Bosch B-Series Intrusion Tested
Bosch is one of the biggest names in intrusion but their B-Series panels, targeted at smaller site installs and available through distribution, are relatively new for intrusion standards.
We bought a Bosch B3512 panel and a B942 graphic keypad to see how it stacks against competitors.
In this test, we examine the system on this criteria:
- Strengths & Weaknesses
- Competitive Comparison
- Distribution Availability
- Physical Overview
- Keypad Options
- System Price
- Remote Security App
- Monitoring Options
Inside, we detail our results that contrast the B-Series to other enclosure panel based intrusion alarm systems.
Note: in our next test, we cover the Bosch G-Series.
Strengths Overview
Our test revealed Bosch B-Series has some competitive advantages, especially compared to other those common in the residential market:
- Onboard Ethernet & USB jacks: The B-Series includes both integrated network and USB ports for installer computer connections or IP-based monitoring. While most panels offer this as option with a separate module, the B-Series includes this by default. In our test, the USB option offers a direct, 'configureless' connection to the panel. This feature benefits installers and network admins from assigning local IP addresses to the panel.
- Deep Program Options: Many 'small' intrusion systems simplify operation and programming of the system by stripping down configuration options. Unlike systems like Tyco DSC PowerSeries Neo or 2Gig, B-Series allows discrete settings of outputs, input codes or cards, residential fire, and customized reporting that accommodate complex, heavily integrated intrusion systems.
- 'Real' Video Integration: For most systems, 'camera' integration with intrusion systems are limited to a few basic low performing cameras and use another add-on cloud service to integrate video. The B-Series supports this (B4412 and B5512 models) locally in both panel and a Bosch IP camera. While the integration is limited to only Bosch cameras, the full range of cameras can be used and become sensor points for alarm system operation.
Weaknesses Overview
However, our test shows the B-Series has some drawbacks relative to intrusion competitors:
- Time-consuming Install: Putting together a B-Series system, even a basic one, takes care and attention in both ordering and install. The range of options, connections, and configurations needed are rather complex and 'plug & play' installations will not be typical.
- High Installer Skill Required: In general, a high-volume installer looking for a 'blow and go' system to quickly install and move to the next job is likely going to be intimidated by the number of configuration options and potential adjustments needed to fully configure a B-Series system.
- Non-scalable Panel: Unlike most other enclosure panel based systems, the B3512 is fixed at 16 zones and 10 users. Instead of expansion via zone-expanding modules, the B3512 must be replaced with another larger panel if growing beyond this small size.
- Not Wireless By Default: Many small intrusion systems and installers look for wireless sensors to speed and cheapen system designs. While B-Series does support Radion wireless, these are done through separate and additionally purchased modules that add both time and cost.
- No Home Automation By Default: As with wireless, our B-Series lacks default integration or control of Z-Wave or Zigbee devices onboard. While separate modules are available, installing them adds cost and complexity to a system whose competitors often include this by default, ie: DMP or 2Gig.
Competitive Comparison
In terms of features and hardware design, B-Series is at the high-end of small intrusion platforms with high configuration, local video integration, and basic fire/smoke detection alarms, but unlike platforms optimized for residential installs, a B-Series system requires additional wireless and automation modules, and the system configuration takes more time on site.
Bosch B-Series is priced roughly equal to other basic intrusion systems, with the panel costing less than the graphic keypad. The B3513 panel has a street price of ~$175, while the B942 keypad prices at ~$225. For basic features needed by small or basic residential intrusion platforms, B-Series will be cost competitive on hardware price.
However, for in terms of labor installing wired sensors or if home automation is desired, DSC and 2Gig kits, often offered by alarm companies, will be more appealing for basic intrusion systems.
B-Series From Distribution
Recently, Bosch announced that B-Series would be available from distributors, a change from the previous dealer-only model. While opening up the smaller B-Series line, Bosch is still limiting the larger G-Series platform to sales and service by trained dealers.
Test System Details
The B-Series model IPVM tested was composed of an B3512 panel, and a B942W touchscreen keypad equipped with a prox readers, and an mix of hardwired sensors including a Bosch Blue Line Intrusion Motion Detector.
