Security FAQs - Master Alarms

FAQs

Alarms

Monitoring

Keypads

Access Systems

Pir Sensors

CCTV Systems

Smoke Alarms

FAQs

Alarms

Monitoring

Keypads

Access Systems

Pir Sensors

CCTV Systems

Smoke Alarms

FAQs

What type of security alarm system should I get?

Is it for a residential, apartment or commercial premises?

Consider what level of security you need.

Are you a renter or owner occupier? Renters should choose a wireless system as it can be moved when you do.

Homeowners or Business can choose any affordable security system that suits the home or commercial layout.

Is a Wireless or Hardwired security system more suitable?

There are home security system packages to suit all needs and budgets.

Choose to get installed a reputable brand (PrimeTech’s preference of choice is the Paradox brand)

Consider what extras you may want to add to the system at a later stage and what technology and home automation capabilities are available.

Contact us now for a free no-obligation quote to put a solution together that meets your needs for your new security system

What are Keyfob remotes?

A remote Keyfob control for your alarm allows the convenience to arm/disarm your alarm from the comfort of your car/driveway, without the need to rush to your keypad and remember your security code to enter. If compatible, the keyfob remote can also be used to control your garage door opener. Your Control Keypad on the wall still works as usual.

What is Night arming or Partial arming?

If you’re not comfortable having all your interior sensors unarmed, don’t worry. The “Stay” mode allows you to specify certain sensors to remain armed. (this is Partial arming) This is perfect for any areas in your home eg. when you are upstairs for the night or want to allow movement between the bedroom and bathroom, but still have the rest of the house armed.

Can my remote open the automatic garage door?

If compatible, the key fob remote can be used to control your garage door opener, and may need a relay fitted.

What is a Panic Button?

The wireless remote, or key fob, for your home security system that arms and disarms the security system in your home also includes a panic button which will activate the internal and external sirens and if you are monitored it will notify the monitoring company that a security breach is in progress, or another home emergency such as medical assistance may be sought.

What is a PIR?

A passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor) is an electronic sensor that measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of view. They are most often used in PIR-based motion detectors . There are various types of motion detectors with different degrees of coverage, distance and surroundings. PIR’s are either Hardwired which are wired direct to the control panel or Wireless which have a transmitter which sends the signal detected to the control panel. There are many different types and our security consultant or technician will be able to advise on what will best suit your premises. Passive infrared sensors detects body heat (infrared energy) and are the most widely used motion detectors in home security systems. When your system is armed, your motion sensors are activated and it can detect heat and movement in the surrounding areas, creating a protective “grid.” If a moving object blocks too many grid zones and the infrared energy levels change rapidly, the sensors are tripped.

What is a Pet Friendly PIR?

Pet Immune Motion Sensors give a lower sensitivity allowing small dogs and cats to roam through-out the house without activating the alarm. A dual technology motion sensor is more resistant to false alarms caused by animals as it requires two sensors to be triggered. Most PIR”s have a sensitivity level that can be adjusted.

Should I be Monitored?

Your alarm system is monitored 24/7 by a dedicated alarm monitoring company.
Statistics have shown that by far the greatest proportion of Residential burglaries occur during the day.
A security alarm will alert the monitoring company when your home/commercial site has been broken into.
You don’t have rely on your neighbours to hear and respond to the audible siren as they may be out also
By being monitored you will be notified that your alarm has activated, and the Monitoring Station will follow your instructions for your response plan. If you or one of your nominated contacts are not in a position to attend to your site, the Monitoring Station can dispatch a professionally trained security guard to attend your site and ascertain the cause of the alarm, and if required, organize with your nominated contacts for your house to be made safe and secure
A monitored alarm will notice if there is a power outage to your premises and if it is extended, notification may be crucial for you. ( fridge, freezers, heated fish aquariums )
Panic Buttons ( eg. wall mounted beside bed or mobile pendant) for protection or medical attention can be monitored for immediate response from the Monitoring Station.

What is a monitored smoke detector?

With the addition of smoke detectors the intruder alarm expands into a full security system. Domestic installations should have a smoke detector installed within 3 metres of each sleeping area (bedroom) at a minimum. The addition of a smoke detector to your alarm system provides added protection for your property during any absence therefore peace of mind for valuable and sentimental items that are irreplaceable. Even when you are at home the smoke detector is linked to a 24 hour zone giving you protection while you are asleep, outside or at the other end of your house.
A monitored smoke sensor is integrated with your security system and directly connected to the monitoring station. Monitored smoke alarms notify your security company immediately that smoke has been detected and depending on your response plan, the fire brigade can be dispatched immediately, to minimize loss of goods and damage.
A monitored smoke alarm is active 24/7 whether the home security alarm is in armed or disarmed mode.

What if I self monitor?

