Security Systems FAQ
Questions & Answers – Security System Installations
Find a comprehensive Security Systems FAQ for businesses, government buildings, schools, and institutions. Explore FAQs on alarm systems, CCTV installations, access control solutions, and alarm monitoring to enhance safety and protection.
Alarm Systems FAQ
A business alarm system typically includes a control panel, sensors (such as door/window sensors and motion detectors), an audible alarm, and a user interface for arming and disarming.
Alarm systems promptly alert staff and authorities to unauthorized access attempts, helping safeguard assets and ensuring the safety of occupants in various settings.
Yes, alarm systems offer customization options tailored to the specific layout and security requirements of businesses, government buildings, schools, and other institutions.
Monitored alarm systems connect to a central monitoring station that notifies designated personnel and emergency responders in case of an alarm activation, providing an additional layer of protection. Check our Monitored Alarm FAQ below!.
Wireless alarm systems offer flexibility in installation and scalability, making them suitable for organizations of various sizes and layouts.
It’s recommended that organizations conduct regular testing of their alarm systems, ideally on a monthly basis, to verify proper functionality and familiarize staff with emergency procedures. We have maintenance plans available to test these in detail, plus monitoring services to give 24/7 support.
Yes, many alarm systems feature remote management capabilities, allowing authorized personnel to arm/disarm the system, receive notifications, and view system activity from any location with internet access.
Alarm systems often incorporate backup power sources and tamper-resistant features to ensure continued operation and protection against unauthorized interference.
While professional installation ensures optimal setup and integration, some alarm systems offer DIY installation options suitable for organizations with technical expertise.
Yes, many alarm systems support seamless integration with CCTV, access control, and other security solutions to create a unified security ecosystem tailored to the needs of organizations.
CCTV Systems
Analogue systems can be cheaper than IP systems – High definition analogue systems (often named HDCVI or HD Analogue) are comparable in quality to high definition IP systems, but are usually marginally cheaper if installed in smaller applications.
Analogue Systems can use existing Coax cable – HD analogue cameras can be cabled using your existing coax cable without the need for converters.
Analogue systems are restricted in size – HD analogue systems are more commonly used in smaller applications such as residential or retail and require each cable to be wired back directly to the recorder.
IP systems can use the existing network infrastructure – Unlike analogue cameras, IP cameras don’t have to be wired back directly to the recording device, they can be wired to the nearest network hub or switch and the existing network infrastructure can be used to carry video signals to the NVR, eliminating the need for un-necessary wiring.
IP systems have superior wireless capabilities – IP cameras have the flexibility to integrate with a wireless network and are virtually unlimited in terms of expansion. Analogue wireless cameras use radio frequencies and are limited to about sixteen cameras before they reach full capacity
IP Systems can accommodate a wider variety of camera technology – There is a wider variety of IP cameras i.e. PTZ cameras, 360-degree (fisheye) cameras, Panoramic cameras etc, which are not currently available in HD analogue.
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. It is a television system that operates on a “closed loop” basis. Unlike broadcast television, which is available to anyone with a suitable receiver, CCTV pictures are only available to those connected to the loop. However, the acronym is still commonly used for IP Video systems.
By connecting your CCTV system to an internet connection, it is possible to view your cameras from virtually anywhere, as long as there’s a data connection on your Smart device, or an Internet connection on your PC or Mac.
If an internet connection is unavailable at your CCTV recorder Fortress Security can provide an option for a 4G router which can achieve connectivity from an active SIM card.
It is always best to ensure the camera field of view is adequately lit, however, with the introduction of Infra-Red (IR), lighting is not essential. Many cameras now have built-in IR illuminators which claim to produce effective images in zero light conditions for distances up to 80metres.
An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) can be in installed as part of your CCTV system’s hardware. A UPS is basically a battery backup and is a cost-effective way of ensuring your CCTV system has enough power to keep running in the event of a power cut. A UPS Also acts as a surge protection unit and regulates the supply to the equipment, reducing the risk of damage from electrical surges or spikes.
Acess Control Questions
There are many different types of electronic locks to suit the application in which they are installed. In most cases the site needs to be surveyed prior to choosing the types of lock as circumstances such as type (single/double/inward opening/outward opening, bi-fold, roller), construction material (wood/aluminium), location (internal/external) and size, needs to be assessed before implementing the final design.
Biometric systems are usually more secure than the standard Proximity reader. A Proximity card can be lost or stolen, and a PIN can be announced or viewed.
Biometric readers are usually more expensive than proximity readers and they can be more labour intensive when setting up.
The big advantage of Proximity over Biometric technologies lies in its simplicity. There are no moving parts, no mechanical wear, no slots, and no read heads to maintain. The reader can be concealed inside walls or special enclosures and poses even fewer problems when surface-mounted because it has no opening with which to jam or tamper.
Proximity cards can be easily deleted or void from the system which instantly disables the user from accessing any doors. Cards can be made void through the system’s keypad or through the management software. If the system is set-up for remote off-site connection the card can be deleted remotely without the need for a visit to site. It is recommended that the card is not carried with ID badges (which could potentially display details of the premises), and that the loss or theft of a card is reported immediately.
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