Residential security

The home security solutions market is set to flourish due to rapid advancements in technology, growing adoption of smart devices and an increase in crime rates. As the market grows, so do opportunities for installers.

The growing residential security market provides a great growth opportunity for electrical contractors. In order to make the most of this opportunity, it is crucial that installers understand the market, technology and legal requirements.

When selecting a security system, it is important to consider the following points:

• Communications pathway - how does the security system communicate with the monitoring centre?
• Who is monitoring the system - are they certified to the Australian Standard?
• Who is installing the system - are they appropriately licensed?
• Home automation - the ability to control various events in the home beyond security, including turning lights on and off, pool/spa pumps, watering systems, air conditioning, etc.

Communications pathway

Typically, the security system will transmit information to the monitoring centre by PSTN, wireless GPRS or a broadband connection. In some cases, dual monitoring is used. The system needs to be able to communicate effectively with the monitoring centre 24//7 in case of an emergency. The installer should consider the way the system will contact the monitoring centre when an alarm is triggered.

The NBN will change the way security systems transmit information. Most alarm systems are designed to communicate using the old copper analog telephone system (PSTN), and not over voice over internet protocol (VoIP) based systems. Moving a home or business to the NBN may lead to the alarm system being unable to communicate with the monitoring centre. The three main categories to consider are:

PSTN: The alarm system uses a standard PSTN phone connection to communicate with the monitoring centre when the alarm is triggered. The security system can be wireless - it just requires a landline for monitoring.

GPRS: Provides a wireless link between the premises and the monitoring centre. This is considered more reliable because the alarm system will still operate if the telephone lines are cut.

Broadband: When the alarm is triggered, the security system sends a signal to the monitoring centre using broadband connection. A broadband connection is capable of notifying the monitoring centre faster than a landline connection and offers variable polling rates. It is also less expensive as there are no data plans or telephone costs.

Who is monitoring the system?

Increasingly, police communications centres will only respond to alarm activations initiated by monitoring centres certified in accordance with the Australian Standard (AS 2201.2:2004 Intruder Alarm Systems - Monitoring Centres).

The issues that are covered in the standard include:

• the construction of the centre, together with its physical and fire protection
• access into the centre and its ‘modus operandi’
• ventilation systems (their integrity and operation)
• power supply arrangements (multiple redundancy and standby times)
• communications (telephones, duress and radio)
• redundancy in the monitoring equipment and its record keeping

The Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) operates a monitoring centre certification program which reassures customers that the standards applied at the monitoring centre is independently audited on a regular basis.

Installation

In most states and territories, installers of security systems need to hold a security licence or registration. Failure to comply incurs significant penalties. Under the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Cabling Provider Rules system, there are three types of registrations - Open, Restricted and Lift. If installers wish to work in both commercial and domestic premises, they are required to hold an Open registration. If they only want to work in domestic premises, they will require a Restricted registration.

Below is a summary of the type of work installers can do under each registration:

• Open: This registration allows a cabler to undertake all types of cabling work from simple cabling in homes to complex structured cabling in multistorey buildings.
• Restricted: This registration restricts installers to work where the network boundary is a simple socket or a network termination device - typically found in domestic homes and small businesses, not in large commercial buildings. Cablers may also undertake work in multistorey and campus-style premises where cabling is performed behind a compliant device (eg, alarm panel or modem).
• Lift: This registration type is for installing and maintaining communications cables in lifts and lift wells.

Home automation and security

The latest developments in home automation have changed the way home owners interact and manage their homes. New technologies allow users to remotely arm and disarm their security system and control lighting and appliances using smart phone or web-enabled devices. Users can remotely view prerecorded or live video surveillance; each security system offers varying levels of home automation and control functions. The benefits of using security systems extend beyond recording criminal behaviour - they give home owners peace of mind about the safety of their family.

Security terminology

24-hour monitoring - security system companies providing an alarm-monitoring service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Sensors - sensors are the part of the security system that detects motion, break-ins or other emergencies such as fire. The security system is made up of different kinds of sensors. These include:

• Glass break sensor - glass break sensors detect the frequency for glass breaking - eg, if someone breaks one of the windows.
• Heat sensor - a heat sensor detects any rapid increase of temperature in the home.
• Smoke sensor - a smoke sensor detects smoke particles in the air and issues a warning in the event of a fire.
• Movement sensor - a movement sensor such as a passive infrared detects movement in the home
• Window/door sensor - a window or door sensor will detect if a window or door is opened.

Home automation - refers to the ways smart phone or other web-enabled devices can be used to remotely access features beyond security. These include locks, appliances, lighting, and air-conditioning settings, etc.

Personal security devices - usually a small pendant that can be worn around the neck or wrist. In the event of a medical or personal emergency (in conjunction with medical or life safety monitoring), the user can push a small button to alert emergency services that help is required.

Remote access - refers to the ability to access the security system through a smart phone or other web-enabled device. Most security systems that offer mobile access allow the user to view the system’s status and receive text or email alerts. Remotely view a camera feed or control locks, air conditioning, lights and appliances.