Sunday, April 28, 2019

Interference issue in CCTV due to Grounding

Interference issue in CCTV due to Grounding

Most of small size CCTV installation faces various type of interference issue. Most of Home, jewellery shop, grocery shop, youth hostel …… etc.

There are several factors that can cause interference problems in a security camera. Below is a list of some of them:
1. Use of improper power supply.
2. Use of poor quality cables
3. Use of poor quality cameras
4. Use of poor quality converters
5. Incorrect grounding
6. Camera Warm Up
7. Poor connections
​8. Lack of adequate lighting

In this article we understand Famous issue 5. Incorrect grounding.


If grounding is done improperly, you may see bands rolling on the screen, if this is the case, there is an interference problem called the ground loop.
This problem basically occurs when the camera, DVR or power source groundings are made at distinct points that have different resistances, this causes an effect called a ground loop.
To solve the ground loop problem simply ground the equipment to the same common point (ground bus) or leave one side (camera) without contact with the ground.

A practical example would be to place a wood, plastic or other insulation material on the back of the camera mounting bracket so that it does not come in direct contact with the post or wall that is installed.

Now only that if we rectify Earth & Neutral line of main voltage, the issue is rectified.
Neutral:
Neutral is the normal”return” wire.
In systems where the load is supplied from only one Hot (or “Live”) wire, the Neutral completes the circuit and carries current back from the load to the power station.
Neutral is a conductor that carries current in normal operation.
Neutral represents a reference point within an electrical distribution system.

Earth:
Earth or Ground wire is a safety protective wire for the human body and electrical equipment from fault conditions.
Earth is a conductor that carries no current in normal operation.
Earth is a conductor that carries current under fault conditions such as insulation breakdown that occurs within electrical equipment.

In a polyphase (usually three-phase) AC system, the neutral conductor is intended to have similar voltages to each of the other circuit conductors, but may carry very little current if the phases are balanced.
The United States' National Electrical Code and Canadian electrical code only define neutral as the grounded, not the polyphase common connection. In North American use, the polyphase definition is used in less formal language but not in official specifications. In the United Kingdom the Institution of Engineering and Technology defines a neutral conductor as one connected to the supply system neutral point, which includes both these uses.

As per Indian CEAR (Central Electricity Authority Regulations, CEAR came into effect 20 September 2010, in place of The Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.) neutral conductor means that conductor of a multi-wire system, the voltage of which is normally intermediate between the voltages of the other conductors of the system and shall also include return wire of the single phase system.

All neutral wires of the same earthed (grounded) electrical system should have the same electrical potential, because they are all connected through the system ground. Neutral conductors are usually insulated for the same voltage as the line conductors, with interesting exceptions.

Keep in mind The camera also requires a minimum current, which is usually less than 1A (ampere) for our example of a traditional CCTV camera.



The indication of the electrical current required for the camera to operate must be in the product manual, consult your distributor to be sure about the consumption of the camera, because in some cases with the use of infrared illumination the required current may be higher.

May this issue you face during final commissioning or after handover. Solutions remain same.

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Know about BMS technical protocols

BMS - What you should know about technical protocols

If you or a client is choosing a building management system (or BMS), it’s important to understand how it communicates information with digital devices such as controllers, meters, and input/output boards, and computers.

The details are important because some BMS use languages—or technical protocols—that lock you into using their vendor’s proprietary technology. Use of such protocols may force you and your client to pay higher prices for software and hardware available from only one vendor or its licensees.

This article describes common categories of BMS protocols. It recommends that you avoid proprietary protocols and favor more open ones.

A BMS communicates through protocols
To exchange data, digital devices must use a common data structure and a common channel or medium of communication.

The figure below shows a master BMS that communicates with devices that use microprocessors. They include a roof-top unit (or RTU), refrigeration controllers, energy meters, and other input/output boards within a building. The building controller also uses the Internet to share temperature, operating parameters, or energy data with remote users through enterprise servers or personal computers.
A BMS protocol defines the format and meaning of each data element, in much the same way a dictionary defines the spelling and meaning of words.

