Cost-Effective Lockdown Alarm Systems
Without Compromising Safety
When it comes to lockdown safety, the cheapest option is rarely the right one. A robust, scalable system gives clarity in the moment ā and helps you justify the decision afterwards.
At a Glance
Wireless
No trenching, no cabling routes, less disruption.
Scalable
Start small and upgrade capability without replacing the system.
Activate Anywhere
Raise the alert at the point of the incident, not just at a panel.
Multi-Site
Works across separated buildings ā even with no line of sight.
Why Cost-Effective Doesnāt Mean āCheapā
Lockdown safety should be approached with the same mindset as fire safety. Even if the likelihood feels low, the consequences of hesitation are high. Cost-effective means investing in clarity and reliability ā not just buying the cheapest thing that makes noise.
A ājust-doā option (whistles, bells, fog horns) can be quick to buy, but they donāt provide structured response, site-wide certainty, or a defensible decision if the worst happens.
Why This System Can Be Much Cheaper
The biggest cost difference is rarely the equipment ā itās the installation, disruption, and the cost of ādoing it againā when the first solution canāt scale. This system is often materially cheaper because it avoids those hidden costs.
Scalable
Start with what you need now and expand later. The system grows without forcing you into a full replacement or paying for features you donāt need on day one.
Donāt Have to Dig Up Roads / Tarmac
Avoid trenching, reinstatement, traffic management, permissions, and the disruption that comes with running cable across external areas.
Quick Install
Faster deployment compared to traditional wired approaches. Less time on site typically means lower labour cost and less disruption to teaching or operations.
No Wires to Lay
No extended cable routes, no chasing walls, no long-distance wiring runs between buildings. That removes one of the biggest drivers of cost and project delay.
Multiple Battery Options
Flexible power choices can reduce electrical works and allow deployment in areas where mains power isnāt practical or would increase installation cost.
Small Scale Systems Can Be Self Installed
Smaller starter systems can be deployed without major works, supporting phased rollouts and budget control. You can start simple, prove it works for your site, and expand in stages.
Key Benefits of the Camelott Lockdown Alarm System
The Camelott Lockdown Alarm is designed for real sites ā rural schools, campuses, portacabins, separate blocks, and phased upgrades ā with a modular platform that scales without replacement.
Purpose-Built for Lockdown
A dedicated lockdown alert with clear meaning, distinct from everyday bells and distinct from fire alerts.
Set Off Anywhere
Multiple activation options so staff can raise the alert wherever an incident begins ā not only at a panel.
Point-of-Incident Activation
Trigger the alarm while dealing with the incident ā without leaving pupils or running across site.
Wireless Over Obstacles
Install across yards, roads, separate buildings and portacabins without trenching or civil works.
Multi-Site (No Line of Sight)
Support for separated buildings and sites where there is no direct visibility between blocks.
Scalable Features
Add voice announcements, battery notifications, fault monitoring, SMS/email alerts, AV alerts, and PC/mobile activation as requirements evolve ā without replacing the system.
Lockdown Alarms vs Fire Alarms ā Why the Same Thinking Applies
Fire alarms are regulated because a small fire can become serious quickly. You trigger the alarm early because hesitation costs time. Lockdown incidents work the same way ā even though regulation is evolving.
No āSmall Fireā Buttons
You donāt pause to categorise a fire before sounding the alarm. A lockdown alert should be equally clear and decisive.
Clear Beats Complex
Too many tiers (āsmall lockdownā, ābig lockdownā) can create hesitation or misinterpretation. A single unmistakable lockdown alert reduces confusion.
Noise Isnāt a System
A horn or bell might be loud, but it doesnāt provide structured response, accountability, or coverage certainty.
Designed for Worst Case
Like fire safety, lockdown systems should be chosen to perform under pressure ā with incomplete information and fast escalation.
Built to Scale ā From Simple to Fully Integrated
Start with the basics and expand later. The modular approach keeps budgets under control while allowing upgrades if expectations, guidance, or your site requirements change.
