5 Star Alarm Criteria:
A 5 Star alarm system contains all the features of a 4 star alarm with the addition of a Battery Back-up Siren and an internal sensor.
Battery back-up siren: We suggest that the only effective battery back-up sirens are hidden or hard to reach ones. This rules out all the systems that come with an over-ride key. Full explanation found here: http://vehiclesecurity.co.nz/blog/5-star-muppetry
Internal Sensors: Ultrasonics, Microwave, and glass break sensors are all allowed. It is worth noting that glass break sensors are not effective where the windows have an after market tint film (window tinting) fitted.
Note: Thatcham CAT 2 to 1 systems are designed for vehicles with an existing approved immobiliser
Your One Page Remote Alarm/Immobiliser Check List
Print out your at a glance check-list for Insurance rated remote alarm/immobilisers.
It quickly covers all the main considerations of what makes a insurance rated alarm/immobiliser effective.
The list contains most “5 Star” alarm systems as well as the more affordable (and sometimes more effective) “4 Star” systems available.
There are also direct links to each review for more details about the pros and cons of each system.
Remember that a big immobiliser is far harder to install effectively then a small one, plus a battery back-up siren with an over-ride key will put big limitations on where it can be installed. That said a good installation is still a must if the alarm is going to be an effective form of protection.
Below are the latest reviews that cover each alarm system in detail:
The following Alarm Systems meet with AS/NZS 3749.1:2003 Class A. (Used to be 5 Star Alarm) or the more respected Thatcham CAT 1 Standards that offer greater protection.
Autowatch 695CAN (Thatcham CAT 2-1 CAN-BUS ) **
Cobra AB7928 * ( Thatcham CAT 1)
Cobra AK4138 (Thatcham CAT 1)
Cobra AK4198 (Thatcham CAT 2-1)