The data exchange often occurs through a physical wire such as a twisted-pair RS485 or an Ethernet CAT5 cable). It may also occur wirelessly over wi-fi network, through an internet protocol (or IP).
The phrase “BACNet over IP” means the BACNet protocol communicates through an IP network.
Some protocols are more open than others
Protocols fit in one of four categories, depending on their relative “openness:”
1.       Open. The protocol is readily available to everyone.
2.       Standard. All parties agree to a common data structure. The protocol may be an industry standard, such as BACnet and Modbus.
3.       Inter-operable. The protocol is vendor agnostic. A controller from one vendor can replace one from a different vendor.
4.       Proprietary. The data structure is restricted to the creator of the device.

Why you want BMS with open protocols
A BMS with proprietary protocols locks the system owner into using a single BMS vendor. For example, you can’t remotely change the set points of a proprietary BMS unless you use the vendor’s software.
In contrast, with open and standard BMS protocols you can shop for alternative providers of digital devices and enterprise software.

This is why use of proprietary protocols is inconsistent with best practice. The lesson is clear:
In choosing a BMS, be sure its protocols are not proprietary.

How to know whether a BMS protocol is open
To determine whether a BMS protocol is open, ask the vendor two simple questions:
1.       Can your competitors exchange data with your BMS?
2.   Is the system’s protocol published in such a way that it’s easily accessible to everyone (including competitors)?

Best open protocols: BACNet, Modbus, and XML
For a master controller that exchanges data with devices and meters within a building, prefer the BACNet, Modbus or any other standard protocol. Otherwise, make sure it’s at least open enough so anyone with proper security access can read and write information.

For remote enterprise access (protocol B in the figure), organizations often use BACnet over IP.
The current trend is toward use of additional Internet technologies. Companies like Honeywell Tridium (Niagara framework) and many others have exchanged data through standard internet eXtensible Markup Language (or XML) with web services.

Even the ASHRAE BACNet committee has convened a working group to define use of XML with BACnet systems. The group is also working to define web services that will enable data exchange between building automation and control systems and various enterprise management systems.

Put in short, use these criteria when you’re choosing devices and BMS:
·         For devices such as RTUs and refrigeration controllers, look for ones that use open protocols such as BACnet or Modbus.
·        Make sure these devices give you both “read” and “write” capabilities so you can change set points.
·         For easy enterprise access, choose a BMS with web services and XML capabilities.
·         Make sure the web services of the BMS allow both read and write capabilities.
·      Be sure the BMS supplier provides the XML dictionary and definitions of web services to anyone, including competitors.

 
This Artical published on April 2019 at Safe secure Magazine.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Software Market Trends to Watch in 2019

Software Market Trends to Watch in 2019

Global Software Market Overview The global software market size has witnessed staggering growth in recent decades and is expected to continue its acceleration…

Global Software Market Overview
The global software market size has witnessed staggering growth in recent decades and is expected to continue its acceleration in the coming years. Software has become essential for enterprises as modern-day equipment such as computers, smartphones, wearable devices, and automated machinery help businesses around the world to conduct business more efficiently. As businesses continue to rely further on various types of software, the global software market will continue to thrive. This blog explores some of the top software market trends to watch in 2019.

Technological developments and advancements of newly emerged software and the growing demand in the enterprise software market are continuously the primary factors driving global software market growth. In 2019, more and more businesses across different industries will begin to witness the increasing impact from these emerging software market trends – including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud services.
Global Software Market Analysis
The global software market size is already worth hundreds of billions of dollars and is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 7% by the end of 2022. The software market has numerous major end-user industries including retail, manufacturing, banking, financial services and insurance, enterprises, academia and government, healthcare, and telecommunication. By product type, some of the major segments include customer relationship management (CRM) software, supply chain management software, business intelligence software, enterprise resource planning software, and business process management.

Geographically, North America is currently the largest software market in the world, representing over 40% of the global software market share. The US is the top regional market in terms of software market revenues, as it is the home of many world’s largest software companies, including Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM. However, the fast-growing software demand in Asia Pacific, particularly led by China and India are expected to play a pivotal role in the global software market growth over the next few years.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain Technology will go Hand in Hand
Artificial intelligence in the software and IT industry is one of the keys to increasing efficiency and productivity. AI applications have combined machine and deep learning algorithms with automated processes to make business simpler and easier. Today, many large software companies are already integrating AI capabilities into cloud-based enterprise software and an increasing number of small and medium sized businesses are also adopting AI applications into their everyday business. We forecast the size of the global Artificial Intelligence-as-a-service (AIaaS) market will increase over USD 9.4 billion during 2019-2023.

