Remote Signalling Systems

A more sophisticated form of intruder alarm system has all the facilities of the basic system, with the additional facility to also contact a specified remote point or points, to ensure a police, security or Keyholder response, in the event of an intrusion to the premises

Remote signalling to an ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre) is not strictly necessary for the average house alarm. .

Another factor to consider is the new ACPO 2007 Security System Policy for police calling alarm systems. This lays down strict limits to false alarms. After 2 false alarms in a 12-month rolling period, the police response level may be reduced. On the 3rd*. false alarm all response will be withdrawn(The 2nd. false alarm, on PERSONAL ATTACK systems) A system of CONFIRMATION will also be required for older non confirmed systems, before police response is restored. *Scotland is more generous--see ACPO / ACPO(S) 2007 POLICY section. For details of remote signalling that does NOT entail following ACPO policy see-OTHER REMOTE SYSTEMS (below)

‘DIGI’ (DIGITAL DIALER)

A digital dialler, the simplest form of signalling, is an electronic device that is connected to a standard telephone line. The digital diallerelectronicly dials the telephone number or numbers, and transmits a digital code that is decoded by the alarm receiving station computer to give the relevant information needed to pass the alarm etc. to the police or relevant authority. The unit, in a commercial alarm, is usually connected to a separate (dedicated) ex directory, incoming call barred telephone line, but in residential alarms the unit may be connected to the existing telephone line. The digital dialler only uses the telephone line when a signal, e.g. open / close, if fitted, or alarm condition is being transmitted,

N.B Since the 1st,October 2005 all Digis must send a signal to the relevant monitoring station (ARC) EVERY 25 HOURS FOR GRADE 2 INSTALLATIONS AND EVERY 5 HOURS, FOR A GRADE 3 INSTALLATION-watch the telephone bill if your ARC uses a premium rate incoming telephone line! This also applies to open / close signals

REDCARE

Redcare, a British Telecom service, provides a higher security signal. Redcare uses the existing premises telephone line, and operates in parallel with the normal telephone service. Redcare has all the signalling facilities of a Digital Dialler, with much greater security of signalling. Various versions are available using GSM back-up etc. to suit the security level required. http://www.redcare.bt.com

The signal from the alarmed premises is constantly monitored, and an alarm created if the line goes faulty, is cut or interfered with. This gives a very high degree of signalling security, without the need for a dedicated Private Circuit (an exclusive pair of telephone wires from the alarmed premises to the ARC) with its attendant high costs.

The telephone line can be used as normal, with the alarm signal operating. In some cases occasional bleeps can be heard on the line, but this is not usually a problem.

The standard Redcare system cannot be used on a line dedicated to a Fax machine, but an additional unit can be fitted to allow this facility.

The BT-Redcare.com site has more detail and ACPO Alarms 2000(6) Policy documentation. It is well worth looking at.

REMOTE SIGNALLING-- CONFIRMATION--ACPO 2007 POLICY ---REDCARE GSM etc. (NOT APPLICABLE TO SCOTLAND)

To allow the systems to conform to the latest ACPO 2007 Security Systems Policy, a confirmed signal can be obtained using Redcare GSM (Global System Mobile) This system uses Redcare with the addition of a radio signalling system, based on mobile phone technology. In the event of the telephone line being disabled or faulty, the signalling is still received by the ARC via the GSM connection. If the GSM signalling is interrupted, or starts to fail, the signalling is maintained by the Redcare connection, and warning of failing signalling is given, via the REDCARE system. In the event of a break in or fault, one or both independent signalling devices will send an alarm signal.

DUALCOM

Dualcom is a signal confirmation system along the lines of REDCARE GSM using DIGITAL DIALER and PAK NET (radio) technology.

OTHER REMOTE SIGNALLING

For residential alarms not requiring police response, a form of Digital Dialler can be used to contact one or more telephone numbers to inform friends and neighbours etc. to alert them to activation with a pre-recorded audio message. Some systems can also operate a remote bleeper system or texting system to your mobile phone, especially useful for farms or similar premises. Using this type of system would NOT allow police response.