FAQ
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Alarm Questions
Alarm systems are fitted with batteries which can keep the system running for up to 24 hours during a mains failure. During a power cut the keypad will beep and the mains light will flash to indicate a problem. If the system is monitored a signal will be sent to monitoring which will notify them of a mains failure. If the alarm is set it will remain set, if it is unset it will remain unset. If the battery is flat or faulty the system will down-power. A PIN code may be required on mains restore. Fortunately the programming and codes will still be kept in the memory.
Not necessarily, although a sensor is recommended in a room which has:
- Anything of high value such as a laptop, television, etc.
- An easy access or escape such as doors, windows, balcony or fire escape
- A history of attempted break-ins
Usually, rooms which have no entry or exit route or no high value assets such as kitchens, bathrooms, meeting rooms, conference rooms etc do not require a sensor. On the other hand, areas which are extremely vulnerable or have high value assets may need two sensors of different technology, such as Glassbreak detector/Vibration sensor plus a PIR detector. This way an alarm is generated before entry has been gained.
As a precaution, it is recommended that batteries are replaced every 3 years, however, depending on the type of battery and frequency of power cuts, batteries can last from anywhere between 2 – 5 years. It is recommended that your security system is maintained on an annual basis to ensure the system is operational and the battery is healthy.
Many older monitoring connections still use an analog phone line. This method is being phased out with the increasing number of VDSL and Fibre connections. If you are upgrading to fibre it is recommended that you contact Fortress Security and we will provide options including GSM monitoring or IP monitoring.
False alarms are usually caused by PIR’s detecting heat movement from something other than people, such as:
- Insects or spiders: If they walk close enough to the lens, the PIR will activate, some are even found inside the detector. The best way to minimise this is to keep the PIR clean and free of cobwebs.
- Pets: If you are leaving your pets in the house when you arm the alarm you must ensure that Pet-Immune PIR’s are installed.
- Direct sunlight: PIR detectors must be positioned away from direct sunlight during installation.
- Open fireplaces: Heat can be generated from open fires long after the fire has been extinguished. PIR detectors must be positioned away from open fires during installation.
- Harsh environments: Rooms such as workshops, warehouses or garages can attract drafts which can cause standard PIR’s to false activate. Dual-technology (PIR and Microwave) detectors are recommended in harsh environments, where heat movement of a solid object is required to cause the sensor to trigger.
Just a simple phone call or email to us is all it takes. In addition, Fortress Monitoring customers can login to their Monitoring account, where logs can be viewed, and response plans can be updated either permanently or temporarily at the click of a button.
Yes, the installer will demonstrate how to do this when the system is installed. You will also be given a user-friendly manual which clearly outlines the procedure.
Yes, they can… if you have pets we will design the system using Pet-immune detectors – these are immune to pets for a weight of up to 45KG’s. This means you can leave your pets indoors while the system is armed.
CCTV Questions
Analogue systems can be cheaper than IP systems – High definition analogue systems (often named HDCVI or HD Analogue) are comparable in quality to high definition IP systems, but are usually marginally cheaper if installed in smaller applications.
Analogue Systems can use existing Coax cable – HD analogue cameras can be cabled using your existing coax cable without the need for converters.
Analogue systems are restricted in size – HD analogue systems are more commonly used in smaller applications such as residential or retail and require each cable to be wired back directly to the recorder.
IP systems can use the existing network infrastructure – Unlike analogue cameras, IP cameras don’t have to be wired back directly to the recording device, they can be wired to the nearest network hub or switch and the existing network infrastructure can be used to carry video signals to the NVR, eliminating the need for un-necessary wiring.
IP systems have superior wireless capabilities – IP cameras have the flexibility to integrate with a wireless network and are virtually unlimited in terms of expansion. Analogue wireless cameras use radio frequencies and are limited to about sixteen cameras before they reach full capacity
IP Systems can accommodate a wider variety of camera technology – There is a wider variety of IP cameras i.e. PTZ cameras, 360-degree (fisheye) cameras, Panoramic cameras etc, which are not currently available in HD analogue.
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. It is a television system that operates on a “closed loop” basis. Unlike broadcast television, which is available to anyone with a suitable receiver, CCTV pictures are only available to those connected to the loop. However, the acronym is still commonly used for IP Video systems.
By connecting your CCTV system to an internet connection, it is possible to view your cameras from virtually anywhere, as long as there’s a data connection on your Smart device, or an Internet connection on your PC or Mac.
If an internet connection is unavailable at your CCTV recorder Fortress Security can provide an option for a 4G router which can achieve connectivity from an active SIM card.
It is always best to ensure the camera field of view is adequately lit, however, with the introduction of Infra-Red (IR), lighting is not essential. Many cameras now have built-in IR illuminators which claim to produce effective images in zero light conditions for distances up to 80metres.
An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) can be in installed as part of your CCTV system’s hardware. A UPS is basically a battery backup and is a cost-effective way of ensuring your CCTV system has enough power to keep running in the event of a power cut. A UPS Also acts as a surge protection unit and regulates the supply to the equipment, reducing the risk of damage from electrical surges or spikes.
Acess Control Questions
There are many different types of electronic locks to suit the application in which they are installed. In most cases the site needs to be surveyed prior to choosing the types of lock as circumstances such as type (single/double/inward opening/outward opening, bi-fold, roller), construction material (wood/aluminium), location (internal/external) and size, needs to be assessed before implementing the final design.
Biometric systems are usually more secure than the standard Proximity reader. A Proximity card can be lost or stolen, and a PIN can be announced or viewed.
Biometric readers are usually more expensive than proximity readers and they can be more labour intensive when setting up.
The big advantage of Proximity over Biometric technologies lies in its simplicity. There are no moving parts, no mechanical wear, no slots, and no read heads to maintain. The reader can be concealed inside walls or special enclosures and poses even fewer problems when surface-mounted because it has no opening with which to jam or tamper.
Proximity cards can be easily deleted or void from the system which instantly disables the user from accessing any doors. Cards can be made void through the system’s keypad or through the management software. If the system is set-up for remote off-site connection the card can be deleted remotely without the need for a visit to site. It is recommended that the card is not carried with ID badges (which could potentially display details of the premises), and that the loss or theft of a card is reported immediately.
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