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.
All postings are moderated and will not appear until cleared by myself. The purpose of this is to filter out junk posts.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
www.KeepSafeSystems.ca - Security Systems - Fa la la false alarms
With Christmas just around the corner there are more than just visions of sugarplums dancing in my head. Although a very celebratory time of year, Christmas is known in the security alarm industry as a time of high False Alarm rates. I know it sounds odd to be thinking about work during the festive season but I am the type of person that cannot walk into a restaurant without analyzing the strengths and weaknesses inherent in their particular security system... Yes, I admit it I'm an Alarm Geek.
When you start hanging your decorations consider how your security system is set-up and any motion detectors installed in the vicinity. Surpassed only by balloons and pets, Garland and any other hanging type decorations are notorious for causing false alarms in security systems. Remember, the effectiveness of your entire security system is only as good as the authority’s willingness to respond to alarms from your home or business. Just think about the crying wolf syndrome, the same applies to false alarming security systems.
There are other false alarm causing factors inherent in many security systems this time of year. With the onslaught of colder weather, blowing furnaces and fireplaces often cause motion detectors to falsely activate Security Systems. Although this is more of an installation issue that should be addressed prior to installation of your security system, it is something to consider once the weather changes.
If you have any questions about potential false alarm risks or would like to have KeepSafe Systems install, monitor or service a security system in your home or business, please feel free to visit us online at http://www.KeepSafeSystems.ca/ or if you prefer real human contact I can always be reached at 604-874-8772 – Yes even during the holidays.
When you start hanging your decorations consider how your security system is set-up and any motion detectors installed in the vicinity. Surpassed only by balloons and pets, Garland and any other hanging type decorations are notorious for causing false alarms in security systems. Remember, the effectiveness of your entire security system is only as good as the authority’s willingness to respond to alarms from your home or business. Just think about the crying wolf syndrome, the same applies to false alarming security systems.
There are other false alarm causing factors inherent in many security systems this time of year. With the onslaught of colder weather, blowing furnaces and fireplaces often cause motion detectors to falsely activate Security Systems. Although this is more of an installation issue that should be addressed prior to installation of your security system, it is something to consider once the weather changes.
If you have any questions about potential false alarm risks or would like to have KeepSafe Systems install, monitor or service a security system in your home or business, please feel free to visit us online at http://www.KeepSafeSystems.ca/ or if you prefer real human contact I can always be reached at 604-874-8772 – Yes even during the holidays.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Wireless Security Systems - The true cost - www.KeepSafeSystems.ca
Wireless Vs Hardwire
This is an ever-growing debate within the security alarm industry; both sides have their opinions as I have mine. Since starting KeepSafe Systems, I have never installed a wireless security system. There are several reasons starting from appearance, reliability and sustainability to never having the need to and always finding a way to get a wire where it is needed.
Appearance is a large concern of many homeowners. Although transmitters have gotten smaller over the years, wireless security systems involve the installation of boxy transmitters around your doors and windows. Wireless security system supporters will often tell horror stories of holes drilled throughout your home or wires stapled all over your walls. Yes, I have seen these types of installations, for the most part, they are done by inexperienced or lazy technicians who prefer wireless security systems. Although some wire runs can be difficult and very occasionally require surface runs, there is no excuse for sloppy workmanship. Pick your security alarm installer very carefully; often the small business owner will take more care in ensuring the quality of the installation.
When it comes to the reliability of security systems, hardwire will always be the more reliable of the two. Wireless security alarm supporters of course will say “modern wireless security systems are supervised”, basically this is passing over the pitfalls of the technology and adding a feature to tell you when the technology fails. This inevitably runs into expensive and time wasting service calls, equipment replacement and potential false alarms. One need only look at the cordless phone to see the pitfalls of the wireless technology. Sure they are great when you first purchase them, however, age and interference take their toll and sooner or later you have a paperweight with buttons and an LCD screen.
Sustainability is potentially the most expensive reason for choosing hardwire security systems over wireless. I can’t even begin to count the changes in wireless security technology and frequencies used since getting into the business back in the late 80’s early 90’s. Even the wireless security system supporters will tell you that technology is always changing (Except they use the word “advancing”… it sounds better in advertising). So how do wireless security system “advancements” affect the owner of a wireless security system? Easy, say for example you were the unfortunate victim of a wireless security system sales person in 1995. Chances are if one of your motion detectors fails you will be hard-pressed to find a replacement. Simply put, you will now have to purchase an entirely new security system (Control panel, detectors, keypad etc) which depending on the size of your security alarm system will cost you as much and possibly more than if you would have installed a hardwired system to begin with. So in all fairness, I feel I should tell you what is in store for you if a hardwired detector fails. Simple, you replace the detector. Hardwire detectors are simple switches and most hardwire security system detectors are interchangeable regardless of the manufacturer.