Choosing to self monitor your alarm system can be a money-saving alternative to “traditional” or “standard” central station reporting, but it’s not for everybody. The decision to go with “self-reporting” should be carefully considered, since it involves the safety of you and your family.
If your home security alarm activates and alerts your cell phone there are times when the phone is not with you, either you are in a meeting or in an area where coverage is patchy, or the network is down. If you are away for the weekend or on holiday when your home alarm goes off, you can always contact others, providing you are in cellphone coverage.
You can selfmonitor the alarm system on its own, but it becomes much more effective when combined with one of the many available home security camera systems. If you receive a signal from the alarm system side, you can use a smartphone app or other mobile monitoring setup to view the cameras in or around the home.
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Phone or Fibre monitoring?

For many homes today the traditional analogue phone line is becoming a thing of the past and upgrading to a digital, wireless or fibre connection may inhibit existing monitored alarms but most can be connected by adding a networks communicator module. Contact now
These communicators are for both Self Monitoring or To your dedicated Monitoring Station.
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How often should my security alarm be serviced?

We advise our residential customers to have their alarms serviced annually. We send a reminder to our monitored customers yearly to book their maintenance service. Our commercial customers are advised to have their maintenance service bi-annually.

What are Glass Break and Shock sensors?

A glass break detector is a sensor used in electronic burglar alarms that detects the vibration and sound of breaking glass, if a pane of glass is shattered or broken. The sensor has the ability to detect and analyse seismic vibrations caused by attempted break-ins before the intruder is able to enter the premise. These sensors are commonly used near glass doors or glass store-front windows.

What is a Door Contact or Reed Switch?

Door and Window Contacts: Protect doors, ranch sliders and windows against forced entry by using magnetic contacts which activates the alarm when contact is broken. The sensor is installed on the window or door frame and the magnet is attached to the window or door itself. Another use of these
reed switches is to put them on pool gates, firearms lockers, roller doors etc and link to your chime feature. These are available for both wireless or
hardwired alarm systems.

What happens to the alarm if the power goes off?

Connected to the alarm control is a rechargeable battery which will run the alarm for many hours in case of a power failure. When the power is restored, the battery will automatically recharge. The battery has a life of 3-4 years. This is always good to test when we service your System regularly.

Will the alarm go off for ages and annoy the neighbours?

No! An electronic timer in the control unit will automatically stop the sirens after a pre-set time. Technicians usually set the sirens to run for about 4 minutes after which time they close down and the alarm system automatically resets itself unless it is reactivated by an intruder.

Can burglars get at siren outside?

The external siren has a polycarbonate cover for protection and is securely fastened to the building. Within are devices known as ‘tamper switches’ which will detect interference with the siren and activate the alarm if this happens.

What if I need to Know more?

If you need to know anything else, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
Contact

Glossary of Terms for monitoring

UFB ( Ultra Fast Broadband )

UFB entails replacing your old copper line with state-of-the-art fibre-optic cable. The addition of a communicator should allow telephone devices (including your alarm) to work with fibre-optic.

IP Monitoring ( Internet Protocol )

Normally your monitored alarm connects to the Monitoring Station through your standard copper phone line and every time that there is an activation, your alram panel connects to the monitoring station who then contacts you.

IP Monotoring is when the alarm communities with the monitoring station through an internet connection, without needing a landline or mobile phone.
more on IP

GPRS ( General Packet Radio Service )

GPRS is a packet orientated mobile data service on the 2G and 3G/4G cellular communication system’s global system for mobile communications (GSM).

GPRS usage is typically charged based on the volume of data, and is probably better known as Mobile Broadband with GPRS (Data), you pay for the volume of data and each ‘call’ made is tiny, which means a very low data usage.
more on GPRS

GSM ( Global System for mobile Communications )

GSM is a standard set developed by the European Telecommunications Standars Institute (ETSI) to describe the protocols for second-generation digital cellular networks used by mobile devices such as tablets and is usually charged per minute of usage.

PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network )

This is your standard existing copper paired telephone wiring to your home. When you update to ultra fast broadband your alarm will not communicate to the monitoring station without an upgrade to your alarm.

Static IP

A Static IP is when the IPS (Internet Service Provider) assigns you a specific IP address that is only your and is necessary for logging into your network from an external location eg. To view camera images or to playback recorded video.

UPS ( Uninterrupted Power Supply )

An uninterruptable power supply, or uninterruptable power source, UPS or batter/flywheel backup, is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source, typically mains power, fails.

A UPS is typically used to protect hardware such as computers, data centers, telecommunication equipment or other electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption could cause serious business disruption or data loss. UPS units range in size and cost.

While your alarm has a back up battery, your router for the internet connection doesn’t and you want the alarm to communicate to the monitoring station during a power outage if required.