There are hundreds of different types of security systemsand components on the market today. Furthermore, there are many terms andexpressions used to describe the security system components, their operationand features. As the Security Industry grows, it is evident that thereconfusion regarding security systems among Police Departments, the InsuranceIndustry, the Building Trades, Property Management, Engineers, Architectsand the General Public. The purpose of this guide is to standardize commonlyused terms and expressions of the Security Industry into simpler terms.   

AA LISTING: The term "AA" onlyapplies to the standard (type) of telephone line transmission between thecustomer location and the CENTRAL or MONITORING STATION. There is no "AA"listing for the CENTRAL/MONITORING STATION, the "AA" refers to the levelof the ULC CERTIFICATE for an individual customer using the approved typeof transmission.   

ALARM SYSTEM: A group of components including INPUTDEVICES, a CONTROL PANEL and OUTPUT DEVICES installed so as to minimizeloss from Burglary, Vandalism, Fire, etc.   

ARM: To turn on the ALARM SYSTEM, so that whenan intrusion occurs, an OUTPUT DEVICE is activated.   

BATTERY: This is a standby sourceof power for the ALARM SYSTEM in the event of a power failure. The BATTERYis usually rechargeable once normal power is restored.   

BYPASS: To temporarily de-activate a portion ofthe INPUT DEVICES, so as not to trigger the ALARM SYSTEM while ARMED. Thisis usually done in homes so that MOTION SENSORS can be shut off to allowmovement by the occupants, while the system is ARMED.   

CANASA: The CANADIAN ALARM andSECURITY ASSOCIATION. The non-profit public service association representingthe electronic security industry in Canada.   

CELLULAR BACK-UP: An OUTPUT DEVICE which is triggeredby the loss (cutting) of the protected premises telephone line. Upon activation,the CELLULAR BACK-UP transmits the alarm signal to the MONITORING STATIONvia the cellular telephone network. This is used as an alternative to DIRECTLINES.   

CENTRAL STATION: A facility to provide monitoringservices of remote customers premises where ALARM SYSTEMS are installedwhich automatically signal in the event of an intrusion, fire or otherincident. All activities are recorded and acted upon by trained operatorsand guards on duty at all times (ULC Standard S301-M88).   

CONTROL PANEL: Also known as the "Processor" or"CPU", this is the electronic brains of the security system. All of theINPUT DEVICES are connected here for processing. Upon receipt of an intrusionsignal from an INPUT DEVICE, the CONTROL PANEL will process the signaland in turn trigger an OUTPUT DEVICE which is connected to the ALARM SYSTEM.The CONTROL PANEL is made up of various circuitry boards which are mountedinside a protective metal housing. The CONTROL PANEL box is large enoughto accommodate a back-up BATTERY, as well as a number of wires that havebeen run from various INPUT and OUTPUT DEVICES. The CONTROL PANEL comesin different ZONE configurations, usually 6, 8, 16 and more ZONES dependingon the number of INPUT DEVICES. Ideally, it is best to have one ZONE perINPUT DEVICE.   

DELAY ZONE: Any ZONE that afterit has been violated or opened, waits a predetermined amount of time beforetriggering an alarm condition. This usually refers to the door that isused for authorized entry into the premises by the user. The delay allowstime to DISARM before the alarm is triggered.   

DIGITAL CODE PAD: See KEYPAD.   

DIGITAL COMMUNICATOR: An OUTPUT DEVICE, which uponactivation from the CONTROL PANEL transmits a signal to the MONITORINGSTATION via the existing subscribers telephone line. The DIGITAL COMMUNICATORis a popular method of transmitting intrusion signals due to the ease ofinstallation and the low cost of not requiring a special DIRECT LINE telephonecircuit. A drawback of this is that if the telephone line is cut at thesubscribers' premises, no signal will be sent to the MONITORING STATION.   

