Alarm installation
Alarm equipment

Security devices and system ancillaries used by Barking Dog

The Magnetic Contact or Reed Switch

This device is used to monitor the opening of doors and is typically used on entry /final exit routes into and out of a protected area. The switch is generally recessed into the doorframe and is therefore not seen, it will detect the opening of a door before 50mm. Magnetic contacts are also used to monitor windows.

The Passive Infra Red Sensor

The PIR is the most widely used of all detection devices and is available in a variety of forms enabling it to be used even where pets are present. They fit unobtrusively into most rooms, generally into corners. With a range of 12 metres and a viewing angle of 90º, the PIR can effectively cover large areas by sensing the infra red thermal radiation given off by body heat. In order to prevent false alarms caused by heat from fireplaces, radiators etc. the detectors are configured to detect moving objects only.

The Viper Shock Sensor

Technology has advanced hugely as far as vibration/shock sensors
are concerned. Barking Dog fit the new Viper GLX sensor that uses
a piezo crystal to detect any vibration or shock of an attempted entry
via windows, garden and balcony doors etc. The unit is small, discreet and has a comfort LED.

The Personal Attack Button

This device is used to manually summon help when needed. When
activated this deliberately operated device gives the user the ability
to initiate a full alarm, whether the system is in set or unset mode.
The button is usually situated near the front door and is re-set using
a key.

The Warning Devices

A stainless steel or polycarbonate external siren is usually fitted to
the front elevation of the building and placed in a conspicuous
position. The siren is self activating, meaning that the unit can operate independently should it be tampered with. On activation it sounds at 116db at 1metre as well as operating a strobe. The siren automatically stops after 20 minutes (as required by law), however the strobe continues to flash until the system is reset. There are a pair of flashing LEDs which identify the unit in the dark.

The Control Panel

The control panel is the heart of the system and is often fitted out of sight whilst having a remote keypad connected to it and fitted elsewhere. Barking Dog use the Menvier and Texecom range of panels due to their superior quality and versatility.

The Digital Communicator

This is an automatic digital dialler fitted into the control panel. On an alarm activation it sends a coded data signal over the telephone line to the central station of Southern Monitoring Services. On receipt of this data the central station will be able to identify the premises as well as the alarm state after which they will take the appropriate action.

The Speech Dialler

In many installations a compromise between full monitoring and ‘Bells Only’ is required and when this is the case a speech dialler is the answer. On receiving an alarm signal the speech dialler will call up to four previously programmed telephone numbers. When the recipient answers a pre-recorded message is played allowing that person can take the appropriate action. The unit can be programme to suit most peoples needs and can define between actual people and answering machines.

The Cabling and Installation

Barking Dog use the very best British manufactured cable, this
is concealed wherever possible, generally by running under floorboards. In some instances the cables will have vertical runs and where this is the case Barking Dog, unlike many other companies, will make chases to conceal those cables; the chases will then be made good ready for decoration. Installations comply with British Standards 4737.

Central Monitoring

Barking Dog appoint Southern Monitoring Services for their
central monitoring. SMS was originally formed in 1983 and has since become one of the most recognised independent Alarm Receiving Centres in the United Kingdom. Alarm Receiving Centres, or ARC’s as they are known, monitor the state of security systems and should an alarm signal be received the ARC will verify its authenticity. There are three established ways of doing this:

a) Sequential confirmation allows the security system to transmit
additional activations to the ARC which show that an intruder is moving through the premises;

b) Visual confirmation via the use of video monitoring;

c) Audible confirmation via the use of audio monitoring allowing the
ARC to listen in to the premises.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) require that: “monitored systems shall have at least two keyholders, details of whom will be maintained by the ARC or through arrangements with a central keyholding service. Keyholders shall be trained to operate the
alarm, be telephone subscribers, have adequate means of transport
to attend the premises at all hours, shall have access to all relevant
parts of the premises and shall be able to attend within 20 minutes of being notified.”

The annual cost of monitoring is £85.00 +vat per annum.