More on Voice Over IP

A letter of mine to The CBC regarding a recent
article of theirs on a home owner who came home to an empty house and a
security system unable to communicate to the security alarm monitoring
station due to him have Voice over IP.

Being in the security alarm industry for almost 20 years and owning KeepSafe Systems for 11 of those, I have realized most
consumers do not know the effect their phone line has on the ability of
their security system to communicate with the central monitoring station.
With the technology overload going on nowadays, one cannot blame the
consumer for not thinking about such things. With all the technical
manuals and the growing complexity of the simplest of technologies the
modern consumer is being bombarded with new technical terms and concepts
on an almost daily basis. 

Fact of the matter is the responsibility lies on the
security alarm company to educate their clients and provide measures to
test the security systems communication. For that reason, I have always
believed in programming daily signal tests into all of my accounts.
Although this does not replace proper education and regular testing on the
behalf of the client, this is a standard feature all alarm companies
should use. Unfortunately, larger companies must deal with line overload
issues, therefore the daily test turns into a weekly or sometimes monthly
test signal. In fact, many companies continue to collect monitoring fees
without knowing whether the system is sending signals or not. 

In addition to line quality issues, consumers also
need to know the effect the house power has on the ability for VOIP & IP
based transmission methods to effective communicate data. Since the
internet connection is reliant on a modem plugged into the house power
many IP based (VOIP & TCP/IP) are useless in the case of a power failure.
Although most security alarm panels are equipped with a battery back-up,
Internet modems and routers are not. The simple fix is to purchase a UPS
back-up or connect the modem to another source of power with a battery
back-up. 

All that aside, non-managed VOIP networks are
problematic for many reasons. With the increased competition both ISP’s
and VOIP providers are looking at cutting costs. These cost cutting
measures result in signal degradation which is not necessarily apparent to
the human ear, but definitely detrimental to data communication. In fact,
the telephone industry as a whole is guilty of this. With the North
American implementation of the “sunset clause” and new digital
legislations, alarm companies are continually up against Least cost
Routing. This is where long distance calls are routed through the most
cost effective digital method which is often IP based and subject to the
same bandwidth issues as VOIP. For that reason, it is also important for
consumers to understand the negative effect dealing with monitoring
stations outside of their local calling area has on their security
systems’ ability to communicate. 

This is a long and complicated issue which requires
both sides of the table to meet. Unfortunately, for this to happen we must
go through many more situations similar to that of Mr.
Terrick.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Voice mail and your security alarm system

Most modern security alarm systems have the ability to detect a dial tone when sending a signal to the monitoring station. If a dial tone is not detected, the panel assumes there is a call on the line so it hangs up and tries again.

This feature, although very handy when it comes to preventing transmissions from being jammed, has a draw-back. Some Panels see the intermittant Voice mail indication dial tone as no dial tone. If this is the case, your security alarm system will NOT be able to send a signal to the monitoring station.

If left untreated, this problem could result in a very dangerous situation. Fortunately, most alarm manufacturers have a programming fix. The programming feature is called Dial tone detect disable or Force dial of no dial tone. Proper programming of this feature will repair the problem. Depending on your phone company and your voice mail settings, you may also be able to change this indication. Some phone companies will give an intermittant tone for about 3 seconds then switch to a steady tone. This should not cause a problem with your security alarm system.

To determine if your security system needs re-programming, A simple test is to leave yourself a voice mail message then trip your alarm (Ensure the monitoring station knows you will be testing your security alarm system.) Keep in mind, some companies, like ADT have standard abort delays, which will not send a signal to the monitoring station if the siren only rings for a few seconds. This is great for eliminating false alarms, unfortunately it also leaves time for the criminal to disable the system. For the safety of our clients, KeepSafe Systems does not use dial delay on any security alarm systems we install, unless specifically requested.

What makes a security system

The good the bad and the Ugly

The starting point of any security system good or bad is the main control panel, sometimes referred to as “the brains”. When it comes down to it, the majority of security systems on the market today are similar. Differences lie in whether the system is hardwired, wireless or hybrid (wireless / hardwire combo) as well as the various advanced features.

Without getting into too much detail, having worked with both wireless and hardwire systems, I will always choose hardwired over wireless hands-down. For more information on the differences between hardwire and wireless security alarm systems, see the truth about wireless security systems.

While many people will decide on a security system based on advanced features, it is important to consider all those using the system both now and in the future. In saying that, I am by no means suggesting you stay away from the advanced features. In fact I believe in choosing a system which will cover all possible preferences and requirements. Typically I recommend systems which are modular in design with room for future expansion.

