Maintenance to existing CCTV, Alarm, Access Control and Door Entry Security Systems

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Even though I have seen this over and over again, I still find it had to believe just how few existing security systems are fitted properly!  

CCTV

 
I recently performed a maintenance visit to a CCTV system on a high security site. When I had finished, the control room operators commented on how good the camera pictures were on the newly fitted system. When I explained that they were not new cameras, but the original units that had now been set-up and focused correctly – they were amazed! But this is not an isolated case! For example,

• Does your cameras picture become blurred under low lighting levels?

• Does your monitor flick/roll when switching between cameras?

• Does your system have some bright pictures, some dark and some ok?

• Do you have interference or lines down your screen?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then your system has not been set-up correctly! And I have not yet asked about how good the picture is or if it is what you want to see - let alone the quality of your recordings!! Check out our FREE VIP Newsletter for more things to look out for.

ALARMS

 
If you have an alarm system, when was the last time you ARMED the system and then checked that ALL detectors trigger the system properly? Have you ever??

I have found alarm systems with 60 plus zones and only 2 or 3 of them actually working. Just because it beeps when you arm it does not necessarily mean it is working properly! 

You will find tips on checking your existing system in our FREE VIP Newsletter. Don’t leave it to chance. Check it yourself! Use the form below to subscribe now, alternatively it you would like further help or advice, please use the contact page.

Access Control and Door Entry Systems

Some of the worst examples of installation standards that I have seen have been for Access Control and Door Entry Systems.

The trouble is that these systems frequently conceal their problems until something happens - such as you are locked in or locked out! This might sound funny (if you've not experienced it!) - possibly its just a bit inconvenient having to wait for an engineer to correct the issue. But what if you cannot open a door because of a system failure and a fire starts within the building? Not so funny now! Apart from the obvious risk to the buildings occupants if the correct devices are not used, fire officers can close businesses until the building is made safe. What sort of impact could this cause to your business?

Part of the problem has been that Access Control and Door Entry installations have been traditionally, unregulated. That is to say that installation firms rarely sought approval - simply because it was not required. Professional alarm installers who offer systems with police attendance have needed to seek approvals - or the police would not recognise the firm and attend activations. You can understand the installers point of view, why spend money on approvals when no one is asking for them? This has allowed firms to do whatever they wish and get away with it.

Standards do exist that state for example the types of locking device required for different types of door (a document detailing what locks are required can be found on our downloads page). However, I would estimate that out of an average 100 door entry/access control installations I see, only a handful will have the correct lock or entry device fitted. And I frequently see multiple devices all linked to  a single power supply. This might not sound important, but if the supply fails everything fails - and in some cases all the connected doors unlock.