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Burglar Alarm System
With today’s technology we truly have trouble free security. Not to mention the cost has come down drastically. There are 3 types of security systems: Basic: Perimeter protection meaning all the doors are being contacted. Standard: Here we protect the perimeter doors and provide “interior” protection by installing “motion” detection. Needless to say this is the most commonly used installation. Custom: The combination of basic perimeter doors and a combination of motions for away protection and the addition of “glass breakage” sensors. This is usually common for business and frequently used in homes. Most business systems are “hard wired” like the electrical wiring in your home or business. However “wireless” systems are becoming more common in the residential market due to the ease of installation. Here too there are many types with different features. Most are “supervised” meaning that the different sensors send test signals to the control where it then is acknowledged for security purposes.
Environmental Monitoring
Protect your home or business from the threat of carbon monoxide, flooding, and temperature fluctuations. It is very common to have a temperature sensor in a residential alarm system and some businesses with underground parking to have both temperature and carbon monoxide detectors.
Access Control
Most people are confused with the difference between access control and a security system. An access control system is simply “24 hour door control”. In a security system we install sensors on the doors so as to “arm” the door at closing or leaving the premise. If the system is not “armed or on” we can come a go thru the door without any alarms. Access control physically restricts someone from opening the door by the installation of an electric door lock or “strike”. Access is granted by using some type of “reader”; usually a card reader outside the protected door. Once an “authorized” card is presented it then unlocks the door permitting entry. Likewise a reader installed on both the inside and outside of a door requires “controlled access” coming and going. When this is done the system must conform to the local fire codes for the safety of the occupants should there be a fire. The system can be programmed to allow entry at particular times of the day/week/month or by different doors or by authorization level making the system very sophisticated. Remember we are involved in lock work here and usually a locksmith is needed to install the locks and locking hardware. We recommend installation by an experienced SDN dealer and SDN locksmiths.
Video Surveillance
A video monitoring system can help deter shoplifting and employee theft. Many times business's use the recorded video to guard against fraudulent liability claims. Today most systems use Digital Video Recorders or “DVR's that typically come in single, 4, 8, 9 or 16 channel units. Each channel has a camera connected to it and all cameras are being recorded at the same time. The information is going to the DVR's hard disk drive and the larger the drive the more video information is being recorded. This information may be looked at while all cameras including the one your viewing is being recorded unlike the outdated “tape” recorders. There are two types of DVR's: P C based and embedded. We recommend the “embedded” type for many reasons. The recording speed may vary from brand to brand and some allow different recording speeds by individual cameras. Needless to say the camera quality and its “lines of resolution” become important factors when building a high quality operating video surveillance system. Not only can the video be viewed on site, but many systems can be linked to the “Internet” and with a proper password be viewed on your computer from anywhere where internet access is available. Also DVR's can be grouped together to allow the monitoring of many cameras. You should always know the specifications of the unit you buying and rely on a qualified SDN dealer for installation and maintenance.
Monitoring
Most professional alarm dealers provide “U L” Listed monitoring station services. Dealers use their “own” Central Station or place your service with a third party monitoring station. The U L Listing assures you that the station is being annually tested and its equipment conforms to U L standards. By having your system monitored means that should an alarm condition take place; the proper authorities are being notified for Police, Fire and other conditions. In residential monitoring it is common to verify the alarm before dispatching the Police or Fire departments. This means that they will call your home before dispatching should you have activated your alarm system yourself by mistake. Statistics show a huge reduction in false alarms by this verification method of monitoring. Always be sure to ask about your central station's procedures before you buy and know where it is being monitored. The SDN has divided the country into “Regions” so as to have monitoring stations in your area instead of sending an alarm signals from one coast to the other. Ask your SDN dealer to make arrangements to visit the central stations to see for your self how alarms are being handled. Most alarm panels today have multiple zones to allow the dispatcher to identify the area or device in alarm and pass that information along to the authorities. But many companies choose to send only burglary or fire signals only to keep the alarm traffic low at the central station, which allows them to monitor for less. Beware of low cost monitoring with minimal service.
National Accounts
The SDN dealers as a group can provide service, maintenance and monitoring to anyone, anywhere in the USA . If your business has multiple locations your dealer can arrange to have all the locations monitored at your local regional station. Reports of all activities can be made available and be customized to meet your needs. Requests may be made for the SDN dealer closest to you to handle your needs. |