There are many wirefree alarm systems on the market today, so selecting the most suitable for your application is not always an easy task. To further complicate the issue British Standard Documents BS 6799 and BS DD 244 divide wirefree systems into six classifications and these documents also refer you to BS4737 in some areas.
The various classifications can be briefly summarised as follows:
Class 1 Generally best suited for applications where only one transmitter or detection device is required or a latching device is used. The receiver of a Class 1 system is not able to identify where its alarm transmission originated from when more than one transmitter or detection device is used.
Class 2 For very basic alarm installations. A Class 2 system will identify which detection device or transmitter the alarm originated from but this class of alarm is not required to provide tamper protection.
Class 3 Recognised as the minimum class of wirefree alarm system an Inspectorate-recognised installation company should use for an audible only intruder alarm system. A Class 3 system will usually meet most of the requirements for a private home, when an audible alarm system is required.
Class 4 This classification is similar to Class 3. Additional features include a supervisory check on each detection device three times a day. Suitable for audible only alarm systems.
Class 5 More frequent supervisory signals than Class 4, ensuring greater system integrity. Generally specified for audible only applications in domestic and small commercial applications.
Class 6 Similar to Class 5 but with a shorter supervisory fail time. Requires a greater level of system data encryption and narrow bandwidth to be used for the radio receiver. When a Class 6 system is installed by an Inspectorate recognised alarm company meeting all the necessary requirements, it can be used for installations that require a police response via an alarm receiving centre.
Data encryption, house codes, site codes or number of differs
The number of different electronic codes available for preventing different systems from talking to one another. The higher the number of different codes available the less chance there is of ‘cross talk’ between systems. Some manufacturers allow you to select your own codes on Classes 1 to 5 but the manufacturer always selects codes on Class 6 systems.
Free space radio range
The radio range of a wirefree alarm system is usually quoted as a maximum or free space range i.e. in an open area with nothing between the transmitting and receiving device.
When installing the same equipment within a building this range will generally be reduced, so before a new installation is commenced it is advisable to check that the working range of your selected system is sufficient for your requirements.
Most manufacturers of wirefree systems will provide a method of checking the signal strength either from hand-held test receivers or built-in signal strength meters within their control panels.
Operating frequency
The radio frequency that the alarm system is operat-ing on is usually quoted in Megahertz (MHz). Frequen-cies used in wirefree alarm systems are specifically allocated for short-range devices; the most commonly used frequencies are 173.225 MHz, 418 MHz, 433.92 MHz and 868 MHz.
For more details about the different frequenc-ies allocated in the UK and their uses, go to www.radio.gov.uk and search for RA365 for all UK frequency allocations or RA114 for short range devices. RA114 includes allocations for wirefree alarm systems.
Receiver bandwidth
This term refers to the amount of the radio spectrum the receiver will ‘listen to’. This figure is usually quoted in kHz. As a general rule the lower this figure the less likely the system is to be interfered with by nearby users. For Class 6 systems this figure should not exceed 25 kHz.
If in doubt, ask – Most manufacturers and suppliers of wirefree alarm equipment will willingly provide assistance through customer service, sales or technical support to help if you are uncertain exactly which product is the best for your application.
Most will also provide product training, which is nearly always worthwhile and a requirement for any engineer installing a Class 6 system for police response via an alarm receiving centre.
A correctly selected, installed and maintained quality wirefree alarm system will provide years of good service with much reduced installation times. Your customer will typically only need to take a single day off work for installation and commissioning and have the additional benefit of minimal disruption to the decor.
* FM Electronics, Forest Vale Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire GL14 2PH. Tel: 01594 827070
Danish solution …
At IFSEC Danish company Profort exhibited a wireless alarm system for art objects in museums and galleries. The Picollo gives invisible and flexible protection of objects using small seismic/magnetic detectors and infrared detectors weighing no more than 25 grams.
The Picollo supervised wireless system is suitable for permanent or temporary exhibits with the flexibility to be operational within minutes. Detectors can be placed up to 75m away from alarm receivers connected to a central unit controlled by PC.
Incoming alarms are logged and displayed on the monitor, notifying monitoring personnel immediately. Emergency signals can also be sent using a portable transmitter.
User-friendly software allows easy installation and maintenance. Detector installation can be corrected, RF signal jams can be cleared and receiver conditions for RF signals and battery voltage can also be checked via the software.
… and Swedish solution!
The SmartBox 2.0 from Nordic Alarm is a further development of the prize-winning platform Nordic SmartBox. The platform is a complete system for operation and control of demanding security and building management applications.
The Nordic SmartBox 2.0 system consists of a communications unit which interacts with various alarm sensors, sensors for monitoring (for example of temperature in refrigerators) and nodes for control of lighting and heating.
One interesting feature is the wireless bi-directional communication, which enables all components of the system to interact intelligently. The various parts of the system communicate with each other and exchange information through special software and a tiny radio modem, smaller than a matchbox. This radio modem is integrated into, or connected close to, each unit in a SmartBox system.
Compact and stylish
Systems from EMS have been developed from many years of experience in providing high security radio solutions for banking institutions. The radio technology used is licence free and ensures no interference from other radio sources.
Security and fire can be integrated into one system covering all areas of protection including area movement detection, contact switches for doors and windows, valuable asset protection, smoke and heat detectors and personal attack/panic alarms.
Each device is compact and stylish and requires no external aerials or wiring and can be installed in just a few minutes. The units are battery-powered with a typical five-year life. The system is operated from a small panel which provides simple controls for daily operation.
EMS radio-based solutions become particularly beneficial when outbuildings such as barns, garages, stables and estate buildings need to be protected. And the systems can be connected to existing security systems to provide extended protection to buildings where traditional wired extensions would be uneconomical.
First ‘own brand’ system
Avocet Hardware launched its first ‘own brand’ wireless intruder system last year. The system uses solar power combined with digital radio frequencies and microprocessor technology to make installation quick and simple.
As no connection is required to the mains power supply, this totally wireless system is said to be ideal for protecting domestic and small commercial properties such as the home, office, garage or shed.
The system contains the main solar alarm siren console, two door and window contacts, four PIRs, dummy siren console and remote controller. These items can also be purchased separately, enabling the alarm system to be easily extended as required.
The system charges all year round, using a highly sensitive light activated solar panel which tops up the pre-fitted back-up battery even in cloudy or overcast weather conditions. It will continue to operate, even without light, for up to 60 days.
Additional features include audible low battery warning for detectors, and full anti-tamper.
