Glossary


ABORT CODE

A code name or number used to stop police response to a false alarm. When used verbally, the ARC will be informed by the authorised user by telephone. On some security systems the code may be entered on the alarm control KEYPAD.

ACCESS ZONE

See entry exit zone.

ACPO

Association of Chief Police Officers

ANTI-MASKING

A system used in some modern PIR's to detect an obstruction close to its field of view. This will not allow the ZONE/ CIRCUIT to set until the obstruction is removed..

AUTOMATIC RESET

A facility that may be programmed into some control units that allows the system to reset (rearm) itself after operating, without the key holder attending. This will usually happen after the bell / sounder cut off timer has operated. The number of times the system will reset after an alarm condition may also be programmed into the control box.

AOP

Accidental Operation - The tripping or triggering of an intruder alarm system not caused by a genuine intrusion. or activation.

ARC

See Central Stations and Police Response (Main Menu).

ARM

To turn a system or ZONE on.

BANDIT ALARM

A term used for the use of a PERSONAL ATTACK Alarm in a Commercial application.-e.g A cash handling point, or counter in a retail premises.

BELL /SOUNDER CUT OUT

A timer now usually contained within the outside sounder, that stops the sounder operating after a reasonable time period (around 20 minutes is normal). This is to limit the noise nuisance to neighbors. In older security system control units, the sounder is stopped by a timer in the control unit, which can mean that the sounder could sound for hours if the control unit power fails.

BS4737

The British Standard for the design, installation and maintenance of security systems.Now superceded by the European Standards.

BS 5979

The British Standard that governs the construction and operation of an approved ARC or CENTRAL STATION.

BELL / SOUNDER DELAY

A timer located in the control box that stops the system sounders operating for a period of time, usually about 10 minutes. This in theory allows time for the police to arrive and investigate and is obviously only used on remote signaling security systems.

BELL TRIGGER

A connection to an outside sounder that is usually removed by the control unit to start the sounder operating

BYPASS

To OMIT or ISOLATE a ZONE (see OMIT)

CC (Closed Circuit) BELL / SOUNDER

An externally fitted loud sounder device used to attract attention to an alarmed premises when the system is triggered. The unit needs a constant power supply connected to it, from the control unit to stop it sounding. The control unit removes the connection to start the sounder, which operates from its own internal(rechargeable) battery supply.

CC (Closed Circuit) LOOP

A protective loop device on an alarm cable or component, that must be uninterrupted to stop the alarm operating. This may be a number of devices, such as contacts(switches) linked in a chain formation-a break in any one or more breaking the CC LOOP,and triggering the system.

CENTRAL STATION (CS)

The old name for an ARC-SEE CENTRAL STATIONS AND POLICE RESPONSE (MAIN MENU).

CHIME

A programmable option on an alarm zone that allows (when the system is unset) the opening or operation of the specified zone to cause a loud short bleep sound. This is useful as a visitor / customer detection device on an external door, or as a warning on an unsupervised stockroom or sensitive area. In a domestic alarm system. Chime could be used on a garage or similar external door, fitted with a contact or switch etc.

CIRCUIT

See ZONE

CC (Closed Circuit) WIRING

Thin, hard drawn insulated copper wire stapled to woodwork or wooden batten to protect a wall, ceiling or floor. The wiring is fixed in a parallel pattern at a distance of 100 MM (4 inches)and usually protected by a hardboard covering. In a high security application the wiring is repeated at right angles to form squares. Any strain on the wire will cause it to break and cause an alarm condition. This method of protection is hardly used now. with the introduction of solid state inertia switches and vibration detectors.

COMMUNICATOR

Usual name for a DIGI (see DIGI)

CONCEALED CONTACT

A closed circuit contact or switch fitted to an opening section of a door or window. The switch was originally a mechanically operated microswitch, but has been superseded by a magnet and reed switch assembly. The magnet is countersunk to the leading edge of the opening section and the reed assembly is countersunk into the fixed frame aligned to ensure that the two components are opposite to each other when the door or window is shut. The reed switch is pulled into a closed position by the proximity of the magnet. Actual contact between the two components is not necessary to close the circuit. A concealed switch takes more skill and time to fit. and is more resistant to accidental damage and attack.

CONFIRMATION

A second independent activation on a different security system zone, or an audio/visual verification of an initial alarm condition, to verify that an intruder is lable to be within the protected area. See CONFIRMATION section accessable from home page.

