How to upgrade, fix or replace an old Gardtec alarm
Gardtec panels were a familiar sight in UK homes and businesses for decades, but the brand was discontinued years ago. If yours is playing up, here's why parts are so hard to find - and the best routes to repair, replace or upgrade it.
A once-popular British alarm brand that's now discontinued
Gardtec was a UK alarm manufacturer that built a strong reputation through the 1980s and 90s. The brand was later acquired by Risco Group in the 2000s, and Gardtec-branded panels have since been discontinued.
That leaves a lot of Gardtec systems still fitted and working today, but with genuine replacement panels now largely obsolete and very difficult to source. If yours has developed a fault, it's worth understanding your options before assuming it needs replacing outright.
AMCO & legacy Gardtec systems
AMCO have been fixing, maintaining and upgrading alarm systems nationwide for over 25 years, including plenty of ageing Gardtec installations. Whether you want a repair or a full upgrade, our engineers can talk you through the options.
Genuine Gardtec parts are nearly impossible to find - here's the good news
Because the Gardtec brand was discontinued, a genuine like-for-like panel replacement usually isn't realistic - new panels simply aren't being made any more. The good news is that most modern wired alarm sensors are compatible with the wiring already in your walls, which makes upgrading to a current system the practical option, rather than a like-for-like repair.
Like-for-like repair
Genuine Gardtec panels are now largely obsolete, so a straight replacement part is rarely available.
Upgrade
Move to a modern system, reusing your existing wiring - and sensors, where possible.
Sensors and contacts can often be replaced on their own
If the panel itself is still working, you don't necessarily need a full upgrade straight away. PIR/movement sensors, door contacts and vibration sensors can all be swapped out for modern Texecom alternatives, wired directly onto your existing Gardtec cabling.
It's a cost-effective way to sort a specific fault while keeping the rest of the system running as it is - though most customers with an older Gardtec 800 panel find it makes more sense to plan for a full upgrade before too long.
What can be swapped individually
- PIR / movement sensors
- Door contacts
- Vibration sensors
Not sure whether to repair or replace your Gardtec alarm?
Tell us a bit about the system and the fault, and we'll recommend the most sensible option for your situation.
The best way to upgrade a Gardtec 800 (or similar) system
For a Gardtec 800 or comparable panel, our recommended route is a full panel and keypad replacement with the Texecom Premier Elite - since it's a wired system, this is a relatively easy swap that keeps your existing cabling and sensors in place wherever possible, and opens up:
App functionality
Add a SmartCom module so you can arm, disarm and check on your alarm from the Texecom Connect app.
See the app guideWireless sensors
Add a wireless expander, then bring in anywhere from 8 to 32 wireless devices to the system.
Modern LCD keypads
Swap your old Gardtec keypad for a modern, backlit LCD keypad that's far easier to read and use.
View keypad designsNew external bellbox
Replace your tired old bellbox with a modern one, complete with LED warning lights.
Retire the obsolete panel, keep the wiring that's already doing the job
Replacing the panel and keypad with the Texecom Premier Elite means you're no longer relying on parts that are effectively unobtainable, while your existing cabling and, where suitable, your sensors carry on doing their job. It's a modular system that can keep expanding for years to come, so you won't be back in this position any time soon.
Don't want a full panel replacement? Add monitoring instead
If your Gardtec system is still working reliably and you're not ready for a full replacement, you can still improve your protection. AMCO's LiveTalk alarm monitoring can be added to most existing wired systems, giving you 24/7 monitored response without touching the panel itself.
- Works alongside your existing Gardtec panel
- 24/7 monitored response, without a full upgrade
- A quick, lower-cost step up in protection
Prefer to add monitoring instead of a full upgrade?
Find out whether LiveTalk monitoring can be added to your existing Gardtec system.
We can take over your existing Gardtec system - no strings attached
It's a straightforward job for AMCO to take over an existing wired Gardtec installation and upgrade it, whoever installed it originally. You don't need to already be an AMCO customer - just get in touch and we'll take it from there.
Why customers choose AMCO
- Over 25 years' experience fixing and upgrading legacy alarm brands
- Nationwide coverage - no need to already be an AMCO customer
- Straightforward takeover of existing wired Gardtec installations
Free, no-obligation
Ready to fix, replace or upgrade your Gardtec alarm?
Our approach is simple: keep your existing wiring and sensors where we can, and just upgrade the panel and keypad. Nationwide service, honest advice, no pushy sales.
Get your free AMCO security quote
Tell us a little about what you'd like to protect and a member of our family-run team will be in touch - no pressure, no jargon.
- Most quotes sorted in minutes by phone
- SSAIB accredited · 100% insurance compliant
- Spring offer: up to £100 off installation
Covering England, Scotland & Wales