NorthTech Security & Technology Experts

Alarm systems

Why we install Ness alarms.

We’ve installed Ness alarms for more than 25 years, and we still service the very first one. We install one brand because it’s the right one — the only decision is which model suits your property.

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Australian Made logo

Designed and made in Australia

5years

Extended Ness warranty

Why Ness

Australian made, and still going after 25 years.

  • Made in AustraliaNess alarms are designed and made here, for Australian homes and businesses.
  • 5-year warrantyNess backs its alarm panels with an extended 5-year warranty, so your system is covered for longer.
  • Local supportWhen something needs attention, the support behind your alarm is here in Australia.
  • 25 years and countingWe’ve installed Ness for more than 25 years — and we still service the very first alarm we installed.

Which Ness alarm?

Two models, matched to your property.

Tell us what you’re protecting and we’ll show you where we’d start.

What are you protecting?

1. For most homes

Ness D8X / D16X

Best for: Small to medium homes

The D8X and D16X are the alarm we install in most homes. They differ only in size, so we match the panel to the number of rooms, doors and windows that need protecting.

  • Sized to your homeThe D8X watches 8 zones and the D16X watches 16. A zone is one detector, door or window the alarm keeps an eye on.
  • Works with Control4The D8X and D16X connect with Control4, so your alarm becomes part of your smart home — alongside your lighting, cameras and touchscreens.
  • Colour touchscreen keypadThe Ness Navigator keypad has a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen. Plain-English prompts guide arming and disarming, and rooms show by name.
  • Ready for 24/7 monitoringAdd a 4G dialler and your alarm reports to a monitoring centre around the clock — no landline needed.About alarm monitoring
  • 5-year warrantyCovered by Ness’s extended 5-year warranty.

2. For large homes and businesses

Ness M1

Best for: Large homes and commercial properties

For a large home or a commercial property we install the Ness M1. It is a complete alarm system and a home automation controller in one.

  • Security and automation togetherAlongside the alarm, the M1 can control lighting, heating, garage doors, sprinklers and more.
  • Works with Control4The M1 connects with Control4, so your alarm becomes part of your smart home — alongside your lighting, cameras and touchscreens.
  • It tells you what’s happeningThe M1 announces the system’s status in spoken English, so everyone in the building knows where things stand.
  • Colour touchscreen keypadThe same Ness Navigator touchscreen keypad, with plain-English prompts for arming and disarming.
  • Ready for 24/7 monitoringConnect the M1 to a monitoring centre so an alarm is answered even when nobody is on site.About alarm monitoring
  • 5-year warrantyCovered by Ness’s extended 5-year warranty.

Monitoring without a landline.

Older alarms called the monitoring centre over the phone landline, which has been switched off with the NBN. We add a 4G dialler instead, so your alarm reports over the mobile network whether or not the internet is working.

When the alarm activates, the monitoring centre is told straight away and follows the plan you’ve agreed with us — even when you can’t answer your phone.

About alarm monitoring

Common alarm questions

Why does NorthTech only install Ness alarms?
Ness alarms are made in Australia, carry an extended 5-year warranty and are supported locally. We’ve installed them for more than 25 years, and we still service the first one we ever installed.
How much does an alarm system cost?
Our current Ness starting package has a planning estimate on the Security packages page. The final price depends on the model, how many rooms, doors and windows need protecting, monitoring, cabling and installation work. NorthTech confirms the Quote after reviewing your property and design.
Which Ness alarm do I need?
Most homes need the Ness D8X or D16X — the D8X for up to 8 zones and the D16X for up to 16. Large homes and commercial properties need the Ness M1, which adds home automation. Both work with Control4.
Do Ness alarms work with Control4?
Yes. Both the Ness D8X / D16X and the Ness M1 connect with Control4, so your alarm works alongside your lighting, cameras and touchscreens as part of one smart home.
What is an alarm zone?
A zone is one thing the alarm watches — usually a motion detector in a room, or a sensor on a door or window. The more rooms and openings you want protected, the more zones you need.
Does my alarm still work in a blackout?
Yes. A Ness panel switches to its backup battery when the power goes out, and a 4G dialler keeps reporting to the monitoring centre even when the NBN is down.
Can my alarm be monitored without a landline?
Yes. The phone landline that older alarms used to call out has been switched off with the NBN, so we add a 4G dialler that reports to the monitoring centre over the mobile network.Source: nbn — security monitoring systems(opens in a new tab)
What is back-to-base monitoring?
Your alarm reports to a monitoring centre that is staffed 24 hours a day. When it activates, the centre is told straight away and follows the plan you’ve agreed with us — such as calling you and the contacts you’ve chosen.
How often should my alarm be serviced?
We recommend a service at least every two years — every year if you’re on NorthTech Care. It checks the detectors, siren, keypad and backup battery, so you know the whole system will work when it’s needed.
How long does an alarm backup battery last?
Usually three to five years. A battery loses its charge slowly, so it’s tested at every service and replaced when it’s worn.
Do you service older Ness alarms?
Yes. We still service the first Ness alarm we installed, more than 25 years ago.
Do you install alarms across Melbourne’s north?
Yes. NorthTech is based in Thomastown and designs, installs, monitors and supports alarm systems for homes and businesses across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Not sure which suits your property?

Tell us about your property and we’ll recommend the right Ness alarm — and explain why.

Start your security design