CONTACT (SURFACE)

Usually a magnetic reed switch assembly fitted to the surface of the leading edge of a door or window in a similar manner to a concealed contact or switch. Takes less skill to fit but is more noticeable in a domestic situation or similar.

CONTROL UNIT

See CU.

CU

Control Unit The box containing the major operating system of an intruder alarm system. The box can incorporate the operating KEYPAD, to program and set / unset the system. A REMOTE KEY PAD may also be used to allow the system to be operated from more than one position, or to allow the main control box to be placed in a convenient hidden position, with only a small neat keypad on view.

DECOY BOX

See DUMMY BELL

DEFAULT SETTINGS

See Factory Settings

DIGI DIGITAL DIALLER

A solid state remote signaling device designed to transmit several different signals to a remote point, such as an ARC, (Alarm receiving Centre) or CENTRAL STATION- via a telephone lineThe unit will try to dial out several times, if a connection is not made initially. As well as intruder alarm and personal attack conditions, the unit may also transmit system setting and un setting signals, as well as process control signals, temperature pressure as well as indicating low battery voltage in the alarm control system. Other versions can dial several telephone numbers, and play a recorded message.

DIRECT LINE

A system of high security signaling using an exclusive telephone line, known as a Private Circuit Wire. Now practically superseded by REDCARE etc..

DIS ARM

To turn a system or ZONE off

DIS (or DISSED)

To disconnect a component or zone of a system. (Check that your insurance cover will not be void.)

DOUBLE KNOCK

A programmable option on many modern Intruder Alarm Control Units. When in operation, the zone will not cause an alarm condition on the first trip by a detector. It will operate on the second trip. This is used as an anti false alarm device, especially on PIR’s.

DUAL TECHNOLOGY

A form of movement detector usually combining PIR and MICROWAVE movement detectors, within the same case. The detectors are wired in parallel, which means that both detectors must operate to trigger the alarm system The detector is used in more demanding environments prone to false alarms, as the two different detection devices have different weak points that are canceled out in the combined detector.

DUALCOM

A higher security system than given by a DIGI (digital dialer As well as a DIGI the system uses a radio back up using a PAKNET transmitter. PAKNET is a radio data transmission system used in many commercial applications.

DUMMY BOX

An empty outside sounder box often fitted on one external wall of a protected premises, to act as a visual deterent.

EN 50131

The European Standard which supercedes BS 4737 The main difference between the new standard and the old are as follows. The European Standard is more risk based with premises graded according to security risk, starting from Grade 1, low risk to Grade 4 high risk, Components are also graded in 4 classes. Class 1 is equipment suitable for indoor use in controlled temperature to Class 4, for outdoors-exposed conditions. The number of service visits to check the system is different according to the risk Grade of the system.

ENGINEERING CODE

A code, entered on the keypad of a control unit, that allows the initial setting up of an Intruder Alarm System, such as zone types, entry / exit timer duration, zone isolation states and all other variable options. The code also activates test facilities to enable the components of an Intruder Alarm System to be checked quickly and conveniently.

ENGINEER MEMORY

A facility on most modern intruder Alarm Control units. This facility records in most cases all alarm operations over a considerable time period, such as open close information and zone states and operations. A historical listing of most alarm functions.

ENGINEER RESET

On a police calling system this facility stops the system being reset (used) until a service engineer has checked the system. This is to stop multiple false alarms. Most systems can be remotely reset by the ARC, or by the keyholder on site with a unique code given to the keyholder by the ARC operator, if they are satisfied that the cause of the alarm call has been rectified.

EXD ICB

Ex Directory Incoming Calls Barred-- A type of telephone line used to give some limited security to remote signaling dialing units, using standard telephone lines.

EXIT / ENTRY / ACCESS ROUTE / DELAY

A dedicated zone or circuit that allows the bulk of an intruder alarm system to be turned on, but allows the operator to pass through the protection on the entry / exit route to leave the protected area, before the exit/ entry zone protection is fully armed.(ENTRY / EXIT DELAY) This zone is usually activated by a timer set to just allow enough time to leave through the final exit door, or to enter via the exit / entry route and deactivate the Intruder Alarm System with the keypad. With the advent of DD243, the use of timed entry exit routes on police calling systems has been mostly superseded by SHUNT LOCKS, SWIPE CARDS or PROXIMITY SWITCHES.

EXIT BLEEP

The warning tone made by a security system control box after it is set and until after the filal setting has occoured(the ecit protection has been closed) The bleep also starts as soon as the 3entry/exit protection has been opened and stops when the correect operator code has been entered on the keypad.

