Mon to Fri, 8:00am to 5:00pmUtalii Court, Gesora Road, Nairobi

+254 184 379 590+254 719 450 317 Altinfo@gstechguard.co.ke

Frequently asked questions

Questions About Security, Network and Safety Systems

These security systems FAQs answer the questions Kenyan businesses, schools, estates and institutions ask us most often about CCTV, access control, networking, fire alarms, UPS power backup and weighing services. Each answer is short and links to a detailed page if you want to know more.

Engineer answering client questions from our security systems FAQs during a consultation

Questions

General questions

These general security systems FAQs cover how we work and where we work. They also answer common questions about choosing one security system partner for several needs.

What services does GS TechGuard offer?

We design, install and support security systems, network infrastructure, fire safety systems, AV and PA, UPS power backup, IT support and industrial weighing. Because one team handles all of these, your systems share cabling, power backup and documentation. See our security systems installation overview to start.

Do you work outside Nairobi?

Yes. Our Nairobi team serves clients across Kenya, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika, Kiambu, Machakos, Nyeri, Meru and Kakamega. For distant sites, we plan visits efficiently and support systems remotely between visits. Our service areas page lists each town.

How do I request a site survey?

Simply fill in the form on our request a quote page, call +254 184 379 590 or send a WhatsApp message. We call back within one working day, discuss your needs and book a visit at a time that suits you. Survey terms, including any fee, are confirmed when we book the visit.

Can one company handle CCTV, networking and fire alarms together?

Yes, and that is our main strength.

Why choose one installer for several systems?

Designing these systems together means fire alarms release door locks, cameras share the network properly and one UPS plan protects everything critical. You also get one set of drawings and one contact for support.

Questions

CCTV and security systems FAQs

PTZ dome camera mounted under a roof

Cameras and doors raise the most questions, so this part of our security systems FAQs is the longest.

How much does CCTV installation cost in Kenya?

A 4-camera IP system for a home or small office often costs between KSh 60,000 and KSh 120,000 installed. Larger systems depend on camera types, cable runs, storage and mounting. Our CCTV installation cost guide explains the factors, and a survey gives a firm quote.

Can I view my cameras on my phone?

Yes. First, we set up the manufacturer's secure app with a separate login for each user, so you can watch live video, play back recordings and receive alerts. We also update firmware and set strong passwords, so remote viewing does not weaken your network.

How long should CCTV footage be kept?

In practice, most businesses keep between 14 and 30 days of footage. Keep it only as long as you need, in line with the Data Protection Act, and limit who can view or copy it. We size storage around your policy. See our CCTV installation page for storage options.

Questions

Access control and entry systems FAQs

Woman using a wall-mounted access reader in an office

Doors, gates and intercoms come next in our security systems FAQs, because entry control is where most sites start.

Card, PIN or fingerprint for door access?

Generally, cards suit most offices because they are quick and easy to cancel. PIN codes get shared, so we use them sparingly. Fingerprint or face readers suit server rooms, stores and attendance tracking because people cannot lend them. Our access control systems page compares the options.

Is it legal to record staff and visitors on CCTV?

You do not need a permit to install cameras on your own property, but footage of people is personal data under the Data Protection Act. Put up clear signs, avoid filming neighbours' private spaces and limit who can view recordings. Some organisations must also register with the Data Commissioner. Your legal adviser can confirm your duties.

Do you install video intercoms and boom barriers?

Yes. Typically, we install video intercoms for homes, apartments and offices, and boom barriers with tags, remotes or number-plate cameras for estates and car parks. Both usually link to cameras and access control. See video intercom systems and boom barrier installation.

What happens to electronic door locks during a power cut?

With a battery or UPS, doors work normally through outages. When backup runs out, fail-safe locks open and fail-secure locks stay shut. We agree the right behaviour for each door, and we link escape doors to the fire alarm so they always release in an emergency.

Questions

Network and Wi-Fi systems FAQs

Smiling engineer holding a tablet in a data centre aisle

Modern security systems depend on the network, so these FAQs also matter if you only plan cameras or access control.

How many Wi-Fi access points does my office need?

As a rough guide, plan one business access point for every 20 to 30 users in an open office, plus dedicated units in large meeting rooms. Thick walls and many devices increase the number. A survey gives the real figure. See our business Wi-Fi installation page.

CAT6 or CAT6A for a new office?

Today, CAT6 handles 1 Gbps to desks and suits most offices. CAT6A supports 10 Gbps over 100 metres, which suits Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 access points and buildings you will occupy for many years. Many clients use CAT6 for desks and CAT6A for access points.

