If you are unsure of what an Intruder Alarm System consists of and how it works, then please read on.  We hope this section will

provide a greater insight into the various components used when designing a system.

CONTROL PANELS

There are many different types ofControl Panels in the market place. 

We have chosen a handfull of these systems which all offer

great benefits and are easy to use.  All systems have an End Station

box which is installed out of sight, e.g. in an understairs

cupboard, and are operated from a smaller and neater Remote Keypad.

All factors are considered when specifying the correct Control Panel for each individual application.  The systems and

detectors we currently install are;

Bosch Abacus Range

An easy to use system operated by a 4 or 6 digit code number.

This unit has built in Panic Buttons on the left side of the

keypad with a back-lit LCD Display with full English Text.

Users can have separate Code Numbers of their own chosing which

are identified with Name Tags. 

It has a Memory Log which will record on average a full months

events which can be read to establish activity and fault find.

Ideal for Domestic and small Commercial Installations.

Castle Euro-Meridian Range

A highly sophisticated system which complies fully with all current

Regulations and Standards set out by Insurers and Police.

It can be set/unset by either a Code Number or Proximity Tag

Reader.

This system also has an Upload/Download facility allowing

fault finding and programming to be carried out remotely which is

Password secure.

Alarm Events can be sent to your mobile phone via SMS Text.

Ideal for either Domestic and all Commercial Installations.

Pyronix Sterling Range

A basic and simple to use system, operated by a 4-Digit Code

Number.

With eight fully programmable Zones, dedicated Personal

Attack facility and 100 Event Memory Log this system is

ideal for Domestic use only.

240v MAINS CONNECTION

All Control Panels are connected directly to the mains via an

unswitched fused 3Amp Spur outlet.  This allows the system to be

isolated by an engineer and provides the correct Amp Rating to the

system.

BACK-UP BATTERY

Every system has its own back-up Ni-cad battery, which is continuously

charged.  This takes over in the event of a power failure and would support

the system for at least 8 hours.

When the power has been restored the battery will then automatically

recharge itself so that it is ready for any future use.

AUDIBLE SOUNDERS (Internal & External)

External Bell-Box/Sounder

This is a polycarbonate box containing a twin 115db (decibels) siren and a strobe

(light which flashes when the siren is activated), a battery that is

continuously charged, and a tamper sensor that puts the system into full

alarm status should anyone attempt to tamper with the box.

Also contained within the external box is a twenty minute cut-out device

(in adherence to The Control of Noise [Code of Practice on Noise from

Audible Intruder Alarms] Order 1981; Statutory Instrument 1981 No1829).

Additionally, bright flashing twin red LED's are located at the bottom of the external sounder box.  These

continuously flash to act as a permanent visual deterrent. 

A decoy box would be located as specified, usually at the rear of the property. This is an empty box, which serves

to advertise to would-beintruders that the property is protected by an alarm system.

Internal Sounder (Sound Bomb)

Whenever an alarm condition is caused, the Minisound Bomb or Sound Bomb

will sound in conjunction with the external siren. It produces 104-110db (decibels)

of high pitched screeching – normally more than sufficient to frighten away an

intruder.

TAMPER DETECTION

All the devices mentioned in the following paragraphs have their own tamper circuits. If anyone attempts to

tamper with or disable any device when the alarm is turned off, the sounder in the remote keypad emits a loud,

high-pitched bleeping noise, and can only be stopped by entering the correct code number. As a further safety

precaution, the panel cannot be reset until the device that has been tampered with is restored to its correct state.

Should anyone attempt to tamper with any device when the alarm is turned on, the system immediately goes

into full alarm.

DETECTION DEVICES AND SENSORS

Magnetic Contacts

Magnetic contacts (or reed switches) are tiny devices fitted to a door and its frame,

such that when the door is closed it completes the circuit with the control panel.

If the door is then opened when the alarm is set, the circuit is broken and activates

the alarm system.

