New developments in shock sensors
( A variant on the standard shock sensor was described by Peter Pharoah of Weyrad Electronics …)
"The shock sensor is regarded by most as a perimeter protection device, but the American museum authorities have introduced a variant to protect pictures. This concept was further developed in Europe and the latest product is now able to detect not only the physical removal of a painting but inquisitive scratching of the surface of the canvas.
"Two variants are available, an audible alarm to alert a local guard and a second device with radio transmitter to signal a silent alarm to a remote receiver. A tubular audible alarm is also available for pots and precious metal objects."
Security lighting: the current situation!
(Currently electrical installers have the lion’s share of the market in security lighting but security systems installers are catching up fast and now it is becoming a common tool for them …)
"No housebreaker, bathed suddenly in bright white light is going to carry on jemmying a door or window open, even if he is sure the property is empty. Permanent external security lighting has its place and is widely used, although extravagant of energy.
"Microwave detectors are used in some applications, but the most common is the ubiquitous PIR used in conjunction with a controller, either built in with the detector or housed in a separate box. Some even have a luminaire built in as well, which makes it easy to install if only one light is needed. Others manage a complex lighting system with many slave PIR heads to cover several areas and with a multi-light switch capability."
On the fence
(Simon Towers, group marketing manager of security fencing contractors Darfen, in describing what the different types of fence offer, first lay the groundwork …)
"More often than ever before, specifiers are being required to select fences that satisfy a variety of different, and often conflicting, needs against a backdrop of common limitations such as budgetary restrictions and local authority planning regulations.
"Perimeter protection can be incredibly expensive to install and maintain, therefore requiring serious consideration at the outset of the genuine degree of security required. What is being protected and from whom? Prepared intruder, casual intruder or vandal? A clear answer to these questions can go a long way towards deciding on the type of fencing system required."
A fishy yarn about small fry
(On the Case told an everyday story of life on the farm …)
"Normally used to thwart high-tech burglars, the Genesis intelligent system manufactured by Securicor Alarms is being used to control the precise living conditions of two million fry (baby trout) being reared at the Rainbow Fish Farm at Deverill, Wiltshire. Fail to ensure the tanks are aerated constantly and the fry die in minutes.
"The monitoring system is linked directly to Securicor’s control station in Bristol, which provides 24-hour monitoring and alerts the trout farm instantly a problem arises. Switches in the pipe monitor air pressure, while linked devices monitor electricity supply and water pump operation.
"John Symes, the farm’s operating manager, said: ‘The cost of installing the foolproof monitoring system has been fully justified. When you consider that each trout fry is worth between 20 and 30p, and we breed over two million a year, there is no question the money is well spent.’"
