The Security Industry Association (SIA), Alexandria, Va., released a revised control panel standard that is intended to reduce incidence of false alarms. 

The ANSI/SIA CP-01-2010 Control Panel Standard – Features for False Alarm Reduction – a revision of ANSI/SIA CP-01-2007 – details the design features for security system control panels and their associated arming and disarming devices that are recommended to reduce the incidence of false alarms.

The revised standard, like its precursor, is intended for use by manufacturers in the design of control panels and alarm signal receivers. It is also intended for reference by all affected parties, including security system installers, specifiers and end users; central stations; manufacturers of central station products, such as receivers and automation software; and local authorities.

The revision effort was primarily intended to address numerous requests for interpretation received since the document's last publication. Notable updates include new specifications for carbon monoxide zones as well as revised qualifications for swinger shutdown. 

“Since the original 1994 release of CP-01, it has come to be a well-supported industry standard, with broad acceptance by manufacturers, dealers and agencies implementing false alarm reduction strategies,” said Ted Nesse of North Latitude Technology, the chair of SIA’s Security Control Panels Subcommittee. “This new edition implements adjustments driven by input from all these stakeholders, with probably the most visible change being the elimination of single button ‘press and hold’ panic buttons on arming stations.”

SIA CEO Richard Chace said, “SIA continues to support any efforts that aid in false alarm reduction."

“As an ANSI-accredited standards developer, it is SIA’s responsibility to make sure that industry and all stakeholders have proper implementation guidance at the technology level.” Chace added.

The revised standard can be purchased on the SIA website.