Redcare

BT Redcare is the largest supplier of alarm signalling services for security and fire in the UK. It was established over thirty years ago, and works with both the business and domestic markets.

Redcare is a widely deployed service from BT, used in the UK. Redcare signalling is fitted by alarm installation companies (“installers”), then provides a signal from a customer’s premises to an alarm receiving centre (ARC).

ARCs monitor the signal 24 hours a day and, when necessary, alert the customer, nominated persons, police and fire services.

The BT Redcare Network has 99.997% reliability and is a dedicated network developed for security alarm and fire alarm signalling. It is supported by BT technology.

The system transmits a continuous signal on a standard telephone line, which can also be used for voice and broadband services, to prevent alarm systems being defeated by the line being cut.

Redcare Classic works below the voice frequency spectrum on a phone line in order to avoid interference with calls or broadband, which uses frequencies above the voice spectrum.

Other versions also use GSM (mobile) as a backup to the main phone line or can function using either wireless (2G/3G mobile data) or IP as the primary connection all backed up by an alternative signalling path. These 2G/3G and IP offerings are marketed by Redcare under their Secure product range. Both WiFi and built-in-router direct-to-ADSL versions were available to make direct IP connections; the most basic model in the last line-up used WiFi to connect to 'any' provider, the Ultimate service used a dedicated DSL line serving only the comms unit which could only be provided by Openreach.

BT Redcare fire and security product have insurer-endorsed LPS 1277 third-party certification.

On 1 February 2024, BT announced that it would close its BT Redcare operations on 1 August 2025. The end date has now been extended to 15th December 2025

The company’s products include:

• Security
  • Redcare Classic
  • Redcare GSM Roaming
  • Redcare Secure IP
  • Redcare Secure 3
  • Redcare Secure 2
  • Redcare Secure Solo
• Fire
  • Redcare Secure Fire IP
  • Redcare Secure Fire
  • Redcare Classic Fire