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Issue link: http://sdi.epubxp.com/i/103910
range and transmission capabilities of the wireless intrusion system. facturer specifications before you buy and install a device for these and other specific characteristics. Tip 3: Know the Environment Today, home and small business owners like to think outside the box when they look to install a security system. While the traditional installation location has typically been inside a main structure, such as a residence or small office, these boundaries have expanded to include additional structures, like the pool house, the shed and even the garage. That's all good—extending the range of the protected premises—but while a homeowner might want to install a wireless intrusion system in the garage where a valuable collection of antique "The location at which a security installer mounts a device is one of the most important aspects of installing a wireless intrusion system." motorcycles is located, the installer needs to still take into account the environmental characteristics of a device and if it is rated for outdoor use. For example, some devices are not rated to operate in extremely cold weather environments where a minimum temperature is not maintained. If a wireless motion detector is not rated for use where the temperature drops to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 Celsius), then it should not be installed in a garage without a heat source. The same rule of thumb holds true for a wireless window or door contact. If a contact is designed to be installed inside, mounting it on the door of a shed outdoors where it will be exposed to rain and moisture will eventually impact its ability to function. Check the manu- Tip 4: Understand Range and Device Battery Life Wireless intrusion systems have greater capabilities than ever before, which includes the ability to Did You Know? cover buildings of several WiFi devices, such as smartthousands of square feet. phones and tablets, can interfere While the overall range of wireless systems has with a wireless security device's increased significantly in ability to communicate back recent years, it is still important to know the range limitato the control panel. tions of the specific system you plan to install. Can it adequately cover the space in which you plan to install it or are there interference issues that need to be considered with the placement of such things as PIR sensors? A wireless intrusion system rated for an area of less than 3,000 square feet will not be adequate for a 5,000 squarefoot home. The range of a device can also have an impact on the mounting location selected. If an installer mounts a PIR sensor and a large picture window is in its field a view, the alarm could potentially sound if someone walks by the window and those people or object are within the range of the sensor. Security installers can realize many benefits from offering and installing wireless intrusion systems as part of their security product portfolio. By keeping these key pointers in mind, dealers and integrators can ensure an easy installation process and deliver reliable systems to their customers. Tim Myers is director of Product Management, Strategic Product Planning, for intrusion brands for Tyco Security Products. He is located at the company's office in Toronto, Canada and can be reached at timyers@tycoint.com. www.SecurityInfoWatch.com | SD&I; | January 2013 29