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What is Security Alarm System ?

A security alarm is a system designed to detect an intrusion, such as unauthorized entry, into a building or other areas such as a home or school. Security alarms used in residential, commercial, industrial and military properties protect against theft (theft) or damage to property as well as personal protection against intruders. Security alerts in the neighborhood show an association with fewer robberies. Car alarms also help keep vehicles and their contents safe. Prisons also use security systems to control prisoners.

Some alarm systems serve a single purpose of burglary protection; The combination system provides protection against fire and intrusion. Intrusion-alarm systems are combined with closed-circuit television surveillance (CCTV) systems to record intruder movements and access control systems for electrically locked doors. There are many types of security systems. Homeowners usually have small, self-contained noise makers. These devices can also be complex, multirole systems with computer monitoring and control. It may also include two-way voice which allows communication between the panel and the monitoring station.

Also Read Home Automation System. and Home Assistant Automation

Design

The most basic alarms consist of at least one sensor to detect trespassers and a warning device to indicate an intrusion. However, a typical premises security alarm employs the following components:

• Premises Control Unit (PCU), Alarm Control Panel (ACP), or Bus Panel: the "brain" of the system; The sensor reads the input, tracks arm/disarm position, and gives an intrusion signal. In a modern device, there is usually one or more computer circuit boards inside the metal enclosure. Many newer networks often use plastic boxes that are sealed in the open. Some also have their control units in a keypad or other human-machine interface.
• Sensors: Devices that detect intrusions. Sensor locations are within the perimeter of the protected area, within it, or both. Sensors can detect intruders in a variety of ways. For example, sensors can monitor the opening of doors and windows or monitor empty interiors for motion, sound, vibration or other disturbances.
• Alerting devices: These indicate the status of the alarm. Typically, these are bells, sirens, and/or flashing lights. Warning devices serve the twin purposes of warning intruders and potentially scaring off thieves. These devices can also warn occupants in the event of a fire or smoke.
• Keypad: Small devices, usually wall-mounted, act as the human-machine interface for the system. In addition to buttons, keypads usually have indicator lights, a small multi-character display, or both.
• Interconnections between components. Interconnections may include direct wiring to the control unit or wireless links with the local power supply.

In addition to systems, security alarms often provide a monitoring service. In the event of an alarm, the premises control unit contacts a central monitoring station. Operators at the station observe the signal and take appropriate action, such as contacting property owners, notifying the police or sending private security forces. Such alerts are in many cases transmitted through dedicated alarm circuits, telephone lines, or the Internet.

Sensor Types

Hermetically sealed reed switches

A hermetically sealed reed switch is a common type of two-piece sensor. This switch operates with an electrically conductive reed switch that is either normally open or normally closed when under the influence of a magnetic field with respect to the proximity of another piece, which contains a magnet. When the magnet moves away from the reed switch, the reed switch either closes or opens, again based on whether the design is normally open or closed. This action along with electric current (usually at 12 V DC) allows the alarm control panel to detect a fault in that area or circuit. These sensors are common, found wired directly to the alarm control panel, or commonly found as sub-components in wireless door or window contacts.

Passive infrared detectors

Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors are one of the most common sensors found in home and small business environments. It provides affordable and reliable functionality. The term passive refers to the fact that the detector does not generate or radiate energy; It works solely by detecting the heat energy given off by other objects.

Strictly speaking, PIR sensors do not detect motion; Instead, they identify sudden changes in temperature at a certain point. As an intruder walks in front of the sensor, the temperature at that point will rise from room temperature to body temperature, and then back up. This quick change triggers the detection.

PIR sensors designed to be mounted on a wall or ceiling come in a variety of fields of view, from narrow-point detectors to 360-degree radar. PIR requires a power supply in addition to the detection signaling circuit.

Infrasound detectors

An infrasound detector works by detecting infrasound, or sound waves, at frequencies below 20 Hz. Sounds at those frequencies are inaudible to the human ear. Because of its inherent properties, infrasou nd can travel many hundreds of kilometers. Infrasound signals can be caused by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, gravitational waves, the opening and closing of doors and forcing windows.

