Glossary

A

ALARM SYSTEM - A combination of "Input Devices" (contacts at doors & windows , Motion Detectors , Dual Detectors , Glass Break Detectors , Smoke Detectors etc..) , "Processing Unit" (Control Panel ) and "Output Devices" (sirens , strobe light , Phone Interface , Smoke Generator , etc..)

B

BATTERY - A backup power source usually rechargeable to provide power in case of AC loss.

BYPASS - To temporarily de-activate a portion of the input devices , so as not to trigger the alarm system while armed . This feature is usually used when a sensor is defective , or a window is intentionally left open .

C

CENTRAL STATION - A Facility that monitors alarm activation. When an alarm is activated , the operator calls the police , advises them about the alarm and supply important information regarding precise location of entry (particular door or windows). Operator will also contact owner or other reference about the intrusion. There are guards on duty 24 hrs.

CONTROL PANEL - This is the "brains" of the Alarm System , which receive information from all the Input Devices (contact , motion detector glass break detectors etc) process the information and triggers an OUTPUT DEVICE (dialer, siren , strobe light etc.)

D

DELAY ZONES - Any zone that has been violated ,waits a predetermined time before triggering an alarm. This type of zone is related to entry doors into the premises.

DIRECT LINE - Also know as a Dedicated Line or Direct Line. Special supervised phone line between the Alarm System and Monitoring Station , that if is cut or tampered with the Monitoring Station will be alerted and take appropriate action. Direct Line is used for higher security level required for computer store, financial institution , jewelry and fur store , gun shop etc which require a ULC Certificate.

DIGITAL DIALER - A device that electronically dials the residents phone to the monitoring station , ensures that contact is made with the receiving unit , and sends an electronic message indicating : the alarm activation , low battery , arming/disarming of alarm system etc ....

DISARM - To turn off or de-active the Alarm System.

DVAC - A network telephone system which meet ULC AA Certification standards and is replacing most other forms of Direct Lines.

DUAL DETECTOR - A Motion Sensor which utilizes more than one sensing technology to initiate an alarm condition. A usual combination is PIR with Microwave or UltraSonic detector. These devices are more stable and less likely to create a False Alarm.

F

FALSE ALARM - A situation were an alarm signal is triggered without any intrusion attempt . Some causes of this are user error (accounts for over 80%) , telephone line trouble and equipment malfunction.

G

GLASSBREAK DETECTORr - A device that senses glass breaking.

H

HARDWIRE SYSTEMS - Each sensing device is physically wired to alarm control box.

I

INSTANT ZONES - Any zone that after it has been violated , trigger an alarm condition with no delay.

INTERIOR SYSTEM - Sensing devices that are located in the interior of the protected area, usually PIR.

K

KEYPAD - A keyboard type device used for entering a numeric code to ARM or DISARM the ALARM SYSTEM. The keypad usually displays status of zones , control panel and power.

L

LOCAL ALARM - A siren or bell is activated at the residence. This alarm  relies on a neighbor to dispatch the police and/or intruder to be scared and run off.

M

MASTER CODE - The main alarm code used for adding, deleting or changing user codes.

MONITORED ALARM - Alarm system which sends information to a CENTRAL STATION or MONITORING STATION.

MONITORING STATION - Same as CENTRAL STATION but is no requirement for guards to be on duty.

MOTION SENSORS - Commonly referred as PIR (Passive Infra Red) works on principle of sensing infrared energy (heat) from the intruder's body in motion through a protected area. It will not detect intruders trough walls , glass or other solid objects.

P

PARTITION - Specific zones can be armed separately if a system is partitioned, i.e. an office can be a separate partition to the warehouse.

PERIMETER SYSTEM - Sensing devices that are located on exterior doors and windows to activate the alarm.

PHONE LINE SEIZURE - When the alarm is activated , this device automatically cuts off the phone service on the alarm line and uses it for transmission of the alarm signal , releasing the line when the message is completed .

S

SCHEDULED OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS - Service provided for Monitored Alarms. Each time the alarm system is armed or disarmed special codes are sent to the monitoring station which record the time and by whom the system was armed or disarmed. If system is not armed at regular closing time the client is notified. If the system is disarmed at an irregular time (i.e. 02:00 AM) the client and/or police is notified.Open=Disarm system; Close=Arm system .

W

WIRELESS SYSTEMS - Sensing devices using a radio frequency transmitters to relay signals to the Control Panel.

Z

ZONE - An alarm system with many input devices is often separated into a number of areas called ZONES. Each zone has an indicator light on the keypad which indicates the present status of the zone. When all zones are secured alarm system is ready to be armed. In case of alarm, Control Panel reports to the monitoring station indicating the condition of each zone tripped .