Blockchain is also expected positively impact the global software market in 2019. As the whole world is increasingly connected, digital security and privacy protection have become a top priority. Blockchain offers a robust way to secure and manage user identities. Therefore, it is vital for businesses to implement these technologies to make their offerings more secure. Our latest analysis forecasts the global blockchain technology market size to grow steadily at a CAGR of around 56% by 2021.

2. Cloud Services is more important than Ever
Cloud services are giving businesses a great opportunity to considerably reduce their technology management costs in the most effective way. Due to these benefits, the global enterprise cloud services market will grow at a significant CAGR of close to 24% from 2018 to 2022. An increasing number of enterprises of all sizes are expected to rapidly adopt cloud computing by moving their IT systems and software applications to cloud based platforms in 2019 as a part of their digital transformation initiatives. The widespread availability and increased adoption of different cloud-based services by companies will also facilitate the enterprise cloud services market and become one of the top software market trends over the next few years.

3. CRM Software is Used Beyond the Conventional Sales Department
Customer relationship management ( CRM) software has become an essential tool in today’s interconnected business world. It is also one of the fastest growing segments in the global software market. CRM software is not only used for conventional sales department as now businesses of all sizes are increasingly understanding the importance and value of data management and analytics. A large number of companies now rely on analytics services to transform unstructured information into the structured information that is collected from various channels. They are increasingly using advanced analytical CRM software and tools to understand the pattern related to consumer behaviours. Today’s CRM software solutions offered by many world’s top CRM software companies can address enterprise’s requirements in different business processes as well as allow for flexibility and customizations. Therefore, the adoption of CRM software is projected to be much wider, making it one of the top trends to watch in the global software market for 2019.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Guide of IP Camera’s Footage Storage

Guide of IP Camera’s Footage Storage


If you are end-user then you may make question “if somebody destroy or theft my NVR/DVR then how we get video footage”. Question is very much true. Analog camera store / record there motion event on DVR & IP Camera store / record there NVR, some IP camera store limited data to there internal microSD card.
Or, Is there a camera that saves the footage on a host with FTP? Can I use my computer to store surveillance videos or footage? Are there any cameras that support cloud storage? Is there any camera that has a built-in memory card?

Or, you may say I am looking for a camera that can store up to a few days of data or a camera that uploads footage offsite or to a cloud or server.
How Can you Store Footage and Video Recordings
Generally speaking, you can store footage and recordings on an SD card, cloud, NVRs/DVRs, FTP or NAS. It comes down to what you are looking for. That being said , it’s still very important to weigh on differences and conveniences of each solution to narrow down growing pool of models available and find the best match.
·         Option 1. Micro SD Card
·         Option 2. NVRs/DVRs
·         Option 3. FTP Server
·         Option 4. Cloud-Based Storage
·         Option 5. Workstation Computer

Option 1. Micro SD Card

People will be opting for onboard SD storage when they are just looking for cameras that save motion-triggered footage or don’t want to subscribe to cloud service. For example, users said
“I want to store footage locally instead of uploading to a cloud or getting a DVR/NVR.”
“I intend to keep and save footage but don’t want to subscribe to a cloud service for storage. “
Or people who are looking for cameras that will be used in a location where internet access is limited but still want to store motion-based footage. For example, one user explained that
“I have a rural property and only have power at the house and barn. Best option would be a motion activated cam outside that I could attach to a tree. Wifi at my house is only available very close to the house and we are on satellite internet, so no real broadband for cloud solutions.”
The obvious benefit of storing via SD card is that it’s relatively safe and inaccessible by others, micro SD card storage option is extraordinarily popular with homeowners for surveillance on the front doorbackyardapartmentremote areasvacation home, oany place that doesn’t require constant 24/7 recording.

Option 2. NVR's/DVR's

Standalone NVRs and DVRs, as offsite storage solutions, are increasingly popular and widely used among home security systemsmall businessworkshop and etc.
If you are looking for a security system that can record video constantly and be able to save weeks of footages, standalone NVR's/DVR's with a built-in hard drive are what you need. For example, users expressed their needs, saying
“No need for motion activation but constant recording. And must have ability to review footage without needing to pause or stop recording”, “I need 30-day non-stop recording and want to record and save more than 3 cameras’ footages to a hard drive”
NVRs/DVRs are not just for storage, they are also embedded with the operating system to multi-task including managing multiple cameras simultaneously, motion-triggered recording & alarm, scheduling recording, 24/7 recording.
NVRs can also be accessed remotely from a Smartphone, tablet or personal computer.
One piece of advice after buying NVRs/DVRs would be keeping them safe from burglars orthieves as well as backing them up regularly to FTP server if needed.