The complete infrasound detection system consists of the following components: a speaker (infrasound sensor) as a microphone input, an order-frequency filter, an analog to digital (A/D) converter, and finally, analysis of the recorded signal. An MCU used to do .

Every time a potential intruder tries to enter the home, he tests whether it is closed and closed, uses tools at the opening, or/and applies pressure, and so he makes a low-frequency sound vibration. Is. Before the intruder enters, the infrasound detector automatically detects the intruder's movements

The purpose of such a system is to detect burglars before they enter the house so that both theft and sabotage can be avoided. Sensitivity is dependent on the size of the household and the presence of animals.

Ultrasonic detectors

These active detectors transmit ultrasonic sound waves that are inaudible to humans using frequencies between 15 kHz and 75 kHz. Doppler shift principle is the underlying method of operation that detects changes in frequency due to object motion. This detection occurs when the receiver must change the ultrasonic frequency relative to the transmitting frequency of the object.

The ultrasonic detector is operated by a transmitter emitting an ultrasonic signal in the area to be protected. Solid objects (such as the surrounding floor, walls and ceiling) reflect sound waves, which the receiver will recognize. Since ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the air, hard-surfaced objects reflect most of the ultrasonic energy, while softer surfaces absorb the most energy.

When the surfaces are stationary, the frequency of the waves detected by the receiver will be equal to the transmitted frequency. However, the change in frequency will result from the Doppler principle when a person or object is moving towards or away from the detector. Such an event initiates an alarm signal. This technology is not active in many properties as many alarm professionals consider it obsolete.

Microwave detector

This instrument emits microwaves from a transmitter and detects any reflected microwaves or decreases in beam intensity using a receiver. Transmitter and receiver are usually combined inside a single housing (monostatic) for indoor applications and separate housing (bistatic) for outdoor applications. This type of detector is usually combined with a passive infrared detector, or alarm from the Dual Tech brand or similar, to reduce false alarms.

Microwave detectors respond by a Doppler shift in the frequency of the reflected energy, a phase shift, or a sudden decrease in the level of received energy. Any of these effects could indicate the movement of the intruder.

Advantages: Low cost, easy to install, invisible perimeter barrier. It is not affected by fog, rain, snow, sand storm or wind.

Disadvantages: May be affected by the presence of dripping water on the ground. A sterile evacuation area is usually needed to prevent partial blockage of the detection area.

compact surveillance radar

Compact surveillance radar emits microwaves from a transmitter and detects any reflected microwaves. They are similar to microwave detectors but can detect the exact location of intruders in areas spread over hundreds of acres. With the ability to measure target's range, angle, velocity, direction and size, a CSR can pinpoint an intruder's precise GPS coordinates. This target information is typically displayed on a map, user interface or situational awareness software that defines a geographic alert zone or geofence, with a variety of actions initiated depending on the time of day and other factors. CSR is commonly used for outside fence line protection of critical facilities such as power substations, power plants, dams and bridges.

photoelectric beam

The photoelectric beam system detects the presence of an intruder by transmitting invisible infrared light beams to an area where these beams can be intercepted. To improve the detection surface area, beams are often mounted in stacks of two or more. However, if an intruder is aware of the presence of technology, it can be avoided. The technology can be an effective long-range detection system if installed in stacks of three or more where the transmitter and receiver are staggered to form a fence-like obstacle. The systems are available for both internal and external applications. To prevent a covert attack using a secondary light source being used to keep the detector in a sealed position while an intruder passes by, most systems use and detect a modified light source. - Advantages: low cost, easy to install. Requires very little sterile evacuation area to operate - Disadvantages: Affected by fog or too much glare. The position of the transmitter can be detected by some cameras.

glass-break detection

A glass-break detector can be used for internal perimeter building security. Glass-break acoustic detectors are mounted in close proximity to the glass pane and listen for the sound frequencies associated with breaking the glass.

Seismic glass-break detectors, commonly known as shock sensors, differ in that they are installed on the glass pane. When glass breaks it produces specific shock frequencies that travel through the glass and often through window frames and surrounding walls and ceilings. Typically, the loudest frequencies generated are between 3 and 5 kHz, depending on the type of glass and the presence of the plastic interlayer. Seismic glass-break detectors sense these shock frequencies and in turn generate an alarm condition.

