What Happens To Your System If You Lose Power?

On January 9th thru 15th, give or take a day, the metro Atlanta area was crippled by one of the biggest winter storms in a decade. Unlike the January 23, 2000 ice storm which left more than 300,000 homes and businesses without power for days, this past storm was a little kinder and gentler. The metro area experienced no widespread power outages which brings me to this question,...what happens to your alarm system when power does go out in a storm or any other situation? Answer,...your system simply depends on it's back up battery. Most systems contain a 12 volt battery in the main control unit (mcu) enclosure. A low amp current is constantly fed to the battery in order to maintain a good charge, so that in the event of a power outage your system should operate without failing. The length of battery only operating time depends on the system size, number of powered devices (motion detectors, glass break detectors, keypads, etc.) and battery amp size (4,6,7,or 8 amp etc.). The average life of the battery is 3-5 years, think car battery. When the battery can no longer sustain a charge is when you experience problems.

* My alarm always goes off (false alarm) during a storm
* My keypad beeps for no reason
* When the power goes out I can't silence my alarm
* My keypad is unresponsive after a power failure

Most of these issues can simply be resolved with a new battery. When was your battery last changed? If more than 3 years ago, don't get caught out in the cold. A low cost solution will give you peace of mind the next time your power flickers.

Customized Solutions for Small and Home Based Business

Working from home offers unique opportunities. Taking client calls in your pajamas, emailing and faxing all hours of the day. The ability to leave the office at odd times to run errands without answering the "where have you been?" question from the boss. All scenarios that define the home based entrepreneur.

On the other hand, having a home office/home based business means products kept at home or sensitive client and/or corporate files becomes your top priority in it's safety and security. Likewise, small business owners need to be armed with the best options for securing their property and the contents inside.

If this sounds like your situation, maybe it's time to explore ways to customize solutions in system integration. Not familiar with system integration? Basically system integration/integrators bring together the multiple components (subsystems) into one system and ensures that the subsystems function together as one. For instance, designing all your components of security alarms, perimeter security, video surveillance (inside and out), access control, fire protection, even intercom/communications and computer networks can all be integrated together.

Have employees assisting in your business? A separate alarm code (access control) for your home or small business can be issued along with opening/closing reporting will keep you abreast when your system has been armed and disarmed. Is the current fire and smoke alarm in your home or business integrated with your security system? If the answer is no, you would never know if there is a fire.

All these system features can be integrated and networked through your computer giving small and home based businesses more options than ever.

Call L&B today to speak to a technician about integrating your business.

My Alarm Can Do What?

Cool features of your security alarm system that you may not know about..... Most people know that an alarm can monitor for fire, floods, and carbon monoxide as well as security. But many people don't know about, or don't take advantage of all the nifty things their alarm can probably do, depending on the make and model, of course. Call and talk to an L&B technician today to see if your alarm is capable of doing the following:

Customize Your "Chime" Feature:
Your system is usually programmed to beep if the front door is opened. But you can also have your installer program any of your windows to do likewise. This is handy if you have small children with bedrooms on the second floor. The keypad will beep if any of the kid's bedroom windows are opened, hopefully preventing an accidental fall.

Automatic Paging:
Your system can page you when the alarm is tripped, or when a special "event" happens, such as notifying you when the kids arrive home from school.

Read the entire article as well as find helpful information about alarm basics, security design, crime prevention tips and more, here...