Whether you’re securing a home, retail store or other commercial business, you need dependability from your systems.

Intelligent intrusion detection is a delicate balance between responding to real security breaches and ignoring costly false alarm triggers.

The motion detector chosen ought to suit the requirements of virtually any application – from easy to difficult environments – and stand up to multiple challenges, including strong drafts, moving objects, and the presence of pets.

Residential property, is best protected with a burglar alarm using ‘trap protection’.  Trap protection is a strategy for protecting a property without fitting sensors in every room, for example, because statistics show burglars rarely break-in through windows at the front of a house (and are even less likely to stay in one room and leave through the same front window; they are likely to want to go straight to the master bed room), fitting a sensor in the rear rooms of the house along with the hallway is often considered sufficient for the ground floor, additionally, kitchens have heat sources (boilers, fridges, ovens, washing machines and such), hard surfaces and are generally considered unstable areas and because they rarely contain items of steal able or sentimental value, and as a rule, should not be protected with PIR either.

Sometimes it is necessary to protect a kitchen with a motion sensor.  For these instances we would normally recommend using a dual technology sensor.  Dual technology detectors combine two motion sensing technologies, commonly PIR with Microwave, and both must detect movement to cause the device to ‘trip’.

However, although dual technology detectors are better suited to unstable environments, they are not immune from false alarms; the microwave motion sensor will detect movement through glass, thin walls and can even be triggered by water moving in pipes, and this can occur at the same time that the PIR is detecting the travelling of heat or other interference.

Homes and businesses which do not employ any form of security measures are 10 times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures

• Homes and businesses with no burglar alarm are three times more likely to be broken into than those with alarms.
• Around 20% of all house burglaries are carried out without forced entry. A burglar may see an open window or other easy point of entry and take their chance.
• Visible burglar alarms make intruders think twice. They not only act as a deterrent, but will also provide a warning that an intrusion is taking place.

 There are various reasons for adopting a trap protection strategy.

• The first is to limiting the false alarm potential of an alarm system. All detectors (even the top of the range ones) sometimes cause false alarm.  This is becoming an increasing problem due to the hard line Police forces now take regarding attendance.  False alarms result in a withdrawal of Police attendance and the more detectors a property has the higher the false alarm potential.
• Another important reason is cost – if using a good quality sensor it would be expensive to protect each room.

Features of excellent motion detectors

• They feature Microwave Noise Adaptive Processing to easily differentiate humans from false alarm sources, such as a ceiling fan or hanging sign.
• For increased reliability, dual sensors must process the PIR and microwave signals independently and must agree there is an alarm before the relay activates.
• There must be sealed optical chambers to prevent drafts and insects from affecting the detector, and our pet-friendly models rule out motion from family pets or guard dogs, so you only handle valid alarms.
• The detectors must integrate and process data from up to 6 different sensors to make intelligent alarm decisions.
• It provides the best analysis of disturbances and adjusts to the background for ultimate false alarm immunity.

Intrusion Alarm Control Panel

Features

• The panel should be capable of handling wired detectors as well as with wireless detectors.
• Ultimately, an alarm system gives property owners the peace of mind they desire to protect their homes, families, businesses and assets.

Components of a burglar alarm

The intruder system comprises detectors, control panels and communications devices.

Detectors identify and react to specific occurrences including movement, shock, vibration, smoke, heat, and flood.

Different types of detectors are available, each protecting different aspects of the property. These include:

• Passive infrared sensors (PIRs) detect people moving using infrared heat sensing,
• Dual Technology sensors use combined infrared and microwave sensing technologies to help reduce false alarms,
• Magnetic door contacts detect the opening and closing of doors and windows,
• Glass break sensors listen for the specific noise of breaking glass,
• Shock sensors detect attacks on doors and windows,
• Smoke sensors can be connected to the intruder alarm system to detect fire.

The control panel 

It is the brains of the system to which detectors are connected.

It analyses and actions signals from detectors and is operated by a keypad. Keypads are sometimes integrated into the control panel e.g. Optima Compact, or these can be remote with LED or LCD displays. LED keypads communicate alarm system status using LED indicators.

LCD keypads use text displays to give a fuller picture of the alarm status including event logs, entry and exit times of users, and ultimately enable speedy identification of alarm sources. Control panels come in different shapes, sizes and complexities depending on the type and size of property to protect.