EXTERNAL SOUNDER

The audible warning device located at high level on the exterior of a premises. see CC BELL

FACTORY SETTINGS

Standard alarm system settings within the CONTROL UNIT software. These can also be known as DEFAULT settings. This can be standard ENTRY / EXIT times SOUNDER CUT OFF times ENTRY / EXIT ZONES etc. These settings can be reset at any time.

FLOAT CHARGE

A voltage supplied by a PSU or POWER SUPPLY that supplies just enough charging current to keep the STANDBY BATTERY in a fully charged state, when not being used, and to slowly recharge it after use.

FOIL (TAPE)

A strip of metal foil, usually aluminium or lead, that is stuck internally around the perimeter of a glass window. When the glass is broken the foil is broken, and the CC LOOP is intrupted, thus causing an alarm condition. Now almost never used.

FORCED ARMING

The use of this facility allows the system to be set with any number of zones open, without having to inhibit / isolate the open zones individually. This facility is not usually available on PA, fire, entry / exit / access / tamper or 24 hour zones.

FRAME

See TUBE AND BATTEN

GLASSBREAK DETECTOR

An audible/ultrasonic sound detector, used to trigger an alarm system at the sound of breaking glass. Usually used in commercial premises to protect display windows. Now almost always superceeding the use of FOIL.

HARD WIRED

The traditional method of installing an intruder alarm, connecting all the detection and signaling devices with multi core cable, connecting the power supply to electronic detectors and sounders and connecting the closed circuit loops from the detectors to the appropriate alarm zone in the control box.

HR (High Resistance)

Caused by a bad, usually corroded contact between cabling and/or Detection Devices. Usually caused by damp. Concealed contacts in external doors are prone to this.

INERTIA SWITCH

See VIPER

INSTALLER CODE

See Engineering Code

ISOLATE

See OMIT

KEY FOB

A name often used for a simple PROXIMITY or SWIPE CARD system, to allow access to a premises.

KEYPAD — KEY SWITCH

The section of an intruder alarm used to set / unset an intruder alarm system. The keypad is also used to indicate the current status of the system, zones open / operated, TAMPER faults and to carry out the initial setting up of the system.

LOCK SWITCH

See RKP

LOG—ENGINEER LOG

The record of all alarm setting and unsetting times along with in some cases, the operator code used to set /unset the system. The detail in the log depends on the sophistication of the control unit.

LOOP

A continuos connection, rather like a chain. If any one link is broken, the connection or zone fails and goes OC(Open Circuit)

MASTER CODE

A code, which allows access to the systems logs etc. and the addition or deletion of standard alarm entry, codes. The master code may also allow access to all areas of the protected premises.

MATS

Rarely used now. Usually an O/C (open circuit device) consisting of a flat plastic, matfitted with conducting strips at right angles to each other but not normally touching. Also, in most modern mats, two metal foil surfaces normally separated by an insulator, such as pierced plastic foam The conductor surfaces are insulated from each other until pressure is applied to the mat, when the two conductor surfaces are pressed together a short is applied to the O /C mat terminals of the control unit, creating an alarm condition. Mats need to be hidden under floor covering and securely placed in a position that will ensure that any intruder treads on them. The open circuit nature of the detector means that a tamper loop must be fitted to the cable connecting the mat to the control unit, to detect damage or cutting of the connecting cable.—See also MATS section, under ALARMS. Accessible from home page.

MORTICE LOCK

A lock fitted into a deep recess within the leading edge of a door. A very strong type of door lock. Sometimes incorporating a micro switch and used as a SHUNT LOCK.

MWD

A Microwave Movement Detector An active movement detector that emits a microwave radio signal that bounces around an area and is reflected back to the receiver section of the detector. When an intruder moves into the protected area, the signal reflected back from the intruder to the receiver section is changed in frequency (doppler effect) which is detected and triggers the unit into an alarm condition. See also MWD’s In ALARMS section accessible from home page

NACOSS

National Approval Council for Security Systems Now part of the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) A UKAS regulated -Responsible for the regulation of electronic security system installers. The other organisation is the SSAIB- To qualify for police response in England and Wales, the company installing the security system must be registered with either NACOSS –ICON or the SSAIB. See INSPECTORATE BODIES, accessible from home page.

NSI

National Security Inspectorate Incorporating NACOSS, ISI, ICON and NACOSS Fire Systems

OC BELL / SOUNDER

Open Circuit Bell or Sounder A sounder that requires a voltage to be applied to it to start sounding, similar to a front door bells - low security device. Really only suitable for installation within the protected area of a security system.

