Abort
Discontinues the
transmission of an alarm signal, and/or signals the monitoring centre to
disregard an alarm signal. This feature allows the system user to reduce false
alarms if the system is accidentally tripped.
Absorption
The property of materials such as carpeting, drapes,
clothing, acoustic ceilings, weatherstripping, etc., to absorb shock and/or
sound waves. It affects the manner in which certain sensors (such as audio
discriminatory and/or glass breaks, etc.) can be used or set.
AC Line Noise
Electrical noise of a rapidly alternating or pulsating
nature that can "mask" signals received by the panel and/or disrupt panel
memory. This problem is dealt with by installing a line choke on the A.C. power
supply line.
Access Control
Any means of limiting entry into an area and/or building.
A common usage would be a card that controlled access to a parking garage.
Account
(And/or Monitored Account) is a location at which Intercept has
installed a security system and is providing monitoring service. The
accumulation of accounts is Intercept's sole reason for existence.
Acoustics
How sound travels in a certain area is called the acoustics of a room. It
affects how audio discriminatory sensors can be placed in that room.
Active
Detector
A detector that transmits energy in order to perform its detection
function, (for example, photoelectric beams, ultrasonics, microwaves, etc.), as
opposed to passive detectors, such as a motion sensor (which uses infrared). As
a general rule, active detectors are not used in wireless systems due to their
energy draw .
Alarm
Signal a Panel generates when responding to activation of a
sensor
Alarm Screen
A window screen with fine insulated wires, either woven
into or sewn onto the screen fabric, and connected in such a way that cutting
the screen or removing it, will trip the alarm.
Alarm Signal
A signal sent out by the main control unit, indicating that
a sensor has indicated unauthorized activities.
Alignment
The proper aiming of a motion sensor to cover the intended
area, while at the same time, paying particular attention to any
environmental concerns that could lead to false alarms.
Arm Away
The alarm system reacts to all signals received from sensors
that indicate any movement within the protected premises. Usage would be when
no one would be at the premises.
Arm Home
The alarm system only reacts to signals received from sensors
that are programmed into the system as perimeter protection. It is designed to
alert the alarm user to any unauthorized access to the premises, while at the
same time allowing free movement inside the premises. Usage in a residential
setting would be at night, when everyone is in bed, and no access to the
premises is anticipated.
Armed
An alarm system that has been instructed to look for intrusion as well as
environmental trips. An example would be an unarmed system that will still
respond to a fire alarm, but which would not respond to a motion sensor being
tripped.
Audible Alarm
An alarm that makes a noise as well as sending a
signal to the monitoring centre, as opposed to a silent alarm. It is Intercept
policy to strongly recommend that an audible alarm be installed as the noise
forms a deterrent.
Audio Discriminator
A detector that triggers an alarm when it detects a
certain type of noise or any noise. The main problem with depending on this
type of sensor, is that there is only chance to be right. If the sensor misses
the initial noise of the break-in, it does not have a second chance to detect
it. Also, in order for this type of detector to work, the area being protected
must be violently broken into. Crawling in an open window, or jemmying a lock
will not set it off. It is Intercept policy to never recommend exclusive use of
this technology in protecting a location.
Back Up Battery
Reserve power source in case of primary (AC) power loss.
It is Intercept policy to make a rechargeable battery, a part of every system
sold.
Blind Area
In referring to a motion detector, this indicates areas that
are blocked out due to physical obstructions located between the motion detector
and the whole space. An example would be using a motion detector to protect a
garage, and then parking a big truck in front of the sensor.
Burn In
The preliminary operation of an alarm system to help stabilizes its electrical
characteristics after manufacture. An example would be when an alarm system is
put on a seven (7) day "burn in," or test period before being put "on line."
Bypass (TO)
Overriding the alarm's safety features. With keyfobs there is
an audible "buzzing" sound when someone arms the system. When something is open
or not checking in, the system can be "bypassed" or "overridden" and armed by
pushing the Arm button again quickly. After this is done, the normal beeps
should sound. This is not a recommended procedure because if a window or a door
is left open, and it then blows shut -- opening it again will cause the system
to treat the occurrence as an alarm.
Casement Windows
A type of window that hinges outward and is usually
opened with a crank. It is often difficult to mount contact on this type of
window especially if customers want a fresh air feature.
CCTV
Closed Circuit Television.
Certified Alarm System
An alarm system that has been certified by
Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.), or Underwriters Laboratories Canada (U.L.C.)
to meet certain standards depending upon usage. This is a very complicated
field.