• Number of zones (areas) to protect.
• Ability to set all or part of the system.
• The number of Remote keypads it can accommodate.
• Event memory log PA & Tamper inputs.

In the event of alarm activation, the keypads identify the problem & inform the occupants of the cause and location of the alert.

DETERRENTS

• Sounders and sirens use different tones and rhythms to communicate the type of alarm internally and/or externally.
• Externally mounted sounders and sirens are a good visual deterrent for potential intruders and quickly alert property owners and neighbours to an intrusion. The strobe helps to identify the house when an alarm has gone off.

ALERTS

• Communications devices such as the Informa speech dialler send pre-recorded voice messages by telephone when an alarm is triggered. These messages can be sent to the homeowner or nominated contacts either via land line or mobile phone.
• This is particularly useful for isolated properties and allows action to be taken when property owners are away from home.

Planning and laying out an intruder alarm.

Step 1: Conduct a site survey with your customer

To ensure that you get the correct intruder alarm system for your customer, you need to carefully plan and design the system. This is achieved by conducting a short site survey in consultation with your customer.

The location survey comprises two stages:

• A risk  assessment  of  the  building content  –  the total value of target items  (electrical  goods,  jewellery and  so  on)  will  generally  indicate the level of security required.
• A risk assessment of the building’s fabric and structure –  how easy or difficult  it  might  be  to  wire  the entire  the building,  the  level  of  physical security,  location,  break-in  history and so on.
• The technical survey looks at those factors than might influence the choice and design of system and the final system design proposal. It  will  look  at  any  aspect  that  might  impact  on  the performance of the system such as electrical interference from local plant or machinery.
• The grade of intruder alarm system will depend upon the performance required as determined by the location survey.

The following questions will help you identify exactly what your customer wants to protect, and will enable you to map out the system plan and identify the most suitable components.

The site survey

• Is the property isolated or in a built up area?
• What parts of the property have to be protected? Does the entire property or just part require to be protected? What areas does the customer want to protect to identify the number of zones required?
• How many entry doors exist at the property and that require protection?
• In addition to intruder protection, does the customer require fire protection?
• How many zones will be required?
• What type of keypad does the customer require (integral, LED or LCD)?
• Does the customer require additional keypads?
• Where will the control panel be located?
• Does the customer require the windows to be protected?
• How many rooms are to be protected with movement detectors?
• Does the customer have pets that will remain in the house when the system is set?
• What type of alert is required? (Sounding/visual/remote phone communication)?
• Where will the external siren be located?
• Is a dummy siren also required?
• Is keyfob operation more suited to the household?

Step 2: Map out the property and select products

Using the information you have obtained during the site survey, map out property layout and select the most appropriate products for the installation.

Step 3: Decide where to position the Intruder alarm system components

1. Control Panels

Positioning

• For control panels with onboard keyboards such as Honeywell’s Optima Compact, these should be installed near the main access point in a convenient location for mains electricity supply and for user operation
• For control panels which are operated using remote keypads, such as Honeywell’s Accenta Mini, the panel can be concealed inside a cupboard or loft space in a convenient location for mains electricity supply and it makes the cabling to the sounder much easier.

Best Practice

• It is best to install the control panel first.

Hints and Tips

• Check the panel voltage to ensure that the control panel has power. REMEMBER to disconnect power before proceeding with the installation of peripherals
• Remember to link out any zones that you are not using, you need to use a wire link across the unused zones
• The stand by battery can take several hours to charge up so it is a good idea to charge batteries before commencing the installation.

Remote LCD or LED Keypads

Positioning

• Mount in a convenient location which allows easy operation for the system users, typically close to the main door, back door and master bedroom.

Hints and Tips

• Remember to check that the tamper spring on the keypads is closed
• It is recommended to use the tamper spring whenever the keypad is mounted against a wall so that it is triggered if an attempt is made to remove it.

3. PIR Motion Sensors

Positioning

• Install the sensor at a height of 3m-2.7m
• Avoid direct or reflected sunlight remembering that the sun moves around during the year!
• Position the sensor away from windows and heating/cooling devices such as radiators and fans.
• The sensor must have a clear line of sight to the protection area.

How to avoid the common mistakes with installing PIRs.

