Signalling - The Facts
Intruder Alarm Systems provide the optimum protection when used in conjunction with an Alarm Receiving Centre. In the event of an alarm condition the Intruder System will send a signal to the Alarm Receiving Centre who will then take appropriate action, eg. summon police, fire brigade etc.
There are several ways of transmitting the signal from the site to the Alarm Receiving Centre. The method of signalling will depend on the level of risk associated with the premises.
Selecting Appropriate Signalling Device
Types of Signalling
Standard Intruder Alarm Control Panels have fitted as standard a digital communications device which signals over a standard PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) Line. If the line is cut then the Central Station is not notified, there is only local indication of a line cut.
This type of signalling is adequate for Level 1, Low Risk Residential Customers.
The Hierarchy of signalling is as follows:
· Digital Communicators
Digital Communicators offer a cost effective means of transmitting signals to an Alarm Receiving Centre. They connect to a standard telephone line (PSTN) and in the event of an alarm “phone up” the Alarm Receiving Centre and exchange code information. If the telephone line is cut the Alarm Receiving Centre is NOT notified and the system reverts to local indication only.
· RedCARE
RedCARE is a polled device signalling over the PSTN. If the line is cut then both the Customer and the Central Station are informed.
· RedCARE ISDN
RedCARE ISDN is a polled device signalling over the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) Line. If the line is cut then both the Customer and the Central Station are informed.
· DualCom
DualCom has two lines of signalling - PSTN and PakNet (Radio). If either line is cut or jammed then the other line keeps signalling. If both lines are cut/jammed then this is classed as a confirmed alarm which meets with DD243 requirements.
· DualCom GSM
DualCom GSM has two lines of signalling - PSTN and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). As with Dualcom if either line is cut or jammed the other keeps signalling. If both lines are cut/jammed then this is classed as a confirmed alarm which meets with DD243 requirements. If using DualCom GSM you must test the signal strength where the control panel will be located.
· RedCARE GSM
RedCARE GSM works in the same way as DualCom GSM just on a different GSM network. If using RedCARE GSM you must test the signal strength where the control panel will be located.