Systems designed around a communication bus with a large selection of modules are the best way to go. If the manufacturer is up on the latest features within the security alarm industry you will be sure to have a system which will outlast the typical toilet alarm by decades. For my installations, I prefer a Canadian manufacturer by the name of Paradox. They have a large selection of modules ranging from zone expanders, relay modules, wireless arm/disarm, Remote telephone access, TCIP & direct connect PC modules. With a highly competitive price point, Paradox systems are suitable for all sizes of installations from small one bedroom condo’s and retail outlets to large mansions and industrial complexes.

Having covered the control panel, the effectiveness of any security system, regardless of complexity is largely controlled by the quality of the installation. In fact, choosing the right installation company is often more important than the choice of a control panel. Many factors go into the proper installation of a security system; these can range from the ability to conceal wires, choice of detectors, installation standards as well as quality of after installation service.

It has become increasingly difficult to find quality installers who take pride in the quality of their installations. For that reason, many alarm companies are opting for the easier to install wireless security systems. Unfortunately this leaves the customer with a security system which could result in a lifetime of problems. Whereas a properly installed hardwired security system will out last and outperform pretty much any wireless security system on the market.


When looking at installation standards, it is often difficult to tell whether a company is really as good as they say they are. Of course no company will tell you their installers are lazy and have sub-standard installation practices. One way to determine the accuracy of their sales pitch is to ask to see samples of their work. Although not much can be seen from a picture of the wiring in a control panel, a general idea of pride can be determined. A messy wiring job in the control panel is often the sign of poor standards in the field. Important factors in the proper installation of a security alarm system are the splices at the contacts, proximity of electric interference to alarm wires, and quality of detectors used.

The most common issue when it comes to poorly installed hardwire security systems is the splice. If done properly, there should be no issue for as long as the system lasts. If your security system door contact is false alarming, typically this would be as a result of a bad splice. Other causes of door false alarms include mis-aligned magnets (Also a result of poor installation standards) as well as contact failure. Contacts also tend to fail if the wood frame around them expands and crushes the glass tube containing the magnetic switch.

With alarm panels becoming more and more sophisticated, electrical interference can be a source of headaches for both hardwire and wireless security systems. More prevalent in wireless security systems, Electrical interference can happen in hardwire security systems as a result or improperly run wiring. For example, a keypad wire run along a large length of high voltage wire can result in false signals being generated or the keypad not functioning properly. Although many modern control panels allow for electrical filtering, it is always a good idea to follow the electrical code when in comes to low voltage wiring and their proximity to AC lines.

Although more on a managerial level, the choice or detectors is a very important aspect of the reliability of a security system. After all, the ability of a security system to properly detect an intruder is largely controlled by the detector itself. For more information on the types of detectors, see False Alarm info.

As you can see, the choice in the alarm company you decide to trust with your security should be based on more than just who has the best ad campaign. Although determining the installation standards of a company can often be difficult, it does help to talk to friends and neighbours. Also, ask to see photographs of their work, most companies who do not take pride in their work will not keep photographs. Look for proof behind the marketing words.

Keepsafe systems installs services and provides alarm monitoring services for security alarm systems in the Vancouver area of the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley British Columbia

Batteries and your Security alarm system - www.keepsafesystems.ca

In the spirit of someone was searching for it so I will write about it, here I am again. The question was “will a low battery in my security alarm system cause a false alarm”. The answer, well that would depend on which battery is low.

Pretty much all security all security alarm systems, whether hardwired or wireless have back-up panel batteries. These batteries are located in the main control panel and are there simply in case the power to the security alarm system goes out. Once the power is restored the batteries are re-charged by the security alarm systems’ internal power supply. Normally speaking, these batteries will last from 4 to 5 years under normal usage. If you have a lot of power failures battery life may be reduced substantially.

Since these batteries are intended for back-up purposed only, they would normally not cause a false alarm. The only time a bad battery may cause a problem with your security alarm system is if the power goes out for a long period of time and the battery goes into deep discharge. This simply means the battery is not supplying enough voltage for the security alarm system to operate properly. The same holds true if the back-up battery is on its’ last legs when the power fails.

Although I really do not consider wireless security alarm systems real security alarm systems, I will bring them up for the purpose of the battery discussion. Wireless detectors, by definition run purely on batteries. Although most modern wireless “security alarm systems” do have battery saver features on their wireless detectors, batteries do run low and as with anything electronic will start to act erratically once sufficient operational voltage is not supplied to the detector. For that reason, if you are unfortunate enough to have a wireless “security alarm system” it is important to keep a fresh stockpile of batteries for when they start to die. Keep in mind; batteries do have a shelf life, so you may have to refresh old batteries from your stockpile.