Window foil is a less sophisticated, mostly older detection method that involves sticking a thin strip of conducting foil inside the glass and passing a low-power electric current through it. Breaking the glass is for all intents and purposes sure to tear the foil and break the circuit.

smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detector

Most systems may also be equipped with smoke, heat and/or carbon monoxide detectors. These are also known as 24-hour zones (which are on all the time). Smoke and heat detectors protect against fire risk by using different detection methods. Carbon monoxide detectors help protect against the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Although these detectors may also be attached to an intruder alarm panel, it may not meet all local fire code requirements of a fire alarm system.

Conventional smoke detectors are technically ionization smoke detectors that create an electric current between two metal plates, which sound an alarm when interrupted by smoke entering the chamber. Ionization smoke alarms can quickly detect rapid-burning fires, such as cooking fires or small amounts of smoke arising from paper or flammable liquids. A newer, and probably safer, type is the photoelectric smoke detector. It consists of a light source in a light-sensitive electrical sensor, positioned at a 90-degree angle from the sensor. Normally, light from the light source passes directly through and misses the sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters light, which then hits the sensor and triggers an alarm. Photoelectric smoke detectors typically respond rapidly to the early, smoldering phase of a fire—before the source of the fire bursts into flames.

motion sensor

Motion sensors are devices that use a variety of technology to detect motion. Technol ogies commonly found in motion sensors to trigger alarms include infrared, ultrasonic, vibration, and contact. Dual technology sensors detect two or more forms to reduce false alarms as each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Motion sensors have traditionally been an integral part of home security systems. These devices are generally installed to cover a large area as they usually cover up to 40 feet with a 135 degree field of view.

driveway alarm

Driveway alarm systems can be combined with most security and automation systems. They are designed to alert residents to unexpected visitors, intruders, or deliveries arriving at the property. They come in magnetic and infrared motion sensing options. Driveway alarms can also be purchased in hard-wired and wireless systems. They are common in rural security systems as well as commercial applications.

electro-mechanical (shaker) sensor

These electro-mechanical devices are mounted on the barrier and are mainly used to detect the attack on the structure. The technology relies on an unstable mechanical configuration that forms part of an electrical circuit. When motion or vibration occurs, the unstable part of the circuit moves and breaks the current flow, which generates an alarm. The medium that transmits the vibrations must be correctly selected for the specific sensor as they are best suited for a wide variety of structures and configurations. This technology is gradually being replaced by intelligent digital accelerometer-based systems.

Advantages: Low cost and easy to install over existing fences.

Disadvantages: Must be fence-mounted. Being mechanical in nature, the system is unable to analyze differences in vibration patterns (for example, the difference between a wind gust and a person climbing a fence).

ferrous metal detector

Changes in the local magnetic field due to the presence of ferrous metals induce a current in the buried sensor (buried cable or discrete sensor) which is then analyzed by the system. If the change exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alarm is generated. This type of sensor can be used to detect intruders who carry a substantial amount of metal, such as a firearm, Which makes it ideally suited for anti-poaching applications

electrostatic field

Sometimes referred to as an e-field, this volumetric sensor uses electric field proximity sensing and can be installed on buildings, perimeters, fences and walls. It also has the capability to be installed free-standing on dedicated pillars. The system uses an electromagnetic field generator that supplies power to one wire, and another sensing wire runs parallel to it. The sensing wire is connected to a signal processor that analyzes:

• amplitude change (mass of the intruder),
• rate change (intruder movement),
• Preset disturbance time (time is in intruder pattern).

These items define the characteristics of an intruder and when all three are detected simultaneously, an alarm signal is generated.

The barrier can provide vertical protection from the ground to the height of the mounting posts (typically 4–6 m height), depending on the number of sensor wires installed. It is usually configured in areas of about 200 meters in length.

