The idea that this topic represents ’emotive speculation’ could not be further from the truth.
Indeed, if CSL DualCom’s Simon Banks thinks installers are bemused by the current debate then he should look at the clear messages emanating from our industry.
The fundamental objective of an intruder alarm signalling system hasn’t changed since the first analogue products were installed 20 years ago. A total loss of signalling should be detected and reported within a few minutes.
Customers looking to replace existing Grade 4 alarm transmission systems (or required confirmation) are entitled to look for a cost-effective solution with improved security and peace of mind.
Insurers are the authority on risk, and they recognise the six key confirmation scenarios for the alarm transmission system.
The following incidents occur independently of the alarm system grade, and the reporting times are clarified in LPS 1277:
Insurers: they’re driving the signalling standards
In his recent article, Simon Banks makes no mention of the insurers. Represented by the RISCAuthority, they’re the sector driving the enhancements to signalling standards.
One thing for sure is that the insurers have made a clear statement on their requirements for signalling: faster reporting times, clearer installation Codes of Practice and independent product certification.
The RISCAuthority has produced a series of requirements for alarm systems and alarm signalling where the current EN intruder standard is regarded as inadequate. The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) Newsletter published earlier this year outlined exactly what the insurers are planning in a two-page spread. The RISCAuthority website carried the downloads.
More recently, it has become clear that the insurers require strict adherence to the BRE’s LPS 1277 standard. Another thing is also clear – alarm transmission system reporting times will need to be no more than 3.5 minutes, with some concessions for lower risks in 11 minutes.
Simon Banks makes commercial reference to the fact that his higher grade products are “designed to consider the requirements of LPS 1277 – the insurers’ benchmark signalling document”.
Raising the bar with IP signalling
Simon also raises the topic of IP signalling, which he apparently regards with disdain, limiting his company to only offering the solution to self-insured retail clients.
Our experience with retailers confirms a strict adherence to European standards, insurance guidance, insistence on National Security Inspectorate and/or SSAIB-registered installation and police response.
There’s no more pressing time than in this current recession to minimise potential losses and save costs by using secure digital technology.
We note with interest the 200 per month shipments of IP from CSL, which confirms the massive surge in IP signalling.
Adding these figures to the 1,000/month shipment from WebWayOne, it’s clear that IP accounts for at least 40% of new installations and replacements (adding other manufacturers’ IP signalling solutions might already nudge PSTN into second place).
Put simply, IP is no longer a niche market and these numbers herald a massive surge in the market for dual path IP/GPRS.
Broadband IP takes ‘Data Over Voice’ to another level
Broadband now provides the best, non-blocking ‘Data Over Voice’ solution, adding the transmission of alarms and remote management to the detection of line cuts.
‘Data Over Voice’ avoids alarm blocking when a telephone call is in progress. It’s possible to avoid blocking when using GPRS/PSTN by wiring the telephone line directly into the panel. This isn’t always welcomed by the customer, though, or adhered to by the installer.
IP signalling also removes issues of scalability. IP and GPRS networks have adequate capacity for polling and alarm delivery, but PSTN has issues coping with thousands of back-up telephone poll calls during major GSM network failures.
We’re all well aware of Simon Banks’ dislike of IP alarm signalling. He really must ask someone to look at his Broadband connection, and realise that his Vodafone Wireless link is also Broadband.
Assistance with the ‘switch to digital’
We’re ready to help any installer develop a ‘switch to digital’ strategy, wherein the long-term savings are remarkable.
Better signalling, remote servicing, free software tools and the annual cost savings make a switch to digital a very wise move indeed.
There’s no doubt that installers are not bemused by anything other than very attractive Grade 2 and Grade 3 prices that promise some welcome revenue in these tough economic times.
We must watch this space to see if this is a wise move when the insurers insist on adherence to the reporting times listed in LPS 1277.
Paul Carter is managing director and Chris Carter Brennan the commercial director at WebWayOne
