Sign in or 
| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 18 2007, 7:10 PM EST (current) | spotrap | 782 words added |
| Feb 18 2007, 7:06 PM EST | spotrap | 14 words deleted |
Changes
Key: Additions Deletions
What is a door sensor?
A sensor (in its simplest form) is a metal switch, fitted to the doorframe that is kept closed by a magnet fitted to the door. In most cases these are fitted flush into the frame and door but some are fitted surface. Heavy Duty contacts can be fitted to large doors (e.g.garages) and special contacts are available for Roller Shutters.
What is a P.I.R?
A P.I.R or Passive Infrared is a device that detects infrared movement (heat). It is the most common form of movement detection fitted to an Intruder Alarm system.
Because the detectors are 'passive' they detect rather than emit infra-red energy. P.I.R Detectors can cover ranges over 60 meters.
What is a Quad P.I.R?
A Quad P.I.R is very much like the standard P.I.R but uses two circuits instead of one (each circuit is 'Dual Element', hence 'Quad'). These types of detector are far more resistant to causes of false alarms e.g. draughts, small animals and insects etc.
What is a shock sensor?
This is a small device usually fitted to a window or doorframe, properly known as a seismic detector. This detects vibration caused when a door or window is attacked.
Are there other types of detectors?
Yes. There are many other types of detection devices that can be connected to alarms. Glass Break detection, Smoke detection, Ultrasonic, InfraRed beams and Lace Wiring are just a few. A detection device can be found to suit any situation.
How does a security system work?
The main central control system is the control panel. All the individual sensors are connected to the master control panel from various protected areas throughout your home or office. The master control system receives signals from all the sensors and on detecting a problem transmits the signal to the central monitoring station. The central Station then dispatches the proper authorities if necessary. To learn about how Buffalo Alarm responds to alarm conditions see section “Monitoring” What devices can be monitored by an alarm system? Some of the systems that can be monitored are Smoke & Fire Detectors, Panic buttons, Freezer monitors, Low temperature sensors, High temperature sensors, Window contacts, Wireless key remotes, Glass break detectors, Carbon Monoxide detectors, Water Level detectors. Please call us to enquire about the complete list of services we provide.
What if I have pets? We have motion sensors that can be specifically set so that a pet under a certain weight and size will not trigger the alarm. The sensors use state of the art dual sensor technology located in the motion detector which is able to distinguish pet’s characteristics against those of human beings.
What is PIR ? PIR stands for Passive Infrared which detects the movement of infrared energy. This sensor along with a motion detector is able to pick up rapid change in temperature and motion and notifies the central control panel to transmit the signal to the central monitoring station. The device gets activated when the console is in the “AWAY” mode, in the “STAY” mode the unit is deactivated allowing for freedom of movement when you are home.
What kind of sensors are connected to the master control panel?
Sensors can include magnetic contacts, glass breakage sensors, interior detectors such as passive infrared motion detectors, which detect motion and body heat. Other detectors can sense a drop in temperature (freezer protection), the presence of carbon monoxide, water leaks, fire and smoke or even a change in humidity in the wine cooler. The possibilities are endless. Is my system fully functional all the time?
Your smoke detectors, panic buttons, flood detectors, temperature alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and tamper switches are functional all the time. You have the ability to arm and disarm the burglar portion of your system. Can the system be disarmed when at home in the evening?
Yes, arming your system in "STAY MODE" disarms the interior motion detector(s).
I want someone to be able to arm my system without giving them my code? The Quick-Arm feature can be used to program the system by using the "#" + Function buttons to arm in the Away, Stay or Instant modes.
What are points of protection? What are Zones? Points of protection are individual devices for detecting and opening or any other condition. Zones are groups of protection points. The more zones the master control has the more complicated the system and the cost increases.
What is a magnetic contact?
This is a device that protects doors and windows. There are two parts to it, one part of the contact is a switch installed in the door jam or window frame, the other part is a magnet installed in the door or window itself. The switch signals an alarm when the magnet moves away from the switch. Will Central Monitoring Station receive an alarm signal if the system is not armed?
Yes and No. We will from your fire alarm and environmental devices that are always on, but we will not receive a signal from your burglar alarm system unless it is "armed". How long does it take my alarm system to contact the Central Monitoring Station?
The alarm system is designed to have a delay time for the alarm user. The delay time is set to the user time to disarm the system to prevent false alarm conditions. This time is set at the time of installation and ranges between 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
Can you turn off my system remotely?
No; for security, we cannot do it. The only way it can be turned off is through the keypad(s) located in your home.
How does the motion sensor work?
See “how a PIR works” to know more about it. How does a glass break sensor work? There are two types of glass break sensors, “acoustic” sensors and “shock” sensors. The acoustic sensors are mounted on walls or ceilings and detect sounds of breaking glass in a window or door. The shock sensors are mounted on the window and detect the shock generated from the breaking of glass. A glass break sensor can detect an intruder while he is still outside your home.
