NYELSA members make the best business partners. NYELSA membership is voluntary, no company is required to join our association. The most reputable companies in the industry belong to NYELSA . We believe that the willingness of our members to seek out educational opportunities in order to better train their employees, submission to our Code of Ethics, and their commitment to cooperate with the association in resolving questions or complaints from consumers, demonstrates their desire to do business professionally and ethically.
We strongly suggest that all New York consumers include NYELSA members in their comparative shopping. We believe this will lead consumers to the right system at a fair price, combined with the best possible service. We sincerely believe that you will receive a better mix of price and quality by doing business with a NYELSA member company. If not, we are here to help resolve any issue that might occur when doing business with a member.
Be an Educated Consumer
In order to be an informed consumer you need to understand the different components of a system. The best systems professional will help you determine what components you need to serve your home or business. Your systems professional should discuss what options fit your home and/or business and lifestyle, for instance, do you have small children, pets, are you away from your home for long periods of time, do you have expensive items such as jewelry you want to protect. All of these things may factor in to determine which system is best for you.
You may decide to install a system for a specific purpose but keep in mind in you can link other devices into your system such as security, fire, entertainment, controlled heating and lighting, and carbon monoxide detection. There can also be cost savings to combine these features versus installing them at a later date. It all depends on what you want and what suits you best.
The best systems professional will customize your system for your needs!
Selecting a Contractor
The New York Electronic & Life Safety Association (NYELSA) recommends that consumers take the following steps BEFORE selecting a systems contractor:
1. Check to see if the contractor is a member of the NYELSA . Association members agree to maintain a high level of conduct under a Code of Ethics and render services at the highest level of quality.
2. Call several companies. Ask them if their employees are trained and/or certified by the NYELSA .
3. Ask the companies if they have appropriate state and/or local licenses, if required. Some sort of license will be required for any company that provides these services in New York (see use licensed contractors section below for more information)
4. Ask the companies if they conduct any pre-employment screening. Contact your local police department’s Crime Prevention Department, state licensing agencies, Consumer Protection
Agencies, and the Better Business Bureau.
5. Ask your insurance agent, friends, family or neighbors for referrals. After you’ve narrowed the field to three or four alarm companies, ask for the name of the person who will call on you. It is
best to plan the appointment time when all those involved in the decision are present. When he/she visits, ask to see some company identification.
6. Ask each alarm company representative for an inspection, recommendation and a quote in writing. Use a checklist to
compare different packages and price quotes.
Only Use Licensed Contractors
New York State law requires any person or company who provides investigations or security services (including burglar alarms, closed circuit television systems and access control systems) in the state to be properly licensed to offer or to engage in such services. This requirements of law was passed by the New York State Legislature and is in effect. To offer or provide a service
required to be licensed, without a license, carries criminal penalties and major fines. Hiring or employing a unlicensed company also carries this penalty.
Visit the NYS web site for more information
Each person or organization engaged in the business of planning, certifying, leasing, selling, servicing, installing, monitoring, or maintaining fire alarm or fire detection devices or systems shall have a certificate of registration issued by the NY Commissioner of Insurance.
Professional Installation Vs. Do It Yourself
Before you decide to install an electronic system yourself consider these factors:
- Are you aware of all the codes and standards that govern how your system is installed and operated?
- Are you aware of all of the options and features of the equipment you plan to install?
- Have you considered the value of your time to learn about and install the system in calculating the cost of your do it yourself installation?
- Is the equipment you have access to at retail outlets of equal quality to the professional grade equipment?
- Do you own all the tools you will need to install, test and calibrate the equipment you plan to use?
- Will your insurance policies cover you if you are injured or do damage to your property during the installation?
- Does the company you bought the equipment from provide sufficient help in the event something goes wrong during the
installation?
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