AA LISTING:
Refers to the method of signal transmission utilized by an ALARM SYSTEM to communicate an emergency signal to a CENTRAL STATION.
ALARM SYSTEM:
Consists of a CONTROL PANEL, INPUT DEVICES, OUTPUT DEVICES, and their associated WIRING to comprise a means of notifying the occupants of a building (or communicating to a CENTRAL STATION) of an INTRUSION, FIRE, FLOOD, SUPERVISORY SIGNAL, etc.
ALARM VERIFICATION:
A method by which an alarm (or supervisory) event must undergo another process in order to confirm an actual condition exists which requires the activation of an OUTPUT DEVICE. This may include the requirement for another independent device monitoring the same protected area to enter an ALARM state. It may also involve PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE (or FIRMWARE) that requires one event trigger to follow another within a specified (and usually programmable) time frame.
APPROVED INDIVIDUAL (or APPROVED AGENCY):
An individual (or organization) that has demonstrated the required technical ability and knowledge to perform maintenance, inspection, and repair on specific equipment or systems to the satisfaction of the local authority. Manufacturer specific training may be included in the requirements to acheive "approval". An good example of approval criteria can be found on the City of Vancouver's List of Approved Fire Alarm Verification Agencies.
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AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (AHJ):
An individual or organization that adopts and enforces the codes, rules, and by-laws which govern the various concerns of a community. Commonly referred to as the "final authority" for any matters relating to LIFE SAFETY and BUILDING CONSTRUCTION within that specific community.
BATTERY (or STANDBY BATTERY):
A rechargeable source of standby power for the ALARM SYSTEM in the event of a power failure. The BATTERY is sized to take into consideration the number of INPUT DEVICES associated with the ALARM SYSTEM, the time required by CODE to operate in STANDBY and ALARM, and a safety factor.
BEAM DETECTOR:
See PHOTOELECTRIC BEAMS.
BYPASS:
When an INPUT DEVICE (such as a motion sensor) is electronically neutralized so that a FAULT on that sensor does not trigger an OUTPUT DEVICE. In the case of a MOTION SENSOR, this allows the occupants to freely move about while the BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM is ARMED. In the case of a FIRE ALARM SYSTEM, a TROUBLE indication should register when an INPUT DEVICE is BYPASSED.
CANASA:
Short for CANADIAN SECURITY ASSOCIATION. This is an assocation of alarm companies in Canada that advocates for the industry in matters concerning local law enforcement response, certification, standards, etc. For more information, click here.
CELLULAR TRANSMITTER, GSM, or LINE CUT ALARM:
An OUTPUT DEVICE triggered by the ALARM SYSTEM when its ARMED or it detects the sudden loss of the protected premises telephone line. It signals either of these events to the CENTRAL STATION so that an appropriate response can be instituted.
CENTRAL STATION:
A facility that provide monitoring services for signals generated by their customers ALARM SYSTEMS. Some CENTRAL STATIONS are listed by independent testing or certification facilities like UL, ULC, FM, NACOSS.
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CLASS "A" CIRCUIT (or Type "6" Loop):
A type of alarm circuit which has four physical terminations in a common control's input, output, or SLC circuit and which employs a single contiguous two-wire loop (path) from the panel to the first device, on through to the last device, returning to the panel via a separate entry point in the enclosure. A break (or "open") in the wire along any part of the loop will result in a "trouble" condition at the panel but will not otherwise affect the operation of any device connected in the loop. This type of circuit is commonly employed in an addressible communications circuit (also termed SLC or DATA COMMUNICATION LINK) RISER from which analogue devices on each floor of a multiple story OCCUPANCY are quite often "T" TAPPED through individual ISOLATION MODULES.
CLASS "B" CIRCUIT (or Type "4" Loop):
A two-wire input or output circuit which terminates in an END-OF-LINE DEVICE which provides circuit SUPERVISION. (An END-OF-LINE DEVICE is normally not required on a SLC or DATA COMMUNICATION LINK.)
CONTROL PANEL:
Is the means by which INPUT DEVICES communicate a fault to the building occupants (or a CENTRAL STATION) through the activation of a programmed response that may or may not include specific OUTPUT DEVICES. The CONTROL PANEL usually consists of a circuit board (also refered to as the MOTHERBOARD or COMMON CONTROL), and is usually housed in a metal box sized to accomadate both it and a standby source of power (the BATTERY). INPUT DEVICES, ZONE EXPANDERS, KEYPADS, and OUTPUT DEVICES are connected to the main circuit board.