Advantages: High security (difficult to defeat), high vertical detection area.
Disadvantages: Expensive, smaller area which means more electronics (and thus a higher cost).

microphone system

Strain-sensor cable installed on chain-link/barbed-wire fencing
Microphonic systems vary in design (for example, time-domain reflectometers or piezo-electrics) but each is generally based on detecting an intruder who attempts to cut or climb a fence. Microphonic detection systems are typically installed as sensor cables attached to rigid chain-wire fences, although some special versions of these systems can also be installed as underground burial systems. Depending on the version selected, it may be sensitive to different frequencies or levels of noise or vibration. The system is based on coaxial or electromagnetic sensor cables, with the controller being able to differentiate between signals from a cable or chain-wire cut, an intruder climbing a fence, or inclement weather conditions.

The system is designed to detect and analyze incoming electronic signals received from sensor cables, and then to generate alarms from signals that exceed pre-determined conditions. The system has adjustable electronics that allow installers to change the sensitivity of alarm detectors to suit specific environmental conditions. System tuning is usually accomplished while the detection devices are turned on.

Advantages: Relatively inexpensive and easy to install compared to other systems.
Disadvantages: Older systems may have higher rates of false alarms due to wind and other distances, however newer systems use DSP (digital signal processing) to process the signal and in some cases greatly reduce false alarms .

Taut Wire Fence Systems

A taut wire perimeter security system is basically an independent screen of tensioned tripwire typically mounted on a fence or wall. Alternatively, the screen can be made thick enough that there is no need for an auxiliary chain-wire fence. These systems are designed to detect any physical attempt to penetrate the obstacle. Tensioned wire systems can operate with a variety of switches or detectors that sense motion at each end of the tensioned wire. These switches or detectors can be a simple mechanical contact, a constant force transducer or an electronic strain gauge. Unwanted alarms caused by birds and other animals can be avoided by adjusting the sensor to ignore objects that put a small amount of pressure on the wires. This type of system is vulnerable to intruders digging under the fence. A concrete base is set up directly under the fence to deter this type of attack.

Advantages: Low rate of false alarms, very reliable sensor, and high rate of detection.
Disadvantages: Very expensive and complicated to install.

fiber optic cable

Fiber-optic cables can be used to detect intruders by measuring the difference in the amount of light sent through the fiber core. A variety of fiber optic sensing techniques can be used, including Rayleigh scattering or interferometry, if the cable is disturbed, the light will be changed and the intrusion is detected. Cables can be attached directly to a chain-wire fence or tied into a barbed steel tape used to protect walls and the top of the fence. This type of barbed tape provides a good physical deterrent as well as an immediate alarm if the tape is cut or severely deformed.

Advantages: Being cable-based, similar to microphone systems and easy to set up. Allow to cover a large circumference (a few tens of kilometres).
Disadvantages: Generally performs in a similar way to microphone-based systems but at a higher cost and complexity due to the use of fiberoptic technology.

ported coaxial cable

The system employs an electromagnetic field disturbance principle based on two unshielded (or 'seepage') coaxial cables buried approximately 30 cm (1 ft) deep and 1 m (3 ft) apart. The transmitter emits continuous radio frequency (RF) energy along one cable and the energy is received by another cable. When the change in field strength due to the presence of an object weakens and reaches a pre-determined lower limit, an alarm condition is generated. The system is secret after installation. Care must be taken to ensure good drainage in the surrounding soil to avoid nuisance alarms.

Advantage: Concealed as a burial form.
Disadvantages: May be affected by RF noise, difficult to install.

security electric fence

multi-zone security electric fence used on top of a physical barrier
Security electric fencing consists of wires that carry pulses of electric current to provide a non-lethal shock to deter potential intruders. Tampering with the fence also triggers an alarm that is logged by the security electric fence energizer, and can also trigger sirens, strobes and/or notifications in the control room or directly to the owner via email or phone. In practice, a security electric fence is a type of sensor array that acts as a physical barrier, a psychological deterrent to potential intruders, and as part of a security alarm system.

Advantages: Less expensive than many other methods, less likely to give false alarms than many other alternative perimeter security methods, and have the highest psychological deterrent of all methods.
Disadvantages: Possibility of unexpected shocks.

