Guide to insurance-approved alarm monitoring signalling
To get insurance recognition, your alarm's digital communicator (digicom) needs to comply with BS EN 50136-1, or hold LPCB certification as an LPS1277 v3.0 dual-path product. Below, AMCO explains what the SP1-SP6 and DP1-DP4 signalling grades actually mean, and what insurers typically expect.
Looking for the broader alarm system grades (1-4) instead? See our intruder alarm system grades guide.
What are the different grades of alarm monitoring?
Signalling grades are separate from - and more granular than - the overall Grade 1-4 system rating. They describe specifically how your alarm talks to its monitoring centre, based on two factors.
1. Number of communication paths
Signalling equipment can report over a fixed phone line, the internet/VOIP, or the mobile network. A single-path (SP) system relies on just one of these. A dual-path (DP) system uses two independent routes, so if one fails - say, a cut phone line - the other keeps reporting.
2. Fault-reporting frequency
The system periodically "pings" the monitoring centre to confirm it's still connected. If a ping doesn't arrive within the grade's maximum window, it's treated as a catastrophic failure and a fault is raised. The faster the required ping, the higher the signalling grade - and the sooner a lost connection gets picked up.
SP and DP grades explained
Each grade has a maximum time within which a fault on the path must be reported. SP (single-path) and DP (dual-path) use separate scales.
SP - single path
| Grade | Max. fault-reporting time |
|---|---|
| SP1 | 32 days |
| SP2 | 25 hours |
| SP3 | 30 minutes |
| SP4 | 3 minutes |
| SP5 | 90 seconds |
| SP6 | 20 seconds |
DP - dual path
| Grade | Max. fault-reporting time |
|---|---|
| DP1 | 25 hours |
| DP2 | 31 minutes |
| DP3 | 4 minutesPings every 3 minutes |
| DP4 | 3 minutesPings every 90 seconds |
Higher numbers mean faster fault reporting. DP3 and DP4 also actively "ping" on a fixed cycle (every 3 minutes or every 90 seconds respectively), rather than only reporting once the maximum window has elapsed.
Not sure if your signalling meets your insurer's requirements?
Send us your policy wording or your current digicom model and we'll confirm whether it's compliant.
What insurers typically require
Requirements vary by policy, but for a monitored commercial system most UK insurers look for all four of the following.
A compliant digicom
The digital communicator must meet BS EN 50136-1, or hold LPCB certification as an LPS1277 v3.0 dual-path signalling product.
DP3 or DP4 grade monitoring
Most insurers specify dual-path signalling at DP3 or DP4, so a fault on the primary path is picked up within minutes, not hours.
An ARC operating to BS 5979
Your Alarm Receiving Centre - the monitoring station that actually receives the signal - should be certified to BS 5979.
Level 1 police response with a URN
A Unique Reference Number (URN) issued by police confirms your system is registered for a monitored Level 1 police response.
Always check the exact wording of your own policy - see our insurance specifications page for AMCO's own compliance detail, or the broader alarm system grades guide for how signalling fits into the overall Grade 1-4 rating.
In short
Most insurers want DP3 or DP4 dual-path signalling on a monitored commercial system - a single-path connection, however fast its ping, generally won't satisfy an insurer that specifically asks for dual-path.
Which digicom is best?
Both are high-security digicom products meeting BS EN 50136-1 and DP3/DP4 grade. From a user's point of view, there's little practical difference between them.
Redcare (BT)
BT's legacy dual-path digicom, previously a common choice for DP3/DP4 signalling. BT has now closed its Redcare business, so it's no longer available for new installs or renewals.
- Met BS EN 50136-1 and DP3/DP4 grade
- BT has discontinued the service
- Existing customers are being migrated away
DualCom (CSL)
CSL's dual-path digicom, using both the phone/internet line and the mobile network as backup. The most common replacement for customers moving off Redcare.
- Meets BS EN 50136-1 and DP3/DP4 grade
- Actively supported and installed
- Little practical difference from Redcare for the end user
BT has now closed its Redcare business entirely, so most customers previously on Redcare are moving to CSL DualCom or AMCO's own LiveTalk technology instead. If your alarm still shows Redcare on its keypad, it's worth having this checked before it lapses.
Still on Redcare and need to switch?
AMCO can migrate your signalling to DualCom or LiveTalk without disrupting your monitoring cover.
Signalling specified and fitted correctly, first time
AMCO has specified and installed insurance-approved signalling for over 25 years, from straightforward DP3 upgrades to full Grade 3 commercial systems. Our engineers know exactly which digicom, grade and ARC combination will satisfy your policy wording - not just the manufacturer's marketing claims.
Read more about our Texecom installation expertise or see the broader system grades guide.
Why customers choose AMCO
- Grade 3 specialist installer, NSI & SSAIB approved
- 25+ years specifying compliant signalling
- UK-wide coverage, from single sites to multi-site estates
Free, no-obligation
Ready to check your signalling meets DP3/DP4?
Whether you need a straightforward DualCom upgrade or a full Grade 3 installation, see our insurance specifications or get in touch and we'll confirm what your policy needs.
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