Abort Window and Audible Entry Signal Required by CP-01
The CP-01 standard includes other delay-related specifications designed to address the user-generated false alarm issue. 

“The two most controversial aspects of CP-01 are the delay before dial-out — or the 30-second delay on perimeter alarm — and the swinger shutdown set at 1,” says Martin. “Those are the two most critical changes that security dealers need to be aware of when they use alarm panels.” 

Delaying dial-out by 30 seconds after the system goes into alarm enables the user to abort the call to the central station before it even begins. The standard calls for a 30-second abort window as the default setting with a programmable range of 15 to 45 seconds. In addition, CP-01 stipulates fire zones are exempt from the use of any abort window.

“NAPCO began using many of the features incorporated within CP-01 over the past 15 years, so we feel that SIA sort of formalized what we had been doing all along,” says Karl. 

There are other aspects of entry delay that the CP-01 standard addresses, such as having an audible means of identifying that the entry process is in motion. Section 4.2.3.2 calls for an audible signal to alert the user — more to remind them — that it’s time to enter their pass code. 

Veteran installers will attest that many of the older panels failed to provide this simple warning. Still, this feature began to appear in many alarm control panels long before CP-01 emerged. 

Exit Delay Process Also Is Problematic for Alarm Users
Of the two delay sequences — exit an
d entry — most alarm companies would agree that the exit process is where most end users generate false alarms. A significant effort on the part of SIA’s CP-01 standard has been made to reduce false alarms produced during exit delay.

Section 4.2.2.1 of the standard, for example, calls for the use of a 45-second minimum delay exit time with a maximum of 255 seconds. The standard calls for a default exit delay of 60 seconds, however. And, because of the existing high propensity for false alarms during exit, where a silent exit feature is invoked, the time delay on exit must be doubled for that immediate exit cycle.

Perhaps the most sensible system design, however, involves setting exit delays sufficient to accommodate that particular end user’s routine. What this means in terms of seconds relates more to the user’s application and use of structure than any specific ideal.

For example, in a commercial environment, there are two factors that could cause the alarm installer to set the exit delay for a minute or more. First is the issue of high turnover. Second is the issue of briefcases and boxes to carry out as the last person out the door leaves.

On the other hand, in residential applications you have the same individuals using the same alarm system over and over everyday. Here, an exit delay of 45 seconds seems appropriate because most homeowners and their family members commonly load their cars and prepare for their departure in a more relaxed manner, where additional time may not be required.

NFPA 731 Calls for Uniform Installation of Alarm Panels

Another standard that will eventually have an impact on the alarm systems dealers sell and install is NFPA 731, titled the “Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems.” Oddly enough, NFPA 731 was developed by an organization largely known for its fire standards and national fire codes.

The NFPA 731 standard addresses almost every facet of intrusion detection, from requirements of individual detectors and sensors to alarm control panels. Section 4.2.3.1, for example, specifies the requirements of the primary and secondary power sources, which serve integral functions within all control panels.

Section 4.2.4.1 calls for a dedicated branch circuit where it involves primary power. Included are 1) a commercial light and power source; 2) an engine-driven generator or the equivalent, as specified by Section 4.2.10 (a trained operator must be present); and 3) an engine-driven generator capable of cogeneration with commercial light and power or the equivalent with a trained operator present as specified by the same section.

As in the case of a fire alarm control panel, the means of circuit disconnection for the dedicated primary power circuit must be marked. However, instead of using red paint, the installer is required to use blue. The physical location of the disconnect must also be noted at the burglar alarm control panel, so service personnel and the user can readily find it.

NFPA 731, Section 4.2.4.4, also calls for transient voltage surge protection on the primary power side of the panel. Fire alarm panels also are required to have transient protection. Obviously, NFPA takes its control panel standard seriously.

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