Another factor within the realm of sustainability is the cost of upgrading. Back to the system installed in 1995. Yes there have been significant changes in security alarm technology since then. In the hardwire security system world, these changes are mostly in the area of convenience, esthetics and features. If all your detectors are in working order, upgrading a hardwire security system simply involves changing the control panel and keypad(s). This is generally a fairly easy process and is substantially less expensive than upgrading a complete wireless system.
One last consideration in choosing hardwire security systems over their wireless counterpart is the selection of detectors. Although you can retrofit almost any hardwire detector to a wireless system, there are far more choices of detector types in hardwire. Take for example Carbon monoxide, water, natural gas, propane, vibration… and the list goes on. Wireless security systems are generally designed around the average security need of the consumer. Since detectors are not interchangeable across manufacturer lines, it would be financially unfeasible for a wireless security system manufacturer to create wireless detectors for every conceivable need. Even in the spectrum of standard detectors, there are some manufacturers who have extremely reliable detectors that only work on hardwire systems. Choosing a wireless security system can often result in you having a detector less suited for your particular application. Once again the average security need factor comes into play.
Inevitably, the choice of whether to have a wireless or hardwire security system installed is entirely up to you. In fact, your only choice may be wireless. Hopefully I have given you some information to help you along with your decision. If you have any questions, or would like to have KeepSafe Systems install or monitor a security system in your home or business, please feel free to visit us at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca/ or if you prefer real human contact I can always be reached at 604-874-8772.
This is an ever-growing debate within the security alarm industry; both sides have their opinions as I have mine. Since starting KeepSafe Systems, I have never installed a wireless security system. There are several reasons starting from appearance, reliability and sustainability to never having the need to and always finding a way to get a wire where it is needed.
Appearance is a large concern of many homeowners. Although transmitters have gotten smaller over the years, wireless security systems involve the installation of boxy transmitters around your doors and windows. Wireless security system supporters will often tell horror stories of holes drilled throughout your home or wires stapled all over your walls. Yes, I have seen these types of installations, for the most part, they are done by inexperienced or lazy technicians who prefer wireless security systems. Although some wire runs can be difficult and very occasionally require surface runs, there is no excuse for sloppy workmanship. Pick your security alarm installer very carefully; often the small business owner will take more care in ensuring the quality of the installation.
When it comes to the reliability of security systems, hardwire will always be the more reliable of the two. Wireless security alarm supporters of course will say “modern wireless security systems are supervised”, basically this is passing over the pitfalls of the technology and adding a feature to tell you when the technology fails. This inevitably runs into expensive and time wasting service calls, equipment replacement and potential false alarms. One need only look at the cordless phone to see the pitfalls of the wireless technology. Sure they are great when you first purchase them, however, age and interference take their toll and sooner or later you have a paperweight with buttons and an LCD screen.
Sustainability is potentially the most expensive reason for choosing hardwire security systems over wireless. I can’t even begin to count the changes in wireless security technology and frequencies used since getting into the business back in the late 80’s early 90’s. Even the wireless security system supporters will tell you that technology is always changing (Except they use the word “advancing”… it sounds better in advertising). So how do wireless security system “advancements” affect the owner of a wireless security system? Easy, say for example you were the unfortunate victim of a wireless security system sales person in 1995. Chances are if one of your motion detectors fails you will be hard-pressed to find a replacement. Simply put, you will now have to purchase an entirely new security system (Control panel, detectors, keypad etc) which depending on the size of your security alarm system will cost you as much and possibly more than if you would have installed a hardwired system to begin with. So in all fairness, I feel I should tell you what is in store for you if a hardwired detector fails. Simple, you replace the detector. Hardwire detectors are simple switches and most hardwire security system detectors are interchangeable regardless of the manufacturer.
Another factor within the realm of sustainability is the cost of upgrading. Back to the system installed in 1995. Yes there have been significant changes in security alarm technology since then. In the hardwire security system world, these changes are mostly in the area of convenience, esthetics and features. If all your detectors are in working order, upgrading a hardwire security system simply involves changing the control panel and keypad(s). This is generally a fairly easy process and is substantially less expensive than upgrading a complete wireless system.
One last consideration in choosing hardwire security systems over their wireless counterpart is the selection of detectors. Although you can retrofit almost any hardwire detector to a wireless system, there are far more choices of detector types in hardwire. Take for example Carbon monoxide, water, natural gas, propane, vibration… and the list goes on. Wireless security systems are generally designed around the average security need of the consumer. Since detectors are not interchangeable across manufacturer lines, it would be financially unfeasible for a wireless security system manufacturer to create wireless detectors for every conceivable need. Even in the spectrum of standard detectors, there are some manufacturers who have extremely reliable detectors that only work on hardwire systems. Choosing a wireless security system can often result in you having a detector less suited for your particular application. Once again the average security need factor comes into play.
