What "Star Rating" suits my needs best?

The NZSA star rating system allows for easy identification of the various Standards.

The NZSA recognise and accept the following international Standards:-
a. The joint Australian / New Zealand Standards
b. Thatcham Standards from the United Kingdom

Only products listed on this site qualify for a Star rating and are identified by the Star Rated labels that are displayed on vehicle security systems packaging and owners operator manuals.

STAR RATING - Vehicle Security Systems

5 STAR
Vehicle Security System		AS/NZS3749 2003 Class A, or Thatcham Cat 1

Full security alarm system including automatic engine immobilisation, battery back-up siren and interior protection.

 

4 STAR
Vehicle Security System		AS/NZS3749 2003 Class B, or a 3 STAR system plus a Standards compliant siren

Security alarm system including automatic engine immobilisation and siren to give bonnet, boot & door protection.

 

3 STAR
Vehicle Security System		AS/NZS4601 1999 amendment 1 (2003) or UK Thatcham Cat 2

Automatic Engine immobiliser (minimum dual circuit)

 

2 STAR
Vehicle Security System		Uncertified immobiliser/alarm with same features and functions as a 5 STAR system.
1 STAR
Vehicle Security System		Uncertified immobiliser with same features and functions as a 3 STAR immobiliser

"How do I choose which Star rated system is right for me?"

As a general rule, the higher the Star number the higher the security the products provides. If you want the maximum security, then choose a 5 Star system like the Dynatron D3800 and D7800. We offer additional accessories to further enhance an already high level system. Your insurance company may insist that a system be installed to a particular Star rating.
For instance, they may just require the engine to be immobilised but not require an alarm function, so a 3 Star model would be suitable.
However, your preference maybe to also have the alarm functions in addition to just engine immobilisation, so you can choose either a 4 or a 5 Star system as these exceed the minimum required.

"What is the difference between a 3 and 4 Star system?"

A 3 Star system only immobilises the engine to prevent someone starting the vehicle and driving away. They do not necessarily produce an alarm function to warn of intrusion or tampering, although this feature may be offered on some makes and models.
Immobilisers must disable at least 2 different engine circuits with common ones being a choice from starter motor, ignition and fuel pump. Immobilise two of these and the engine will not start or run.

A 4 Star system adds basic alarm functions to the 3 Star engine immobiliser. If a thief breaks in through the bonnet, boot or doors, an alarm (siren) should sound as a warning. ‘Hot-wiring' the ignition also generally triggers the alarm.
The siren can also produce the arm and disarm chirps. Apart from confirming to you that you have either set or unset the alarm, it does also warn others who may be watching your vehicle that you do have a security system fitted.
4 Star systems are not required, by the AS/NZS Standards, to offer any protection against intrusions through the glass of the vehicle. 4 Star rated systems like DYNATRON D3600 and D7600 include a sensor to provide this protection, so it is beneficial to compare the various products available.

"What benefit does a 5 Star system have over a 4 Star?"

The 5 Star security systems offer a higher level of security by the inclusion of a battery back-up siren and an interior sensor.
If the alarm is sounding because it has detected an intrusion, a thief will try to silence the alarm by cutting the siren wires. Battery back-up sirens are designed to sound on their own if any wires running to it are cut or disconnected.
5 Star systems must also include an interior sensor to offer protection if entry is gained through the glass.

Systems may have either:
a) a glass break sensor (these ‘hear' glass breaking)
b) an ultrasonic sensor (they trigger the alarm through changes to the interior environment)

c) a microwave sensor (these detect physical movement inside the vehicle)

"How do I know a product is Star rated?"

All DYNATRON alarm / immobilisers are certified and have been ASNZs certified since the vehicle security standards tested first started some 10 years ago.

All Star rated products carry on their packaging and operation manual, the NZSA label stating how many Stars it is rated at for easy identification. These should be displayed at retail outlets.

"How do I know it will be fitted correctly?"

Insurance companies insist on professional installation and Star rated systems must be installed by a Registered NZSA Installer and according to the AS/NZS Standards (3749.2 1997) for full compliance.
DYNATRON strives to provide the best installations in the business, all our installers  listed on this are certified by the NZSA as your assurance that it will be fitted correctly. Authorised installers have photographic ‘ID' cards and NZSA certificates. We recommend that you ask to see these prior to having your security system fitted. At the completion of the work, they will issue you an ‘installation certificate', which you can then show to your insurance company