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| Attempted break-ins are detectable via a wide range
of electronic sensors installed inside (and sometimes outside) the
premises. The type of sensor is chosen according to the
environmental condition in which it operates, and includes active
vibration and passive systems. Detectors are linked to the
intruder alarm control panel which incorporates a number of
features such as zoning (i.e. isolating groups of detectors),
testing and entry and exit delays.
Control Panels
The control panel is the "brain" of your security system. All detectors and devices communicate with the control panel. Based on how your security company has programmed your control panel (which is essentially a computer), it will react in specific ways to the communication it receives from the various detectors. For example, you may have a detector such as a smoke detector on '24 hours'. This means that regardless of whether or not you've armed (turned on) the system, it will report a smoke alarm to Central Station. Other detectors, like a door contact, will only report an alarm if you've armed (turned on) your system. Your control panel will also communicate trouble reports to the Central Station (such as a backup battery being low) who in turn will convey this information to you. The control panel also activates the sirens.
When your system is armed, and a door or window (that has been contacted) is opened, the contacts send an alarm signal to the control panel, that then sends a signal to Central Station in addition to sounding the siren.
The most commonly used motion detector is called a PIR (for Passive InfraRed) and detects the body heat of an intruder. When your system is armed and an intruder moves within the detector's range, it will send the signal to the control panel which in turns activates the sirens and communicates with Central Station. Motion Detectors can be used in narrow or large rooms. If you have pets, you will need special motion detectors that will permit your pets to move about, but will detect a burglar.
Temperature Monitors - Temperature Monitors with parameters will respond to any temperature outside the range set for them. One common application for these monitors is in a freezer. Sump Pump Monitors - These detectors inform the control panel when the water level is higher than what is acceptable. Carbon Monoxide (and other gases) Monitors - These detectors inform the control panel when a specific concentration of carbon monoxide is detected. (Specific monitors exist to detect a variety of gases)
Smoke Detectors - Photoelectric smoke detectors inform the control panel that an unacceptable level of smoke is in the room being monitored. Most state and local fire codes require the use of one smoke detector on each level of your home, and one smoke detector in or near each bedroom Heat Detectors - Heat detectors will sense a rapid change in temperature, or a temperature which exceeds a specifically pre-set level. Pull Stations - Pull stations are commonly used in commercial and public buildings. Once activated they notify the control panel that someone has manually signalled a fire in progress. The control panel will activate the sirens and notify Central Station. When a panic button is pressed, it activates an instant alarm signal to the control panel. The control panel instantly notifies Central Station. Panic buttons may be designated for medical only, fire only or police response only. A panic button may be hardwired directly to the control panel. It may also be remote and battery operated (may be worn on a pendant, clipped to a belt, clipped on a keychain, strapped to a wrist). Many of these panic buttons are water-resistant.
In a commercial application, both inside and outside sirens may be used. In a commercial fire application, horn/strobe (both sound and light) sirens are used. |
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| Suppliers You can view the web sites of our main intruder alarm suppliers should you wish to see intruder alarm products in greater detail, simply click on the relevant logo to connect to their web sites. |
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©
DA Security Systems 2008