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MP500/4N-8-16 Installation
2 - BASIC INFORMATION
This chapter explains the composition of the intrusion alarm system and is intended for those who are designing an alarm system for
the first time.
If you have experience in designing installations, you can skip directly to Chapter 4, where the MP500/4N, MP500/8, and MP500/16
systems are discussed and their advanced and special functions are illustrated and explained with specific examples.
2.1
HOW AN INTRUSION ALARM SYSTEM IS MADE
2.1.1 The simplest system
The most elementary alarm system consists of just 3 devices: a detector, a siren, and a management device called a control panel,
which receives information from the detector, processes it and, if necessary, sounds the siren to warn of potential danger.
Although simple, this type of system is perfectly adequate for fulfilling the use for which it was intended: generate an alarm when an
attempted intrusion is detected.
Actually, alarm system are more complex and consists of a higher number and variety of devices, both because the need for pro tection
is greater and because it is always necessary to use the device best-suited to attaining a specific objective, whether with regards to
user friendliness or the desired option of integrating advanced functions and not being limited to a simple alarm.
It is important to note that every system, regardless of its complexity or size, has only one control panel that acts as the "brain" for the
entire system.
2.1.2 Wired, radio, and bus
This main distinction between installations is based on the technology used to connect the various devices to the control panel and
each other: wired or radio. The latter system is also called wireless.
Each of these two types of connections has strong points, while other characteristics make it less suitable for specific uses.
The table below illustrates the pros and cons of both solutions.
WIRED
RADIO
Pros
The system is not affected by radio shields and within the
maximum distances indicated, the control panel can be
positioned at the most convenient point.
It is essentially immune to standard electromagnetic
disturbances: devices that emit radio frequencies or power
lines create no communication problems.
Cons
Wiring is necessary: all the detectors and signalling devices
must be connected to the control panel with wires.
The positions of the devices are practically fixed, given that
moving them would require rewiring everything, with all the
difficulties inherent to such a project.
Installation times are longer, as it is necessary to wire
everything. If the apartment or office does not already have
a conduit system, installation times are prolonged because
the wiring must be run under the board and door casing to
hide it, create holes in the walls and ceilings, etc.
Extensive installation times may create inconveniences if
the premises are inhabited.
Pros
Requires no wiring: all communications occur via radio and
components can be positioned where it is most convenient.
The devices can be easily moved if the need should arise,
for example if the arrangement of furniture should change
in a room protected by a volumetric detector.
It is possible to create a system where all the components
are powered by long-life batteries, so it is not necessary to
connect the system to the electrical power supply
*
.
Quick installation: it is sufficient to install the system
components where needed, with no need to wire them.
Installation times are considerably shorter, so as not to
create inconveniences in the home or workplace.
Cons
It is sensitive to radio shielding: some materials can affect
the radio waves, impeding or making communication more
difficult among the various devices.
It is more sensitive to sources of electromagnetic
disturbances (ex. electric meters, electric motors, washing
machines,
refrigerators,
etc.),
which
may
make
communications among the various devices difficult.
It is necessary for at least one radio channel to be free (in
other words, one channel with no other systems using it).
*
Not all manufacturers have radio alarm systems that can function entirely without being connected to the electrical utility.
Table 3 - Comparison of wired and radio technologies