Option 3. FTP Server

FTP server is a great footage storage option for those who have a reservation for cloud storage but don’t want local network drive or built-in memory card. For example, many homeowners expressed their thoughts on , saying
“I don’t want to go down the road of paying for monthly memberships to a cloud storage option for recording. I am looking for FTP or some other generic protocol method that is NOT a subscription based ‘cloud’ solution.”
Or
“I would like to save the footage on a host with FTP instead of storing the footage on a local network drive that could just be taken. or I have a FTP server and want to manage the footages or videos on FTP server, configuring security cameras to upload event-based recordings or snapshot or recorded images and videos to a FTP server.”
FTP server is, without any doubt, a good solution. Security cameras such as Reolink cameras are proving to be increasingly popular with homeowners. Many Reolink security cameras do support FTP storage, both motion-based footage and constant video recordings.

Option 4. Cloud-Based Storage

Cloud-based storage is gaining popularity among users who are looking for an alternative to NVR/DVR, SD card, and NAS and there are growing numbers of cloud-based video surveillance cameras and IP camera with cloud storage available on the market.
Cloud-based storage is relatively convenient and safer; however, cloud services are commonly charged and require a varied monthly subscription fee.
Cloud-based storage is also potentially putting a strain on the home network by putting pressure on network bandwidth, as well as compromising photo or video quality to achieve optimal performance.

Option 5. Workstation Computer

Of course, you can always turn your personal computer into a storage unit by configuring storage path to your computer; however, massive data storage could slow your computer down and eat up storage space rapidly.
Not only that, CCTV forage auditing you can do from computer. You need window license based software only. That software takes screenshot of your open Camera Viewing window. In this scenario you can see what camera saw. Camera see 24Hr, you are able to see within 24min, I am confirm your DVR / NVR can’t do it. ‘Auditing’ means 'seeing' what the cameras 'saw'. CCTV video footage should be audited daily; several times a day if need be. Depending on the requirements, auditing of CCTV footage of critical cameras on a daily basis must become an SOP. Auditing will help relevant stakeholders to ‘discover’ the 'unknown'. Auditing as an activity may be manual, it may be post-facto, but it is a very dedicated and systematic process, which helps address some of the challenges of live monitoring (video blindness, poor attention span, boredom, bias, fatigue etc.), as well as the challenges related to alert-based systems (how often has one faced false alerts, or what is called the ‘cry-wolf’ effect). Auditing will help discover issues as mentioned above as well as in identifying and analysing threats and hazards (THIRA/HIRA) of various kinds. Auditing CCTV video footage will also be extremely helpful in waste reduction and following the 5S philosophy, i.e. sort, set, shine, standardize and sustain (all part of Six Sigma practices).  Moreover, in case of an accident/incident, relevant authorities can analyse CCTV video footage to determine whether implementing or improving existing policies, procedures, and processes could help reduce the potential for future occurrences.
And you can transfer those recordings from your computer to hard drive, pen drive, USB and etc accordingly.

The Tradeoff

There’s no right answer here. It’s really a matter of preference and there are plenty of models out there to suit either taste. Understanding each footage storage option will help you narrow down the growing pool of models available today and it will help you understand the features that matter to you most. Camera saw everything, but we can’t see what camera saw.
This Artical published on March 2019 on safe secure magazine 2019.


Sunday, February 24, 2019

British and European Standards in Safety & Security

British and European Standards in Safety & Security

When installing any fire safety, CCTV, Access Control, Intrusion items or equipment in a premises it is very important that it meets the highest quality standard and is installed correctly. Also when it is called upon, in a fire situation, it will achieve its function and will operate as expected. Any standard is a collective work. British Standards staff act as secretaries to these committees and project manage the production of standards (BSI is the oldest national standards body in the world).

