Devices

A Control Panel is a wall-mounted unit, where all the detection devices are wired to and managed. Typically panels are located in access rooms, basements, closets etc.

Door Sensors detect when a door is opened and can set to active a beep to indicate the door has been opened when the alarm is not active. These are installed on exterior doors and can include overhead doors as well. If you alarm is active and a door is opened,  the door sensor will send a data message to the control panel.

An Electromagnetic Lock, or often referred to as Maglocks or Magnetic Locks, is a locking device that consists of an electromagnet and an armature plate.

An Electrical Strike is an access control device used for doors. This replaces the fixed strike template often used with a latchbar. This allows a user to open a door without using a mechanical key. There are two types of configurations, Fail-Secure and Fail-Safe.

Fail Secure, often called Fail-Locked or Non-Fail Safe. This configuration uses an electrical current to unlock the door. In a power failure situation, the door will remain locked, but typically the mechanical lock can still be used to open the door from the secured side.

Fail-Safe, often called Fail-Open. This configuration uses an electrical current to lock the door. It operates in the same way as a magnetic lock would. In a power failure situation the door can be opened by being pushed or pulled.

A Keypad is a device that allows the user to monitor, arm and disarm the system or sensors, perform maintained and other aspects of their alarm.  Keypads come in light-emitting diode (LED), alphanumeric keypad or touchscreen. They can be wired or wireless as well and usually installed near all entry and exit  points. In homes, they are often installed in the master bedroom as well.

Heat Detectors detect the presence of high temperatures. Most often these are located in boiler rooms, kitchens or other areas that are conductive to smoke detectors. They are an automatic device and when triggered the detector will send a data message to the control panel.

A Horn Strobe is designed to provide audible and visual notifications in fire alarm protection systems. These are mounted on walls or ceilings.  When the device receives a data message from the control panel it will automatically produce flashes of light.

Living in the Midwest can present some challenging times during the winter months. Low Temperature Detection can alert you to a failed furnace before there is any damage to your home. If your furnace fails,  the detector will send a data message to the control panel.

Interior Motion Detectors detect the motion of movement. These are mounted on walls in order to cover a range of space, either very small or large and there is no limited number of detectors that can be installed on your system. Some models can exclude pets under 90 pounds. If your alarm is active and  a motion is tripped,  the motion detector will send a data message to the control panel.

A Panic Button is an electronic device placed under desks, counters, cash registers or anywhere you please and wireless options are available as well. When activated the panic button  will send a data message to the control panel.

Manual Pull Stations are wall-mounted devices that are activated by a user. These are installed near doors that lead to the outside of your property. When a user activates a pull station, it sends a data message to the system control panel.

A Siren is a loud noise making device activated by the control panel. This audible alert is to notify you of an intrusion. These are installed in strategic location in your building or home. When the device receives a data message from the control panel it will automatically produce an audible sound.

Worried about your sump pump failing? Water Detection can alert you to a failed sump pump before it’s too late.  If your sump pump fails, the water detector sensor will send a data message to the control panel.

Window Sensors detect when a window is open, unlike a door sensors these are visible and have been known to stop an intruder from trying to open your window.  When your alarm is activated an a window is opened, the window sensor will send a data message to the control panel.

Strobe Lights are wall or ceiling mounted device that is used to produce regular flashes of light in case of an emergency. When the device receives a data message from the control panel it will automatically produce flashes of light.

Biometric Reader is a data that read data from a biometric medium. Biometric refers to the identification i.e. fingerprint, hand geometry, iris., voice recognition and facial recognition, employed in the access control system.

A Card Readers is a data input device that reads data from a card-shaped storage medium, employed in the access control system.

Intercom short for intercommunication, also called talkback or door phone is a stand-alone voice communication system for use within a building, small collection of buildings, homes and apartments. This communication is fully independent of the public telephone network. Intercoms can also connect to telephones, public address loud speaker systems and walkie talkies, as well as into other intercom systems. Video can also be incorporated within an intercom system.

Key Fobs are used to activate remote keyless entry systems, card access systems, burglar alarms etc. Most key fobs are used in apartment buildings and condominiums to access common areas. They transfer data over a RFID tag to allow access to a secured location.