DELAY ZONE:
A circuit triggered by an INPUT DEVICE that allows the building occupants a set period of time in which to DISARM the ALARM SYSTEM. The time period is adjustable through system PROGRAMMING and usually takes into account how far the KEYPAD is from the main entry door. It is desirable to have the ENTRY DELAY set as low as possible.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATOR:
This is an OUTPUT DEVICE utlized by the ALARM SYSTEM to communicate an emergency signal to a CENTRAL STATION or a pocket pager. It uses the premises normal telephone line to transmit the signal and is the most cost effective means of doing so. Some DIGITAL COMMUNICATORS employ TLM (TELEPHONE LINE MONITORING) to supervise for the sudden absence of the subscribers phone line which results in the activation of additional OUTPUT DEVICES to warn the bulding occupants or the CENTRAL STATION.
DIRECT LINE:
Also known as Dedicated Line and Direct Wire. This is a specially installed telephone line that links the premises ALARM SYSTEM directly to the CENTRAL STATION. The line is supervised to prevent tampering. Any interruption is immediately signalled to the CENTRAL STATION and appropriate action is taken depending on the level of response required. In addition to certain types of FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS, Banks and financial institutions, ATM machines, some jewelry and gun shops require this level of security.
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DISARM:
The act of turning off or deactivating a BURGLAR ALARM or SECURITY SYSTEM.
DOWNLOAD or DOWNLOADING:
Most modern alarm panels (both burglary and fire) are equipped with the ability to be programmed by a remote computer (or local laptop). The applicable software to perform this function is furnished by the system's manufacturer. This allows the MANUFACTURER TRAINED TECHNICIAN (or service company) to make changes to the panel's software and firmware which ultimately affects the operation of the system. It also helps to speed the setup of the system and often incorporates some form "error checking". In the case of a fire alarm sysetm, changes to programming (or the updating of firmware) must be VERIFIED.
DUALTEC:
Refers to a number of INPUT DEVICES that employ two seperate methods of detecting an alarm or fault condition (short for DUAL TECHNOLOGY) and thereby eliminating or severely reducing the chances of a FALSE ALARM in environments where single technology sensors may not be appropriate for use. DUAL TECHNOLOGY fire sensors typically incorporate both a smoke and heat detection components, activation of either of which will result in an ALARM condition.
DVACS:
A means by which a number of ALARM SYSTEMS can communicate with a CENTRAL STATION over a network type of connection. Similar to DIRECT WIRE. It utilizes transponders connected to the CONTROL PANEL that are continuously interrogated by special receivers in the CENTRAL STATION.
END-OF-LINE DEVICE (or EOL):
When a RESISTOR, it is normally "paired" to an alarm panel's input or output circuit and has a specific value determined by the equipment manufacturer. A power supervision RELAY is often used to monitor a panel's auxilliary power output when it is used in conjunciton with four wire SMOKE DETECTORS, BEAM DETECTORS, or other powered DEVICES. Both these types of End-Of-Line devices are normally installed as the last device in a CLASS "B" CIRCUIT.
FALSE ALARM:
When the ALARM SYSTEM is triggered without an obvious cause (intruder, fire, etc.). Equipment malfunction (due to environmental factors or outright failure), vandalism, and user error are the common causes of FALSE ALARMS.
FIRE PUMP:
A device designed to deliver a calculated volume of water at a specific pressure for a sprinkler or STANDPIPE system. It is usually found in HIGH RISE residential or commercial buildings. It is usually electrically driven, but in some instances may also be engine driven and is normally activated when a drop in water pressure is sensed (such as would be caused by the activation of a SPRINKLER HEAD). It is extremely important to test run a fire pump on a regular (monthly) basis to prevent the buildup of corrosive elements which may impinge upon or hinder the flow of water from a sprinkler head.
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FIRE SAFETY PLAN
A document which outlines the responsibilities of the building's occupants in the event of a fire. It assigns the FIRE SAFETY OFFICER, DEPUTY FIRE SAFETY OFFICER, and FLOOR WARDENS and details the requirements for periodic testing of the building's life safety systems (including the elevator, generator, fire pump, emergency lighting, hoses, extinguishers, and sprinkler system). It also contains a list of those occupants which require special assistance, and provides detailed plans of each floor area for reference by responding fire fighting personnel.
FM:
Factory Mutual. This is a US based certification agency. For more information, click here.