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Wired, wireless, and hybrid systems

The trigger signal from each sensor is transmitted via wires or wireless means (radio, line carrier, infrared) to one or more control units. Wired systems are convenient when external power is needed for sensors (such as PIRs, smoke detectors, etc.) to operate correctly; However, installing them can be more expensive. Entry-level wired systems use a star network topology, where the panel is logically centered, and all devices home run their line wires back to the panel. More complex panels use a bus network topology where the wire is basically a data loop around the perimeter of the facility, and contains drops for the sensor device which must include a unique device identifier integrated into the sensor device itself ( e.g. ID Biscuit). Wired systems also have the advantage, if properly wired, of being tamper-evident, for example by a double loop.

Wireless systems, on the other hand, often use battery-operated transmitters, which are easy to install and have low start-up costs, but can fail if the battery is not maintained. Depending on distance and construction material, one or more wireless repeaters may be required to reliably bring signals to the alarm panel. A wireless system can be easily moved to a new home, an advantage for those who rent or who move frequently. More important for security is the wireless connection between the control room and the monitoring station. Wireless monitoring of alarm systems provides protection against burglars cutting cables or failures of the Internet provider. This complete wireless setup is commonly referred to as 100% wireless.

Hybrid systems use both wired and wireless sensors to reap the benefits of both. Transmitters can also be connected through the premises' electrical circuits to transmit coded signals to the control unit (line carrier). The control unit usually has a separate channel or zone for burglar and fire sensors, and better systems have a separate zone for every different sensor, as well as internal trouble indicators (loss of mains power, low battery, broken wires). , e.t.c).

Alarm connection and monitoring

Depending on the application, alarm output can be local, remote, or a combination. Local alarms do not include surveillance, although they may include indoor and/or outdoor sounders (such as motorized bells or electronic sirens) and lights (such as strobe lights) that signal evacuation notices to people during a fire alarm. Can be useful for, or where one hopes to quickly scare away an amateur thief. However, with the widespread use of alarm systems (especially in cars), false alarms are more frequent and many city dwellers ignore alarms rather than investigate, let alone contact the necessary authorities. In short, there can be no reaction. In rural areas where no one can hear fire bells or burglar sirens, lights or sounds don't matter much, as the nearest emergency responders may arrive too late to avoid damage.

Remote alarm systems are used to connect a control unit to a preset monitor of some sort, and they come in many different configurations. High-end systems connect to a central station or first responder (such as police/fire/medical) via a direct phone wire, a cellular network, a radio network (ie GPRS/GSM), or an IP path. In case of dual signaling system, two of these options are used simultaneously. Alarm monitoring includes not only sensors, but also communication transmitters. While direct phone circuits are still available in some areas of phone companies, they are becoming uncommon due to their high cost and the advent of dual signaling with a comparatively low cost. Direct connections are now usually only seen in federal, state and local government buildings, or on a school campus that has a dedicated security, police, fire, or emergency medical department (in the UK communication is only to the alarm receiving center possible - direct communication with emergency services is not allowed).

More specialized systems include a digital cellular communications unit that will communicate with a central station (or any other location) via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and alarm with either a synthesized voice or an encoded message string. Decode the central station which will extend through. These can connect to the regular phone system on the system side of the demarcation point, but typically connect to the subscriber side next to all phones within the monitored premises so that the alarm system can seize the line by disconnecting any active calls and calls . Monitoring company if necessary. A dual signaling system will raise the alarm wirelessly via a radio path (GPRS/GSM) or cellular path using the phone line or broadband line as a backup to overcome any compromise with the phone line. Encoders can be programmed to indicate which specific sensor was triggered, and monitors can also show the sensor's physical location (or "zone") on a list or map of protected premises, which will result in a response. can be made more effective. A heat sensor alarm, for example, combined with a flame detector in the same area is a more reliable indication of a real fire than only one or the other sensor signal.

Many alarm panels are equipped with a backup communication path for use when the primary PSTN circuit is not working. Redundant dialers can be connected to another communication path, or to a specially encoded cellular phone, radio, or Internet interface device to bypass PSTN altogether, to thwart intentional tampering with phone lines. Just the fact that someone tampering with the line can trigger a supervisory alarm via the radio network, giving an early warning of an impending problem (such as arson). In some cases a remote building may not have PSTN phone service, and the cost of trenching and running a direct line can be prohibitive. It is possible to use a wireless cellular or radio device as the primary communication method.

