Articles by Joan Engebretson

Keypads and touchscreens can make or break an alarm system sale, and technology advances in this area are raising the bar, supporting a range of new capabilities — from more intuitive user interfaces to RFID communications.

Going it alone in business can be tough. Fortunately, security dealers have a wide range of programs available to them that can help support their business operations. One option is formal dealer programs, typically operated by companies that will purchase dealer accounts in exchange for getting all or part of the recurring monthly revenue from those accounts.

When it comes to systems smoke detectors, security dealers traditionally have had several different technologies available. One of the most commonly used types of detectors is the photoelectric detector, which

Davenport, Iowa-based security dealer, Per Mar Security, attributes much of its 57-year success to its employees. “Our mission is to be guardians of people, property and profits for life,” comments

Industry sources say it’s fine to mount CO detectors on the ceiling, as long as all local code requirements are met.Carbon monoxide detectors are becoming an increasingly common element in

Fire protection systems can be complex, particularly when a system is installed in what is considered a “hazardous” environment, such as an offshore oil rig, a refrigeration plant that uses

Elk Products offers a supervised remote power supply to meet the needs of security systems with extra power requirements (shown here with zone input expanders.)Rising Power Needs, New RegulationsIronically the

As consumers become more and more aware of environmental issues, they are becoming increasingly interested in the idea of “green” living or minimizing the impact of their lifestyles on the

By including a DVR in a secured area, security dealers can help ensure that if visible cameras (like the one positioned above the front door in the photo above) are