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A MGC System may not function as intended during an emergency situation where the user is unable
to operate a panic or emergency switch by reason of permanent or temporary physical disability,
inability to reach the device in time, unfamiliarity with the correct operation, or related circumstances.
Insufficient Time
There may be circumstances when a MGC System will operate as intended, yet the occupants will not
be protected from the emergency due to their inability to respond to the warnings in a timely manner. If
the system is monitored, the response may not occur in time enough to protect the occupants or their
belongings.
Moreover, smoke detectors may not provide timely warning of fires caused by carelessness or safety
hazards such as smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of flammable
materials, overloaded electrical circuits, children playing with matches or arson.
Power Failure
Some MGC System components require adequate electrical power supply to operate. Examples
include: smoke detectors, beacons, HVAC, and lighting controllers. If a device operates only by AC
power, any interruption, however brief, will render that device inoperative while it does not have power.
Power interruptions of any length are often accompanied by voltage fluctuations which may damage
MGC Systems or other electronic equipment. After a power interruption has occurred, immediately
conduct a complete system test to ensure that the system operates as intended.
Battery Failure
If the MGC System or any device connected to the system operates from batteries it is possible for the
batteries to fail. Even if the batteries have not failed, they must be fully charged, in good condition, and
installed correctly.
MGC Systems with wireless transmitters use replaceable batteries. The system is designed to
provide several years of battery life under normal conditions. The expected battery life is a function of
the device environment, usage and type. Ambient conditions such as high humidity, high or low
temperatures, or large temperature fluctuations may reduce the expected battery life. While each
transmitting device has a low battery monitor which identifies when the batteries need to be replaced,
this monitor may fail to operate as expected. Regular testing and maintenance will keep the system in
good operating condition.
Physical Obstructions
Motion sensors that are part of a MGC System must be kept clear of any obstacles which impede the
sensors’ ability to detect movement. Signals being communicated by a MGC System may not reach
the receiver if an item (such as metal, water, or concrete) is placed on or near the radio path.
Deliberate jamming or other inadvertent radio signal interference can also negatively affect system
operation.
Moreover, MGC Systems may fail to operate as intended if motion, heat, or smoke sensors are not
triggered. Sensors in a fire system may fail to be triggered when the fire is in a chimney, walls, roof, or
on the other side of closed doors; and, smoke and heat detectors may not detect smoke or heat from
fires on another level of the residence or building. In this situation the control panel may not alert
occupants of a fire.
Sensors in a nurse call system may fail to be triggered when movement is occurring outside of the
motion sensors’ range. For example, if movement is occurring on the other side of closed doors or on
another level of the residence or building the motion detector may not be triggered. In this situation the
central controller may not register an alarm signal.
Other Impairments
Similarly, Alarm Notification Appliances such as sirens, bells, horns, or strobes may not warn or waken
a sleeping occupant if there is an intervening wall or door. It is less likely that the occupants will be
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