Where the PIR has a look down or “sneak” zone, ensure that this is not obstructed

• Pay attention to avoid blind spots when positioning sensors
• Always adjust the sensitivity of each sensor once it is mounted, taking into consideration the lighting, the proximity to radiators, windows, mirrors and other external influences
• Tamper switches often cause problems. If you are using the tamper switch ensure that the tamper switch is closed. If you are not installing the tamper circuit (not advised) you need to ensure that the tamper circuit is linked out at the control pane.

Hints and Tips

If wall is not square you may need to alter the state of the plastic to make sure when mounting that you hear the tamper spring “click”, closing the circuit.

• Using the black jumper, you can easily set the red LED light to ON or OFF as indicated below. This is particularly useful in living rooms where the LED flashing on and off could be distracting.
• Allow up to one minute for the PIR to calibrate itself.

Pet Tolerant Detectors

Positioning

• Follow the instructions for positioning PIR motion sensors.
• Select correct pet tolerant setting using the black jumper as indicated below.

Smoke Sensors

Positioning

• Place in or just outside bedrooms or in the hallway close to any sleeping area. The top of the stairs is also a good place

Hints and Tips

• Do NOT place smoke sensors in kitchens or bathrooms.

Door Contacts.

Positioning

• Mount the main part (part with connectors) on the fixed part of the door or window frame. Do not mount them further than 3” from the opening side of the door
• Mount the magnet on the mobile part of the door or window so that it is adjacent to the main part
• Ensure that the two parts are opposite each other and a small gap has been left Hints and Tips
• Ensure that wires are hidden so that they cannot be damaged
• Ensure that wires are hidden so that they cannot be Please note that some Honeywell door contacts have two rather than five terminals
• If there are only two screws, a tamper loop will need to be created by twisting the cables then insulating them with electrical tape
• Wrap the wire around the screw in a clockwise direction and tighten the screw for the best connection.

External Sirens & Bells

Positioning

• Install in a high location from which the strobe can be seen and the siren heard.

Hints and Tips

• Ensure that the tamper is closed.

Internal Siren

Positioning

• Place in the centre of the home out of reach.

Speech Dialler Communications

Positioning

• Locate where it can be easily operated by system users and in a convenient location for connection to the phone line.
• If possible, do not connect other telephone apparatus to the same line.

Best Practice

• Connect the speech dialler directly into the control panel.
• Once wired in, test that the dialer dials through before programming the pre-recorded alert messages according to trigger cause (e.g. intruder, fire, and flood).

How to avoid the common mistakes with installing a speech dialer

• Ensure that the speech dialer is the first item on the telephone line i.e. the first “slave socket” to be connected to the master socket (where more than one apparatus is unavoidable). This allows the speech dialer to “snatch the line” or disconnect any other call should it be triggered.

Installation Advice and Best Practice

• When installing an intruder alarm it is imperative that you follow the necessary Health and Safety requirements according to The Electricians Guide to the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. Installation of the intruder alarm is straight forward provided that the installer is a qualified and experienced electrician.

General hints and tips

• Use multiple core alarm cable and decide at the outset which colours you will use – Convention suggests red is live (+12V) and black is negative (0 Volts)
• Remember to “tin” the wire
• Do not over tighten the screw on the connector block as this can shear the wire.
• When using the global tamper circuit, this is a continuous loop through all zones (contacts, PIRs PA devices etc.) so all tampers need to be wired.
• Do not work using live circuits
• Run the wires to all the locations of the peripherals.
• Mount the control panel in the desired location.
• Mount the keypad on the wall in the location agreed with the customer.
• Wire up the peripherals (detectors, bell boxes, communication devices…etc.)
• Activate the power.
• Carry out a walk test and check the system is working.

Once you have installed the Intruder alarm system and verified that all components of the system have power you need to commission the alarm.

Programming and Commissioning the Intruder Alarm

Programming and commissioning the intruder alarm system really means establishing your customer’s requirements, programming the system to meet these requirements and then commissioning the system to ensure it works.

• Test the control panel, keypad and all peripheral devices to ensure they are working.
• Programme the control panel according to the requirements that you agreed with your customer’ There are different programs for different types of programme setting.