Check-In
A signal sent from a transmitter to the panel telling the panel the status of
the transmitter (for example, if it is opened or closed, whether or not it has a
low battery, etc.). The panel listens for each transmitter that has been taught
to check-in with it on a regular basis, and if the panel does not receive a
check-in signal from that transmitter, the panel will contact the central
Emergency Response Centre and transmit a supervisory report. The account is
then flagged with a "restore report within 48 hours" condition. If this is not
received, a direct follow-up with the customer, and most likely, a service call
is necessary.
Closing Signal
A signal sent to the central Emergency
Response Centre, usually in a commercial setting, indicating that the premises
have been secured at the close of business. For an extra fee, Intercept can
provide opening and closing reports to those customers who want them.
Commercial Alarm
An alarm installed in a commercial or business location
as opposed to a residential alarm. Please see Residential Alarm.
Compromise
To defeat or bypass an alarm system, or any part of it.
Contact
A switch, which can be either magnetic or mechanical, which is
hooked up to a transmitter.
Control Panel
Please see Panel.
Decibel
A measure of how loud something is.
Defeat
To bypass an alarm system or any part of it.
Delay
A feature of some alarm systems that permits locating the Arm/Disarm control
inside the protected premises. When entering or exiting through a prearranged
means, the alarm system waits the preprogrammed time delay cycle before going
into duty, or alarm mode, as the case may be. The use of this feature does not
allow an alarm system to be used to its full extent as an immediate
acknowledgment of an intrusion is a very effective deterrent. Please see
Pre-Entry Protection.
Detector
Any device that senses the presence of an
intruder, an intrusion attempt, fire, smoke, or any other condition, and which
is hooked up to a transmitter that transmits a "trip" when such a condition is
detected.
Deterrent
Anything that discourages a break-in, such as having an alarm
system installed in such a way that it is easy to see. Stickers and lawn signs
on the outside of the premises are also a very effective deterrent.
Dialler
Also known as a digital communicator, the dialler is a device
that can connect the panel with the central Emergency Response Centre through
the phone line. A dialler is an essential part of every alarm system that
Intercept sells. Another type of Dialler is a voice dialler, which uses a tape
recorded voice to transmit the message verbally, instead of transmitting the
message digitally. Due to the length of the transmission and the possibility of
errors, it is not Intercept's policy to use or recommend voice diallers.
Direct Connect
An electric current that flows in one direction only. Batteries providing
direct current provide "clean" power. Most alarm equipment operates on D.C.
current. Public power provides alternating current, and it is the transformer
that "transforms" A.C. power into D.C. power to power alarm equipment.
Disarm
To instruct an alarm system not to react to alarms as it normally
would in an armed state.
Double Hung Window
An older type of window design, in which the lower
sash can be raised and the upper sash lowered. Usually, these windows have to
be "split" to protect both sashes.
Drop
Usually, as in "Phone Drop." It refers to the wire running from
the main phone lines into the premises. This line is what people usually worry
about when they worry about their phone lines being cut prior to a break-in.
Duress Switch
Also known as a silent panic, this is a device that will
trigger a silent alarm, while at the same time ensuring that there is no
indication of an alarm having been triggered at the premises.
Entry Exit Delay
Please see Delay.
Environmental Considerations
Factors that must be considered in
determining the correct location for situating alarm detectors so as to provide
proper protection while at the same time minimizing the risk of false alarms.
Of particular concern with motion sensors, factors to be considered include
humidity, temperature, swaying objects, plants, animals, etc.
Environmental Sensors
Sensors that operate even if the alarm system is
in a disarmed state (for example, temperature alerts, smoke detectors, A.C.
power loss, and phone line loss).
Exit Delay
Please see Delay.
Failure To Alarm
A fault or problem existing in an
alarm system that prevents the detection of a dangerous condition, such as an
intrusion. An example would be a system that fails to work when it should.
False Alarm
An alarm signal that does not represent a dangerous or
unwanted condition, but which is never-the-less interpreted as such by the
Emergency Response Centre. A false alarm can lead to a police dispatch.
Commonly caused by some fault in the system, user error, phone line problems,
etc. It is worth remembering that approximately eighty-five (85) percent of all
false alarms are generated by user error.
