet outage?
Who to involve
Involve your alarm installer, monitoring centre or telecare provider before any line change is booked. For telecare, government guidance favours tested, fully digital solutions and warns against relying on unverified analogue adapters.
Power cuts and backup
Digital phone services generally rely on mains-powered equipment on site. Ask the alarm supplier how long its own equipment and signalling path keep working without power, and whether the router also needs backup power.
Safety-critical alarms and telecare must be confirmed and tested end to end by the responsible supplier. Do not assume an adapter or a new router keeps them working.
This is indicative planning guidance, not certification of safety, compatibility or legal compliance. Digital phone services may fail without power. Safety-critical devices require confirmation and testing by the relevant equipment vendor; an online score or analogue adapter cannot guarantee compatibility.
Where Telappliant can help
Telappliant can review and supply the business phone service and internet connection. We do not install, certify or maintain this equipment. Migration dates depend on your provider, so check yours rather than assuming one date.