Indoor Alarmed Defibrillator Cabinet

Why do you need an alarmed defibrillator cabinet? 

The alarm sounds when the cabinet door is opened. It doesn't stop anyone from getting to the defibrillator. Its job is to deter casual tampering and to tell people nearby that the AED has been taken, so they can follow it and help.

In a busy school corridor or reception area, that matters. The British Heart Foundation recommends an alarmed cabinet over a simple wall bracket wherever the public or children could interfere with the device.

It's an audible alarm only, with no flashing strobe. It starts at 80 dB and gets louder, up to 120 dB, the longer the door is left open. A quick open to grab the AED makes a noticeable sound. A door left open builds to a level that's hard to ignore, which also prompts someone to close it after a check. It runs on a battery, which is included, so you don't need an electrician or a nearby socket.

Check your AED without opening the door.

Every AED runs regular self-tests and shows the result on a status indicator. The clear acrylic (plexi) front window means anyone doing the weekly check (defib guardian) can see the status light at a glance, without setting off the alarm. A regular check, with the date written down, is the simplest way to know your defibrillator will work when it's needed. If you need a weekly or a monthly defibrillator checklist, we're happy to provide them for free. 

Will it fit your defibrillator?

The cabinet is designed as a universal fit, measuring 37.2 × 40.6 × 21.3 cm on the outside. It fits all the AEDs we sell, including Mindray BeneHeart C series, ZOLL AEDs, Philips AEDs, etc. If you're still worried, call us before ordering, and we can confirm compatibility.

Built for indoor walls

The white powder-coated metal finish is hard-wearing and easy to wipe clean. It suits clinical, office and school interiors. Recessed hinges and a magnetic door seal give a flush front with nothing to snag clothing or bags in a corridor.

This cabinet isn't weatherproof or heated, so it's for indoor use only. For an AED on an outside wall, choose one of our heated outdoor cabinets. 

Indoor Alarmed AED Cabinet Specifications

Where and how to install it

An AED cabinet only helps if people can find it and reach it in the first minutes of a cardiac arrest. Before you drill, check these points against UK guidance:

1. Choose a visible spot on a busy route. Reception, a main corridor or next to the first-aid point all work. Avoid offices or rooms that are locked out of hours.
2. Mount it at an accessible height. The British Heart Foundation advises that the cabinet's handle should be no higher than 135 cm from the floor, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
3. Leave clear floor space in front so a wheelchair user can get close enough to open it.
4. Put up an AED sign above the cabinet so it can be seen from along the corridor, plus directional signs if it's out of sight from the entrance.
5. Register the defibrillator on The Circuit, the UK's national defibrillator network. Ambulance call handlers use it to send 999 callers to the nearest AED. Resuscitation Council UK calls registration "essential" for any defibrillator intended for public use.
6. Check it weekly through the window and record the date and the status light. We're happy to share a weekly or monthly checklist for your defibrillators for free. 

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Will my defibrillator fit in this cabinet?

It fits all the AEDs we sell, including a ZOLL AED 3, which is one of the widest machines we sell. The outside measures 37.2 cm high, 40.6 cm wide and 21.3 cm deep. If you're concerned about the model compatibillity, we're happy to confirm it for you.  You can email sales@defibstore.co.uk or call 01298 872186. 

Can I store a bleed control kit in the cabinet as well?

Yes. There's room for a bleed control kit alongside your AED, so both are in one alarmed, visible place when someone is badly hurt. Cardiac arrests, bleed trauma, and anaphylaxis shocks are the most common OHCA emergencies that need to be controlled on site to improve survival outcomes. See our bleed control kits here: Buy Celox Rapid Bleed Control Kit.

Can I check my AED without setting off the alarm?

How loud is the alarm, and does it keep going?

How do I silence the alarm after the AED has been used? 

Will the alarm stop someone using the defibrillator? No. The door opens as normal, and the alarm only tells people nearby that the AED has been taken. A sign on the cabinet such as "Alarm will sound, open in an emergency" removes any hesitation.

Is the cabinet locked?  Resuscitation Council UK recommends unlocked cabinets for public-access defibrillators, because locks can delay access in an emergency.

Do I need an electrician to fit it?

No. The alarm runs on a battery, which is included, and the wall fixings come in the box. It's a two-person screw-to-the-wall job with a drill and a spirit level.

How often does the alarm battery need changing?

What height should I fit this AED cabinet at?

Fit it so the door handle is no more than 135 cm from the floor, which is the height the British Heart Foundation advises for wheelchair access. The cabinet is 37.2 cm tall, so mark 135 cm for the handle and position the cabinet from there.

Can I use it in an unheated building, such as a sports pavilion or warehouse?

Only if the room stays within your AED's operating temperature range all year. The cabinet isn't heated or weatherproof, so it protects the AED from knocks and tampering but not from cold. If the room can drop below that range in winter, choose a heated cabinet Defib Store 4000 Outdoor Cabinet .

Does it come with an AED sign?

Not when bought on its own. If you buy the cabinet as part of one of our AED packages, a sign comes with the defibrillator. Either way, fix the sign above the cabinet at head height or higher, so people can spot it from along the corridor rather than only when they're standing in front of it.