Security and Alarm Systems Blog

We have a very good understanding of what makes a security control panel desirable to the end-user, and this is a list that I came across today explaining why the DMP XR500N is a great option for commercial applications. The integration options are phenomenal with this panel. Read below for the list of features I’m referring to:

System Link ™ Enables remote XR500N programming and control.
XR500N Advanced, integrated control panel for access control, fire, and intrusion detection.
714 Loop expander adds four Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
714-8 Loop expander adds eight Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
714-16 Loop expander adds 16 Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
716 Output expander module provides four programmable Form C relays and four zone-following annunciator outputs for a variety of output applications.
734 Wiegand interface module integrates the use of Wiegand-type access control readers and door strikes.
5455 Prox ProII card reader for proximity credentials.

the State of California has been cracking down on unlicensed contractors for years. Now, the Department of Consumer Affairs offers an “Inquire before you hire” website offering information to enable consumers to hire licensed contractors. A section of the website even has horror stories from people who hired unlicensed contractors, which includes a story about an electrician who was caught installing spy cameras in peoples bathrooms.

In the Security Industry, there is a different spin to this problem, however. This is because sub-contracting is an industry standard, where you might sign a contract with ABS security company, who then hires Joe Smith to install the system. There are very few companies who don’t practice this in the security industry. It is important to verify that your security company is licensed AND that they are going to have their own employees install your system.

We have an Alarm Company Operator Permit and a C-10 electrical license. Its not easy obtaining these, but we enjoy having the support of our state behind our business.

We have noticed a spike in the need for businesses to protect the data centers or server rooms in their offices, especially in Irvine and San Diego, California. There are several forms of security we offer in this area. The most common needs involve a door access control system, so that only authorized personnel may enter the room. There is also a helpful option in surveillance, where the server room is secure by recording the area with security cameras. Often times, it is possible to add door access equipment long with an existing security system, which will save you a good amount of money. Another great addition to server room security is a temperature sensor. Everyone knows that computers generate heat, yet they are also sensitive to high temperatures, so it is important to keep your server room temperature controlled. If the server room’s temperature reaches a certain temperature, a signal will be sent through your security system, and you will be notified immediately. This will keep your data safe, and prevent a gigantic headache, or even worse a complete loss of your companies information.

If you are interested in a free consultation, call us at (800) 577-2527.

In a case that will likely change the face of the security industry (in a good way), a settlement by a nationwide alarm company will offer refunds to over 1,200 customers who bought security systems from unlicensed salespeople. Attention was drawn to the sales force for this security company when Washington county was flooded with complaints of “pushy” salespeople.

This is the first time I have heard of any refunds being offered to customers based on a company not being licensed, and some experts have even claimed that any contract signed by an unlicensed alarm salesperson could be void.

What does it mean to be licensed? Well, the security industry is one which is obligated to exclude people with a felony, misdemeanor or any questionable judgments in their past. This is for obvious reasons. An Alarm license involves a background check. Most companies (i hope) get their state’s proper alarm licenses for their installers and managers, but there are some companies that choose to bypass this procedure.

In my own experience, it costs about $100 per employee, and takes as long as 6-9 months. But, California is not known for having a speedy administration.

There is a secret that not many people know, and it is a way to get much more out of your security system. The secret is that almost any sensor or electrical measurement component can be wired into a security system. This allows for an almost limitless array of add-ons, but specifically for you there are probably only a few.

An almost universal add-on is a panic button. We have added many panic buttons into existing security systems here in the San Diego area. Most offices have a lobby with a desk, so it makes sense to put a panic button under that desk to notify the police as soon as a situation begins.

Other add-ons we have installed are very specific to an industry or need. In one case, we installed temperature monitoring sensors in massive refrigeration units to detect when a refrigerator has failed, and needs to be fixed. This install was for a major food distributor, and it saves them thousands in lost inventory when a refrigerator fails because the food can be moved quickly and saved from exposure to heat. What is great about this is that we were able to save then money by tying their specialty sensors into their security system. This arrangement allowed them to avoid having to purchase an entirely new system.

Another case where a security system add-on helped a customer was for a maritime museum in San Diego. There are two boats the have fire systems. They are floating in the harbor, and have visitors daily, so a fire system is a requirement. However, they also need to know if the ships are taking in water. We installed water sensors at the bottom to give an early notification if there maybe a leak. Again, this is tied into a Fire Alarm system, so our customers didn’t have to buy an entirely new system.

Call us today if you would like to talk about adding some specialty equipment to your existing system, or if you need a security system in San Diego or across California.

Many City and County police departments now fine households when the police are dispatched due to a false alarm. The cause of the false alarm can be from faulty equipment, operator error, pets set off security system, or a number of other causes. All will lead to a fine. This makes it so much more important to do business with a reputable security installation company. Ask to see their state license, and ask for a clients list.

After the system is installed, false alarms can be prevented by putting time and thought into your call list. If the central station only has your cell phone, and the line is busy, then the next step is to send the police. But, if your list includes your home phone number, spouse’s cell phone, your cell phone, and several neighbors or friends, then there’s a much better chance that a false alarm will be caught by someone before the police are sent. The video below is definitely worth watching if you wish to learn more about false alarms.

I just came across a comprehensive study of five years of statistics by researchers at the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) in Newark, New Jersey. Their research found that residential burglar alarm systems decrease crime. While other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarm systems. Other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarm systems or displace burglaries to other cities, this is the first study to focus on alarm systems while scientifically ruling out other factors that could have impacted the crime rate.

Specifically, a house with a burglar alarm system installed is less likely to be burglarized. The study also found that a neighborhood with more houses with security systems installed is targeted less by burglars. One of main reasons the study attributes lower burglary rates to homes with security systems is the availability of higher technology equipment in home alarm systems. In recent years, security equipment that was only in the price range of commercial security applications a few years ago.

Of course it is common sense that if a burglar sees a house with a security system sign, they are going to burglarize their neighbor with no security. However, this study looks at several areas that go beyond common sense, and dives into the probabilities of burglary in certain neighborhoods. If you would like to view the full report, click here.