Tech Talk: Performing Under Duress
An area of security system sales and installation that can directly mean life or death is duress or hold-up alarms (HUAs). Pick up some best practices and tips for helping your customers foil robbers and live to tell about it.
My own Dolph Dual Trap (DDT) alarm circuit skillfully takes advantage of paired SPDT alarm sensor contacts for false alarm resistance. It also provides trouble signal supervision on single device activation. The NC position indicates a bill in the trap. ©[email protected]
Additional Tactics and Diversions
It is not unusual for a hold-up to be performed by a past employee as they feel knowledgeable of the store’s most inner security operations. One tactic I have seen, and a tip you can pass on to your customer, is to make sure an old VCR or DVD unit is noticeable in the manager’s office and that the manager regularly replaces the tape or disc. These units are dummies while the manager has the real video stored elsewhere. When a holdup takes place and the tape is demanded by the robber, the actual recording is safe.
Place HUA devices strategically throughout a facility. One suggested location is the coolers since criminals will often lock employees inside them during a robbery. Make sure to place at least one sensor close to the floor and in such a way that if an employee is tied up or shot they can easily reach the duress sensor. Certain HUA sensors, such as the UTC (old Sentrol) 3040/3050 Series panic switch come in a cold temperature version and have a latching LED indicator.
Bob Dolph has served in various technical management and advisory positions in the security industry for 30+ years. Check out his Tech Shack blog.
Tech Talk Tool Tip
[IMAGE]12181[/IMAGE]One of the most versatile duress sensors I have used is the 3040/3050 Series Sentrol lever pull devices from United Technologies Corp. (UTC). Even though the device has a single action it is protected from accidental tripping by a lever action similar to what you would find in a fire alarm pull station.
This device is small but has a distinctive, identifiable foot print and can be placed under or around desks, and in storage rooms and coolers. The illuminated LED latch indicator helps identify accidental activation culprits.
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.
