The Code of Practice including :

• Security Surveying
• Planning & Design
• Installation
• Systems Handover / Commissioning & testing
• Maintenance

Security Surveying

Security surveying is fundamental to establish the correct design, which set out the performance and reliability of an Intruder Alarm System. As a minimum standard a discussion with the customer should include the following areas to be considered when developing the survey.

A ) Premises

• Construction and floor area
• Use of premises / floor
• Buildings adjacent or attached
• Exiting security of the building
• Environment & Location with regards to previous intrusions

B ) Contents

• Type
• Size & value
• Any Previous loss
• Insurance
• Ease of dispensing (consumables)
• And effect of loss (close of business)

C ) System Signalling

• Private Wire
• Digital Dialer
• GSM / GPRS
• Broadband Transmission
• A combination of the above

Planning and Design of Security System

• Design drawing & written specification
• Equipment list of proposed systems
• Cable routing / IP address
• Timeline of installation
• Training of users
• Handover to client with document

Installation

During installation technicians are our ambassadors and must act with considerations to clients and understanding. During the installation technicians conduct, dress and attitude effect all in the industry

Installation of cables, wiring and equipment

• Before commencing installation wiring the technician should inspect the building with regard to circui runs and potential problems.
• All cables should be affixed effectively or installed in adequate protection.
• All cables should be clearly marked for future identification:
  
  • At control panel
  • At joint boxes
  • At device end

• Connecting wiring must not run in trunking with 240 volts AC or other main cables. The running of low voltage and main cables together is contrary to I.E.E. regulations
• Junction boxes are to be sited in an accessible position
• Control boxes are to be sited in an accessible position
• All protection device are to be installed to manufacture specification and device function
• Multiple circuit installations are to be employed for optimum false alarm Reduction
• Entry and Exit routes are to have a time delay ( to be agreed with customer)

Power supplies:

• To be sited within the secure area
• Connection to the main supply should be a source that is never ordinarily switched off
• Automatic transfer from main to battery and back to main should be tested
• Batteries should have a label indicating installation dated
• Expected life of batteries is 2 years.

System Handover, Commissioning and Testing

A full test of the installed system must be completed before system is demonstrated to the customer

The commissioning technician must ensure that the customer completely understands the operation for the system

Private Wire to be correctly identified by telecom supplier with number noted in documentation

All alarms received at central alarm monitoring station are to match the criteria set in control unit

Whenever practicable the handover should be conducted by a qualified person other than the person who installed the system.

Documentation to be handed to the client

• Site plan / floor plan with zone indication
• Instruction on operation of system
• Account number and maintenance number
• Confirmation of acceptance of system
• Customer feedback survey

Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance – Corrective Maintenance

Service and maintenance records are of importance and are to be diligently Maintained. Use of these records help in the auditing of system when problems occur.

• Maintenance worksheets are to record:
  • Site / account
  • Address
  • Routine / fault visit
  • Rectification / equipment used / recommendations
  • Hours on site
  • Signature of technician
  • Signature of subscriber
  • Any disconnection should be followed up in writing. To confirm clients authorization / understanding
  • Preventative Maintenance to be carried at an installations at intervals of not less than twice / year

• When technician arrives on site contact CAMS
• Carry out general testing of all components installed
  • Walk test site
  • Test battery level
  • Check siren cut-off period
  • Check signaling to CAMS
  • Check the system is fully functioned
  • System appearance to be kept in good order. Adverse wear & tear to be reported

• Technicians leaving site contact CAMS that system is online