Intruder Alarms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SSAIB approved alarm?

SSAIB is an independent regulatory body that oversees the security industry. SSAIB is an abbreviation of Security System and Alarms Inspection Board.

Only a company that has SSAIB approval for Intruder Alarms can issue a certificate to prove the system is installed and maintained to the standards required by the SSAIB.

Most insurance companies will require your Intruder Alarm System to be installed and maintained by an approved company.

Editquest have SSAIB accreditation for Intruder Alarms and are regularly inspected for our 'on and off site' standards.

What is an Intruder Alarm System?

An Intruder Alarm System is made up of four main sections. These are explained below.

1. Control Panels, or where do all the wires go?

What are the control panel and the RKP?

This is the 'heart' of the Intruder Alarm System itself. All the decisions are made here. All the parts of the Intruder Alarm are linked to this box; this is why it is usually hidden away! The control panel is connected to the mains electricity and has a battery fitted inside to run the system in the event of a power cut.

A Remote Keypad (RKP) controls the Intruder Alarm System. This is fitted somewhere near the exit point, it is mainly used to switch the system on and off but is also where information is entered or extracted.

2. Detection Devices, or how is an intruder detected?

What is a door contact?

A contact (in its simplest form) is a metal switch, fitted to the doorframe that is kept closed by a magnet fitted to the door. In most cases these are fitted flush into the frame and door but some are fitted surface. Heavy Duty contacts can be fitted to large doors (e.g. garages) and special contacts are available for Roller Shutters.

What is a P.I.R?

A P.I.R or Passive Infrared is a device that detects infrared movement (heat). It is the most common form of movement detection fitted to an Intruder Alarm System.

Because the detectors are 'passive' they detect rather than emit infrared energy. P.I.R detectors can cover ranges of 60 meters.

What is a Quad P.I.R?

A Quad P.I.R is very much like the standard P.I.R but uses two circuits instead of one (each circuit is Dual Element, hence Quad). These types of detectors are far more resistant to causes of false alarms e.g. draughts, small animals and insects etc. These detectors look similar to a P.I.R.

I have got pets; will they set off the alarm?

Cats and dogs have always made it difficult to design effective and economical Alarm Systems. Fortunately there are now 'Pet Immune' P.I.R detectors which can provide similar protection as a standard P.I.R but will ignore cats and small dogs. These detectors do need to be sited carefully.

What is a 'Dualtec' or Microwave Detector?

A 'Dualtec' is a detector that has two detection devices. The most common type it a Microwave/P.I.R but can be any combination of detection devices (Ultrasonic and Seismic being the other most popular). A Microwave detector works by sensing the physical movement of an object (person). These units would be installed in an area that may be prone to temperature fluctuations as the P.I.R and the Microwave circuits need to be activated simultaneously to cause an alarm.

What is a Personal Attack Button?

A Personal Attack Button, often called a 'panic' button is a small unit that has one or two recessed red buttons. When pressed it causes the alarm to activate immediately. If the system is monitored a signal is sent to the receiving centre and passed to the police.

What is a shock sensor?

This is a small device usually fitted to a window or doorframe, properly known as a seismic detector. This detects vibrations caused when a door or window is attacked.

Are there other types of detectors?

Yes. There are many other types of detection devices that can be connected to alarms. Glass Break detection, Smoke detection, Ultrasonic Infrared beams and Lace Wiring are just a few. A detection device can be found to suit any situation.

3. Sounders, or how do I know the alarm has gone off?

The Bell Box

Every Intruder Alarm System will have an outside sounder usually fitted at high level and which makes a lot of noise. It has anti-tamper protection and a separate battery fitted, it also has a Strobe light that flashes when the sounder activates. The outside sounder will ring when the Intruder Alarm has been activated and must switch off after twenty minutes.

The Internal Sounder

The internal sounder is fitted somewhere inside the protected area. This will indicate fault conditions as well as full alarm activations. There may also need to be more than one internal sounder fitted in larger buildings.

4. Monitoring Stations, Remote Signalling, Remote Reset, what does all of this mean?

When an Intruder Alarm is fitted it immediately becomes a very powerful deterrent. Remote signalling, or a 'connection to the police' as it is more commonly referred to, is a way to ensure that, should the Intruder Alarm be activated, someone is notified.

This is where the Monitoring Station or Alarm Receiving Centre comes in. This is a secure manned building that monitors all the signals sent by Intruder Alarms Systems. These signals include activations caused by break-in, personal attack, fire etc.

When a signal is received from your system the appropriate action is taken. Relevant authorities can be sent to site and keyholders contacted. There are different methods of Remote Signalling, below are three of these:

1: Digital communicator will dial the Monitoring Station to transmit a signal. This monitors the telephone line locally and will generate a 'Fault' on the Control Panel should a line fault occur.

2: RedCARE transmits its signals over the telephone wires, not making a call (this is why it is not affected by any phone number changes). The telephone line is monitored both at the Control Panel and at the Central Station; this is a more secure option.

3: DualCom, this uses two methods of transmitting the signals; the first is the Vodafone Data Network (radio) and the second being a back up telephone line. Again this is a very secure option, if an intruder cuts the phone line there is still full signal reporting via the radio. Do not worry about expensive mobile phone bills, as all calls made by the DualCom are included in the monitoring fees.

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