So now back to the question, in a hardwire security alarm system, under normal operation, a bad back-up battery will not cause a false alarm. It will however cause problems as well as potential false alarms if the power fails for even one moment. Bad batteries in wireless sensors will almost always cause problems whether there is a stable power source in the house or not.

Keepsafe systems installs services and provides alarm monitoring services for security alarm systems in the Vancouver area of the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley British Columbia

Alarm systems and out buildings

In looking through my webpage stats, it appears there is quite a-bit of interest in monitoring workshops with existing home security alarm systems.

Is this possible? The answer is yes and it is quite common.

The term we use in the industry is partitions. Simply put, a partition is a separate are within a security alarm system which acts as if it were a separate security alarm system. Common uses include secondary suites; controlling access to different parts of an office; home vaults; gun closets; liquor cabinets; and of course workshops.

A partition is not to be confused with a zone, a zone is the smaller segment of a partition (door, window, motion detector etc) A zone on a security alarm system may contain more than one device, however this is not recommended. A partition consists of one or more zones on a larger security alarm system.

Now for the workshop scenario. If the workshop is connected to the home, it is simply a matter of running wires from the workshop to the security alarm system. If, on the other hand, the workshop is a separate building, I have an underground conduit run from the house to the workshop and then I install a sub-panel in the workshop.

At this point, it is a matter of how the customer would like to control the workshop. Some choose to have a secondary keypad installed in the workshop, while others prefer to control the entire security alarm system from inside the home. On the topic of controlling your security alarm system, if the workshop also doubles as a garage with an overhead door, another option could be wireless arm/disarm. This is simply an extension of the car alarm remote in which the homeowner carries a key fob remote which is designed to control the security alarm system. In some cases, the security alarm system can also be set up to open the garage overhead door, thus eliminating the need to carry an extra remote. If you really want to have some fun, you can even have one of the buttons activate a porch light, ensuring you have a safe pathway to the door.

Modern security alarm systems are all about designing the system around your needs. KeepSafe Systems is dedicated to providing customized security alarm solutions for the modern world. If you would like to talk about your security alarm system needs, please feel free to contact us at 604-874-8772.

So what exactly is a "prewired home security alarm system"

Many people are purchasing new homes in this vibrant interest driven marketplace. Most new homes today come with a pre-wired security alarm system. So what is this?
Many new home owners end up being shocked to find out how little this can actually mean. Pre-wired alarm does not necessarily mean the house is wired for what you would like in a security alarm system, in fact many are even wired below industry standards. For some basic information on security alarm systems and what is available, please feel free to check out our website at www.keepsafesystems.ca.

So what is a new homeowner to do to ensure the pre-wire they are paying for is up to standard? Well first of all, the industry has a term referred to as “Home run”. Basically this means all windows, doors; motion detectors, glassbreak detectors, water sensors, smoke detectors, keypads etc… have individual dedicated wires running back to one panel location. With the price of copper, many “security alarm installers” are saving money by looping devices in the field. What this means, is one wire will leave the panel location go to the first window, and then another wire will continue to the next and so on. The problem with this is if one segment of that run goes faulty, the entire set of protection devices on that run could be compromised. Furthermore, is the issue of control, once again, please refer to www.keepsafesystems.ca under the false alarm tab to find out more information about individual zoning.

So how does one determine if the security alarm system is installed properly? Well for one, you could contact a home inspector. Unfortunately not all home inspectors actually address the issue of security alarm systems and cabling. They are more concerned with the larger picture of “will this house fall down”. So what is one to do? Well first of all, count all the detection devices, keypads etc in the field. This means every window that has a contact, every motion, every smoke detector that is wired for connection to the security system. Once you have come up with a number, go to the main panel location and count the number of wires. There should be at least the number you counted as well as additional wires for telephone connection and a siren. Some security alarm companies will even run spares, just in case they are needed later.

If you are one of the unfortunate souls to have purchased a home not wired to standard. There is no need to worry too much, as a qualified security alarm installer should be able to hardwire most locations. Do not let this downfall push you into getting a wireless security alarm system, as you may run into more problems than it is worth. See the archive at www.keepsafesystems.ca to read more about wireless security alarm systems and their downfalls.

Keepsafe systems installs services and provides alarm monitoring services for security alarm systems in the Vancouver area of the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley British Columbia

Questions and Answers section - www.KeepSafeSystems.ca

If you are looking at purchasing a security system and have some questions about the equipment out there, or if you already have a security system and you need help resolving a technical issue, this is the place for you. Simply submit your question along with your Email address and I will get back to you with an answer. Email addresses will only be used to send a response back to you. Your question along with the answer may also be posted in this blog to hlp others. Just to re-itterate, I am not in the business of spamming, your Email address will not be posted on here nor will you receive any other mail from me other than the answer to your question.
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