Of note, this assortment was not sold like traditional intrusion kits, and the siren, sensors, keypad(s), and batteries. Users and installers will need to specify and buy the pieces separately.
Physical Overview
The B3512 is an 16-zone master board installed inside a steel can enclosure, with 8 hardwired and support of 8 wireless zones onboard, and up to 4 supervised keypads. In a standard small enclosure, there is room for two 12 VDC 4AH backup batteries.
The plastic enclosed printed circuit board is equipped with a hard-soldered RJ45 ethernet jack and USB port, along with a configurable output.
Additionally, the main panel supports 10 users with 14 authority levels. If more zones or users are needed, larger sizes of panels need to be used - lack of scalability is the biggest weakness for end users for the B-Series. The other models in the series, the B4512, B5512, and B6512 support up to 92 zones and the models from B4512 upward are multi-partition:
Keypad Options
We tested the panel using a B942 touchscreen keypad connected using a traditional 4-wire connector bus. In terms of operation and programming, the keypad uses plain-language prompts, big button controls, and is easy to configure basic features and system operation.
The onboard alarm sounder will not be loud enough to exclude use of an external siren, but the auto-dimming panel has a motion sensor and automatically displays when users approach.
Not all panel features can be programmed by keypad, and instead require the use of an installer PC and Bosch's free installer software named RPS.
While keypads can be used to program basic features, RPS must be used to configure 'Enhanced Communications' settings from other communicator modules, output relay point assignments, zone alarm delay periods, and uploading panel program templates.
Advanced Features
B-Series offers several power features not common in other small system platforms. These features include:
- Area Re-Arm: This feature, often needed in Banks and Vault, automatically arms an area back after it has been disarmed, essentially 'relocking the door behind users'.
- Two-Man Rules: This feature requires two different users with different codes in different locations to fully disarm a system, preventing one user under duress from being forced to disarm a system.
- Dual Authentication: This feature requires two forms of credentials or codes to operate/arm/disarm the system, including PINs, cards, or external 'grant' verification.
- Scheduled Events: Both system status and outputs can be programmed to activate on a schedule, rather than only rely on user activation.
These features typically represent ones uncommonly used in other basic intrusion systems, but could be a distinct advantage for B-Series panels in small but high-security environments.
System Pricing
The B3513 panel has a street price of ~$175, while the B942 keypad prices at ~$225. Contrasted with offerings like Vista or DSC, Bosch B-Series is generally cost competitive. A B-Series panel does not include other standard features like keypads, door/window contacts, horn, and motion sensor parts. The total 'all-in' price for a small 8 zone, ten device system could exceed $1000, especially if wired devices or home automation is integrated.
Compared to the low-end 'door knocker' systems sold by many national alarm companies, B-Series will be 2X - 3X more expensive and require more labor or additional hardware modules, but the basic system may offer more granular management, notification, and control compared to those offerings which may be a difference maker among high-security minded customers.
Remote App
Bosch B-Series is supported by the Remote Security App, a free remote control to arm, disarm, and otherwise control the system from smartphones.
While Remote Security Control allows system arming and disarming and management of connected outputs, and view live video from integrated cameras, but not recorded segments.
Central Station Monitoring Options
Bosch panels can be centrally monitored by the majority of central stations, as they use Bosch/Radionics 'Modem4' and common Contact ID [link no longer available] formats. Both formats are widely supported by central station providers, with no major coverage gaps in monitoring in any portion of North America and in most of the globe.
Bosch sells a line of central station receivers that support a broad range of format protocols, including the major ones used globally, including SIA, Format ID, Ademco, and Radionics. These receivers are not just limited to Bosch panel's offerings, and many central stations use them as general equipment even if Bosch panels are not the primary type being monitored. Most geographic areas contain multiple monitoring options supporting the formats used by Bosch alarm panels.
Upcoming G-Series Test
This test is the first of two separate Bosch intrusion products. Later this spring, we will look at the larger scale commercial G-Series line.