With rapid changes in technology, security installers have come to accept that they must enter related progressive markets if not to be left behind in business. We also need to stay alert to new opportunities in order to generate additional income to sustain our company’s growth. But what markets will further develop? And how can we introduce ourselves in the practical sense? Certainly we are hearing more of home automation and integrated systems, so an overview of trends and predictions concerning these new generation techniques is timely.
We should, however, assess these systems from the basic level before thinking of the concept of networking.
In practice, home automation and integrated systems can be considered in the same general sense, because they both involve the control of a number of systems within one framework that may be performed from a remote location.
Our interests lie in the selection of security functions together with the control of light, heat, environmental conditions and the links they may have with appliances or equipment contained in any building.
The simplest form of integration is to have completely separate systems initially, but to then link them by a simple interface such as a relay and a pair of wires.
Access control as a signal
Examples of this are lighting and indicator networks that are energised by the signalling from an access control system securing an area. An intruder alarm can also be connected using a detector zone, programmed as Auxiliary. This is a circuit that is monitored at all times and, when opened, will activate outputs that are programmed for special duties. In this case, when a door controlled by the access system has been violated, the signalling from the separate intruder system is used to supplement the demand lighting.
A neon, an LED and a buzzer used alongside each other can provide indication of the alarm condition.
A double pole relay is used to connect a CCTV system to the network and to select a specific camera by connecting the appropriate input on the switcher, quad or multiplexer to bring up the video display. The lighting is controlled by a different relay with the switching contacts rated for mains duty (Figure 1).
The simplest form of integration and automation is achieved by separate systems that are linked by normally open or normally closed switching. This allows one system to control or to use the facilities of another by a pair of wires.
The more specific and complex systems, although integrated, still retain their unique identity. This ensures that where such systems as fire alarms are required by law their control and indicating equipment remains exclusive.
To make the initial step into the world of automation and integrated systems using purpose-designed networks it is easier to use a bespoke package. This usually comprises an end station that can have its detection circuits wired in a number of different ways. It is programmed so that the circuits are able to function in a variety of security modes. Remote keypads or door readers are connected to the end station with the outputs programmed depending on the signalling states.
These are known as integrated security control and management systems and can be used for a small private house yet be expanded to cover a large industrial or commercial site.
The zones are intruder, personal alarm and fire plus an ability to read tags with additional applications of CCTV switching, lighting control, hold up alarm and deterrent warning.
The future holds good potential for such packages so the wiring between the components is clearly defined. They are simple to install, use, expand and service.
Shared information
The controller may also have built-in diagnostics with volt/current/resistance meters for the electrical service. Options such as adjustable timers and reporting can be accommodated with multiple zone groups controlled by readers. Heavy-duty relays allow further appliances and equipment to be automated.
Progression in security will see standalone systems become outdated and we shall see advances in the use of these management systems. Equipment is becoming more available for all of the functions at different levels. Included is the capacity for communications and remote signalling with service history and reporting.
The joining of systems allows information to be shared – ranging from simple control by a pair of wires, as previously described, to the more complex end of the scale such as the formation of a single administration point for all of the systems in a building.
In the latter case, software allows building control to be included alongside the security functions creating intelligent gateways from product to product. It is better, however, if the systems are able to be managed separately with individual maintenance from outside of the core system in the event of failures.
The most common way of integrating systems and introducing automation and building control is hardwiring with control wires to a consumer electronics bus local area network (Figure 2).
A ‘bus’ is the name given to a set of lines in a microprocessor circuit. The buses of a microprocessor system consist of lines that are connected to each other and every part of the system so that signals are made available at many chips simultaneously.
They are widely used in digital electronics for devices to carry out actions described as controlling, listening and talking. With the bus system, a number of devices can be connected and, in general, any device can transmit and receive messages to or from one another.
Once the central control unit has been installed the output control codes are selected and downloaded to a computer programme. The system itself uses standard security detectors so their resistance to false alarms is guaranteed. The nodes have unique addresses so substitution is not possible and the whole security level remains high.
To further improve reliability and fault analysis, sub-networks can be configured using hubs. The main control board is equipped with the telephone interfaces, inputs and relay outputs for connection of the different forms of equipment and appliances.
Great potential
Networks intended to provide security, energy management, power control and switching will become increasingly popular. These systems will use cabling similar to that used in normal networking, with the software using nodes to act as the interface with the detection or switching equipment.
We will, therefore, be able to trigger almost any device for automation purposes and even control the switching of energy systems such as heating and lighting. By amalgamating these techniques with security networks, a natural move into integrated systems holds great potential for the security installer.