Fresh Air Contacts
Fresh Air Contacts are detectors designed to allow windows and/or patio doors to
be left partially open for air circulation, but at the same time remain alarmed,
so that they will warn if tampering occurs. The most common approach on sliding
windows or patio doors is to place a second magnet approximately six (6) inches
from the original magnet, so that the customer has a choice of either closing
the opening fully, or lining up the second magnet on the frame with the reed
switch, thereby leaving the window open enough for air circulation, but not open
enough to permit unauthorized access. Under no circumstances should a fresh air
contact be left wide enough for someone to slip in, thereby defeating the
purpose of the alarm system. It is Intercept policy to recommend that a fresh
air opening be no more than six (6) inches wide. Another way to install fresh
air contacts is on Casement windows, which are defined a windows that crank
rather that slide open, in order to achieve a fresh air opening. On this type
of window, the contact point must be moved towards the hinge until a
satisfactory opening for fresh air circulation is achieved, while care is taken
it is a small enough opening so that it will still allow for an alarm if the
window is opened any further. The problem with this procedure comes with
environmental forces such as wind, which may blow the window further open, thus
setting off the alarm. Service personnel must ensure the customer is instructed
about this possibility and advised to keep their window as closed as far as
possible.
GAP
The distance allowed between the reed switch and the magnet before the reed
switch changes position. This change of position is what tells the transmitter
to signal the main control unit. Physical factors affecting the GAP are the
composition of the material upon which the switch is mounted (steel doors, for
example, must have a spacer inserted under the magnet to prevent magnetic
failure over time). Different GAPS are designed into system, primarily by
changing the size of the magnet. Intercept's inside contacts have a designed
gap of one-half (1/2) to three-quarters (3/4) of an inch, with the preferred
separation being one-quarter (1/4) of an inch.
Glass Break Detector
A
device mounted on or near a window which detects the breakage of glass, both by
the frequencies (sound) and vibration (shock) which are generated when glass
breaks. Different types of glass create different frequencies when they break,
and the installed detector must be capable of working with the type of glass
situated at the premises. These sensors are prone to false alarms, due to
environmental reasons, such as a glass dropping on the floor, a dishwasher
clicking dishes together, and/or even children screaming. The location chosen
for a glass break sensor is extremely important, as an alarm siren or even
arm/disarm chirps can also trip the sensor. If a glass break detector is
located too close to a siren, it will create an endless loop after the first
trip. The first trip will set off the siren. The siren will trip the glass
break. The glass break will hear the siren and then trip the alarm again. As
is apparent, this can go on indefinitely.
Hard Wire
A system in which the detectors are connected with wire, as
opposed to wireless system that uses radio transmitters. Hard wire systems are
not recommended for most installations, due to the difficulty of installing them
and the difficulty of the end user working with them.
Rate of Rise Heat Sensor
A sensor that is triggered by a rapid rise or
fall in temperature, indicating either a fire or an environmental problem at the
protected premises.
Hang Up
An expression, meaning that the device (usually a panel) refuses
to respond to any commands. It is usually fixed by completely powering the unit
down, for a minimum of one (1) minute so as to free up the RAM memory, and then
powering it back up.
High Risk Account
An account that stands to suffer a high dollar loss in the case of successful
burglary, or an account that has a high likelihood of a break-in taking place,
(for example, a pharmacy with narcotics in stock).
Holdup Alarm
Please
see Duress Switch .
Indicator
A light or LED display which indicates the status of an alarm
system.
Infrared Detector
A detector that operates by detecting an intruder by
his body heat. The proper installation and use of these sensors is subject to
environmental concerns.
Interlacing
A method of coordinating wireless sensor check-ins and
communication, so that there is no loss of signals with two or more transmitters
trying to communicate at the same time cancelling each other out.
Intrusion Alarm
An arrangement of sensors designed to detect the
presence of an intruder and/or an attempt to break into a protected location.
Level of Protection
Exactly what constitutes proper protection is
something upon which everyone has a different opinion. It is Intercept's policy
to present different options to the customer, from which the customer can pick
the level of protection that they want.
Line Cut Monitor
A device attached to a telephone line, either at the
central Emergency Response Centre in the case of a direct wire account, or, more
normally, at the premises itself, that will detect if the phone line is cut or
shorted, and which will then signal an alarm.
Line Seizure
Line seizure, otherwise known as an eight (8) pin plug, is necessary for the
proper operation of Intercept's alarm system. It is company policy that every
alarm system installed, must have a line seizure plug installed. Line seizure
works by taking control of the telephone line. That is, if any one else is on
the phone, or if phone is off the hook, or if someone is trying to phone in, the
line seizure works by "dropping" anything else connected to the phone line, and
taking control of the phone line to phone the monitoring centre.