DIRECT LINE: Also known as Dedicated Line and DirectWire. This is a special BC TEL circuit installed between the premises ALARMSYSTEM and the MONITORING STATION. This is a SUPERVISED telephone linewhich means that if it is cut or tampered with, the MONITORING STATIONwill be alerted and take appropriate action. The DIRECT LINE is normallyinstalled in Higher Security Premises such as Financial Institutions, Jewelleryand Fur Stores, Gun Shops, and premises requiring a ULC CERTIFICATE.   

DISARM: To turn off or de-activate the ALARM SYSTEM.   

DUALTEC MOTION SENSOR: A MOTION SENSOR which utilizesmore than one sensing technology to initiate an alarm condition. A usualcombination is a Passive Infrared (PIR) combined with Microwave or an UltraSonicdetector. These INPUT DEVICES are usually more stable and less likely toencounter a FALSE ALARM CONDITION.   

DVACS: A network Telephone system provided by B.C.Telto the Alarm companies. This network allows for continuous interrogationof the ALARM SYSTEM by the MONITORING STATION. DVACS meets the "AA" ULCcertification standards and is becoming widely used and is replacing mostother forms of DIRECT WIRE.   

FALSE ALARM CONDITION: A situationwhere an Alarm Signal is triggered without any intrusion attempt. Somecauses of this are user error, telephone line trouble and equipment malfunction.   

GLASS BREAKAGE DETECTOR: An INPUTDEVICE which is triggered off by the sound of breaking glass.   

GOVERNMENT LICENSED: All security companies inB.C. must be licensed with the Ministry of the Attorney-Generals' SecurityPrograms Division. Also, all Installation, Sales, and Monitoring personnelmust hold a Security Employee's License.   

HEAT DETECTOR: An INPUT DEVICEused for Fire Detection, which is triggered off by a rapid rate of temperaturerise and/or the temperature reaching a fixed high point. Usual fixed temperaturepoints are 135, 180 and 200 degrees F.   

HOLD-UP BUTTON: A manually activated button thatwhen pressed will send a silent signal to the MONITORING STATION. Usedmostly in stores for use in a hold-up situation.   

ID CODE: A number or password,unique to each alarm user, which identifies that user over the telephoneto the MONITORING STATION. It is also known as a PIN (personal identificationnumber)CODE. This ID CODE is most often used when the user accidentallytriggers the ALARM SYSTEM.   

INPUT DEVICE: Any devices designed to detect anintruder. These devices when triggered will report to the CONTROL PANELof the ALARM SYSTEM. Commonly used INPUT DEVICES are MAGNETIC CONTACTS,GLASS BREAKAGE DETECTORS, MOTION SENSORS, DUALTEC MOTION SENSORS PHOTOELECTRICBEAMS, SMOKE DETECTORS and HEAT DETECTORS.   

KEYPAD: A keyboard type deviceused for entering a numerical code to ARM or DISARM the ALARM SYSTEM. SomeKEYPADS have the capability to have multiple numeric codes to accommodateseveral users.   

KEY SERVICE: A service provided by the OperatingAlarm Company where keys are held to permit immediate access to the protectedpremises.   

LOCAL ALARM SYSTEM: An ALARM SYSTEMthat when triggered will only trip a SIREN or similar device on it's ownpremises. It does not transmit a signal to a MONITORING STATION.   

MAGNETIC CONTACTS: This is theperimeter protection for the premises. The magnetic contact is usuallyinstalled in exterior opening doors and windows that are reachable fromthe ground . The contacts operate on the principle that when the door orwindow moves more than 1/2"from the frame , the magnetic field on the switchis removed and this breaks the alarm circuit (or zone) which trips offthe system. Once tripped the alarm signal cannot be stopped by just closingthe door or window. Magnetic contacts are popular because they detect anintruder before he enters the protected premises. A disadvantage is thatthe contact can be compromised if the intruder enters without opening thedoor or window by breaking out the glass.   

MONITORED ALARM SYSTEM: An ALARM SYSTEM that whentriggered, transmits a signal or message to a MONITORING STATION.   

