Tyco BW-PGH PowerG Guide D'installation page 9

A security system must be installed properly in order to provide
adequate protection. Every installation should be evaluated by a
security professional to ensure that all access points and areas are
covered. Locks and latches on windows and doors must be secure
and operate as intended. Windows, doors, walls, ceilings and other
building materials must be of sufficient strength and construction to
provide the level of protection expected. A reevaluation must be
done during and after any construction activity. An evaluation by
the fire and/or police department is highly recommended if this ser-
vice is available.
Criminal Knowledge
This system contains security features which were known to be
effective at the time of manufacture. It is possible for persons with
criminal intent to develop techniques which reduce the effectiveness
of these features. It is important that a security system be reviewed
periodically to ensure that its features remain effective and that it
be updated or replaced if it is found that it does not provide the
protection expected.
Access by Intruders
Intruders may enter through an unprotected access point, circumvent
a sensing device, evade detection by moving through an area of
insufficient coverage, disconnect a warning device, or interfere with
or prevent the proper operation of the system.
Power Failure
Control units, intrusion detectors, smoke detectors and many other
security devices require an adequate power supply for proper oper-
ation. If a device operates from batteries, it is possible for the bat-
teries to fail. Even if the batteries have not failed, they must be
charged, in good condition and installed correctly. If a device oper-
ates only by AC power, any interruption, however brief, will render
that device inoperative while it does not have power. Power inter-
ruptions of any length are often accompanied by voltage fluctuations
which may damage electronic equipment such as a security system.
After a power interruption has occurred, immediately conduct a com-
plete system test to ensure that the system operates as intended.
Failure of Replaceable Batteries
This system's wireless transmitters have been designed to provide sev-
eral years of battery life under normal conditions. The expected bat-
tery 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.
Compromise of Radio Frequency (Wireless) Devices
Signals may not reach the receiver under all circumstances which
could include metal objects placed on or near the radio path or
deliberate jamming or other inadvertent radio signal interference.
System Users
A user may not be able to operate a panic or emergency switch pos-
sibly due to permanent or temporary physical disability, inability to
reach the device in time, or unfamiliarity with the correct oper-
ation. It is important that all system users be trained in the correct
operation of the alarm system and that they know how to respond
when the system indicates an alarm.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors that are a part of this system may not properly
alert occupants of a fire for a number of reasons, some of which fol-
low. The smoke detectors may have been improperly installed or
positioned. Smoke may not be able to reach the smoke detectors,
such as when the fire is in a chimney, walls or roofs, or on the
other side of closed doors. Smoke detectors may not detect smoke
from fires on another level of the residence or building.
Every fire is different in the amount of smoke produced and the
rate of burning. Smoke detectors cannot sense all types of fires
equally well. 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.
Even if the smoke detector operates as intended, there may be cir-
cumstances when there is insufficient warning to allow all occupants
to escape in time to avoid injury or death.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors can only detect motion within the designated areas
as shown in their respective installation instructions. They cannot dis-
criminate between intruders and intended occupants. Motion detectors
do not provide volumetric area protection. They have multiple
beams of detection and motion can only be detected in unobstructed
areas covered by these beams. They cannot detect motion which
occurs behind walls, ceilings, floor, closed doors, glass partitions, glass
doors or windows. Any type of tampering whether intentional or unin-
tentional such as masking, painting, or spraying of any material on
the lenses, mirrors, windows or any other part of the detection sys-
tem will impair its proper operation.
Passive infrared motion detectors operate by sensing changes in tem-
perature. However their effectiveness can be reduced when the ambi-
ent temperature rises near or above body temperature or if there are
intentional or unintentional sources of heat in or near 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 devices such as sirens, bells, horns, or strobes may not warn
people or waken someone sleeping if there is an intervening wall or
door. If warning devices are located on a different level of the res-
idence or premise, then it is less likely that the occupants will be
alerted or awakened. Audible warning devices may be interfered
with by other noise sources such as stereos, radios, televisions, air
conditioners or other appliances, or passing traffic. Audible warning
devices, however loud, may not be heard by a hearing-impaired per-
son.
Telephone Lines
If telephone lines are used to transmit alarms, they may be out of
service or busy for certain periods of time. Also an intruder may cut
the telephone line or defeat its operation by more sophisticated
means which may be difficult to detect.
Insufficient Time
There may be circumstances when the system will operate as inten-
ded, yet the occupants will not be protected from the emergency
due to their inability to respond to the warnings in a timely man-
ner. If the system is monitored, the response may not occur in time
to protect the occupants or their belongings.
Component Failure
Although every effort has been made to make this system as reli-
able as possible, the system may fail to function as intended due to
the failure of a component.
Inadequate Testing
Most problems that would prevent an alarm system from operating
as intended can be found by regular testing and maintenance. The
complete system should be tested weekly and immediately after 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 all sensing devices, keypads, con-
soles, alarm indicating devices and any other operational devices
that are part of the system.
Security and Insurance
Regardless of its capabilities, an alarm system is not a substitute for
property or life insurance. An alarm system also is not a substitute
for property owners, renters, or other occupants to act prudently to
prevent or minimize the harmful effects of an emergency situation.