Should I Upgrade My Existing Security System?

Should I Upgrade My Existing Security System? 

A security system is designed to do one thing: keep you, your property, and those you care about safe. However, if you are using a security system that is ten or more years old, it may not be able to provide you with the level of security you want or need. Not only are older systems susceptible to malfunction, but since they are less sophisticated than systems available today, they put you at risk of malicious activities by tech-savvy thieves.

Unsure how to decide whether it is time for your upgrade? Below are three reasons that you should consider installing a new security system today!

Here are four signs it is time to upgrade your security system:

1. Dated technology
Security systems are not a once-in-a-lifetime investment. Like any piece of technology that you purchase, they have to be frequently updated and maintained to optimize their functionality. Your security system is like a phone — it requires periodic investment and replacement over time, not to mention that since technology changes so quickly, your device could soon become obsolete.

2. Alarm safety
Before the days of wireless data, security systems were operated via land lines with wires that could be easily manipulated by unwanted intruders. Luckily, since modern alarm systems operate using cellular transmitters to send and receive messages, they provide a safer alternative for homeowners.

At Video, Intrusion or Fire Monitoring in India, we have partnered with Netra Monitoring to provide customers with specialized Interactive Alarm Monitoring services, including home automation, remote arming and disarming, thermostat control, video surveillance and much more. Unlike an outdated security system, the Alarm Monitoring service feature can be managed centrally for one location or multiple locations through an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android-powered device.

Your safety is of the upmost importance, but with Netra Monitoring, it doesn’t have to be an inconvenience.

3. Transmission
The biggest reason security systems become obsolete is that technology becomes outdated. Since most modern security devices use the same towers as cellphones to send and receive alerts, it is most likely that the reason your product will be unusable is that, much like a cell phone, the network it uses to operate is no longer available.

The good news is that there is often quite a bit of overlap in what networks are available. For instance, 2G technology is being phased out, but 3G, 4G, and 5G are still available and often work interchangeably.

What is great about a system that works on this kind of network is that while 2G will soon be unavailable, you don’t have to replace your entire system to still use it. Often, you will need to replace a small component to keep it running.

4. Protecting Your Investment
The best way to ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment is to purchase your new security system from a company that is dedicated to making your experience with their product the best one possible. At Fire Monitoring at India, we perform regular service and maintenance on your products and make sure you are informed of any upgrades that your system requires and technology changes or your system ages.

We think of keeping an alarm system up-to-date as being similar to maintaining a car. Just because your car gets old doesn’t mean it is useless — if something breaks, you fix it and keep on driving. By working with one of our technicians, you will get more life out of your equipment than you ever imagined and be able to enjoy the safety you deserve for years to come.

When your security system becomes an afterthought – and eventually an outdated afterthought – it leaves your building vulnerable.

Netra Monitoring installs custom-designed, scalable, user-friendly usable commercial intrusion alarm systems, and we feel that even the least experienced user will be able to use our systems with the proper training. Netra Monitoring also work for Central Alarm Monitoring with Video Verification services in India.

Access Control Standards Revolution Now In Progress

Access Control Standards Revolution Now In Progress 

Access control provides the ability to control, monitor and restrict the movement of people, assets or vehicles, in, out and round a building.

Access control is essential for all businesses to protect people and assets and has the added benefit of being expanded from controlling, for example, a single entrance door, to a large integrated security network. There are also huge potentials in terms of integrating other systems, such as Time and Attendance, Visitor Management, ANPR, Fire, Intruder and CCTV.

Few specifications are seen more commonly in access control than UL 294. However, aside from seeing it in print, very few understand what it means. In this note, we break apart and define this spec, describing why it is a vital part of many Access RFPs.

A Standard Defined

The scope of UL 294 covers three aspects of Access Control systems: 

• Construction (Installation)
• Performance
• Operation

Essentially, the heart of UL 294 is a safety standard, where testing proves that system components can be assembled and operate reliably without hazard. In the case of access control, this is a step beyond just validating devices will not catch fire or spark - it attests that the system will not harm the safety or impede egress of those using the system.

In practical terms, this means doors will not accidentally stay locked and keep people in harm's way even during a malfunction. The UL standard subjects each labeled device to a range of testing designed to show the equipment meet relevant code expectations from:

• NEC (NFPA 99): Requirements that each component will not create a hazard either during (recommended) install or use (Sparking, Grounding)
• NFPA 72: Fire Code compliance, assures that controllers include interfaces with fire alarm/suppression systems 
• NFPA 101: System devices 

A UL 294 mark is a 'extra step' the vendor has taken to 'prove' their equipment is safe, and it stands as a 'mark of assurance' when included in buying specifications that dubious equipment will not be purchased.

