©2000 Digital Security Controls Ltd.
Toronto, Canada
1-800-387-3630
•
www.dscgrp.com
Printed in Canada 29005015 R001
WARNING
Please Read Carefully
Note to Installers
This warning contains vital information. As the only individual in contact with system users, it is
your responsibility to bring each item in this warning to the attention of the users of this system.
System Failures
This system has been carefully designed to be as effective as possible. There are circum-
stances, however, involving fire, burglary, or other types of emergencies where it may not
provide protection. Any alarm system of any type may be compromised deliberately or may
fail to operate as expected for a variety of reasons. Some but not all of these reasons may be:
■
■
■
■
■
Inadequate Installation
A security system must be installed properly in order to provide adequate protection. 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 oper-
ate 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 reevalu-
ation 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.
■
■
■
■
■
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 a security system be reviewed
periodically to ensure that its features remain effective and that it be updated or replaced if
it is found that it does not provide the protection expected.
■
■
■
■
■
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, disconnect a warning
device, or interfere with or prevent the proper operation of the system.
■
■
■
■
■
Power Failure
Control units, intrusion detectors, smoke detectors and many other security devices re-
quire an adequate power supply for proper operation. If a device operates 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 electronic equipment such as a security system. After a power interrup-
tion has occurred, immediately conduct a complete system test to ensure that the system
operates as intended.
■
■
■
■
■
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 environ-
ment, 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 trans-
mitting device has a low battery monitor 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.
■
■
■
■
■
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.
■
■
■
■
■
System Users
A user may not be able to operate a panic or emergency switch possibly due to permanent or
temporary physical disability, inability to reach the device in time, or unfamiliarity with the
correct operation. It is important that all system users be trained in the correct operation of
the alarm system and that they know how to respond when the system indicates an alarm.
■
■
■
■
■
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 improp-
erly 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 elec-
trical 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.
■
■
■
■
■
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors can only detect motion within the designated areas as shown in their re-
spective 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 unin-
tentional such as masking, painting, or spraying of any material on the lenses, mirrors, win-
dows 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 tem-
perature 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.
■
■
■
■
■
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 or other appliances, or passing traffic.
Audible warning devices, however loud, may not be heard by a hearing-impaired person.
■
■
■
■
■
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.
■
■
■
■
■
Insufficient Time
There may be circumstances when the system will operate as intended, yet the occupants
will not be protected from the emergency due to their inability to respond to the warnings
in a timely manner. If the system is monitored, the response may not occur in time to
protect the occupants or their belongings.
■
■
■
■
■
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.
■
■
■
■
■
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.
■
■
■
■
■
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, renters, or other occupants to
act prudently to prevent or minimize the harmful effects of an emergency situation.
