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 | Detecting Environmental Conditions
Ron Nelson is the director of technical services for Mutual Central
Alarm Services Inc., New York. He has more than 36 years’ experience in
the security industry.
by Ron Nelson
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Fire Alarm Codes and Standards
Fire alarm systems require a wealth of knowledge to properly design, install and maintain. A number of codes and standards may be applicable depending on where the system is installed and the type of occupancy involved. Failure to follow these codes and standards not only can result in poor system performance but also can lead to loss of life. To determine if you have the requisite knowledge to properly design, install and maintain fire alarm systems, take the following quiz.
by Ron Nelson
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 | Detecting Burglar Attacks
Properly designing a burglary system requires an extensive knowledge of detection devices as well as an understanding of the electrical properties of the devices, the needs of the customer and the vulnerability of the premises to be protected. To see if you possess the knowledge to properly design a system to detect burglaries, take the following quiz.
by Ron Nelson
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 | Check Your Depth in Structuring Wiring
More homes are using a structured wiring system to distribute telephony, data network and TV services. It is important that you fully understand the technologies involved before you dive into the structured wiring market.
by Ron Nelson
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Putting Out Fires With Codes
Detectors form the backbone of any fire alarm system, ensuring that a potentially dangerous situation will be detected early and the occupants notified of the event.
by Ron Nelson
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Skill-Sharpener on Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring can enhance the overall effectiveness of a security system by providing off-site notification of events to a remote monitoring center and even pagers or wireless data devices.
by Ron Nelson
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Got Digital?
Digital camera systems are becoming more commonplace. These systems can offer many benefits and flexibility, but they also require that the dealer possess a working knowledge of networks and the insight to properly design and configure the equipment.
by Ron Nelson
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Security without Wires
Today, wireless devices are available to suit almost every application and budget, from small residential to large approved burglary and even fire systems.
by Ron Nelson
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Unlocking the Access Market
With advances in electronics, access control has grown in complexity and flexibility. To take advantage of this business opportunity, you must be up-to-date not only on the equipment available but also on all applicable codes.
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Keeping Secure with VoIP
The use of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) is increasing every day. Although this emerging technology may lower the expense of telephone service, it also has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of an installed digital dialer.
by Ron Nelson
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Home Networks
The use of residential computer networks is expanding as homeowners see the benefits of linking multiple computers to share resources such as broadband connections, printers or files. These networks also can be used to control HVAC, security, lighting and with the addition of a broadband connection, Internet telephony (VoIP) and even remote video. To determine if you possess the skills to design and install home networks, take the following quiz.
by Ron Nelson
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5-Minute Tech Quiz
Properly installing environmental detectors can increase the overall safety of your customers and help prevent or limit damage to property. It can also provide a good vertical marketing program to existing customers, but only if you have the requisite knowledge to properly select and install the necessary detectors. To see if you can sniff out the benefits of environmental detectors, take the following quiz.
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Protecting the Great Outdoors
Installing outdoor protection systems offers an entirely different set of challenges to a security dealer. In addition to the weather concerns, there also are potential problems from animals and activity.
by Ron Nelson
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High Security UL Installations
In some applications, it may be necessary to install a UL-certified system or perform the work to UL standards. To issue a UL certificate, the installing company must be listed by UL for the category of the installation, such as residential, commercial, central station, etc., and must have the requisite knowledge to design, select and install the equipment.
by Ron Nelson
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Fire Detection Systems
Fire alarm systems protect both property and lives. Because of this, their installation is governed by strict codes and standards. You should make sure that you and your employees are familiar with the ins and outs of all applicable codes and standards to ensure that your system will function as intended.
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Electric locking devices
Electric locks form the muscle of an access control system, securing the doors from unauthorized entry. Today, a wide variety of locking devices is available, and proper selection and installation are critical for the finished system to function as intended and not endanger lives.
Ron Nelson
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Video Monitoring Made Crystal Clear
The basic building block of all video systems is the camera, because without properly designed and installed cameras, the monitors and recorders are of little use. Today, a wide selection of cameras, PTZ options and lenses are available to choose from, depending upon system requirements and budget. To determine whether you can see the video market clearly, take the following quiz.
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Video Goes Digital
Digital CCTV is slowly replacing analog systems with DVRs leading the charge. To determine how clearly you see the digital CCTV revolution, take the following quiz.
By Ron Nelson
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Installing Internet and Home Networks
The proliferation of home networks and the Internet has opened a new market for security dealers. It can provide a good marketing program to existing customers and a source of additional revenue for new sales, but only if the dealer has the requisite knowledge to properly design and install the components.
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Selecting Video Systems
Video systems can consist of a single camera and monitor or might include hundreds of cameras and multiple monitors. Frequently, video equipment such as multiplexers, matrix switchers, VCRs, or DVRs also may be included to provide on-site or remote viewing and control of the cameras. To find out if you clearly see video technology, take the following quiz.
By Ron Nelson
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Don’t Get Burned By Fire
Protecting lives is the most important function that security dealers perform. To properly design and install systems that will detect fires and provide notification locally and remotely, you must possess an in-depth knowledge of the detectors available and the correct installation procedures.
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Installing Wireless Security Systems
Wireless technology has made great strides in recent years, and although some dealers avoid wireless like the plague, others have found that with the proper knowledge and design, wireless systems can be a good alternative when wiring is too difficult or time is short.
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Achieving a Smart Access Design
The use of computers has allowed access control systems to grow in features and complexity. Despite a centralized approach, a failure of the main computer will not bring the entire system to a halt. This is accomplished by distributing the data to local controllers that can continue to allow or deny access.
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Installing Structured Wiring
Some security dealers and integrators see structured cabling as a logical extension of their traditional security system work because it involves low-voltage cables. Although this is true, proper installation of data cables requires new skills and has many restrictions that do not apply to traditional security wiring.
By Ron Nelson
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Correctly Connecting ID Badge Systems
Photo ID cards have long been used as a means of identifying individuals. Photographs can be taken with digital cameras, stored on a computer disk and printed on demand. Additionally, the system administrator can alter the look and content of the printed card at will without having to reorder paper stock from a vendor.
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Untangling the Web of Internet Monitoring
Most alarm control panels use analog telephone lines for communication with the remote monitoring office. However, the proliferation of the internet has seen the introduction of new and more secure communications technologies that offer many advantages over analog formats.
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Networking Video
What factor determines the storage capacity of a DVR?
By Ron Nelson
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Bringing the Theater Sound Home
Before offering this exciting product you must make sure that you have the requisite knowledge to design and install all of the components that comprise a home theater system and that you keep up on this fast changing technology.
By Ron Nelson
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Hi-Tech ID
A smart card that requires insertion into a reader is referred to as a what?
By Ron Nelson
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Point A to Point B
Category 3 cable is rated to support what maximum data transmission speed?
By Ron Nelson
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Answers
Here are the answers to the 5-Minute Tech Quiz and What’s Wrong with This?
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Remember When?
Electricity, and in today’s world electronics, have given birth to a wide array of devices that can enhance security in ways unthinkable even a decade ago. This month’s quiz is based upon the technology that to many long-time security dealers was once cutting-edge.
Ron Nelson
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Tool Time
Today’s security technicians install and repair a wide range of products that require him or her to have the precise tools and testers needed to perform efficiently. Having the correct tools can mean the difference between quickly solving a problem or wasting valuable time.
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