The Mark

While Underwriter's Laboratories offer a range of 'UL Symbols' that can be interpreted to signify different standards. In the case of UL 294, the mark looks like this:

The UL 'Security Mark' applies only to products such as intrusion detectors, burglar alarms, access control, safes, and vaults.

Performance Tests

UL 294 includes several tests that evaluate how well devices withstand damaging environments. Devices are subjected to atypical electrical, environmental, and brute force situations, including:

• Variable Voltage
• Variable Ambients (Environment)
• Humidity
• Endurance (Ruggedness)
• Transients
• Corrosion
• Standby Power (Battery backup)
• Physical Attack Toughness

Tests are performed individually and are not 'layered' or 'stacked' simultaneously as might occur in the field. The exact methodology for each test depends on the device being tested, but the resulting grade is given in four levels of security performance with Level I (lowest level security equipment) to Level IV (highest level security equipment). 

Exclusions

However, not all parts and features of an Access platform fall under the scope of UL 294. Two areas excluded from the scope include:

• Headend Server/Database: The scope reads "The accuracy of logged data is not evaluated by this standard", and also "This standard does not apply to supplementary computer equipment that is not necessary for operation of the access control system..."
• Intrusion Detection: Again, the scope details "Where an access control equipment and/or system incorporates the features and functions of a burglar alarm control unit, the requirements of the Standard for Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units and Systems, UL 1076, shall also apply"

This is important to note when careless specs are written that "All Access Equipment shall be UL 294 Certified", because this is inherently not possible. There will be major functional aspects outside the scope of the standard.

Large System Adoption

Especially for larger systems, UL 294 is common, including devices from: Mercury Security, C*Cure, S2, Maxxess, Sargent, etc.

However, certification is done on a component basis, and there may be gaps in a brand's portfolio. If UL 294 compliance is required in a system, every hardware component must be checked for conformity, as there is no 'system' certification.

Systems and platform intended for smaller deployments (<100 doors) typically forego the certification, because it simply is not a purchasing driver for many non-enterprise customers.

Prime Use

Regardless of the 'safety' overtures, like UL certification for surveillance equipment, 294 is primarily used to exclude non-compliant systems from specifications. UL 294 evaluation is not mandatory for Access Equipment, and many vendors forego the cost of certification especially when their offerings are not well suited for larger government, institutional, and hospital verticals where 294 is commonly cited. 

Likewise, while the mark's testing 'proves' that devices are safe, the onus remains on the field technician to install them in the correct fashion to indeed live up to the certification.

Remember once UL certification has void OEM is not responsible for any health & safety incident of your premises. UL certification void due to repairing through unauthorized service provider....etc.

NFPA 101

While NFPA 101 is comprehensive, the most relevant passages for access control include:

• NFPA 101: 'Electrically Controlled Egress Doors' (2012: 7.2.1.5.6; 2009: 7.2.1.5.5)
• NFPA 101: 'Releasing Devices' ( 2012: 7.2.1.5.10-12; 2009, 2006, 2003: 7.2.1.5.9 -7.2.1.5.11)
• NFPA 101: 'Access Controlled Egress Doors' (7.2.1.6.2)

Specifically, requirements like Access Control Request to Exit (RTE), Exit Devices, and Delayed Egress foundationally conform to NFPA 101.

NFPA 72

In general, this code is the foundation of requirements that doors must release when fire alarms or smoke detectors go into alarm.

NFPA 80

Specifically, this code examines Fire Doors and how they are properly used for protection in a building. In many cases, these door types are also slated to become access-controlled openings, and the 'Locks or Latches (6.4.4)' section describes which modifications are permitted for access use without voiding their fire door ratings.

IBC: International Building Code

The IBC, published by the International Code Council, is essentially a guidebook for designing and engineering safe buildings.

If not observed directly as the authority, then whatever resulting codes that do have authority take guidance from the source.

• ·     IBC: 'Door Operations' (2012, 2009: 1008.1.9; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.8)
• ·       IBC: 'Sensor Release of Electrically Locked Egress Doors' (2012: 1008.1.9.8; 2009: 1008.1.4.4; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.3.4)
• ·       IBC: 'Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors' (2012: 1008.1.9.9; 2009: 1008.1.9.8)