Inevitably, the choice of whether to have a wireless or hardwire security system installed is entirely up to you. In fact, your only choice may be wireless. Hopefully I have given you some information to help you along with your decision. If you have any questions, or would like to have KeepSafe Systems install or monitor a security system in your home or business, please feel free to visit us at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca/ or if you prefer real human contact I can always be reached at 604-874-8772.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
More than just security - www.KeepSafeSystems.ca
When you look at most "package security systems" typically you will find a control panel with one keypad one motion detector and two door contacts. Although this far from demonstrates the true ability of modern security systems, it has almost become the norm.
Security systems are all about reducing risk of loss. Yes a motion detector and a couple of door contacts could potentially activate a siren if an intruder enters your premises. What about Pre-entry?
Properly installed glassbreak detectors will detect the sound of breaking glass prior to an actual entry. This can be quite valuable in area's where "smash and grabs" are prevalent.
A few lines back I mentioned reducing the risk of loss. When it comes to insurance companies, they look at several area's of potential loss when it comes to determining your insurance rate. Property theft is definately on aspect, however, there are more potential sources of property damage.
Property damage can occur through vandalism as a result of a break and Enter. Another all to common cause is fire, for which smoke detectors are designed. Yes probably everyone has at least one battery powered smoke detector with the lid popped open and the battery removed. Most new houses now have smoke detectors hardwired into their electrical system. Some of these detectors even have a battery back-up. Yes these detectors are great at saving human lives by alerting the occupants of the home of a potential fire. What about when nobody is home? who will call the fire department and when?
Most modern security alarm systems have the capability of being connected to hardwire smoke detectors. See http://www.theworkshop.net/sponsors/keepsafesystems/alarmtips/smoke.htm for more details.
Another fire related detector is a Carbon Monoxide detector. Most of you have seen or own at least one of the plug in models. What if your power goes out in the middle of the night? The security industry has many models of carbon monoxide detectors available. These detectors can be wired into your security system to not only provide a battery back-up. They can also be remotely monitored to provide you and your family with assistance should the leak be bad enough to render you unable to help yourself.
In addition to, another significant but less deadly is water. What kind of damage will occur if your hotwater tank springs a leak when you are on vacation? What if you accidentally leave a hose on and it leaks into your basement (This actually happened to my parents when I was a child). Even an overflowing toilet can cause anough damage to run into the tens of thousands if left undetected long enough.
A water sensor is a very inexpesive solution to reducing this kind of risk. Depending on your insurance company, having a series of water sensor installed in high risk area's and connected to your security system could reduce your home insurance premiums.
Many more potentially damaging occurances can be monitored. I have customers who monitor ice cream freezers and others who monitor the status of computer systems or highly important electrical circuits. If you have a particular area of concern, talk to your alarm technician there is most likely a detector on the market to put your mind at ease.
For free tips on keeping you and your family secure, please visit us at www.keepsafesystems.ca Or if you wish to discuss your security need, please feel free to phone us directly at
604-874-8772
Security systems are all about reducing risk of loss. Yes a motion detector and a couple of door contacts could potentially activate a siren if an intruder enters your premises. What about Pre-entry?
Properly installed glassbreak detectors will detect the sound of breaking glass prior to an actual entry. This can be quite valuable in area's where "smash and grabs" are prevalent.
A few lines back I mentioned reducing the risk of loss. When it comes to insurance companies, they look at several area's of potential loss when it comes to determining your insurance rate. Property theft is definately on aspect, however, there are more potential sources of property damage.
Property damage can occur through vandalism as a result of a break and Enter. Another all to common cause is fire, for which smoke detectors are designed. Yes probably everyone has at least one battery powered smoke detector with the lid popped open and the battery removed. Most new houses now have smoke detectors hardwired into their electrical system. Some of these detectors even have a battery back-up. Yes these detectors are great at saving human lives by alerting the occupants of the home of a potential fire. What about when nobody is home? who will call the fire department and when?
Most modern security alarm systems have the capability of being connected to hardwire smoke detectors. See http://www.theworkshop.net/sponsors/keepsafesystems/alarmtips/smoke.htm for more details.
Another fire related detector is a Carbon Monoxide detector. Most of you have seen or own at least one of the plug in models. What if your power goes out in the middle of the night? The security industry has many models of carbon monoxide detectors available. These detectors can be wired into your security system to not only provide a battery back-up. They can also be remotely monitored to provide you and your family with assistance should the leak be bad enough to render you unable to help yourself.
In addition to, another significant but less deadly is water. What kind of damage will occur if your hotwater tank springs a leak when you are on vacation? What if you accidentally leave a hose on and it leaks into your basement (This actually happened to my parents when I was a child). Even an overflowing toilet can cause anough damage to run into the tens of thousands if left undetected long enough.
