Burglar Alarm terms and definitions

Alarms systems are complex systems for most people, The difference in parts and what they do is another language to most alarm users. We have set up the list of common terms for alarm users to be able to identify parts of their alarms.

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Terms

"Strobe" This is the blue light that is normally installed at the front of the building to draw attention in the event of an alarm

"Panic Button"  This is a small button that is used in an emergency or hold up, Other places have then too, in the event of trouble of fire. This button once pressed send a signal to the control center for urgent action

"Security Sticker" A small sticker used to warn people that the premises is alarmed and any entry will activate the alarm

"Panel"- This is the metal "box" that holds the alarm circuit board the main part of the alarm system, Most alarms also back up battery inside your alarm

"Keypad"- This is the part of your alarm you use to enter your code to arm or disarm the system, and to see which area caused an alarm.

"Zone"- This is an area you have alarmed on your alarm system, For example "the front hall" this would be called a zone and is covered by a alarm detector that has been allocated a zone number

"User Code" Your alarm can be armed and disarmed with a standard code. You can also use your alarm code to perform different functions, such as turn zones on and off, or install new user codes

"Away Mode" - This simply means that when you turn your alarm system "on", all zones, so all areas of the alarm system will be armed

"Stay Mode" - With stay arming, only the perimeter devices (door and window contacts, glass break detectors) are activated, and not the interior devices (motion sensors).  This allows you to arm your system while you are in your home, without tripping the motion sensors. Ideal for people who need security around the home when they sleep

"Hard Wired"- All alarm parts need to communicate with the alarm panel, Hard wired means you have wires connecting the two devices so they can communicate. Hard wired means you don't have to keep changing batteries every few months

"Pre-Wired"- This is a turn given to an alarm installation that has been done in two stages, When a home is built or renovated, it is much quicker to install the cables when the place us not completely built, This saves time and money. This pre alarm installation is called "pre Wired"

"Wireless Receiver" and "Wireless Devices"- The wireless receiver is a device attached to the "panel" which communicates with any of the wireless devices (motion sensors, door sensors, etc) that you may have installed.   Wireless devices require batteries to operate, which obviously need to be replaced with time, which can sometimes have a negative affect on the performance of your alarm.  Alarm technicians can replace the batteries and service the devices which a fee and service call charge. 

"Cellular Monitoring"- Usually used as a backup to regular phone monitoring.  In the event of an alarm, your alarm system will attempt to send the signal through your regular phone line.  If it does not detect a dial tone, it automatically switches to the cellular transmitter, and makes a "cell phone call" to the monitoring station.  This system is not 100% effective but dose provide a backup to regular telephone lines

"Radio Monitoring"- Similar to cellular monitoring, with the back up signal sent by radio waves. This type of alarm setup is far more expensive to use and setup.
 

"SMS Monitoring"- This is when you have your alarm panel programmed to send you an sms notification in the event of an alarm being activated. This is a cheaper alternative to back to base monitoring, SMS monitoring is not the same as back to base monitoring

"Partition"- This is the term given to an alarm system that has been split into two or more areas. For example your alarm on your house and you alarm in your garage, You can use one alarm system and have a partition so you can use each part individually

"Expand, Expandable Zones"- If you have an alarm system and you have run out of room to install new devices, you can use an expansion zone adaptor, This will increases the amount of zones you can have on your alarm without having to change the alarm system to a larger alarm system. This is not compatible with all alarms

" Monitored Alarm" This is the turn given to an alarm system that has been connected with a central control room who monitored the alarm incase of the alarm activation, The monitoring center also can inform you of troubles your alarm might have that you are not aware of, for example if your batter is going low and need replacement, Of if one of your alarm zones is not activating. Most monitoring centers also have security guards on staff to attend any alarm that could be triggered in the event of a robbery. Monitoring services are addition expenses and not included in the alarm installation.