The most popular solution like this in the UK is similar in principle to the above but with the primary and back up paths reversed. Using a radio path (GPRS/GSM) as the primary signaling path is not only faster than PSTN, but also results in huge cost savings as unlimited amounts of data can be sent at no additional cost.

Broadband alarm monitoring

The increasing deployment of Voice over IP technology (VoIP) is leading to the adoption of broadband signaling for alarm reporting. Many sites requiring alarm installation no longer have traditional telephone lines (POTS), and alarm panels with traditional telephone dialer capability do not operate reliably on some types of VoIP service.

Systems with dial-up analog alarm panels or serial/parallel data ports can be migrated to broadband via an alarm server device that converts telephone signaling signals or data port traffic into IP messages suitable for broadband transmission. But direct use of VoIP (POTS port on campus terminal) to transport analog alarms without alarm server devices is problematic because the audio codecs used throughout the network transmission path require an appropriate level of reliability or acceptable service quality for the application. Cannot guarantee. ,

In response to changing public communication networks and new alarm systems can often use broadband signaling as a method of alarm transmission, and manufacturers are incorporating IP reporting capability directly into their alarm panel products. When the Internet is used as the primary signaling method for critical security and life safety applications, persistent supervision messages are configured to address concerns about backup power for network equipment and signal delivery time. But for specific applications, connectivity concerns are handled by general supervision messages, which are sent daily or weekly.

Various IP alarm transmission protocols exist but most in use today are proprietary. Just as the formats used for traditional telephone reporting were standardized and published, broadband signaling for alarm reporting is being standardized today. In 2007, US alarm manufacturers developed an open standard called DC-09. This standard has been accepted as a US national standard, and is published as ANSI/SIA DC-09-2007. Reference: ANSI/SIA DC-09-2007 The latest Contact ID without protocol provides an encoding scheme and transport mechanism for carrying data from 17 already defined alarm protocols, including the SIA DC-03 and SIA 2000 protocols. Reference: ANSI/SIA DC-07-2001.04 Several manufacturers of panels and receivers are reported to have developed or released support for the DC-09.

Radio alarm dual signaling

Dual signaling is a method of alarm transmission that transmits intruder, fire and personal attack signals at high speed from secure premises to an alarm receiving center (ARC) using a mobile phone network and a telephone and/or IP path . It usually uses GPRS or GSM, a high-speed signaling technology used to send and receive 'packets' of data, in addition to a telephone line. The IP option is not often used due to installation and configuration issues as a higher level of IT expertise is often required in addition to alarm installation knowledge.

A dual signaling communication device is connected to a control panel on a security installation and is the component that transmits the alarm to the ARC. It can do this in several different ways, via a GPRS radio path, via a GSM radio path, or via a telephone line/or IP if it is selected. These multiple signaling pathways are all present and support each other at the same time to reduce property exposure to intruders. There is always a form of back up in case one fails, and depending on the manufacturer, three paths to work together at any one time are chosen. Before the availability of dual signaling systems, police and keyholders were often called to premises due to an alarm signal on the telephone path, only to find that it was a network fault and not an actual alarm.

Dual paths allow to distinguish between hardware failures and an actual attack on t he alarm. This helps eliminate false alarms and unnecessary responses. Dual signaling has greatly helped with the resumption of police response because in an instance where a phone line is disconnected because the dual signaling device may continue to send alarm calls through one of its alternate paths, either from the initial path. Can confirm or deny the alarm.

