Criminal Knowledge
Thissystem contains security features which were known to be effective at the time of manufacture. It is possible for persons with criminal intent to
develop techniqueswhich reduce the effectivenessof these features. It isimportant that a securitysystembe reviewed periodicallyto ensure that itsfea-
turesremain effective and that itbe updated orreplaced ifit isfound that it doesnotprovide the protection expected.
Access by Intruders
Intrudersmayenter through an unprotected accesspoint,circumvent a sensing device, evade detection bymoving through an area of insufficient cov-
erage, disconnect a warning device, orinterfere with orprevent the proper operation of the system..
Power Failure
Controlunits, intrusion detectors, smoke detectorsand manyothersecuritydevices require an adequate power supplyforproperoperation. If a device
operatesfrombatteries, it ispossible for the batteriesto fail. Even if the batteries have not failed, they mustbe charged, in good condition and installed
correctly.If a device operatesonly byAC power, anyinterruption, however brief, willrender that device inoperative while it doesnot have power. Power
interruptionsof anylength are often accompanied by voltage fluctuations which may damage electronic equipment such asa securitysystem. After a
powerinterruption hasoccurred, immediatelyconduct a complete systemtest to ensure that the systemoperatesasintended.
Failure of Replaceable Batteries
Thissystem’swirelesstransmittershave been designed to provide severalyearsof batterylife under normalconditions. The expected batterylife isa func-
tion of the device environment, usage and type. Ambientconditionssuch ashigh humidity, high orlow temperatures, orlarge temperature fluctuations
mayreduce the expected batterylife. While each transmitting device hasa low batterymonitor which identifieswhen the batteriesneed to be replaced,
thismonitor mayfailto operate asexpected. Regulartesting and maintenance willkeep the systemin good operating condition.
Compromise of Radio Frequency (Wireless) Devices
Signalsmaynot reach the receiver underall circumstanceswhich could include metalobjects placed on ornearthe radio path or deliberate jamming or
otherinadvertent radio signalinterference.
System Users
Ausermaynot be able to operate a panicor emergencyswitch possiblydue to permanent ortemporaryphysicaldisability, inabilityto reach the device in
time, orunfamiliarity with the correct operation.It isimportant that allsystem usersbe trained in the correct operation of the alarmsystem and that they
know how to respond when the systemindicates an alarm.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectorsthat are a part of thissystemmaynot properlyalert occupantsof a fire fora number of reasons,some of which follow. The smoke detect-
orsmayhave been improperlyinstalled orpositioned. Smoke maynot be able to reach the smoke detectors, such aswhen the fire isin a chimney,walls or
roofs, or on the otherside of closed doors. Smoke detectorsmaynot detect smoke fromfireson another levelof the residence orbuilding.
Everyfire is different in the amount of smoke produced and the rate of burning. Smoke detectors cannot sense all types of fires equally well. Smoke
detectorsmay not provide timely warning offires caused by carelessness or safety hazardssuch assmoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas,
improper storage of flammable materials,overloaded electricalcircuits, children playing with matchesorarson.
Even if the smoke detector operates asintended, there maybe circumstances when there isinsufficient warning to allow alloccupantsto escape in time
to avoid injuryordeath.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors can only detect motion within the designated areasas shown in their respective installation instructions. They cannot discriminate
between intruders and intended occupants. Motion detectorsdo not provide volumetricarea protection.They have multiple beamsof detection and
motion can only be detected in unobstructed areascovered by these beams. They cannot detect motion which occurs behind walls, ceilings, floor,
closed doors,glasspartitions, glassdoorsorwindows. Anytype of tampering whether intentionalorunintentionalsuch asmasking, painting, or spraying
ofanymaterialon the lenses, mirrors,windowsor anyother part ofthe detection systemwillimpairitsproperoperation.
Passive infrared motion detectors operate by sensing changes in temperature. However, their effectivenesscan be reduced when the ambient tem-
perature rises nearor above bodytemperature or if there are intentionalor unintentionalsources of heat in ornearthe detection area.Some of these
heat sourcescould be heaters, radiators, stoves, barbeques,fireplaces, sunlight, steamvents,lighting and so on.
Warning Devices
Warning devicessuch assirens,bells, horns, orstrobesmaynot warn people orwaken someone sleeping if there isan intervening wallordoor. If warn-
ing devicesare located on a different levelof the residence orpremise, then itisless likelythat the occupantswill be alerted orawakened.Audible warn-
ing devices may be interfered with by othernoise sources such asstereos, radios, televisions, air conditioners or otherappliances, or passing traffic.
Audible warning devices, howeverloud, maynot be heard bya hearing-impaired person.
Telephone Lines
If telephone linesare used to transmitalarms,theymaybe out of service orbusyforcertain periods of time. Also,an intrudermaycut the telephone line or
defeatitsoperation bymore sophisticated means which maybe difficultto detect.
Insufficient Time
There maybe circumstanceswhen the systemwilloperate asintended, yet the occupantswillnot be protected fromthe emergencydue to their inability
to respond to the warnings in a timely manner. If the systemis monitored, the response maynot occurin time to protect the occupants ortheir belong-
ings.
Component Failure
Although everyefforthas been made to make thissystemasreliable aspossible, the system mayfailto function asintended due to the failure of a com-
ponent.
Inadequate Testing
Most problems that would prevent an alarmsystemfromoperating as intended can be found byregulartesting and maintenance. The complete system
should be tested weeklyand immediatelyaftera break-in, an attempted break-in, a fire, a storm,an earthquake, an accident, orany kind of construction
activityinside or outside the premises. The testing should include all sensing devices, keypads, consoles, alarmindicating devices and anyother oper-
ationaldevicesthat are part ofthe system.
Security and Insurance
Regardlessof itscapabilities, an alarmsystemisnot a substitute forpropertyorlife insurance. An alarmsystemalso isnot a substitute forpropertyowners,
renters, orotheroccupantsto actprudentlyto prevent orminimize the harmfuleffectsof an emergencysituation.
EULA
IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY: DSC Software purchased with orwithout Productsand Componentsiscopyrighted and is purchased underthe fol-
lowing license terms:
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