AC Security Systems | NSI & NACOSS

NSI & NACOSS

National Security Inspectorate (NSI) & NACOSS Gold

Since 1990, The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has been the main regulator for companies in the electronic security sector. The NSI approves and regulates firms that install and maintain:

Intruder Alarms
Access Control Systems
CCTV Systems
Fire Detection Systems

NSI operates several levels of approval from "Bronze" - for small or startup companies who nevertheless wish to be seen to adhere to relevant British Standards, through "Silver" for medium size or more established firms, to the highest "NACOSS Gold" scheme for companies who can demonstrate that they adhere to the strictest standards for security firms. AC Security Systems is an NSI "NACOSS Gold" firm and is approved for installation and maintenance of intruder alarms.

"NACOSS Gold" Firms like AC Security Systems are required to comply with four groups of standards:

Technical Standards (British Standards or the European equivalent)
Business Standards (Covering insurance, premises, finances etc)
Codes Of Practice (Covering industry - specific issues such as the reduction of false alarms and customer care)
Quality Management (Based on ISO 9000 standards)

All NSI Recognised Firms must of course also comply with the requirements of the police, so as to ensure that police response is available when to the security systems if appropriate.

To protect to the consumer, in the event that any problem between customer and an NSI approved company cannot be resolved through normal channels, the customer can refer the issue to NSI for resolution through their complaints handling system.

Why choose a NACOSS firm?

The Problem
With the high level of crime it is important to protect your property, whether a domestic residence or business premises.

To do this electronic security systems such as alarms, access control and CCTV, are important components of your protection requirements.

It is equally important to ensure that the company installing your system is competent and reliable and will satisfy your insurance company and the police.

The Solution
The only practical way is to use a NACOSS Recognised Firm.

NACOSS is a division of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), an independent regulatory body.

NACOSS Recognised Firms comply with relevant British Standards and the industry's own Codes of Practice.

All firms are required to have the international quality management standard ISO9000.

NSI is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), which ensures bodies such as NSI discharge their responsibilities correctly.

Insurance Discounts
Many insurance companies will offer householders discount when using a NACOSS Recognised Firm to install their electronic security system. For commercial premises, insurers now regularly insist that systems be installed by a NACOSS Recognised Firm before they will provide cover.

The Police
The police acknowledge that NACOSS Recognised Firms comply with the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) requirements. Security systems will therefore be able to be connected to Alarm Receiving Centres to summon the police should the need arise.

Customer Commitment
NACOSS firms should provide the best possible service. However if you are not satisfied with the service you may use the formal complaint procedure to try and resolve the matter.