In the UK, CSL DualCom Ltd pioneered dual signaling in 1996. In doing so, the company introduced the first reliable alternative to existing alarm signaling, setting the current standard for professional dual-path security monitoring. Dual signaling is now strongly regarded as the standard format for alarm signaling and is duly specified by all major insurance companies. 

listening alarm monitoring

Monitored alarms and speaker phones allow the central station to speak to the homeowner or intruder. This can be beneficial to the owner for medical emergencies. For actual break-in, speaker phones allow the central station to urge the intruder to stop and stop as response units have been dispatched. Listen-in alarm monitoring is also known in the UK as immediate audio-response monitoring or speaking alarm systems.

alarm monitoring services

The list of monitored services at Central Station has expanded over the years to include: access control; CCTV surveillance; alarm verification; environmental monitoring; intrusion alarm monitoring; fire alarm and sprinkler monitoring; critical condition monitoring; medical response monitoring; elevator telephone monitoring; hold-up or panic alarm monitoring; pressure monitoring; auto dialer test; Open and close signal supervision and reporting; Exception report; and PIN or passcode management. Increasingly, central stations are making this information available directly to end users via the Internet and a secure log-on for viewing and generating custom reports on these incidents.

Alarm response

In the United States, police respond to at least 36 million alarm activations each year, with an estimated annual cost of $1.8 billion.

Depending on the trigger zone, the number and sequence of zones, the time of day, and other factors, the Alarm Monitoring Center can automatically initiate various actions. Central station operators may be instructed to call emergency services immediately, or by first calling the protected premises or property manager to attempt to determine whether the alarm is genuine. Operators can also initiate calls to the list of phone numbers provided by the customer to contact anyone for a check at the protected premises. Some areas may call the local heating oil company to check on the system, or call the owner to see which room is flooding. Some alarm systems are connected to video surveillance systems so that current video of the intrusion area can be immediately displayed on the remote monitor, not to mention being recorded.

Some alarm systems use real-time audio and video surveillance technology to verify the validity of the alarm. In some municipalities around the United States, this type of alarm verification allows property to be placed on a "verified response" list, allowing for quick and secure police response.

The first video home security system was patented on December 2, 1969, to inventor Mary Brown. The system used television surveillance.

Access control and bypass codes

To be useful, an intrusion alarm system is deactivated or re configured when authorized personnel are present. Authorization can be indicated in a number of ways, often with keys or codes used in the control panel or on a remote panel near an entry. High-security alarms may require multiple codes, or a fingerprint, badge, hand-geometry, retina scan, encrypted-response generator, and other means that are considered sufficiently secure for this purpose.

Failed authorizations should result in an alarm or at least a timed lockout to prevent experimentation with possible codes. Some systems can be configured to allow deactivation of individual sensors or groups. Others can be programmed to bypass or ignore individual sensors (once or several times) and leave the rest of the system armed. This feature is useful to allow a door to be opened and closed before it is equipped with an alarm, or to allow a person to leave but not return. High-end systems allow multiple access codes, and may allow them to be used only once, or on particular days, or only in conjunction with other users' codes (ie, escort). In any case, a remote monitoring center should arrange for a verbal code to be provided by an authorized person in the case of a false alarm, to assure the monitoring center that a further alarm response is unnecessary. Along with access codes, there may also be a hierarchy of verbal codes, e.g., for a furnace repairman to enter kitchen and basement sensor areas, but not the silver safe in the pantry. There are also systems that allow a duress code to be entered and silence the local alarm, but still trigger a remote alarm to call the police for a robbery.

Fire sensors can be isolated, which means that when triggered, they will not trigger the main alarm network. This is important when smoke and heat are intentionally generated. Owners of buildings can be fined for generating false alarms that waste the time of emergency personnel.

False and absent alarms

The United States Department of Justice estimates that between 94% and 98% of all alarm calls to law enforcement are false alarms.

System reliability and user error are the cause of most false alarms, sometimes referred to as "nuisance alarms". False alarms can be very costly for local governments, local law enforcement, security system users, and members of local communities. In 2007, the Justice Department reported that in just one year, false alarms cost local municipalities and their constituents at least $1.8 billion.