Start Simple
Begin with a clear push-button lockdown alert and local sounders ā fast to deploy and easy to train.
Add Reliability
Add battery notifications, health checks, and fault alerts so the system remains ready.
Add Communications
Add voice announcements, email and SMS notifications so the right people know immediately.
Add AV + Digital Control
Add AV alerts, screen messaging, PC and mobile activation for larger campuses and multi-site oversight.
Activate the Alarm at the Point of the Incident
The first person to recognise an incident should be able to raise the alert immediately ā without leaving pupils, without running to a separate building, and without relying on someone else.
Immediate Activation
Trigger from classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, offices, and portables.
AV, PC & Mobile Activation
Activate via screens, PCs, and approved mobile devices where configured.
No Single Point of Failure
Not dependent on one fixed panel location or one person being present.
Safeguarding Justification
Supports a clear explanation of why the system is fit for purpose if reviewed.
Lockdown Alarm System Comparison Chart
This comparison focuses on real-world capability: coverage, clarity, activation speed, scalability, and practicality for rural or multi-building sites.
| Feature / Capability | Camelott Lockdown Alarm |
Fog Horn / Air Horn |
School Bell |
Fire Panel Add-On |
PA / Voice System |
Wearable Panic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose-built for lockdown | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Add-on | ā ļø Voice-led | ā ļø Staff duress |
| Wired or wireless | ā Wireless | ā Manual | ā Wired | ā Mostly wired | ā Wired | ā ļø Hybrid |
| Set off anywhere on site | ā Yes | ā ļø Only if carried | ā Fixed only | ā Panel based | ā Fixed zones | ā ļø Badge only |
| Activate at the point of the incident | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Staff only |
| AV / PC / mobile activation | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Mobile only |
| Easy install over obstacles (yards, roads, portacabins) | ā Yes | ā ļø Manual | ā No | ā Civils required | ā Civils required | ā ļø Partial |
| Multi-site support (no line of sight) | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Costly | ā ļø Costly | ā ļø Alerts only |
| Distinct lockdown alert (not fire / bell) | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Possible confusion | ā Voice message | ā Silent |
| Voice announcements | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Via add-ons | ā Yes | ā No |
| SMS / email notifications | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Limited |
| Visual alerts (beacons / screens) | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Limited | ā ļø Limited | ā No |
| Battery & fault monitoring | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Panel based | ā ļø System based | ā ļø Device only |
| Defensible after an incident | ā Yes | ā No | ā No | ā ļø Partial | ā ļø Partial | ā ļø Partial |
| Long-term cost control | ā High | ā Poor | ā Poor | ā High | ā High | ā High |
Lockdown Alarm FAQs
Can staff activate the alarm while dealing with an incident?
Yes. A robust system should allow activation at the point of the incident so staff do not need to leave pupils or run to a panel in another building.
Why not use fog horns, whistles, or bells?
They create noise but not structured response. They lack consistent meaning, site-wide certainty, and theyāre difficult to justify after an incident.
Is wireless better for rural or multi-building sites?
Often, yes. Wireless reduces disruption and cost where cabling across yards, roads, or separate buildings would otherwise be expensive.
Will we need to replace the system if requirements change?
No. The platform is modular, so you can start with the basics and add voice, AV alerts, SMS/email, battery notifications, PC/mobile activation, and multi-site coverage later.
Why avoid multi-level āsmall vs big lockdownā alerts?
Too many levels can cause hesitation or misinterpretation in stressful situations. Clear activation rules and one unmistakable alert typically produce faster, safer response.
What does ādefensible after an incidentā mean?
It means you can reasonably justify the choice to governors, inspectors, parents, and insurers as fit for purpose ā not simply the cheapest option.
Get a Quote
Share your site layout, number of buildings, and preferred alert methods, and weāll recommend a cost-effective configuration that meets your needs today and scales over time.