Savvy businesspeople realize the value of networking, especially in a society where “word-of-mouth” is the most powerful form of advertising. The home building community is an excellent source of information as well as a major link to the high-end residential market.

Sentinel Alarm Co., located in Montreal, Quebec, knows all too well what networking can do for its business. The installing company has concentrated primarily on the high-end commercial/residential market, specializing in custom-designed systems.

In December 1996, Sentinel began the installation of a Europlex 3100E8 system using nine PIRs and 23 glassbreak detectors to provide full perimeter protection for the Dupuis residence in Quebec. The four-story estate also is fitted with four 30W sirens as well as two sump-pump float switches.

Home Automation Company Enlists Sentinel’s Assistance

Sentinel first met with Gilles Dupuis, the homeowner, on Oct. 30, 1996. Dupuis expressed his need for a complete detection system, incorporating fire and smoke detection, panic buttons, burglary and environmental reporting, and life safety.

The installing company designed a system that not only is user friendly, but also is compatible for integration with a home automation system. Client Prefers Temporary System During Renovation

The permanent system design relies on varying levels of detection. All doors and windows are contacted, and backup glassbreak detectors in vulnerable or accessible areas are used to create a perimeter layer of detection. PIR detectors are installed on each floor and in other hot spots.

All contacts are recessed (or not visible) due to installation in the window and door frames. Technicians use glassbreak detectors to create an invisible layer of detection. “Working in a high-end environment means that often designers and interior decorators exert quite an influence,” says Spector. “It is imperative that the security system remain as low profile and unobtrusive as possible.”

In this particular instance, a Crestron home automation controller is specified. The ADPLEX communication protocol, which is the American version of the Europlex APLEX 3100E8, is required.

Fire System Protects Tools, Equipment Used on the Job

“The most valuable objects often on-site at this stage are the tools used by the tradespeople. There also are many opportunities for a fire to start,” Spector says. The company installed a temporary fire/smoke and burg system during the construction phase. He recalls a situation at another job site where, over the weekend, a large fire ignited when a wood stripping tool was left on. Spector says his company has learned its lesson since then.

The permanent system called for four different types of detectors. STE carbon monoxide detectors are placed on the main floor near the garage as well as on each of the top floors where the bedrooms are located.

Technicians installed six ESL 448C smoke detectors throughout the residence. In addition, two STE natural gas detectors and three Edwards fixed heat detectors are positioned in designated spots.

Installation Scheduled for December 1997 Completion

The year-long installation has lead to some modifications in the system design. However, Spector says his company is very compliant in that capacity. He estimates by the time the Dupuis job is completed in December 1997, the total cost for the installation will be between $20,000 to $30,000.

He adds that during the course of the installation, many variables can change the final cost, mostly concerning additional equipment to be installed or changes in the final design.

“It takes patience and diplomacy to deal with many of these problems, but the rewards can more than make up for them,” he says. “The key is respecting and being sensitive to the needs of your client. And remember, our mandate is to provide detection for our client.”

For a complete article you can purchase the October 1997 issue for $5 by calling (310) 533-2400 and asking for the circulation department.

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