Security and Alarm Systems Blog

Every Security System we install from San Diego to Riverside to Irvine is outfitted with a DMP Security Control Panel. Digital Monitoring Products, or DMP is a recognized leader in network and cellular alarm communications. We choose to partner with DMP for many reasons.

These are just a few of the main reasons we choose to install DMP control panels and keypads. There are so many options we can offer our customers because we partner with DMP. A new and exciting feature is the ability to communicate an alarm over a home or business network (using the internet) rather than the old way through a land line. Also, the new ePad allows our customers to arm and disarm their system using a web interface from anywhere in the world. By far, however, the most important feature of a DMP Security control panel is that we can install security, fire alarm, and door access control equipment to it. The programming features allow for this integration, ahich is great for our customers because it saves them money, and allows us to be more competitive with companies offering sub-par alarm equipment.

So many people have a monitored security system, and don’t know exactly what the monitoring entails. Well, here it is in summary. Security systems signal an alarm when tripped. This signal sends data which makes it’s way to a central station via one of three methods. The traditional method is through a land line, and many people still have land lines ONLY for their security system. The second method is through a cellular device, using cellular towers. This technology is not completely developed yet, so we only recommend using cellular as a back-up means of signaling in case phone lines are cut. And, the third method of security data transmission is over the internet.

Once the alarm signal is sent to the central station, they take predetermined actions based on a protocol made by the customer. For example, the protocol might be to call the business owner first, the VP second, and then call the police if they are both inaccessible. A common protocol for a home security system is to call the homeowners cellular and home, and to only take action when directed. This prevents false alarms, but can be dangerous if the homeowner is not always around their cellular.

The entire transaction is recorded by the central station, so in case there are any issues with the following of the protocol.

Any burglar alarm installation is not complete without the bare necessities. What are these necessities, though? The first, of course, is a control panel and at least one keypad. These are the brain of the system, taking in the programming from the technician, and acting intelligently based on information given by equipment. The Equipment is the second security system necessity. Security equipment such as door and window contacts, infrared motion detectors and glass break detectors alert the control panel that something fishy is happening. The third, and final, very necessary part of any alarm is a well-trained user. Without a person to arm and disarm the system, it is useless. I hear some of our customers here in San Diego tell me that they don’t use their system. This breaks my heart, because (1) they pay for it and (2) they are susceptible to a burglary which could be avoided (or at least minimized) by their security system. So, What Equipment Should Come Standard With Any Home Security System? A Control Panel, keypad, security equipment, and person that uses the system.

Theft increase in the UK

Is this related to the downturn? A leaked document from the UK government says “yes.” Unemployment rose over this period, but has improved since the beginning of the year.

Falls are the leading cause of accidental deaths among people over the age of 75 and the second leading cause for those aged 45 to 75, according to the National Safety Council. There are also other medical emergencies such as strokes and heart attacks. Many elderly people live alone, but a medical emergency can happen when their spouse is away or even asleep. This is why it may be helpful to add medical alert functionality to your security system. Imagine a man having a heart attack in his mobile home, and having no way to call for help. Having a wireless medical alert transmitter could save his life.

Yes, we have had a modest presence in Orange County for decades. But now we are actively courting security installation business in Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim and even Los Angeles. Please click on the appropriate link below for more details:

California Alarm Systems
Security System Orange County
Security Systems Irvine
Security Systems Santa Ana
Security Systems Anaheim
Alarm System Los Angeles

Of course, we still install burglar and fire alarms, surveillance and door access in San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

We have a very good understanding of what makes a security control panel desirable to the end-user, and this is a list that I came across today explaining why the DMP XR500N is a great option for commercial applications. The integration options are phenomenal with this panel. Read below for the list of features I’m referring to:

System Link ™ Enables remote XR500N programming and control.
XR500N Advanced, integrated control panel for access control, fire, and intrusion detection.
714 Loop expander adds four Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
714-8 Loop expander adds eight Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
714-16 Loop expander adds 16 Supervised burglary zones for use with fire and burglar alarm devices.
716 Output expander module provides four programmable Form C relays and four zone-following annunciator outputs for a variety of output applications.
734 Wiegand interface module integrates the use of Wiegand-type access control readers and door strikes.
5455 Prox ProII card reader for proximity credentials.

the State of California has been cracking down on unlicensed contractors for years. Now, the Department of Consumer Affairs offers an “Inquire before you hire” website offering information to enable consumers to hire licensed contractors. A section of the website even has horror stories from people who hired unlicensed contractors, which includes a story about an electrician who was caught installing spy cameras in peoples bathrooms.

In the Security Industry, there is a different spin to this problem, however. This is because sub-contracting is an industry standard, where you might sign a contract with ABS security company, who then hires Joe Smith to install the system. There are very few companies who don’t practice this in the security industry. It is important to verify that your security company is licensed AND that they are going to have their own employees install your system.

We have an Alarm Company Operator Permit and a C-10 electrical license. Its not easy obtaining these, but we enjoy having the support of our state behind our business.

We have noticed a spike in the need for businesses to protect the data centers or server rooms in their offices, especially in Irvine and San Diego, California. There are several forms of security we offer in this area. The most common needs involve a door access control system, so that only authorized personnel may enter the room. There is also a helpful option in surveillance, where the server room is secure by recording the area with security cameras. Often times, it is possible to add door access equipment long with an existing security system, which will save you a good amount of money. Another great addition to server room security is a temperature sensor. Everyone knows that computers generate heat, yet they are also sensitive to high temperatures, so it is important to keep your server room temperature controlled. If the server room’s temperature reaches a certain temperature, a signal will be sent through your security system, and you will be notified immediately. This will keep your data safe, and prevent a gigantic headache, or even worse a complete loss of your companies information.

If you are interested in a free consultation, call us at (800) 577-2527.

In a case that will likely change the face of the security industry (in a good way), a settlement by a nationwide alarm company will offer refunds to over 1,200 customers who bought security systems from unlicensed salespeople. Attention was drawn to the sales force for this security company when Washington county was flooded with complaints of “pushy” salespeople.

This is the first time I have heard of any refunds being offered to customers based on a company not being licensed, and some experts have even claimed that any contract signed by an unlicensed alarm salesperson could be void.

What does it mean to be licensed? Well, the security industry is one which is obligated to exclude people with a felony, misdemeanor or any questionable judgments in their past. This is for obvious reasons. An Alarm license involves a background check. Most companies (i hope) get their state’s proper alarm licenses for their installers and managers, but there are some companies that choose to bypass this procedure.

In my own experience, it costs about $100 per employee, and takes as long as 6-9 months. But, California is not known for having a speedy administration.