Appendix 7: Specifications
System Failures
Thissystem hasbeen carefullydesigned to be as effective aspossible. There are circumstances, however, involving fire, burglary, or other types of emergencieswhere it may not provide protection. Anyalarm system of anytype maybe
compromised deliberately or mayfailto operate as expected for a varietyof reasons. Some but not allof these reasonsmaybe:
Inadequate Installation
Asecurity system must be installed properly in order to provide adequate protection. Everyinstallation should be evaluated bya security professionalto ensure that allaccesspoints and areasare covered. Locksand latches on windows
and doorsmust be secure and operate as intended. Windows, doors, walls, ceilings and other building materialsmust be of sufficient strength and construction to provide the levelof protection expected. Areevaluation must be done
during and after anyconstruction activity. An evaluation by the fire and/or police department is highlyrecommended if thisservice isavailable.
Criminal Knowledge
Thissystem containssecurity featureswhich were known to be effective at the time of manufacture. It is possible forpersons with criminalintent to develop techniques which reduce the effectivenessof these features. It isimportant
that a securitysystem be reviewed periodicallyto ensure that itsfeatures remain effective and that it be updated orreplaced if it isfound that it does not provide the protection expected.
Access by Intruders
Intrudersmay enterthrough an unprotected accesspoint, circumvent a sensing device, evade detection bymoving through an area of insufficient coverage, disconnect a warning device, or interfere with orprevent the proper oper-
ation of the system.
Power Failure
Controlunits, intrusion detectors, smoke detectorsand many othersecuritydevicesrequire an adequate power supplyfor properoperation. If a device operatesfrom batteries, it ispossible for the batteries to fail. Even if the batteries
have not failed, theymust be charged, in good condition and installed correctly. If a device operatesonlyby AC power, any interruption, however brief, willrenderthat device inoperative while it doesnot have power. Power interruptions
of any length are often accompanied byvoltage fluctuations which maydamage electronicequipment such as a security system. After a powerinterruption hasoccurred, immediatelyconducta complete system test to ensure that the
system operatesas intended.
Failure of Replaceable Batteries
Thissystem’swirelesstransmittershave been designed to provide severalyearsof batterylife under normalconditions. The expected batterylife isa function of the device environment, usage and type. Ambient conditionssuch ashigh
humidity, high orlow temperatures, or large temperature fluctuationsmayreduce the expected batterylife. While each transmitting device hasa low batterymonitorwhich identifies when the batteries need to be replaced, this monitor
mayfailto operate asexpected. Regulartesting and maintenance willkeep the system in good operating condition.
Compromise of Radio Frequency (Wireless) Devices
Signalsmaynot reach the receiver underallcircumstanceswhich could include metalobjectsplaced on or near the radio path ordeliberate jamming or other inadvertent radio signalinterference.
System Users
Auser maynot be able to operate a panicor emergencyswitch possiblydue to permanent or temporaryphysicaldisability, inabilityto reach the device in time, or unfamiliarity with the correct operation. It is important that allsystem users
be trained in the correct operation of the alarm system and that they know how to respond when the system indicatesan alarm.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectorsthat are a part of thissystem maynot properlyalert occupantsof a fire for a number of reasons, some of which follow. The smoke detectorsmay have been improperlyinstalled or positioned. Smoke maynot be able to
reach the smoke detectors, such aswhen the fire isin a chimney, wallsor roofs, oron the otherside of closed doors.Smoke detectorsmay not detect smoke from fires on anotherlevelof the residence or building.
Everyfire isdifferent in the amount of smoke produced and the rate of burning. Smoke detectorscannot sense alltypesof firesequallywell. Smoke detectorsmaynot provide timelywarning of fires caused by carelessnessor safety haz-
ardssuch assmoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improperstorage of flammable materials, overloaded electricalcircuits, children playing with matches orarson.