OMIT

Also known as ISOLATE . The facility to remove the protection on a specified ZONE or zones, to allow access while still leaving the remainder of the security system set --. E.g. the first floor zones may be omitted at night to allow access, but still allowing the alarm system to be in full operation on the ground floor.

OPERATOR CODE

The digital code, which turns the security system off and usually o, via the digital keypad. The use of a numeric code has practically superseded the use of key operated switches. The code may be simply changed and often a secondary code may be used for temporary key holders for holiday periods or similar occasions. This may be cancelled or changed without altering the main operator code.

PA

See PERSONAL ATTACK

PAK NET

A commercial wireless data transmitting system used to send data quickly between commercial premises.

PANIC ALARM

Alternate name for a PERSONAL ATTACK or BANDIT ALARM.

PART SET

A facility that allows the setting of part of a security system, by entering a code different from the normal full setting code. Often used on house alarms at night to allow the ground floor to be set, but one or more of the first floor zones to be disabled to allow night time access. This saves OMITING each zone not required one at a time.

PERSONAL ATTACK (PA)

A circuit which is TOTALLY LIVE (unlike a TAMPER or 24 HOUR ZONE) 24 hours a day even when the main security system is not set It is usually operated by a locking alarm button often called a PA BUTTON. The personal attack alarm when fitted to a police calling system, sends a different signal to the remote signaling point, such as an ARC, to indicate that there a personal threat situation in progress. See also PA’s accessible from the home page under Alarms

PERIMETER PROTECTION

The part of a security system protecting exterior facing doors windows and walls. The operation of a zone on the perimeter section, followed by an inner zone, is good vCONFIRMATION of an intrusion.

PET ZONES

A feature of most PIR's that masks the "look down" zones of detection to allow a small dog or similar, to be left in a protected room. This will not work with most cats, as they do not stay on the floor!(The siting of caged birds - rats-mice etc. should also be considered!)

PAKNET

A radio signaling system used to give a back up to a digital dialer (see DUALCOM) or as a stand alone signaling unit useful if no telephone lines are available, or are vulnerable to attack.

PART GUARD—PART SET

A pre programmed OMIT system. By using the part guard / set code, one or more zones may automatically be omitted from an alarm system when setting. The code is canceled when the system is de activated.

PART SET

See PART GUARD

PIR

Passive infrared Receiver The most common form of movement detector. Usually sighted in the corner of the protected area, to detect an intruder moving in its field of view. See PIRs in ALARMS section, accessible from the home page.

PSU

Power Supply Unit - A unit, usually within the main security system control box, that converts the mains supply to a 12 TO 14 volts D.C supply. This supply is used to power the system and to trickle charge the STANDBY BATTERY. See POWER CUTS, accessible from home page.

PROXIMITY SWITCH

See SWIPE CARD

PD6662

The published document for the European Standard EN 50131REDCARE—

RedCARE

A high security British Telecom signaling system - For more detailed information see REDCARE accessible from the home page or for detailed info, www.redcare.bt.com

RedCARE GSM

A higher security form of remote alarm signaling. Using an additional GSM signaling device –allowing signaling confirmation---see home page or for more details www.redcare.bt.com

RFI

Radio Frequency Interference - The unwanted effect of radio transmissions near to another system. This effect may also include local heating.

REMOTE SIGNALLING

Any form of signalling that informs a third party, away from the protected premises, that an alarm condition has occured.

REMOTE KEY PAD

See RKP

RKP

Remote Key Pad. Although still called a keypad, the unit is almost always a telephone type press button device (not a key and lock switch)The Security System operating key pad which is usually situated on the front panel of the system control box, may be duplicated, or located away from the main control box. In the case of a residential property, the main control box may be fitted in a convenient hidden location, with a small keypad box sited near the exit / entry door. More than one keypad may be fitted to most systems, to allow the system to be set or unset from more than one part of the premises, combined where necessary with more than one entry / exit route.

SEQUENTIAL

The most common form of alarm signal CONFIRMATION See also CONFIRMATION

SHUNT-SHUNT LOCK

Usually mechanical lock operated switch that allows a part or more of an alarm zone to be deactivated from outside the protected area. This allows access without deactivating the remainder of the security system-and does not require the keyholder of the shunted section of the system to have access or codes to the main security system. –never turn the shunt lock, with the door open, to check the key-as this will almost certainly trip the alarm system!

