Alarm Systems Explained
Alarm systems are a great tool to deter intruders and shorten the
What is an Alarm System?
An alarm system consists of a few parts. The first part is the control panel, that monitors all the sensors, referred to as zones. In order to control the system a keypad is needed, these come in a variety of different form factors and have different features depending on the model. The last part is the communication device, that allows the panel to notify the monitoring station of any trouble or alarm conditions.
The Control Panel
The alarm control panel comes in two different shapes depending on the application. For an all wireless solution there are control panels that incorporate the keypad and the communication device within the same housing. The Honeywell Lynx family is an example of that type of panel that we install and maintain. The other control panel type is housed in a metal housing with the controlling components all within. These are meant for wired or hybrid installs, where some devices may be wireless and others are wired. For multi-keypad installations, these wired control panels are required, since the all-in-one devices only allow for the single screen that is included on the device. The Honeywell Vista family is an example of a wired panel that we install and maintain. The application for each one of these panels vastly depends on the location. For commercial applications we recommend the wired or hybrid systems, while residential applications can benefit from the all wireless, all-in-one panels.
Panels we use:
- Honeywell Vista Family
- Honeywell Lynx Family
The Keypad
The Keypad is only applicable for wired applications. Since the all-in-one panels have an integrated keypad and cannot be expanded to have more than one keypad. The keypads come in a variety of different sizes and have different features. The basic keypad is a fixed keypad. This means that all trouble conditions and alarm conditions are printed on a LCD screen and are illuminated whenever they are applicable. This keypad does not allow for custom zone (sensor) descriptions. The advantage to these keypads is the small size and ease of use. The larger alpha keypads also feature an LCD screen, this screen can however display words to inform you of trouble and alarm conditions. These keypads make it easier to tell which zones are faulted and what the issue is on the panel. Finally, there are touchscreen keypads, Honeywell refers to their touchscreen keypad as the Tuxedo. This keypad features a 7″ touchscreen and the capability to include automation devices within your system. The keypad also comes with Wi-Fi built in to provide you with latest traffic and weather information. If cameras are installed on your premises, these can be viewed through the large screen as well.
The Communicator
The communicator is arguably the most important part to the alarm system. Without it, any alarm signals that are supposed to be sent out cannot be sent, and it renders the panel completely useless. There are a three different types of communicators for the above mentioned panels. Phone lines have been used to send alarm signals for many years, which is the first type of communicator. Phone lines have been so popular, that all alarm panels come with the phone line communicator already built in. The obvious disadvantage to phone line communication is the ease of access to your phone lines outside of the building. This makes the phone line easy to cut and renders the alarm panel useless. Thankfully there are two other options of alarm monitoring communicators. There are GSM and IP communicators. GSM works just like any smartphone that has internet access. It uses the cell phone network to send out alarm messages via the internet. Should there be a malfunction of the internet service for cell phones, the communicator can fall back on the SMS (texting) network and send all the required data that way. IP communications also utilize the internet to send data, either your Wi-Fi or hardwired internet on site. GSM and IP communicators are becoming more and more popular, since many residential buildings are ditching their phone lines and are going off their cell phone only. Without a phone line in place either of these options will have to be used. GSM has the advantage that it is completely wireless and cannot be cut off. IP can in some cases still be cut, if your building is served via DSL internet, that also runs through the phone line. We recommend having dual-path communication in place, so the alarm panel can communicate, even if one service is down.
The Sensors (Zones)
The sensors are usually referred to as zones on a control panel. There are a multitude of different sensors for different applications, here are the most popular ones:
- Door Contacts – Usually a sensor and a magnet that are mounted on the door or within the frame. The magnet pulls the sensor circuitry open to signal that the door is closed. when the magnet is moved away from the sensor the contact closes and signals that the door has been opened.
- Motion Detector – These can be Infrared or microwave or both. Motion is sensed if something with a different heat signature of its surroundings walks past. There are pet immune sensors that will ignore your dog and not trigger a false alarm.
- Glass Break – These sensors work based of the pressure difference and sound that a window breaking creates. The sensors use both to avoid false alarms. If a glass cup is dropped the sensor will not trigger if it is also monitors for pressure changes
- Smoke Detector – These sensor monitor for smoke and sometimes heat within your building. If smoke or extreme heat is detected and alarm is triggered. These sensors have a siren built in and will trigger the alarm system siren as well, as they are life safety devices.
- CO Detector – These sensors monitor for the toxic Carbon Monoxide gas. If traces of CO are detected within the building, the sensor will alarm. These sensors have a siren built in and will trigger the alarm system siren as well, as they are life safety devices.
- Flood Detector – These sensor monitor for water leaks. Usually these contacts consist of two exposed pieces of metal that create a short circuit if water touches them both, resulting in an alarm condition
- Shock Sensor – Shock sensors are asset protection tags. Usually mounted to expensive paintings, TVs and so on, they will monitor for any motion to the object. If it is moved, the alarm will sound. These sensors are great for protecting expensive immobile items.
- Keyfob – A more convenient way to arm and disarm the alarm system. Keyfobs count as zones to the alarm system and allow you to control the system, as well as sound the siren if in distress.
- Panic Button – A more simple approach to the keyfob. A single button that if pressed will sound the siren on the alarm system and signal a distress signal to the monitoring station. This is great for offices, but also allows for the protection of seniors.
Monitoring the System
Monitoring the alarm system is a service that we provide to you. When an alarm is triggered we will respond to it, by notifying you of the alarm condition. When the system is first installed we will create a call list with you, so we can call a few people that you trust to inform them of the alarm, if you are not able to answer the phone. Based on the orders we then receive, we will dispatch the authorities accordingly. We are ready 24-7 for any alarm condition that may occur.
Isn’t an alarm system useless?
Alarm systems are by no means useless. It may seem confusing to have a device that will alert in case someone has entered your property, instead of something that warns you that someone is about to intrude. Fact is that homes protected with alarm systems are many times less likely to be broken into. Without an alarm system the intruder will have hours on end to clear the entire property out. With a system in place the intruder knows they will only have a few minutes. This minimizes the impact an intruder can have on your building. With technologies such as APL, smash and grab intrusions are also eliminated. With proper system design false alarms should be minimized and the capture of an intruder should they try to break into your building will be much more likely.
Important Design Considerations
The design of a burglary alarm system is extremely important to minimize false alarms. False alarm may be triggered by heating vents (since hot air is moving a motion detector may be triggered), pets and older doors that are moving in their frame. False alarms can become very annoying and frustrating, that’s why the proper design of your alarm system is completely essential. Since so many false alarms are happening, the police forces are implementing further steps to eliminate the responses for no reason. The Calgary Police for example recently implemented a new system, that their officers will only respond if two or more sensors/zones have been triggered within the building. There are a few more revisions to the response system, that we have written about here.
Get in touch
Did we catch your interest? Give us a call at 1(844) 230-2730 or email us at [email protected]. We would be more than happy to answer any questions, and get you a free estimate. Alarm systems can help protect your business and give you more control. Contact us today.