There can be two British Standards for the same subject for example emergency lighting BS EN 50172:2004 specifies requirements whereas BS 5266-1 is a code of practice giving recommendations. Standards normally relate to products, while the codes of practice relate more to installations, theoretically, codes of practice are not specifications (even though we all tend to use them as such). 


This list of Standards is not comprehensive.
Intruder Alarm Systems
Title or description
DC 04/30080013 (also known as prEN 50131-1 2004)
Intrusion and Hold-up systems. Systems requirements
PD 6662: 2004
Scheme for the application of European Standards for intruder alarm systems
BS 8473: 2006
Code of Practice for the Management of False Alarms
BS 8418: 2003
Installation  and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems
BS 7992: 2002
Code of Practice for exterior deterrent systems
DD 243: 2004
Code of Practice for intruder alarms systems signalling to alarm receiving centres (to be used in conjunction with BS 4737 and BS 5979: 2007 (alarm monitoring)
DD 263: 2007
Intruder alarm and hold-up alarm systems –commissioning, maintenance and remote support
DD CLC/TS 50131 – 7: 2003
Application Guidelines (Intruder Alarms)
BS EN 50131-5-3: 2005
Requirements for interconnections equipment using radio frequency techniques
BS 7042: 1988
High security intruder alarm systems in buildings
CCTV

BS EN 50132-7:1996
CCTV Surveillance systems for use in security applications – Applications Guidelines
BS EN 62676 Series
Video surveillance systems for use in security applications
BS 8418: 2003
Installation  and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems
Access Control

EN 50133-1: 1997
Access Control – Systems Requirements
EN 50133-7: 1999
Access Control Systems for use in security applications – Applications Guidelines
Monitoring Centres

BS 5979: 2007
Code of practice for remote centres for alarm systems
BS 8418: 2003
Installation  and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems
BS 7958
The management and operation of CCTV monitoring
BS 8484: 2008
Lone worker monitoring
Alarm Transmission Systems

BS EN 50136 -1-1: 1998
General Requirements
BS EN 50136 -1-2: 1998
Requirements for using dedicated pathways
BS EN 50136 -1-3: 1998
Requirements for systems with digital communications using the PSTN
BS EN 50136 -1-4: 1998
Requirements for systems with voice communications using the PSTN
Emergency Lighting

BS 5266-1- 2011
Gives general rules and guidance on the provision and operation of emergency lighting in most premises other than dwellings
BS EN 60598-1: 2008
Luminaire’s. General requirements and tests. Check out the 60598 series for particular requirements.
BS EN 62034:2006
Automatic test systems for battery powered emergency escape lighting .Specifies a test system for battery powered emergency lighting
Fire Alarm Systems

BS 5839-1:2017
Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance.
BS EN 54
Fire detection & alarm systems
BS 5839-6:2004
Fire detection and alarm systems for dwellings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance.
Fire Door

BS 8214:2008
Code of practice for fire door assemblies
BS EN 1634-1:2008
Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door, shutter and, openable window assemblies and elements of building hardware. Fire resistance tests for doors, shutters and openable windows which is an alternative for BS 476 – 22: 1987
Portable Fire Extinguishers

BS EN 3-10:2009
Provisions for the attestation of conformity of portable fire extinguishers in accordance with EN 3 Part 1 to Part 5. Amendment 1
BS EN 3-7 2004 + A1: 2007
Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods
BS 7863:2009
Recommendations for colour coding to indicate the extinguishing media contained in portable fire extinguishers
BS 5306-8:2000
Code of practice for Selection and installation of portable fire extinguishers.
BS EN 13565-2:2009
Fixed firefighting systems. Foam systems. Design, construction and maintenance
Security Guarding Services

BS 7499: 2002
Static site guarding and mobile patrol services
BS 7984: 2001
Keyholding and response services. Code of Practice
BS 7960: 2005
Door Supervision and Stewards
BS 7872: 2002
Manned Security Services. Cash in Transit Services. Code of Practice
Miscellaneous Standards

BS EN ISO 9001: 2000
Quality Management Systems: Requirements
BS EN 14001
Environmental management systems:  Requirements
BS OHSAS 18001:2007
Occupational health and safety management systems: Requirements
BS 7858: 2006
Security screening of personnel employed in a security environment
BS 7671: 2008
Requirements for electrical installations. IEE wiring regulations. 17th Edition.

Ref: BS & EN websites.