Even if the smoke detector operatesasintended, there may be circumstances when there is insufficient warning to allow alloccupants to escape in time to avoid injuryor death.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectorscan onlydetectmotion within the designated areasas shown in theirrespective installation instructions. They cannot discriminate between intrudersand intended occupants. Motion detectorsdo not provide volu-
metricarea protection. Theyhave multiple beamsof detection and motion can only be detected in unobstructed areascovered bythese beams. They cannot detect motion which occursbehind walls, ceilings, floor, closed doors, glass
partitions, glassdoorsor windows. Anytype of tampering whether intentionalor unintentionalsuch as masking, painting, or spraying of anymaterialon the lenses, mirrors, windows orany other part of the detection system willimpairits
proper operation.
Passive infrared motion detectorsoperate by sensing changesin temperature. However their effectivenesscan be reduced when the ambient temperature rises near or above bodytemperature or if there are intentionalorunin-
tentionalsources of heat in ornear the detection area. Some of these heat sources could be heaters, radiators, stoves, barbeques, fireplaces, sunlight, steam vents, lighting and so on.
Warning Devices
Warning devicessuch assirens, bells,horns, orstrobesmaynot warn people orwaken someone sleeping if there isan intervening wallor door. If warning devicesare located on a different levelof the residence or premise, then it isless
likely that the occupantswillbe alerted or awakened. Audible warning devicesmaybe interfered with byother noise sources such asstereos, radios, televisions, airconditionersor other appliances, or passing traffic. Audible warning
devices, howeverloud, maynot be heard bya hearing-impaired person.
Telephone Lines
If telephone linesare used to transmit alarms, theymaybe out of service or busyforcertain periodsof time. Also an intruder may cut the telephone line or defeat itsoperation by more sophisticated means which maybe difficult to
detect.
Insufficient Time
There maybe circumstances when the system willoperate as intended, yet the occupants willnot be protected from the emergencydue to theirinabilityto respond to the warningsin a timelymanner. If the system ismonitored, the
response maynot occur in time to protect the occupantsor theirbelongings.
Component Failure
Although everyeffort has been made to make thissystem asreliable aspossible, the system may failto function asintended due to the failure of a component.
Inadequate Testing
Most problems that would prevent an alarm system from operating asintended can be found by regular testing and maintenance. The complete system should be tested weeklyand immediatelyafter a break-in, an attempted break-
in, a fire, a storm, an earthquake, an accident, or any kind of construction activity inside or outside the premises.The testing should include allsensing devices, keypads, consoles, alarm indicating devices and anyother operational
devicesthat are part of the system.
Security and Insurance
Regardlessof itscapabilities, an alarm system isnot a substitute for propertyor life insurance. An alarm system also is not a substitute for propertyowners, renters, orother occupants to act prudently to prevent orminimize the harmful
effectsof an emergencysituation.
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY:
DSC Software purchased with or without Productsand Componentsiscopyrighted and ispurchased under the following license terms:
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ThisEnd-User License Agreement (“EULA”) isa legalagreement between You (the company, individual orentitywho acquired the Software and any related Hardware) and DigitalSecurity Controls, a division of Tyco
SafetyProductsCanada Ltd. (“DSC”), the manufacturer of the integrated security systemsand the developer of the software and anyrelated productsor components(“HARDWARE”) which You acquired.
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If the DSC software product (“SOFTWAREPRODUCT”or“SOFTWARE”)is intended to be accompanied byHARDWARE, and is NOTaccompanied bynew HARDWARE, You maynot use, copyor installthe SOFTWARE
PRODUCT. The SOFTWAREPRODUCT includes computersoftware, and may include associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation.
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Any software provided along with the SOFTWARE PRODUCT that is associated with a separate end-user license agreement is licensed to You under the termsof that license agreement.
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By installing, copying, downloading, storing, accessing orotherwise using the SOFTWAREPRODUCT, You agree unconditionallyto be bound bythe terms of thisEULA, even if this EULA is deemed to be a modification of
any previous arrangement or contract. If You do not agree to the termsof this EULA, DSC is unwilling to license the SOFTWAREPRODUCT to You, and You have no right to use it.
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