GLASS BREAKAGE DETECTOR:
This is an INPUT DEVICE which is triggered by either the sound of breaking glass or the sudden impact of something against a pane of glass. WINDOW BUGS, FOIL, AUDIO GLASS BREAK SENSORS all fall into this "family" of INPUT DEVICES.
GROUND FAULT or GROUND FAULT TROUBLE:
A condition in which an alarm system references a structure's common ground plane. This can be caused by a wire to an INPUT or OUTPUT DEVICE that is "pinched" or been abraded so as to contact the metal backbox (or conduit). In the latter instance, the wire can become abraded (or skinned) during the installation process exposing the bared conductor(s). In some systems a fault condition can be artificially generated when the wiring is incorrectly terminated or when multiple power supplies are involved. Ground faults are not difficult to pinpoint but often present a challenge to the servicing technician when more than one are present on a system. For information on how to solve a ground fault trouble, you might want to visit our TIPS page.
NOTE: It is extremely important that a building FIRE ALARM SYSTEM is able to detect a GROUND FAULT. If for some reason, ground fault detection has been inhibited or otherwise compromised, the FAS may not function correctly or start causing FALSE ALARMS.
HEAT (or RATE OF RISE) DETECTOR:
This is an INPUT DEVICE specifically designed to detect a rapid rise of temperature in a protected area. It is also triggered when a specific temperature is reached. HEAT DETECTORS come in three main fixed temperature settings: 135, 180 and 200 degrees Farenheit. HEAT DETECTORS are also known as fire detectors. As they are activated by heat, they are not considered a LIFE SAFETY device.
HEAT TRACE:
A specially designed heating element comprised of a coated wire which is wrapped around exposed domestic or WET SPRINKLER SYSTEM piping and is thermostatically controlled to prevent the water in the pipe from freezing. HEAT TRACED piping is usually insulated with glass fibre. In parkades or other exposed locations, tears or other damage to the insulation material (or covering) should be investigated and repaired. Loss of power to the HEAT TRACE CONTROLLER should result in a supervisory trouble signal on the FIRE ALARM SYSTEM and often only requires a RESET of the system once power is restored.
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HOLD-UP BUTTON (also known as a PANIC BUTTON):
This is an INPUT DEVICE that is manually activated by an occupant in a protected premise to signal an emergency to the CENTRAL STATION.
INPUT DEVICE:
Any of a family of devices designed to detect unauthorized access, fire, smoke, flood, motion or any condition requiring notification or response by a building's occupants or a CENTRAL STATION. INPUT DEVICES can be MAGNETIC DOOR CONTACTS, GLASS BREAKAGE DETECTORS, MOTION SENSORS, PHOTOELECTRIC BEAMS, SMOKE DETECTORS, WATER DETECTORS, LOW TEMPERATURE DETECTORS, etc.
KEYPAD:
A device that controls the functions of an ALARM SYSTEM, can access both user and installer programming levels, and can act as both an INPUT DEVICE and an OUTPUT DEVICE. The entry of a numeric code sequence will determine the response of the ALARM SYSTEM. It usually consists of a numeric keypad modelled after the standard telephone touchpad.
KEY SERVICE:
Usually refers to an additional service provided by an ALARM COMPANY whereby keys are provided to the protected premise to allow access by security personel in the event of an alarm event.
LOCAL ALARM SYSTEM:
This is an ALARM SYSTEM that is not connected to a CENTRAL STATION, but is designed to activate a local OUTPUT DEVICE like a siren or bell.
LOW AIR ALARM (or SUPERVISORY):
A condition in a DRY PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEM in which the air pressure has fallen below a preset level. The system's air compressor may be compromised and a further reduction in pressure may cause the system to TRIP.
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MAGNETIC DOOR CONTACTS:
This is an INPUT DEVICE that is normally used to detect the opening of a protected door or window. On sliding doors or windows, another contact can be installed that will allow an opening for fresh air circulation that is too small for an intruder to fit through (usually four to six inches).
MANUAL STATION (also known as a PULL STATION):
A wall mounted device that is normally located close to an EXIT DOOR that, when activated, will cause the FIRE ALARM SYSTEM to sound in the premises.
MONITORED ALARM SYSTEM:
An ALARM SYSTEM that has been programmed to transmit signals to a CENTRAL STATION.
