FIRE ALARM VERIFICATIONS UNDER REVIEW!

Vancouver, British Columbia - Several agencies on Vancouver's "Approved List of Verification Companies" have been subjected to reviews of Verification Inspections they performed on systems that were not code compliant or that were installed incorrectly. Technicians employed by these agencies have provided verification inspections on systems with numerous installation errors/faults which range from inadequate wiring, incorrect placement (installation) of smoke detectors and pull stations, incorrect wiring, incorrect routing of wiring (i.e. power limited wiring run through areas designated for non-power limited wiring), and providing verification service to equipment they are not certified for.

A verificaiton is the single most important inspection a fire alarm system must undergo in it's lifetime. A "clear report" is the owner's assurance that not only do all components of the system function correctly, they also meet the stringent installation requirments laid out in CAN/ULC-S524 (Installation Standard for Fire Alarm Systems), the Provincial Building Code and (in the case of Vancouver), the VBBL (Vancouver Building ByLaw). For any technician to certify a system as "in compliance" with all of the above when it is clearly not, is a serious breach of trust that could well endanger the building's occupants and put the general public at risk.

ASTTBC LAUNCHES A NEW "Suppress!" NEWSLETTER!

Vancouver, B.C. - Brian Stegavig (Manager for Fire Protection at ASTTBC) has put together a really informative Suppress! (Issue #11). It's packed with everything you need to know and we hope you'll recognize at least one article from our FAQ's page! #11 should be available in PDF format shortly. Watch for it!

TYCO GETS BIGGER!

January 17, 2010 - Tyco has just acquired Broadview Security in a deal that's reported to be worth about $1.9 Billion US. Tyco is the parent company for DSC (Digital Security Controls), ADT™, and SimplexGrinnel (among others). Broadview Security is formerly known as Brinks Security Systems. It is anticipated that Broadview's accounts will be merged with ADT's, which will conclude Brink's foray into the security alarm and monitoring business.

IS THE SUN SETTING ON POTS?

December, 2009 - The Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. has announced that it is seeking comment on the subject of switching the country's telephone network to broadband "IP" from POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). This could mean that millions of security and fire alarm owners will have to upgrade their equipment in order to safeguard data transmissions from their onsite equipment. We'll keep you apprised of developments!

WILL "MASS NOTIFICATION" MAKE "MASS PROFITS" POSSIBLE?

Changes to NFPA (see the article about NFPA 3 in October's Tech-News!)and many State Fire Codes will mean more revenue for companies like GE Security, Siemens, Notifier, and SimplexGrinnell, all of whom have invested heavily in a new cutting edge technology officially known as the "Emergency Communications System". The technology links building security and fire alarm with emergency communications, real-time video, voice messaging, electronic signage, and email. This ensures that the building's maintenance personnel, occupants and emergency responders are able to more efficiently implement procedures that will ensure an appropriate, effective, and immediate response to any number of monitored conditions. Watch for more developments and announcements!

LAUNCHING A NEW (OR IMPROVED) DOO-DAD? GOT A STORY? SOMETHING OF INTEREST AND/OR NOTE-WORTHY?

Email us! We'll make sure it gets out there!

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