The Intrusion and Hold-up Alarm System (SSWiN) is a proven solution that helps increase the security level of a facility and its users. Its primary function is to notify about an attempted or actual break-in into the building. The user is immediately informed about any events detected by burglar alarm system suspicious events. Additionally, appropriate notifications can be automatically sent to the relevant authorities. Information is delivered via SMS, push notifications, voice calls, or emails. It is worth mentioning that the intrusion and hold-up alarm system can be used to secure both smaller and larger facilities. This makes it an ideal solution for anyone concerned about their safety and the protection of their property.
How does it work?
By design, the operation of the system is very simple. Various types of sensors are placed in the protected area, which respond to, among other things, motion, temperature changes, or sound. Upon detecting these phenomena, the sensor transmits a signal to the control panel, which receives and processes it based on a programmed algorithm. Based on the saved settings, executive devices such as, for example alarm devices for burglar alarm systems. At the same time, information about the event is sent to users and other authorized entities, such as security agency personnel. Usually, an intervention patrol is dispatched to the scene.
Types of burglary alarm systems
Now that we know what burglary alarm system is and how it works, we need to determine its possible configurations. When it comes to how individual devices work, the following can be distinguished:
- wired communication (individual elements of the system are connected to each other using cables, which involves the need to distribute cables throughout the facility),
- wireless communication (individual devices communicate with each other using radio waves. In this solution, there is no need to distribute cables around the facility.
The functionality of the installation is extended with the possibility of operation using an application. The disadvantage is the need to verify the charge level of the batteries installed in the devices).
You can easily find devices designed to work in specific configurations on the market.
What does the burglary alarm system consist of?
Depending on the specificity of the secured facility, the system elements may vary in terms of their operating principle, number and arrangement. In most cases, the basis for carrying out the assigned tasks consists of: an alarm control panel, alarm detectors, transmitters (e.g. GSM/GPRS module), or alarm devices. Optionally, the whole thing can be expanded with control devices that allow you to automatically perform additional activities such as opening windows, closing blinds, or switching on the lighting. Increase your security level by selecting appropriate solutions tailored to your needs.
Alarm control panel – the electronic heart of the system
The task of the alarm control panel is to supervise the operation of the entire system, in particular the collection and processing of data. The alarm control panel also allows you to program the system operation in accordance with the user's expectations. It is based on the program that the alarm control panel is able to control appropriate actuators in response to input signals (e.g. from detectors or keypads). In response, an alarm is triggered allowing further action to be taken.
When selecting the appropriate alarm control panel, you should pay attention to such aspects as:
- compliance with the EN 50131 standard (e.g. Grade 2),
- number of programmable inputs (e.g. 8),
- number of programmable outputs (e.g. 4),
- built-in modules (e.g. GSM/GPRS, voice, acoustic alarm verification),
- possibility of dividing the system into zones (e.g. 2 with different supervision modes),
- system control options (e.g. manipulator, mobile application, remote control),
- event memory size.
In fact, the requirements for the alarm control panel are largely determined by the size and specificity of the secured facility, as well as the end user's expectations (ease of use).
Alarm detectors – your proven guard
The basic task of alarm detectors is to detect undesirable actions (movement, opening doors or windows, breaking glass) and transmitting appropriate signals to the control panel. There is a whole range of devices available on the market that respond to various activities and phenomena.
The most popular detectors include:
- infrared (create a barrier of infrared rays stretching between the transmitter and the receiver),
- microwave (detects movement through waves reflecting off an object),
- reed switches (detects the opening of a window or door by the disappearance of the electromagnetic field),
- breakage and vibration (react to the sound of broken glass or physical vibrations),
- PIR (detects changes in thermal radiation),
- dual (uses two types of detectors in one housing).
It can therefore be said that by sending an appropriate signal, detectors are the first to communicate about the detected threat. Next to the control panel, detectors are one of the basic elements without which the entire system could not exist.
GSM module – invaluable communication
In the case of the GSM module, we should start with the controversial statement that the entire system could exist without it. However, as mentioned at the beginning, the tasks of the SSWiN alarm system include informing users and sending messages to the appropriate services. If we add that effectiveness is primarily based on quick response, we can come to the conclusion that the GSM module plays a very important role and in some situations it may even turn out to be invaluable.
Effective alarm signals
An effective burglary detection system involves not only detecting burglary, but also signaling it. For this purpose, devices are installed in the secured facility that generate alarm signals warning about the threat. Currently, the most commonly used are sounders with VAD that simultaneously generate both an acoustic signal with a constant or changing frequency and a flashing optical signal. Of course, it is also possible to install only an acoustic or optical signaling device. It is worth emphasizing that acoustic or acoustic-optical signaling devices with a verbal message are also available on the market. In this way, unambiguous information is transmitted, the content of which, in some solutions, may change dynamically as events unfold.
Beware of false alarms
Just like any other solution, alarm systems are not perfect. During the operation of the installation, there may be a moment when the burglary alarm system generates a so-called false alarm. This is a situation in which, despite the lack of threat, the system signals a violation of protected zones.
Most often, such events are the result of:
- system user error (e.g. leaving doors or windows open, violating the protected zone, incorrect disarming password),
- external factors (animals, renovations, weather conditions),
- incorrect installation or configuration.
In order to reduce the frequency and number of false alarms, periodic commissioning, system checks and maintenance should be carried out. These activities should be carried out by authorized persons, and the test should be confirmed by an appropriate protocol. Thanks to this, the user can be sure that the whole system is working properly and, if necessary, intrusion detection will be effective and a quick response is possible.
Advantages of the burglar system alarm
A properly selected and configured burglary and assault detection system can actually increase the safety of the facility's users as well as the property stored there. Additionally, the system serves as a deterrent because it makes it much more difficult to carry out unwanted activities unnoticed. Additionally, having such an installation allows you to detect any events without time delay, which allows you to quickly react and take appropriate actions. Moreover, the solutions available on the market are very easy to use. Most manufacturers offer dedicated applications that allow for current viewing of all the most important information related to the operation of the system and its individual elements.
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