Types of Alarm Systems

Audible Only alarms

This is generally the most basic option. If the alarm is triggered, an audible alarm sounds to alert you (or a neighbor) that an intruder has entered (or is trying to enter) the premises. This type of system may be appropriate for most typical dwellings. However, it depends on the location of the property,  the  lifestyle  or  nature  of  the  occupier  or  the  content.

Speechdialler or Auto (GSM) dialer system

This will be a cheaper option than having a fully monitored system.

With a Speechdialler, when the alarm is activated, pre-programmed numbers of your choice will be dialed and a pre-recorded message alerts you, your key holder or neighbour to the alarm. (If the phone line is cut or disabled no signal can be sent).

A  GSM alarm unit sends you and/or other contacts a text message.  It is not dependent on the phone line. It can typically send a text to up to three numbers, there is no third party monitoring and can use any major high-street SIM on a network of your choice.

Under no circumstances are police telephone numbers allowed to be programmed into the auto dialer.

Monitored systems

The system installed may be the same or  similar to an  audible  only  system,  except  that  when  the alarm  is  activated,  a  signal  informs  a  remote monitoring  centre.  They may confirm that the alarm is not false and if necessary then inform the police.  A  unique  reference  number  (URN),  which identifies  the  premises  must  be  obtained  by  the installer  from  the  police  when  the  system  is installed. To get this number, the installer and the monitoring centre must be registered with a certification body.

Monitored systems do not guarantee a police response, which is governed by their workload. If however it is reasonably certain that someone has entered the premises, it will be flagged as a priority call.

In Summary,

WHAT DOES AN ALARM SYSTEM CONSIST OF?

Regardless of the size, type, complexity, or sophistication of the Intruder Alarm System that you might require, it will consist of three basic but distinctly separate sections:

1. The CONTROL equipment.

Now called ‘Control & Indicator Equipment’ under the European regulations

2. The WARNING equipment.

• This is  the  part  of  the  system  that  signals  the  presence  of  an intruder or other emergency. This includes the bells, sirens, electronic speakers, flashing lights etc. Any of which may be used to provide what is known as ‘Local Audible Warning’. Like Control equipment there are many different types of external sounders in all shapes, sizes and colours. Electronic sounders that produce a sound similar to a Police-car siren.
• The control  unit  will  operate  on  mains  derived  240-volt  electricity,  although  the  actual  alarm circuits and wiring operate on a low-voltage of 12 volts. In the event of a ‘power-cut‘ the system is  fitted  with  a  standby,  rechargeable  battery  that  will  take  over  and  operate  the  system  for  a prescribed time  (depending on system Grade etc.),  until main’s power is restored. When the mains supply is restored, it will automatically recharge the battery.

REMOTE ALARM MONITORING

Under certain circumstances and for specific security implications it might be desirable for your alarm to do more than provide ‘Local Audible Warning’ only. Specialist equipment incorporated into the control equipment can be used to signal that your alarm system has activated, to a third party.     In  most  cases  this  is  achieved  by  using  the  Public  Telephone  network  to  signal  to  a privately  operated  ‘CENTRAL  STATION’  (Alarm  Receiving  Centre)  who  have  a  direct  line  with Police.

‘ALARM RECEIVING CENTRE’

Our Alarm Receiving Centre (previously called a ‘Central Station’)  is  able  to  receive  and  process  alarm  signals from your alarm system, which, if activated will  contact the  Centre  and  send  electronic  data,  which  are received and translated by computers.

This equipment is able to distinguish between an ‘Intruder’ signal and a signal caused by the activation of a ‘Panic Button’.

Costs involved in this service include an annual ‘Monitoring Fee’ payable to the Alarm Receiving Centre.

3. The DETECTION devices.

In  simplistic  form,  the  Detection  Devices  are  those  items  of  alarm  equipment  that  ‘detect’  the presence  of  an  Intruder,  and  ‘signal’  that  information  to  the  Control  equipment,  which  in  turn operates the Warning equipment.