MONITORING STATION: This facility is the same asthe CENTRAL STATION, however there is no requirement for guards to be onduty (ULC Standard S301-M88).   

MOTION SENSORS: An INPUT DEVICE,the motion sensorworks on the principle of sensing infrared energy (heat) emitting froman intruders body moving through a protected area.The MOTION SENSOR iscommonly referred to as a "PIR", which stands for Passive Infrared. Thesensor usually covers a 40'x40'open area at a 90 degree angle. The sensoris more sensitive to movement perpendicular to it rather than to &from it. The unit should be installed in a location where there will bea `cross-catch' across it's pattern. The Motion Sensor will not detectintruders through walls, glass, furniture or any other solid objects. Ifthe customer has pets, a special PET ALLEY LENS is utilized. The Pet AlleyLens mounts at about light switch height and creates a blind spot to allowpets to wander around underneath.   

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS: This isan additional service provided for MONITORED ALARMS. Each time the ALARMSYSTEM is ARMED and DISARMED, the MONITORING STATION receives a separatesignal as to the time of day and the person who does it. The informationis recorded and, if the system is not ARMED at the regular closing time,the client is notified. If the system is DISARMED at an irregular time(middle of the night), the client and/or the police is notified.   

OUTPUT DEVICE: Devices which alert other peoplein the event of an intrusion or alarm condition. These include SIRENS,Bells, DIGITAL COMMUNICATORS, STROBE LIGHTS and Buzzers.   

PHOTOELECTRIC BEAMS: This is anINPUT DEVICE that is made up of a two part set of detectors that emit afine invisible beam between them. The unit is triggered if the beam isinterrupted by an intruder passing through it.   

PIR: See MOTION SENSORS.   

SIREN: An audible OUTPUT DEVICEinstalled at the subscribers' premises. The SIREN sounds a high pitchedwarbling tone, similar to a Police Car. It's purpose is to deter the intruderand draw attention to the premises. Bells can also be used as an alternative.   

SMOKE DETECTOR: An INPUT DEVICE used for Fire Detectionwhich is triggered off by smoke. The two main types of SMOKE DETECTOR arePhotoelectric and Ionization.   

STROBE LIGHT: An OUTPUT DEVICE that is bright flashinglight. The unit is mounted on the exterior of the premises to help directauthorities to the location.   

SUPERVISED: Normally refers to wiring which, whencut or tampered with, will notify someone of the tampering.   

TOUCHPAD: See KEYPAD.   

ULC: Underwriter Laboratories'of Canada. ULC is the standards and testing organization recognized bythe Standards Council of Canada and the Insurance Industry as the authorityfor the development and publication of National Standards for the Securityand Fire Alarm Industry.   

ULC LISTING: The ULC publish a list of approvedequipment as well as approved CENTRAL and MONITORING STATIONS which areauthorized to install, service and monitor ULC certified ALARM SYSTEMS.   

ULC CERTIFICATE: A certificate is issued by theULC to recognize that a particular installed customer ALARM SYSTEM meetsthe requirements for a specified type and grade of certificate. Certificatesare issued in the following categories:   

- CENTRAL STATION - FULL SERVICE MONITORING STATION -MONITORING STATION - SHARED SERVICE MONITORING STATION - LOCAL - RESIDENTIAL   

There are various other categories under these main headingsthat indicate the level of protection installed, and the means of signaltransmission. The ULC Standards can provide further information on Certificationlevels.   

WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEMS: An ALARMSYSTEM that uses INPUT DEVICES that report to the CONTROL PANEL withoutthe use of wires. The INPUT DEVICES use radio frequency transmitters torelay signals to the CONTROL PANEL.   

ZONE: An ALARM SYSTEM with manyINPUT DEVICES is often separated into a number of areas called ZONES. EachZone is numbered and has a corresponding Light (LED) which when illuminatedmeans that ZONE is insecure (ie. that particular door or window is open)