A water sensor is a very inexpesive solution to reducing this kind of risk. Depending on your insurance company, having a series of water sensor installed in high risk area's and connected to your security system could reduce your home insurance premiums.
Many more potentially damaging occurances can be monitored. I have customers who monitor ice cream freezers and others who monitor the status of computer systems or highly important electrical circuits. If you have a particular area of concern, talk to your alarm technician there is most likely a detector on the market to put your mind at ease.
For free tips on keeping you and your family secure, please visit us at www.keepsafesystems.ca Or if you wish to discuss your security need, please feel free to phone us directly at
604-874-8772
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Customer satisfaction - www.KeepSafeSystems.ca
As a small to medium sized business with growth based almost entirely on word of mouth advertising, KeepSafe Systems obtains alot of business from unhappy customers of other larger companies who shall remain unnamed.
Although this is great for business, I find the level of customer dis-satisfaction among clients of larger security alarm companies apawling. Size is not an excuse for poor customer service, I have dealt with larger companies in many area's and service is not always bad and wait times are not always long.
How long do you wait?
If you just tripped your alarm, how long do you have to wait to get in touch with an operator? Yes small wait times are inevitable, however the 15 minute standard of some companies out there is beyond reproach.
As with any service industry, another important factor in the security alarm business is service response. If your security alarm false activates and it is not simple human error, the system should be looked at. At KeepSafe Systems, we provide free labour on service calls for our monitored clients. If a detector needs to be replaced and it is no longer under Manufacturer warranty, KeepSafe Systems will replace the faulty unit at cost. Just one more way KeepSafe Systems ensures our customers are happy with their security alarm system. After all, a malfunctioning security system is worse than having no security system at all.
If you are unhappy with your current security alarm company, by all means tell them so. Maybe they are just to busy to realise the importance of your satisfaction. Shake a few doors, make sure you are getting the service you deserve. If that doesn't work, they obviously don't deserve your business. There are plenty of security alarm companies out there who will happily provide you with the service you deserve. Typically these companies will not be found in the full page yellow page ads. Ask around.
If you are in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia area, please feel free to give KeepSafe Systems a try. Check us out at www.KeepSafeSystem.ca your neighbours will be happy you did. If you prefer talking to a real person, we can also be reached at 604-874-8772 - 24 hours a day 7 days a week... Seriously.
Although this is great for business, I find the level of customer dis-satisfaction among clients of larger security alarm companies apawling. Size is not an excuse for poor customer service, I have dealt with larger companies in many area's and service is not always bad and wait times are not always long.
How long do you wait?
If you just tripped your alarm, how long do you have to wait to get in touch with an operator? Yes small wait times are inevitable, however the 15 minute standard of some companies out there is beyond reproach.
As with any service industry, another important factor in the security alarm business is service response. If your security alarm false activates and it is not simple human error, the system should be looked at. At KeepSafe Systems, we provide free labour on service calls for our monitored clients. If a detector needs to be replaced and it is no longer under Manufacturer warranty, KeepSafe Systems will replace the faulty unit at cost. Just one more way KeepSafe Systems ensures our customers are happy with their security alarm system. After all, a malfunctioning security system is worse than having no security system at all.
If you are unhappy with your current security alarm company, by all means tell them so. Maybe they are just to busy to realise the importance of your satisfaction. Shake a few doors, make sure you are getting the service you deserve. If that doesn't work, they obviously don't deserve your business. There are plenty of security alarm companies out there who will happily provide you with the service you deserve. Typically these companies will not be found in the full page yellow page ads. Ask around.
If you are in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia area, please feel free to give KeepSafe Systems a try. Check us out at www.KeepSafeSystem.ca your neighbours will be happy you did. If you prefer talking to a real person, we can also be reached at 604-874-8772 - 24 hours a day 7 days a week... Seriously.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
www.keepsafesystems.ca – Security alarm system installations, service and monitoring. Lower Mainland British Columbia.
At KeepSafe Systems, all the Security Alarm Systems we install are designed with your Security needs and comfort level in mind. As your Security needs may be different from those of your neighbour or a complete stranger on the other side of the country, we do not believe in "Packaged Security Systems". We have also learned, most people would rather control their Security Alarm System than have their Security Alarm System control them. This unique approach to customized user-friendly Security Systems is what sets KeepSafe Systems apart from the "Competition" and provides our many happy clients with Security Alarm Systems designed with Their Freedom in Mind.
For free tips on keeping you and your family secure, please visit us at www.keepsafesystems.ca Or if you wish to discuss your security need, please feel free to phone us directly at
604-874-8772
For free tips on keeping you and your family secure, please visit us at www.keepsafesystems.ca Or if you wish to discuss your security need, please feel free to phone us directly at
604-874-8772
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