This article was machine-translated from French and is being reviewed. Prices are in Algerian dinars excl. VAT.
Alarm or CCTV: they are two different functions. The alarm detects an intrusion and warns, the CCTV shows and records what happens. If you can choose only one, take the alarm to be notified when the premises are empty, and CCTV to keep evidence when the site is occupied. Many sites need both, because the camera can verify an alert. Neither alone guarantees preventing a burglary.
In short
- Alarm: detect and alert. CCTV: see and record. It’s not the same question.
- One may suffice in some cases, but together they complement: the alarm triggers, the camera verifies.
- A Dahua alarm kit with external siren costs 55,000 DA HT in store, and a 2 MP HDCVI camera costs 6,500 DA HT.
Alarm or CCTV: two different functions
| Alarm | CCTV | |
|---|---|---|
| Question asked | Is there an intrusion now? | What happened, and who was there? |
| Equipment | Control panel, motion or door‑open detectors, siren | Cameras, recorder, hard drive |
| Result | An alert: siren, notification | Live and recorded images |
| Limitations | Says a detector was triggered, but not who or why. False alarms possible | Record; alert only if a detection notification is set in the recorder or camera. |
When one is enough
- The alarm alone is suitable for a closed room at night or when you are absent, when you mainly want to be warned and trigger a deterrent siren. You will not have images to understand what happened.
- The cameras alone are suitable for a site occupied during the day where proof is needed: cash register, dispute, stock. They do not sound, and someone must review the images.
When to combine: the camera that checks the alert
When a detector triggers, open the camera to see if it is an intrusion or false alarm before moving. Two detectors from the shop include a camera: the Dahua ARD1731‑W at 19,000 DA HT and the Ajax MotionCAM at 24,000 DA HT (in stock). These detectors take photos on trigger and send them to the panel: they do not record continuously and do not replace a CCTV camera. An alarm can also be linked to an IP or analog camera system.
Do not mix alarm ranges: an Ajax detector does not connect to a Dahua panel, and vice‑versa. For Dahua detectors, the ARD1731‑W2 model sheet indicates compatibility with ARC3000H and ARC3800H series panels, on the same radio frequency as the panel. The shop lists reference ARD1731‑W: verify it is the same version as the chosen panel.
Neither the alarm nor the camera prevents an intrusion or guarantees intervention. Remote alert depends on transmission (internet, or mobile network depending on the central) and power supply (batteries). Viewing a camera remotely requires internet: regulation forbids connecting public‑sector video surveillance systems or those filming open public space to the internet (executive decree No. 09‑410 amended by decree No. 16‑61, art. 20 bis); verify your situation before enabling remote access. See remote camera access.
Four examples
| Site | What matters | Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Small shop | Daytime proof, night security | Cameras at the entrance and cashier, alarm with siren for night |
| Warehouse | Large volumes, doors, night | Alarm on openings, cameras on gate and docks, wired links for distances (see Wi-Fi or PoE) |
| Cabinet | Empty premises outside hours | Alarm for openings, camera limited to the entrance; rules on filmed persons, such as those reported by the press, are in your ANPDP obligations. |
| Home | Absences, night | Alarm when you are absent, 1 or 2 cameras at entrance to verify |
AsloTech can help you prepare the procedures with ANPDP; this assistance is not legal advice.
How much does it cost: real prices
Store price list asloitech.com as of 06/11/2026, subject to availability.
| Item | Price (DA HT) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Dahua ART-ARC3000H-03-GW2 alarm kit, outdoor siren | 55 000 | in stock |
| Alarm HUB 2 kit + outdoor siren ARA13-W2 | 75 000 | in stock |
| Dahua ARD1233-W2 motion detector | 8 500 | in stock |
| Dahua ARD1731-W camera detector | 19 000 | in stock |
| HDCVI 2 MP camera HAC-HFW1200TP | 6 500 | in stock |
| XVR 4‑way DHI-XVR 5104HS-I3 | 18 800 | in stock |
- Alarm: kit at 55,000 DA HT + 1 detector with camera at 19,000 DA HT = 74,000 DA HT, excluding installation. For installation, our quotes range from 12,000 to 20,000 DA HT, median 18,000, for installing, configuring and commissioning a Dahua system (4 orders, typical range seen in our quotes): 74,000 + 18,000 = 92,000 DA HT.
- Video: 2 cameras and 1 4‑way XVR = 2 × 6,500 + 18,800 = 13,000 + 18,800 = 31,800 DA HT, without disk, cable, power or installation. A complete project is detailed in the price of a CCTV installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a camera replace the alarm?
Not entirely. A camera records, and some features can send a motion notification, but it generally has neither a control panel nor a dedicated siren. In an empty room at night, the alarm alerts faster.
Is a wireless alarm suitable for a large warehouse?
Wireless detectors depend on radio range and batteries: the range advertised by the manufacturer is measured under ideal conditions, and thick walls or metal structures reduce it. On a large site, the technician checks range during the visit or proposes wired detectors. To choose cameras, see how to choose your installation.
Is a smoke detector also needed?
Yes, it is another function: neither an intrusion alarm nor a standard camera detects fire. The Dahua wireless smoke detector HY-SA21A-W2 is listed at 14,000 DA HT (in stock). Verify it is compatible with the chosen control panel before purchase.
To know what you need on your site, request a visit: discover our intrusion and fire alarm solution, our CCTV video surveillance solution, or the alarm and fire category in the store.