GE SECURITY TO BECOME A UNITED TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY!

GE's Security division (which includes Edwards Fire Alarm) has been acquired by United Technologies. All the dad-blasted rumours can now be put to rest! The "deal" is worth about 1.8 Billion Dollars (that's "US" by the way) and awaits final regulatory approvals.

AHJ IN RHODE ISLAND APPROVES WIRELESS FIRE ALARM SYSTEM!

Cranston, Rhode Island - It's a "first" for the industry. Local authorities have approved the installation of a wireless fire alarm system in a three building condominium project. The "wireless portion" extends to manual pull stations, smoke and heat detectors. While wireless notification appliances are in wide-spread use in Europe, North American authorities have been a lot more cautious. Final acceptance of the technology could be big news for the retrofit market. So far none of the major manufacturers have "stepped up" to submit product to ULC for testing, but we're certain it's not far off!

COUNTERFEIT CABLE!

Beware of the bargain priced cable you just bought from your friendly local distributor. It may bear the UL/ULC label, but could be made with inferior materials. Certain unscrupulous manufacturers (based largely overseas) have taken to "switching" materials on actual production runs of cable that has been previously certified. The stuff you may be installing in your customer's premise may not even meet the requirements of either NFPA, CSA, or UL/ULC. How can you be sure? The guy behind the counter may not know all the answers, but most of the distributors are aware of the problem. The reputable ones will be able to produce the cable's pedigree on request.

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