SHUTTER CONTACT

A heavy duty contact, (a heavy-duty magnet and reed contact) very tolerant to movement and misalignment. The unit is designed to be run over by vehicles when fixed to the floor. As well as ideal for protecting roller shutters, the contact is suitable for up-and-over garage doors.

SOAK TEST

A programmed facility that allows an alarm zone containing a detector unit to be tested on situ, exactly as if it was “live,” without a false alarm being transmitted. An indication that the zone has operated is still visible on the alarm status display on entry.

SSAIB

Security System & Alarms Inspection Board. One of the two organizations (NACOSS / NSI /ICON is the other) to monitor standards in the security systems industry Security System Installing Companies must be registered with one of these organizations to be allowed to instal police calling security systems.

STAND-BY BATTERY

Usually a sealed type lead acid battery float charged by the alarm PSU which powers the alarm system in the event of a power cut.

STROBE

A flashing light normally fitted to an outside alarm sounder or bells, to give visual indication of an alarm operation. Useful if more than one alarm sounder is in the immediate area.

SNAP WIRE

A hard drawn, insulated copper wire that will not stretch very much before it breaks. Used in CC WIRING and TUBE AND BATTEN FRAMES

SURFACE CONTACT

A magnetic reed switch or contact not fitted flush to the opening and fixed surfaces of an opening. The easiest type of protective switch to install.

SWIPE CARD / KEY FOB

An electronic "key" system consisting of a credit style card or plastic fob, that allows access via a door fitted with an electric lock, or to remotely operate a security system from outside the protected area. It works by either swiping a card through a reader slot, or placing it near or on a reader unit. This system is being used much more with the implementation of DD243 IN July 2002 in England and Wales.

TAMPER

A type of alarm zone used to trigger an internal sounder as warning of damage or interference to a security cable or component during times when the system is not set and give a full alarm condition when the system is set.On most security system control boxes, the individual tamper zones are indicated as tamper 1,2,3 etc.See also 24 HOUR ZONE.

TAPE

See FOIL

TUBE AND BATTEN

A physical method of protecting windows or similar openings, A tube and batten frame looks like a set of conventional window bars fitted with thin easily broken wire inside the hollow tubes. If an attempt is made to break the frame the wires break and the circuit goes into alarm. Hardly used now.

TX

Transmitter old name for the police calling part of an alarm system-often a 999 auto dialer.Could also refer to a DIGITAL DIALER or DIGI

VIBS

Vibration detectors see VIPER

VIPER

The trade name of a vibration detector system for walls and exterior door and window protection.The units are tuned to operate on the vibrations detected within a wall, ceiling or partition, caused by an attempted forced entry .

VOICE DIALLER

A form of DIGI (SEE DIGI)

WALK TEST

A programmed facility to allow the easy checking of the operation of detectors and alarm components. When activated the security system will emit a loud bleep every time a zone is triggered. The coverage of movement detectors may be checked, and each individual door switch or contact may be checked for correct operation. If the particular zone is closed, as if the system is to be set, and each protected part is opened or triggered and then closed again, the whole of the zone protection may be checked individually.Tamper and PA zones may also be checked with this facility. This facility is also available on some PIR operated exterior lighting systems.

WIRE FREE

A system of detection and signaling devices not connected by cables, as they are in a HARDWIRE system. Each movement detector or contact switch is fitted with a battery supply and its own, coded wireless transmitter. See also home page in ALARMS.

ZONE

Another name for a circuit. Each alarm system is divided up with a separate indication if it operates. Each movement detector, a PIR for example should be fitted to its own exclusive zone or circuit. Up to 8 contacts may be fitted to one zone (BS 4727) but less will make faultfinding and setting easier.

ZONE PAIRING

The facility available on some control units to program a pair of zones e.g. 3 and 4, in such a way as to only create an alarm condition if both zones are triggered at the same time. This may be used with infra red ray units in poor environments with birds or other wildlife present. If the rays are positioned above each other,each on a seperate zone a distance apart, an animal moving in front of one ray then another will not cause an alarm condition. A man walking through both together willtrigger both zones at once, and therefore cause an alarm condition.

24 HOUR ZONE

Most zones on a security system control panel may be programmed as a 24 hour zone. When programmed this way, the zone will give an audible indication of the zone being breached, when the system is unset, but will give a full alarm condition when the system is set. This is very similar to a tamper zone, but has the advantage of being capable of isolation, via the keypad, to allow access to the protected area without triggering the alarm.