Can you fix slow Wi-Fi without replacing everything?

Often, yes, because slow Wi-Fi usually comes from too few access points, range extenders or channel clashes rather than the internet line. After a survey, we may move or add access points, cable them properly and adjust settings. Many offices see a big improvement without a full replacement.

Do you provide cable test results?

Yes. Of course, we test every link we install and hand over the results, along with labelled drawings and rack layouts. This proves performance and makes future changes faster. Our structured cabling page explains testing and labelling.

Questions

Fire safety systems FAQs

Safety officers checking fire extinguishers on a warehouse floor

Fire protection is a legal duty for workplaces, and these answers explain the basics. Moreover, questions about fire safety often overlap with security system design, since alarms release doors.

How often should a fire alarm be serviced?

Common practice is a professional service every six months, with a weekly call point test by your staff recorded in a logbook. Busy or high-risk buildings may need more frequent visits. Our fire alarm maintenance service covers inspections, repairs and records.

Addressable or conventional fire alarm?

Basically, conventional systems suit small, single-storey premises. Addressable systems suit larger and multi-storey buildings because the panel shows the exact device in alarm, which speeds up response and fault finding. We recommend the right type after reviewing your floor plans.

Do you carry out statutory fire safety audits?

We provide fire safety audit support: inspection, gap reports and corrective works. The statutory audit itself must be carried out and signed by an approved fire safety auditor. We work alongside your auditor. See our fire safety audit page.

Can the fire alarm unlock doors automatically?

Yes. In that case, we connect the fire panel to the access control system so electronically locked escape doors release when the alarm sounds. Each door also gets a green break-glass unit for manual release. This keeps escape routes open while doors stay secure the rest of the time.

How long should emergency lighting last?

Most premises use a three-hour duration, which covers evacuation and firefighting time and the chance that people return after power is restored. Test fittings monthly and run a full-duration test once a year. See emergency lighting systems.

Support and maintenance

Power backup and IT support

Two professionals in a meeting with laptops

Power problems cause many faults in other systems, so these answers matter for everyone. In fact, many questions about a failing security system turn out to be power questions.

What size UPS do I need?

Add up the real power your equipment uses, convert to VA using the UPS power factor, choose a UPS that runs at about half to two thirds of its rating, then add batteries for the runtime you need. We measure loads during the survey. Our UPS sizing guide shows a worked example.

How long do UPS batteries last?

Typically, sealed lead-acid batteries last three to five years, and less in hot rooms. Regular load tests show when capacity drops, so you can replace them before an outage exposes the problem. See UPS repair and battery replacement.

Do I need a UPS if I have a generator?

In most cases, yes, because a generator takes time to start, and the changeover causes a short break that can crash servers and reboot cameras. A UPS bridges that gap with no interruption and also cleans up generator power for sensitive equipment.

What does an IT maintenance contract include?

Scheduled preventive visits, fault response within agreed times, updates, health checks, user changes and reports. Parts may be included or charged separately. One contract can cover network, CCTV, access control, fire alarms and UPS. See IT annual maintenance contracts.

Questions

Weighing and calibration systems FAQs

How often should weighing scales be calibrated?

Busy production, dispatch and laboratory scales usually need calibration every three to six months, while lightly used scales may need yearly checks. Calibrate after any repair or damage. Operators should also check scales daily with a known weight.

Can you repair scales from any brand?

We repair most common industrial and commercial brands, including load cells, junction boxes, cables and indicators. Some proprietary systems need manufacturer parts, which can take longer. We tell you upfront and suggest options. See weighing scale maintenance.

Are your calibration certificates accredited?

We issue technical calibration records based on traceable test weights. When you need an accredited ISO/IEC 17025 certificate, we arrange it with a laboratory accredited by the Kenya Accreditation Service. Legal verification for trade scales is done by county weights and measures inspectors. See weighing scale calibration.

Questions

Still have questions?

These security systems FAQs cover the most common topics, yet every site has its own details. So if you need a specific answer, request a quote and describe your site. An engineer will call you back within one working day. For costs, our security systems price guide gives indicative ranges for each system.

Get started

Book a site survey

Tell us about your site and an engineer will call you back within one working day to discuss your needs and arrange a visit.

  • Clear, itemised written quote
  • Security, network, fire and power from one team
  • Support and maintenance after handover

Prefer to talk? Call +254 184 379 590

We reply within one working day. Or call +254 184 379 590.

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