MOVEMENT DETECTORS

• The most common method of intruder detection today is the movement detector, of which the ‘Passive Infra-Red’ movement detector is the most common.
• Typically the P.I.R. Detector is about the size of a cigarette packet and is mounted in a room to provide “Volumetric” protection to that area. Unlike the  other  types  of  detectors  including  “Microwave”  and  “Ultrasonic”  technologies,  it  is ‘Passive’ that means that it is not sending out any ‘signal’ or radio -wave that can be the subject of various types of interference and resultant false alarms.
• The P.I.R. Detector monitors the level of Infra-red radiation within its field of view, and detects the increase caused by example, by someone walking into the room.
• Although P.I.R. Detectors are suitable for most applications, if the environment is not conducive to P.I.R. technology, then there are ‘Dual-Technology’ detectors, which  incorporate  I.R.  and a second type of detector, normally Microwave, which together provides a very high immunity to false alarms.

DOOR CONTACTS

• Perhaps the oldest and most well-known detection device is the magnetic ‘Door Contact’. This comprises of a magnetic reed switch fitted in a door frame with a magnet sited alongside it in the actual door. When the door is opened and the magnetic field removed from the area of the reed switch, then the alarm signal is generated.
• Use of these switches today is normally limited to the final exit door (Front door) to provide an indication to the control unit when the ‘User’ leaves the premises, thus activating the Exit/Entry warning tones.

BREAK-GLASS DETECTORS

• These units  are  basically  a  special  microphone  and  amplifier  that  are  tuned  to  the  specific frequency  to  that  generated  by  breaking     They ‘Listen’ for that unique sound and ignore other normal sounds within its detection area.

INERTIA DEVICES

• There are  numerous  types  of  Inertia  or  vibration  detectors  available  that  are  able  to  react  to ‘vibration’  associated with  forced  entry  into      Electronics within the units are able  to filter  out  normal  background  disturbance  and  determine  when  the  device  registers  a  sudden increase  in  vibration  that  might  be  associated  with  the  violent  vibration  caused  in  forcing  a window open against its frame etc.

PERSONAL ATTACK BUTTONS

• These buttons are connected to your alarm system and are ‘Active’ at all times, even when your alarm system is not ‘Set’.
• In the event of an emergency they can be operated to cause a full alarm condition. They are most frequently sited adjacent to the front door or adjacent to a bed.
• A much more flexible Personal Attack facility utilizes a small radio transmitter, which is about the size of a cigarette packet. This button can be used to send a radio signal to a dedicated receiver to operate  the  alarm  from  anywhere  within  the  protected  premises  or  grounds,  (typical  range about 100 metres).  This of course means the Personal Attack alarm can be activated from any part of your property without the requirement of having to be in reach of a fixed, wired button.
• This system  has  obvious  advantages  to  people  living  alone,  as  it  may  be  taken  with  you  if  you leave the premises, at night for example, to protect you when returning to the premises if you need to negotiate a dark or secluded area before entering your house.
• If you feel vulnerable and intend to open the Front door at night, or go out to your car or put the rubbish out, you can carry the transmitter in your hand for instant operation!
• If your  system  has  ‘Remote  Signalling’  to  our  Alarm  Receiving  Centre,  Personal  Attack  alarm signals are normally ‘transmitted’ silently.

RADIO ALARM SYSTEMS

• The use  of  radio  for  Personal  Attack  Buttons  has  already  been    However it is now possible  to  have  an  Intruder  Alarm  system  that  relies  totally  on  radio  to  enable  the  detection devices to signal an alarm condition to the control equipment.
• Small radio-transmitters are placed inside, for example, P.I.R. detectors along with a battery. If activated the signal is transmitted to the control unit, which incorporates the radio receiver
• The system  is  still  connected  to  the main’s  electricity  supply  and  the  external sounder  and  the Operators Keypad are still ‘Hard-Wired’ but all other parts of the system are ‘wireless’.
• The most obvious advantage of this type of system is the fact that with the absence of wires, it is often possible to achieve a neater installation. (Although it goes without saying, we always endeavour to achieve the neatest possible installation and conceal the wiring wherever practical).
• Another advantage would be that outbuildings like garages etc. could be included on the system without the problem of having to run cables externally.
• Broadly speaking  a  complete  radio-alarm  installation  will  cost  a  little  more  than  an  equivalent, ‘hard-wired’ system, due to the additional technology built into the sensors etc.  The system will also  need  to  have  new  batteries  fitted  periodically,  (normally  annually)  in  each  of  the transmitters.  Radio systems are becoming increasingly popular among people who have homes in which it is virtually impossible to hide wiring and prefer the neatness that radio devices allow.