Line
Supervision
Any system used in direct wire accounts, in which a known
current (either AC, DC, or constant communication) is at all times present on
the line. In the event the line is then cut or shorted, the signal will then be
changed. Upon detection of this change, an alarm condition will be indicated
and the appropriate response taken.
Local Alarm
An alarm that makes a noise on the premises when activated.
It is not usually recommended due to its low deterrent value, and because, as
there is no monitoring of such an alarm, there is also no supervisory capacity,
(i.e., if something goes wrong, no one will know).
Lost Check-In
In a supervised wireless alarm system, each transmitter or
zone must check in with the panel on a regular basis. The panel supervises
these check-ins by listening for them on a regular basis. If a transmitter
fails to check in with the panel, the panel will generate a lost check-in report
and transmit it to the monitoring centre. The monitoring centre logs these
reports and transmits them to the service department every day.
Louver Window
A type of window, consisting of many slats of glass, three (3) or four (4)
inches wide, that all open together, therefore making it very difficult to
protect.
Low Battery
In a supervised wireless alarm system,
each transmitter reports to the panel on a regular basis. These reports tell
the panel if the transmitter is active, and what its status is. Intercept
transmitters have an internal circuit that monitors the battery voltage, and
informs the panel when the voltage drops below a point preset by the
manufacturer. Upon receipt of this information, the panel transmits a low
battery report to the Emergency Response Centre, who, in turn, transmits the
information to the service department. How long a transmitter will continue to
function after having reported a low battery condition, depends upon the type of
battery installed. (For example, a lithium battery will maintain a high voltage
right to the end of its very long service life, and then drop off quickly, while
a standard Alkaline-Manganese Dioxide battery will not last as long, but will
drop off slower.) Intercept estimates that it would take weeks or possibly even
months in the case of an Alkaline-Manganese Dioxide battery, and weeks in the
case of a lithium battery.
Magnetic Contact
A magnetically operated switch, which is typically used
on doors and windows to detect opening. Usually the switch and the attached
transmitter are mounted on the frame, and the magnet is mounted on the moving
surface. It is a big advantage over the older style mechanical switches.
Magnetic Surface
When mounting magnetic contacts on iron or steel (i.e.,
a fire door or metal door frame, which are themselves magnetic in nature), it is
necessary to use a non-conducting spacer (i.e., plastic, wood, or aluminum) to
hold both units one-quarter (1/4) of an inch away from the iron or steel
surface. Failure to do this will result in the eventual loss of magnetic flux
to the surrounding iron or steel, which can trigger false alarms.
Medical Alert
An alarm signal that indicates a medical problem. Usually transmitted by an
invalid, elderly or sick person with a mobile transmitter button that they can
push signalling a medical alarm. Please see Medical Control Form.
Medical
Control Form
Form filled out with information pertaining to a
Medical Alert.
Mirrors
Mirrors are an excellent blocker of RF transmissions.
Therefore, caution should be used in locating wireless sensors in an area that
is surrounded by mirrors.
Money Trap
A special switch placed in the bottom of a cash drawer, which
is activated by the act of pulling money out of it.
Monitored Alarm
A local alarm, which is also monitored at Intercept's
central Emergency Response Centre. This is the only type of alarm that
Intercept sells. When an alarm is monitored, is provides the user with the
support and service that are necessary for the proper utilization of an alarm
system.
Motion Detector
Usually a PIR. Please see PIR.
Normally Closed
A switch whose contacts are normally closed. For
example, in a magnetic switch when the magnet and the reed switch are in close
proximity, the contact is closed. Another example would be a contact (such as a
door) which is considered to be at rest or in its standard position when it is
closed.
Opening Signal
A signal transmitted by the alarm system to the central
Emergency Response Centre, signifying that the premises have been properly
opened. There are many different ways this can be programmed. An example might
be that the central station must receive an opening signal by a certain time, or
they will telephone the store owner or manger at home. This is a positive
management tool for which Intercept charges extra, and which is very useful in
commercial applications.
Overhead Door
A truck, loading dock or garage door that needs special wide-gap magnetic
contact, known as overhead door contacts.
Overhead Door Contacts
A special set of heavy duty contacts that are designed to work in rough
conditions and deal with the gaps involved in big, loose-fitting doors.
Panel
The main control in an alarm system, and the brains of the system,
which is usually the communication centre.
Panic Alarm
The panic feature in an alarm system, which allows the user
to trigger a full alarm manually, even when it is disarmed. A panic alarm
feature is not to be confused with a Holdup alarm, which is silent.
