Tech Talk: Holdup Alarm Incident Highlights What We Can Do Better
It’s unlikely that perfection will ever be achieved to the point where security/life-safety systems prevent humans from ever experiencing any harm. However, sensible standards and practices can substantially reduce the likelihood of that harm.
A recent tragic incident in which a series of unfortunate events resulted in a restaurateur being overcome by deadly carbon dioxide gas during a power outage points to the need for more effective practices in dealing with holdup alarms and other types of life-safety alerts.
CP-01 Standard Offers Safeguards
Revisions to the CP-01 alarm control panel standard have added requirements for power-caused false alarms (Section 4.4). Some of the important specifications included in the standard are as follows:
- The panel arming state shall be retained no less than 14 days during power loss.
- Upon power restoration, the control panel will resume in the same arm state, same zones be bypassed and sensor inputs shall be disregarded for a minimum of 60 seconds.
- Control panels should display on an interconnect label information that allows an installer to conform compatibility between the panel zone inputs and the sensors selected for installation.
- Sensor and wiring requirements must be described so that sensor compatibility with the zone input characteristics of the panel is assured over the full range of operating conditions.
Different zone types may require different compatibility specifications, but here is a hypothetical example for a supervised input:
- Maximum loop current (shorted loop): 7.4mA
- Maximum loop voltage (open loop): 5VDC
- Loop shorted: 0V – 0.75V (0 – 120 ohms total loop resistance)
- Loop normal: 1.1V – 4.1V (190 – 3,000 ohms)
- Loop open: 4.6V – 5.0V (7,800 – infinite ohms)
A complete copy of the ANSI/SIA CP-01-2010 standard can be downloaded from the Security Industry Association (SIA) at siaonline.org.
Bob Dolph has served in various technical management and advisory positions in the security industry for 30+ years. To share tips and installation questions, E-mail Bob at [email protected]. Check out his Tech Shack blog at www.securitysales.com/blog.
Tech Talk Tool Tip
Alarm control panels manufactured prior to widespread adoption of the SIA CP-01 standard can often become erratic and their sensors unstable when backup voltage drops below a safe level. Additionally, deep discharge of alarm batteries can be damaging.
One valuable resource to overcome these issues is the addition of a low-voltage battery cutoff module such as Seco-Larm’s Model ST-BD01Q. It handles 12/24VDC,
offers adjustable voltage cutoff and restore points, and features LED status indicators. It provides for an easy retrofit installation.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
