The Alarm System:
should cover all external entry doors, and should have at least:
One Internal Noisemaker per level of the building
One External Siren which meets the relevant noise control regulations
One External Strobe Light
Two Internal Motion Sensors (PlRs)
Two Reed Switches.
Should sound if any unauthorized attempt is made to adjust, remove or dismantle the control box or siren housing (tamper switches installed),
Should include a rechargeable back-up battery which will operate for at least 8 hours should the mains electricity supply fail, and
should have concealed wiring where possible.
Key Pad - Used to set and unset the system. Usually located near the main entrance out of normal sight when the door is opened
The following features provide better security and safety but are not essential for an intruder alarm to NRMA specifications
Back-to-base 24-hour monitoring. This service may cost around a dollar
per day. Benefits of monitoring are the alarm can notify the base station
of break-ins and situations like smoke detection, personal duress, panic
and medical alert,
Be capable of being isolated into compartments allowing free movement
as well as protection, while occupants are at home,e.g. two storey
house,
Have a 24-hour duress/panic warning input available,
The provision for 24-hour smoke detection capability,
Be maintained and have a professional service at least once per year. The
alarm's back-up batteries should be replaced approximately every two
years and some sensors also require maintenance,
Have a satellite type external siren, i.e. have its own back-up battery, and
Have individual four digit access codes for all residents and employees,
e.g. gardeners,housekeepers. This provides the monitoring station with
the identity of who enters and leaves the premises.
Additional Advice
Installation of the alarm system should generally comply with and meet the intent of the requirements of the Australian Standard for Intruder Alarm Systems part 1: Systems installed in a client's premises. Internal motion sensors should be processor or logic circuit controlled in order to reduce the opportunity of false alarming. Any room that has high-risk valuables should be protected by an additional motion detector. Garages should be included in the alarm's surveillance region.
If you choose a wireless alarm system, it should be a "supervised" type, have a minimum of 256 codes and operate in a radio frequency outside that of conventional two-way radios. This will help to impede radio interference and the opportunity for false alarms.
Security
