When focusing on NFPA 72 compliance, it is important to recognize the design of how all household combination listed control units operate.
Jeff Zwirn
Jeffrey D. Zwirn, CPP, CFPS, CFE, SET, ITFAS-I, ITFAS-II, CHPA-IV, NFPA 3000 (PS), MSYL, MBAT, SSI Hall of Fame, writes Security Sales & Integration’s “Security Science” column. He is also president of IDS Research and Development, an alarm and security consultation, expert witness and training authority providing nationwide services on all issues related to alarm and security matters. He can be reached at 800-353-0733.
Jeff Zwirn's Latest Posts
Deleted Zones: Should You Care About Them?
If you don’t care about deleting zones on a subscriber’s alarm system or do it without checks and balances, you do so at your own peril.
Unraveling Accessory Relay Module Dangers to Help Life Safety Systems Installers
Just because alarm relay modules “can perform” a particular function does not mean that you can use them in every application.
The Illusion of Audio Glass Break Detection
Audio glass break detectors were intended to replace foil and save the time-consuming work needed to install and maintain this methodology.
Cancel/Abort Can Increase Risks to Unsuspecting Alarm System Subscribers
The policies and procedures according to which a central station monitors a household burglar alarm system need to be disclosed.
The Dangers of Swinger Shutdown
Alarm contractors’ responsibilities should be consistent with statutory requirements, UL, NFPA 72 and industry standards and best practices.
Critical Things to Recognize in Panic Alarm Systems in a World of Active Shooters
A panic alarm system in and of itself is not sufficient to fully protect all people on any premises during an active shooter event.
It’s Time to Stop ‘Shifty’ Contract Practices
With free or low-cost installations, a code-compliant system will dramatically increase objections to purchasing due to the increased costs incurred.
Dangers of In-Home Monitoring: Why Central Station Operators Working From Home Is Risky Business
Distracted operators? Increased alarm contractor liability exposure? Forensic alarm expert Jeff Zwirn pokes holes in UL-827’s pandemic-induced standard exception.
Life-Safety Lessons Learned From the Miami Condo Collapse
From the rumble of last year’s Surfside (Fla.) tower tragedy that killed 98 people are pivotal best practices for which alarm installation and monitoring providers must remain acutely aware.
DIY Danger: How Konnected Has Concocted False Claims About Its Alarm Panel Solution
Konnected says its alarm panel can turn any wired alarm system into a smart alarm. However, an independent forensic analysis shows it disregards security and life-safety standards and represents extreme danger to consumers.
Alarm Expert: Beware This Dangerous Fire Alarm Product
The Virtual Alarm monitoring re-transmitter is being marketed as UL-compliant, but doesn’t even come close, according to Jeff Zwirn.
