Internet Alarm Communicator Installation Manual
Warning: Installer Please Read Carefully
3
WARNING: I
NSTALLER
P
LEASE
R
EAD
C
AREFULLY
Note to Installers
The Warnings on this page contain vital information. As the only individual in
contact with system users, it is the installer’s responsibility to bring each item in
this Warning to the attention of all users of this system.
System Failures
This system has been carefully designed to be as effective as possible. There are
circumstances, however, involving fire, burglary, or other types of emergencies
where it may not provide protection. Any alarm system of any type may be com-
promised deliberately or may fail to operate as expected for a variety of reasons.
Some, but not all, of the reasons may be:
Access by Intruders
Intruders may enter through an unprotected access point, circumvent a sensing
device, evade detection by moving through an area of insufficient coverage, dis-
connect a warning device, or interfere with or prevent the proper operation of the
system.
Component Failure
Although every effort has been made to make this system as reliable as possible,
the system may fail to function as intended due to the failure of a component.
Compromise of Radio Frequency (Wireless) Devices
Signals may not reach the receiver under all circumstances which could include
metal objects placed on or near the radio path or deliberate jamming or other
inadvertent radio signal interference.
Criminal Knowledge
This system contains security features which were known to be effective at the
time of manufacture. It is possible for persons with criminal intent to develop
techniques which reduce the effectiveness of these features. It is important that
your security system be reviewed periodically to ensure that its features remain
effective and that it is updated or replaced if it is found that it does not provide the
protection expected.
Failure of Replaceable Batteries
This system’s wireless transmitters have been designed to provide several years
of battery life under normal conditions. The expected battery life is a function of
the device environment, usage, and type. Ambient conditions such as high
humidity, high or low temperatures, or large temperature fluctuations may reduce
the expected battery life. While each transmitting device has a low battery moni-
tor which identifies when the batteries need to be replaced, this monitor may fail
to operate as expected. Regular testing and maintenance will keep the system in
good operating condition.
Inadequate Installation
A security system must be installed properly in order to provide adequate protec-
tion. Every installation should be evaluated by a security professional to ensure
that all access points and areas are covered. Locks and latches on windows and
doors must be secure and operate as intended. Windows, doors, walls, ceilings
and other building materials must be of sufficient strength and construction to
provide the level of protection expected. A reevaluation must be done during and
after any construction activity. An evaluation by the fire and/or police department
is highly recommended if this service is available.
Inadequate Testing
Most problems that would prevent an alarm system from operating as intended
can be found by regular testing and maintenance. The complete system should be
tested weekly and immediately after a break-in, an attempted break-in, a fire, a
storm, an earthquake, an accident, or any kind of construction activity inside or
outside the premises. The testing should include all sensing devices, keypads,
consoles, alarm indicating devices, and any other operational devices that are part
of the system.
Insufficient Time
There may be circumstances when the system will operate as intended, yet the
occupants will not be protected from an emergency due to their inability to
respond to the warnings in a timely manner. If the system is remotely monitored,
the response may not occur in time to protect the occupants or their belongings.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors can only detect motion within the designated areas as shown in
their respective installation instructions. They cannot discriminate between
intruders and intended occupants. Motion detectors do not provide volumetric
area protection. They have multiple beams of detection and motion can only be
detected in unobstructed areas covered by these beams. They cannot detect
motion which occurs behind walls, ceilings, floor, closed doors, glass partitions,
glass doors or windows. Any type of tampering whether intentional or uninten-
tional such as masking, painting, or spraying of any material on the lenses, mir-
rors, windows or any other part of the detection system will impair its proper
operation.
Passive infrared motion detectors operate by sensing changes in temperature.
However their effectiveness can be reduced when the ambient temperature rises
near or above body temperature or if there are intentional or unintentional sources
of heat in or near the detection area. Some of these heat sources could be heaters,
radiators, stoves, barbeques, fireplaces, sunlight, steam vents, lighting and so on.
Power Failure
Control units, intrusion detectors, smoke detectors and many other security
devices require an adequate power supply for proper operation. If a device oper-
ates from batteries, it is possible for the batteries to fail. Even if the batteries have
not failed, they must be charged, in good condition and installed correctly. If a
device operates only by AC power, any interruption, however brief, will render
that device inoperative while it does not have power. Power interruptions of any
length are often accompanied by voltage fluctuations which may damage elec-
tronic equipment such as a security system. After a power interruption has
occurred, immediately conduct a complete system test to ensure that the system
operates as intended.
Security and Insurance
Regardless of its capabilities, an alarm system is not a substitute for property or
life insurance. An alarm system also is not a substitute for property owners, rent-
ers, or other occupants to act prudently to prevent or minimize the harmful effects
of an emergency situation.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors that are a part of this system may not properly alert occupants of
a fire for a number of reasons, some of which follow. The smoke detectors may
have been improperly installed or positioned. Smoke may not be able to reach the
smoke detectors, such as when the fire is in a chimney, walls or roofs, or on the
other side of closed doors. Smoke detectors may not detect smoke from fires on
another level of the residence or building.
Every fire is different in the amount of smoke produced and the rate of burning.
Smoke detectors cannot sense all types of fires equally well. Smoke detectors
may not provide timely warning of fires caused by carelessness or safety hazards
such as smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of
flammable materials, overloaded electrical circuits, children playing with
matches, or arson.
Even if the smoke detector operates as intended, there may be circumstances
when there is insufficient warning to allow all occupants to escape in time to
avoid injury or death.
Telephone Lines
If telephone lines are used to transmit alarms, they may be out of service or busy
for certain periods of time. Also an intruder may cut the telephone line or defeat
its operation by more sophisticated means which may be difficult to detect.
Warning Devices
Warning devices such as sirens, bells, horns, or strobes may not warn people or
waken someone sleeping if there is an intervening wall or door. If warning
devices are located on a different level of the residence or premise, then it is less
likely that the occupants will be alerted or awakened. Audible warning devices
may be interfered with by other noise sources such as stereos, radios, televisions,
air conditioners, other appliances, or passing traffic. Audible warning devices,
however loud, may not be heard by a hearing-impaired person.
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