Passive Infra-Red Detectors

A passive infra-red detector is a small device connected to the control panel,

fitted with an appropriate lens to provide the area of detection required.  

The infra-red device detects movement by sensing a change in the ambient

temperature, e.g. when a person enters the protected area.

Dual-Technology Detectors

The same as a passive infra-red detector but has an additional microwave technology.

The infra-red element detects movement by sensing a change in the ambient temperature

and the microwave element detects a physical movement within the protected area. 

Only once both technologies are triggered simultaneously then the alarm system will be

activated.  These detectors are used in more hostile environments which are subject to

extreme temperature changes, e.g. garages or conservatories. 

Vibration Detectors

A vibration detector can be mounted on a window or a door frame. It reacts to vibration

caused by impact, so will trigger the alarm if an attempt is made to force open the window

or door or to smash a pane of glass, whereas a magnetic contact will only detect the

window or door being opened in the normal way.

Personal Attack Button

Personal attack (or “panic”) buttons are always ‘on’ even when the alarm is turned off.

When a panic button is pressed, the external siren is activated, the strobe flashes and

the internal sounder is also activated, creating a considerable noise – something intruders

or would-be attackers tend to avoid.

Panic buttons are activated by a dual push mechanism, designed to minimise false alarms

caused by accidental touching.  Once used they need to be reset with a key.

SYSTEM OPERATION

Exit from Property

On leaving the property, you enter your 4-6 digit passcode number on to the keypad and press the “YES” key

in response to the displayed question “Hello ***** set system?” A continuous tone will be heard, to advise you the panel is getting

ready to set, and the display will show “Setting please leave!”. Depending on how the use of the system has been agreed with you,

the tone will stop either when the final exit door is closed, or after a specific number of seconds. Once the tone stops, you should

be outside the property and the alarm will be set on full guard.

Alternatively, if you have a Proximity Tag, simply present the Proxy Tag to the Tag Reader on the keypad and the system will

automatically begin to "Set".

Alarm Activation

If an intruder gains entry, the alarm system is triggered, with both the external siren and the internal sounder activated, and the

strobe on the bellbox outside flashing. The alarm sounds for 15 minutes then stops and automatically re-arms itself so that it

will sound again should a further entry be attempted. Naturally, if the correct passcode number is entered, the alarm is de-activated.

Entry to Property

On returning to the property and opening the main door the alarm is activated, and a bleeping noise emitted by the control panel.

This is to remind you to turn the alarm off. Normally 30-40 seconds warning is given to do this before the system goes into full alarm

status (although this length of time is adjustable to satisfy your personal requirements). You simply enter your 4- 6 digit

passcode on the control panel, or present your Proxy Tag to the Tag Reader, and the alarm is turned off.

Part Set Facility

At night, for your peace of mind, the system can be programmed by us to de-activate any necessary detection device(s) to allow

freedom of movement in certain parts of the property, whilst leaving the other areas fully protected. On retiring to bed, you would

simply enter your passcode and press the YES/PART Key twice. The display will show “S/Setting please leave!” You would turn

"Off" the system in the same way as normal, i.e. by entering your passcode or present your Proxy Tag to the Tag Reader.

Exit Route

When the system is PART set, and you are inside the property, the “Exit Route” zones(s) will work in the same way as the

Final Exit does when the system is on full guard and you are outside the property. This means that if the detection device on the

designated Exit Route (for example, the kitchen or the hall) is triggered by you entering that protected area without having turned the

alarm off, the beeping entry tones will sound. This allows you the normal 30-40 seconds warning time in which to turn off the system,

before it goes into full alarm.     

This only occurs when the system is PART set, to avoid the alarm being triggered unnecessarily when you are inside the property

at night. When the system is set for normal daytime operation when you are away from the property, should an intruder gain access

via the Exit Route zone, the system will go into full alarm status immediately.

All systems installed by Madison are simple and easy to use.  Once installed,

they will be commissioned with a full demonstration and training session

provided by one of our representatives.