MOTION SENSORS:
This refers to a family of INPUT DEVICES designed to detect movement within a specific field of view or detection pattern. Most MOTION SENSORS use one of two detection technolgies: passive infrared, or microwave. Some sensors have been specifically designed to allow movement of pets (small animals) without triggering an alarm. These are commonly refered to as PET RESISTANT or PET IMMUNE. There are still some older motion detectors in service that use ultrasonic technology to sense movement within their range, but their use has been largely discontinued. A special motion sensor is often installed above an exit door to trigger an electronic release and open the exit door on the approach of an OCCUPANT.
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS:
Are specific signals transmitted by an ALARM SYSTEM that indicate whether it has been ARMED or DISARMED. Some CONTROL PANELS are capable of storing multiple user codes (normally input through the KEYPAD). Utilizing this feature, a CENTRAL STATION can usually determine who ARMED or DISARMED the system.
OUTPUT DEVICE:
This refers to a family of devices used to alert building occupants or an outside agency of a fault, alarm, or trouble condition. These can include BELLS, SIRENS, KEYPADS, COMMUNICATORS, STROBE LIGHTS, BUZZERS, and PAGERS.
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PHOTOELECTRIC BEAMS (or BEAM DETECTORS):
This is an INPUT DEVICE that comprises an emitter and a receiver both of which must be in sight of one another. In security type applications, the detector uses a narrow focused beam of infrared light that when broken will result in a fault or alarm. BEAM FIRE DETECTORS operate on a similar principal. The sensor is designed to respond to specific inputs that allow it to discern the difference between SMOKE and HEAT within the protected environment. A complete or partial blockage of the beam in this type of application will result in a TROUBLE condition.
PIR:
See MOTION SENSORS. Short for Passive Infrared Detector.
RESET:
Is the action of restoring a fire alarm or security system to a "normal" condition (usually following an alarm or SUPERVISORY TROUBLE.
SIREN/BELL:
This is an OUTPUT DEVICE installed at the protected premises to audibly signal an alarm to the building's occupants.
SMOKE DETECTOR:
This is an INPUT DEVICE used to sense the presence of smoke and products of combustion. There are two different types of sensing technolgy utilized: photoelectric and ionization.
STROBE LIGHT:
An OUTPUT DEVICE that employs an intense pulse of visible light to alert the building's occupants to an alarm, trouble or fault condition.
SUPERVISED:
A term which refers to an alarm circuit that when cut or tampered with will initiate a fault or trouble signal to alert the builidng occupants.
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SUPERVISORY FAULT (or SUPERVISORY SIGNAL):
Refers to a condition in which a device supervised by a fire alarm system is moved from it's "normal" state such as would be the case when you close a "normally open" sprinkler valve, or the air pressure in a sprinkler dry system falls below a preset level, or the power is interrupted to a sprinkler heat trace controller (these are only three examples of supervisory type signals). In many jurisdictions supervisory signals must be "latching" (that is where a return to the "normal" condition for the supervised device must be followed by a system-wide RESET). A supervisory fault (or signal) is different from a "COMMON TROUBLE".
TOUCHPAD:
See KEYPAD.
TROUBLE FAULT (or COMMON TROUBLE SIGNAL):
A trouble condition or trouble light on a fire alarm or security system indicates a condition that might adversely affect the proper operation (or actually compromises part) of the system. The loss of primary power, back-up power, or a wiring problem (such as a cut or an abrasion which might ground a circuit in a back box) are all common "trouble" indications. "Trouble" conditions usually self-restore (that is the system returns to a "normal" state once the trouble has been cleared). A trouble on an input zone may prevent detectors in the circuit from functioning. It is extremely important that system TROUBLES be corrected as soon as possible.
UL/ULC:
Underwriters Laboratories. An independent certification agency. The Canadian agency has close links to it's US counterpart, but maintains seperate standards.
VERIFICATION INSPECTION:
An inspection through which a newly installed or upgraded fire alarm system is tested to CAN/ULC-S537 (the Standard for Verification of Fire Alarm Systems). All affected components of the FAS are electrically tested for supervision, ground fault, and operation. They are visually inspected for correct placement and installation in accordance with local codes, applicable building code, and the Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems (CAN/ULC-S524).
WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEMS:
This is an ALARM SYSTEM that uses INPUT DEVICES that utilize radio energy on a special frequency to transmit fault, alarm and trouble conditions to the CONTROL PANEL.
ZONE:
An INPUT circuit that when faulted will trigger a programmed response in the CONTROL PANEL. ZONES typically denote areas of the building (or premises) and may also identify specific device types (pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, etc.).
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