Parallel Circuit
Normally open devices, connected in a parallel
circuits. The components are connected across each other, so that the circuit
segment could be drawn showing components leads bridging common conductors like
rungs across a ladder. All components share a common positive and a common
negative connection. This device is activated by the reed switch closing,
thereby making a connection between the negative and positive conductors which
causes an alarm. It is comparable to a series Circuit.
Party Wall
A demising wall shared by two premises. Typically, it exists
in a shopping centre or an apartment building, and would allow easy, undetected
access to a burglar coming directly through the wall from the adjacent space.
In such a situation, internal detectors such as motion detectors, are very
important.
Passive Detector
A sensor that does not emit any kind of energy in order
to perform its detection function is most commonly referred to as a PIR (Passive
Infrared).
Pattern
The shape and volume of coverage of motion detectors. Factors concerning the
determination of the pattern, include the physical limitations of the premises
and/or its contents, and any environmental concerns.
Perimeter Protection
A series of sensors designed to detect intrusion at all logical
points of entry to the premises. Please see armed home, and arm away.
Polarity
Reeds are bimagnetic, which means they are sensitive to the
polarity of the magnet. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the reed
switch and the magnets are orientated the same way. The easiest way to do this,
is to ensure the manufacturer's label or arrow are facing in the same direction.
Police Response
Arrival of the local police at a location from which an
alarm signal has been received. It can also refer to the length of time it
takes the police to respond to an alarm.
Power Conditioner
A combination, voltage regulating transformer and
super isolation transformer, which provide smooth, regulated, noise-free, AC
voltage. Unfortunately, they are very expensive, so Intercept is presently
searching for one that to supply to our accounts at a much better price.
Power Supply
Please see transformer.
Preventive Maintenance
Maintenance done to the alarm system to keep the system in top shape; aspects of
which can include on-site testing, battery changes, etc.
Preventive
Maintenance Contract
Please see Service Contract.
Procedures
The written operations guide that governs the proper usage of
an alarm system by the end user, the standards used to install the alarm system,
and the type of response that the central Emergency Response Centre will
generate upon receiving a signal.
Program
The standardized set of instructions that Intercept programs
into an alarm system, so as to instruct the system how to act and react, (for
example what telephone number to call in the event of an alarm).
Programmer
The instrument used to install the operating program in the
alarm system.
Protected Area
That portion of a premises, covered by an alarm system.
Due to the cost and use considerations, the entire premises is not usually
covered. For example, in a residential alarm situation the second story windows
are rarely protected unless there are other environmental concerns that make
protecting these windows necessary. It is not Intercept's job to decide what
should, or should not, be protected. It is our job is to present all the
available options to the customer to the best of our ability, and then to allow
the customer to decide what level of protection is best for them.
Radio Frequency
Otherwise expressed as RF, it refers to frequencies
above one hundred (100) KHZ.
RFI
Radio frequency interference, either man-made or natural, intentional or
unintentional, is an electromagnetic propagation which results in unintentional
and undesirable response from the alarm equipment.
Reed Switch
A type of magnetically operated switch, which is made by sealing
two (2) small steel leaves, or "reeds", inside a glass tube. When a magnet is
brought near, the reeds flex slightly, touching each other to complete the
circuit. When the magnet is removed, the reeds spring apart, breaking the
circuit. Please see Magnetic Contact.
Receiver
A unit that accepts or receives a communication from any of
Intercept's alarms, and which is located at the central Emergency Response
Centre.
Residential Alarm
An alarm system installed in a private home as opposed
to one installed in a business. These are two very different markets that have
different applications for alarm systems. Please see Commercial Alarm.
Response
As in police, medical, or fire response to an alarm.
SAW
Abbreviation for Surface Acoustical Wave resonator, which is a
special chip in each transmitter that keeps the frequency precise, without
drift. It makes the transmitter impervious to temperature extremes, vibration
and humidity.
Sensor
A device that detects an occurrence of any kind to cause it to
trip a transmitter, that sends a signal to the panel, which then analyzes the
signal and responds as programmed.
Series Circuit
All normally closed switches are connected in a series circuit, (i.e., a circuit
whose components are, in effect, connected in a string, or end to end, so as to
create a single current path in a normally closed circuit). An alarm is caused
by a normally closed switch, opening and breaking the current path in the
circuit, thereby triggering an alarm.
Service Contract
A signed contract between Intercept and the end user that
agrees to the payment of a certain fee for the maintaining of the alarm system
and its parts.