In many municipalities across the United States, policies have been adopted to fine home and business owners for multiple false alarm activations from their security systems. If multiple false alarms continue from the same property, that property can also be added to the "no response" list, which prohibits sending the property to police except in the event of a verified emergency. About 1% of police alarm calls actually involve a crime. Nuisance alarms occur when an unexpected event triggers an alarm condition by an otherwise properly functioning alarm system. A false alarm also occurs when there is a malfunction in the alarm system resulting in an alarm condition. In all three cases, the source of the problem should be immediately detected and rectified so that the respondents do not lose faith in the alarm report. It's easy to know when false alarms occur, because the system is designed to react to that situation. Failure alarms are more troublesome because they usually require periodic testing to ensure that the sensors are working and that the correct signals are getting through to the monitor. Some systems are designed to detect problems internally, such as low or dead batteries, loose connections, phone circuit troubles, etc. Whereas earlier nuisance alarms could be set off by small disturbances like insects or pets, newer model alarms have the technology to measure the size/weight of the object that is causing the disturbance, and thus be able to determine how serious the threat is, which is especially useful in burglar alarms.

False alarm reduction

Many municipalities across the United States require alarm verification before the police can be dispatched. Under this approach, alarm monitoring companies must verify the validity of alarms (except for holdups, duress and panic alarms) before calling the police. Verified feedback typically includes on-scene verification of the break-in, or remote audio or video verification.

Home and business owners can now opt for a new type of keypad control panel designed to help reduce false alarms.

Based on a standard called CP-01-2000 developed by the American National Standards Institute and the Security Industry Association, the new generation of keypad control panels targets user error by building in additional precautions that minimize unwanted dispatch of emergency responders.

Some features of the CP-01 keypad include a progress announcement function that emits a distinct sound during the last 10 second delay, which accelerates exit from premises. Also, if the user disables the pre-alert feature, the exit time is doubled.

Other "rules" address failure to exit the premises, resulting in all zones in stay mode and a one-time, automatic restart of the exit delay. However, if there is an exit error, an immediate local alarm will sound.

audio and video verification

Alarms that use audio, video or a combination of both audio and video verification technology give security companies, dispatchers, police officers and property managers more reliable data to assess the threat level of trigger alarms.

Audio and video verification technology uses microphones and cameras to record audio frequencies, video signals, or image snapshots. The source audio and video streams are sent over a communication link, usually an Internet Protocol (IP) network, to a central station where monitors retrieve images via proprietary software. The information is then relayed to law enforcement and recorded in an incident file, which can be used to plan a more strategic and tactical approach to a property, and later as prosecution evidence.

An example of how this system works is when a passive infrared or other sensor is triggered a specified number of video frames before and after being sent to a central station.

A second video solution can be incorporated into a standard panel, which sends an alarm to the central station. When a signal is received, a trained surveillance professional accesses an on-site digital video recorder (DVR) via an IP link to determine the cause of activation. For this type of system, the camera input to the DVR reflects the area and division of the alarm panel, which allows personnel to look for the alarm source in multiple areas.

The United States Department of Justice states that alarm companies are required to verify the validity of the alarm before contacting law enforcement (commonly known as a "verified response"), which can reduce false burglar alarms. The most effective way to do it. The Justice Department considers audio, video or an eyewitness account as verification of the validity of a burglar alarm. 

cross-zoning

Cross-zoning is a strategy that doesn't require a new keypad. The software analyzes input from all sources, using multiple sensors to monitor activity in an area. For example, if a motion detector trips in an area, the signal is recorded and the central-station monitor notifies the customer. A second alarm signal – received within a short time in the vicinity – is the confirmation that the central-station monitor needs to request a dispatch immediately. This builds in increased security and should a fail-safe door open or a bird rattles an exterior window.

Enhanced call verification

Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) helps reduce false remittances by 25-50% while protecting citizens, and is mandatory in many US jurisdictions, although the alarm industry has successfully opposed it in others. ECV requires central station personnel to attempt to verify alarm activation by making at least two phone calls to two different responsible party telephone numbers before dispatching law enforcement to the scene.

The first alarm-verification call goes to the location where the alarm was generated. If a person is not contacted, a second call is made to another number. The secondary number, best practices dictate, should be on a telephone that is answered after hours, preferably a cellular phone of a decision maker authorized to request or bypass emergency response.

ECV, as it cannot confirm the actual intrusion incident and will not indicate priority law enforcement dispatch, is not considered true alarm verification by the security industry.

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