GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND SECURITY SYSTEM EQUIPMENT

Alarm Panel: The alarm panel is the brains of the security system.  It is a wall-mounted unit where the detection devices and wiring of the alarm are ultimately connected and managed.  Included are devices such as bells, sirens, door contacts, motion detectors, etc.  All wires are run to the panel and it tells the rest of the system what to do.  The panel is usually located in a hidden areas such as a utility room, closet or access rooms.  The panel also contains the back-up battery and transformer.

 Alarm Keypad: The keypad is the mounted number pad that you use to operate your alarm system, to turn your alarm on and off, etc. The keypad also has Police, Fire and Medical Panic buttons that are always on, whether the system is armed or not. 

Backup Battery: The backup panel battery is used if electricity is off and sustains the security system without electricity as normal.  A standard, fully charged new backup battery, will last at least 4-8 continuous hours without power to the premises. 

Carbon Monoxide Detector: Carbon monoxide gas is an odorless and colorless gas. Carbon monoxide has been called the "silent killer." A monitored carbon monoxide detector alerts your system when high levels of this deadly gas are detected. 

Cellular Backup:  Cellular backup sends the signal that would normally be sent to CARE Monitoring Station via your telephone line when your local telephone service is down, telephone lines are cut or you do not have telephone service at the premises.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV: the use of television cameras to transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that all components are directly linked, and that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ point to point wireless links. CCTV is often used for surveillance in areas where there is an increased need for security. CCTVs can be permanently in service or only in service when required

Door and Window Contacts: When a door or window is opened, a contact/sensor and magnet is separated, thereby triggering, or sending an alarm signal to CARE Monitoring Station.

Fire Detection:   An active fire protection system that controls all the fire alarm components in a building such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, and sprinklers to detect smoke, fire or a potential fire situation.   When a smoke detector is triggered, it transmits a signal to the CARE Monitoring Station, which brings the fire department to your aid.

Glass Break Detectors: These devices trigger an alarm when they detect the sound or vibration of breaking glass..