Shelf Life
The length of time in which equipment will remain in good
condition while sitting in stock, or "on the shelf". It is a major item of
concern regarding batteries, which should be rotated as often as possible.
Silent Alarm
An alarm that is set to transmit an alarm signal to the
central Emergency Response Centre without alerting anyone at the premises that
it has been activated.
Siren
A noise-maker activated by the alarm system.
Slider Window
A type of window found in older homes in which both sides
are moveable, so entry can be made from either end. It is important the both
planes of a slider window be protected as other techniques, such as pinning one
side can later be defeated by the customer without any indication that this has
been done being given to the alarm system, thereby leaving an unprotected entry
point. Please see Split.
SMT
Abbreviation for Surface Mount technology.
Smash and Grab
A burglary in which a display window or some other
readily available object is smashed, valuable items are grabbed or vandalized,
and the burglar flees within seconds. Only physical protection can stop such
attacks.
Smoke Detector
A device that responds to the by-products of combustion.
Spike
A momentary increase in electrical voltage or current. Spikes can damage or
"hang up" electronic equipment, such as a panel. This problem can be dealt with
through the use of line chokes, and in severe conditions, through the use of
power conditioners.
Split
An installation technique that
is used to hook up more than one contact to a transmitter. For example, on
slider windows, it is necessary to hook up a contact to each inside plane of
glass as well as the frame, so that if either plane is moved, a signal will be
sent.
Spot Protection
Protecting a specific, small area of particular value to
the customer. Usually done with its own contact and its own zone programmed as
an environmental zone, so that it will be constantly monitored to respond to
even if the system is disarmed.
Standby Battery
A battery used to provide power to an alarm system in
the event of a AC power line failure. Intercept uses a rechargeable battery for
this purpose.
Strobe Light
A light that flashes with very short, very bright flashes.
It is used to supplement a siren.
Structured
Wiring The wired home is essential in today’s society - it
provides access to a high speed internet, digital television, and data
networking for advanced technology. Your home will be wired for today’s
technology and ready for the future.
Supervised
In wireless technology, it is a system of keeping track of
all transmitters that are programmed into a panel and their status. All alarm
systems sold by Intercept are supervised.
Swinger
Used to describe an intermittent problem that the service
department has trouble tracking down, and consequently, even greater trouble,
fixing. It is not common as Intercept's policy is to always replace suspect
equipment, so therefore monitoring centre can usually identify the transmitter
from which the problem signal came.
Tamper Switch
A switch mounted to detect the opening of particular
compartment. For example, a tamper switch might be mounted and programmed in
such a way so as to create an alarm if the house phone box was opened. At this
time, due to environmental concerns, it is not Intercept's policy to recommend
this procedure.
Telephone Answering Service
While some alarm companies use them to monitor their account, Intercept does not
approve of the practice.
Time Delay
A time interval that can be
programmed into the panel, so as to provide a feature such as entry delay, exit
delay, etc.
Transient
Please see Spike.
Transformer
Also known as a power cube, it is device that transforms
main line AC power into power that can be used by the alarm panel.
Transmitter
A device that transmits a signal by RF to the main panel.
There are many different types of sensors that can be hooked up to a
transmitter.
U.L.
Abbreviation for Underwriters Laboratories, a private organization
that issues standards of safety for components, equipment, and their operation.
U.L.C.
Abbreviation for Underwriters Laboratories, Canada, which is the
Canadian branch of a private organization that issues standards of safety for
components, equipment, and their operation.
U.L.C. Listed
Equipment for that has been tested by ULC and that the
manufacturer has paid a fee for to be listed.
U.P.S.
Abbreviation for Uninterruptable Power Supply. It is a device
that provides a steady source of electric energy to a piece of equipment. For
example, the backup battery in Intercept systems is considered a U.P.S.
Walk Test
A procedure which consists of actually walking through the
area protected by a motion detector so as to determine the actual limits of its
coverage.
Wide Gap Magnetic Contact
A unit which uses an extra sensitive switch and/or an extra strong magnet to
obtain a wider than normal operating range. At Intercept, it is assumed that
any gaps over three-eights (3/8) of an inch are wide gaps.
Wireless
A method of sending signals from the detection device to the panel
without the expensive and time-consuming method of running of wires.
Zone
It is Intercept's practice to divide an alarmed premises into zones
in order to pinpoint the specific areas of intrusion, or the specific
environmental sensors.
Zone Description
A method of identifying zones clearly so that every one
involved with the alarm system (i.e., the customer, the service department, and
the police) can all easily identify the exact location of the zone.