How to upgrade, fix or replace an old Scantronic alarm
Scantronic and Menvier panels were built to last, and plenty are still running today. But once a system passes the 10-year mark, it's usually more sensible to replace it than keep patching it up. Here's what your options are, and why a modern panel is the better route.
A brand with a long history, now several owners removed
Scantronic dates back to the late 1970s, and later grew to include the Menvier brand after an acquisition. In 1994 the company was bought by Cooper Industries, and it has since passed into Eaton's hands - a lot of corporate history behind the panel on your wall.
Systems from this lineage were solidly engineered, which is exactly why so many are still installed and working. But once a panel is over 10 years old, it's generally worth replacing with a modern alternative such as the Texecom Premier Elite, which adds proper app control that these older systems were never designed for.
AMCO & Scantronic
AMCO are Scantronic upgrade specialists, established over 25 years ago and working UK-wide. We're well reviewed by customers who've trusted us to modernise their existing systems.
Scantronic & Menvier models we regularly upgrade
If your panel matches one of these, we'll already know it well.
Scantronic
Menvier
Keep the wiring and sensors, replace the panel and keypad
Because your Scantronic system is wired, the existing cabling running through your walls generally works just fine with a new panel. Our standard approach is to retain the existing wiring and sensors, and replace just the main panel and keypad(s) - keeping disruption, mess and cost to a minimum.
New wired sensors generally work with your existing Scantronic wiring, so PIR sensors, door contacts and vibration sensors can all be replaced with modern Texecom alternatives where needed, without rewiring the property.
Wiring stays put
Existing cabling and sensor wiring is reused wherever possible - no need to chase new cable through walls.
Panel is replaced
Being a wired system makes swapping in a Texecom Premier Elite a relatively easy job for our engineers.
Not sure which upgrade route is right for you?
Tell us a bit about your existing Scantronic or Menvier system and we'll recommend the best option.
The best way to upgrade a Scantronic system
Our recommended route is replacing the ageing panel with the Texecom Premier Elite - a modern, modular panel that keeps your existing wiring in place while opening up:
App functionality
Add a SmartCom module to the new panel so you can arm, disarm and check on your alarm from your phone.
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 fixed 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.
Old Scantronic panels can't be made smart - a full swap is needed
With some newer alarm systems, app functionality can be bolted on with just a communication module. That's not the case here: because of their age, old Scantronic and Menvier panels themselves cannot be upgraded to add smart or app functionality.
If having control from your phone matters to you, a full panel replacement with the Texecom Premier Elite is the only way to get there - the good news is that, as covered above, this is still a relatively straightforward job on a wired system.
No module upgrade path
Unlike newer systems, an old Scantronic panel can't simply have a smart module added - the panel itself needs replacing to get app control.
See the Premier EliteA full panel & keypad swap future-proofs your system for 20+ years
Replacing both the panel and keypad with the Texecom Premier Elite brings your Scantronic system fully up to date - app control, wired and wireless device support, and a modular design that can be expanded and updated for decades to come.
Don't need a full replacement? Add monitoring instead
If your Scantronic system is otherwise working fine and you don't need app control, you don't have to replace it to get better protection. AMCO's LiveTalk monitoring - one of the best monitoring options on the market - can be added to most existing wired systems, without a full panel swap.
- Works alongside your existing Scantronic or Menvier 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 Scantronic or Menvier system.
We can take over your existing system - no strings attached
Wired Scantronic systems can be easily transferred to AMCO from another provider for ongoing monitoring and upgrades. You don't need to already be an AMCO customer - whoever installed it originally, just get in touch and we'll take it from there.
Why customers choose AMCO
- Scantronic upgrade specialists, established over 25 years
- UK-wide coverage and well reviewed by customers
- Straightforward takeover of existing wired systems
Free, no-obligation
Ready to fix, upgrade or replace your Scantronic 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