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Criminal Knowledge
Thissystem contains security features which were known to be effective at the time of manufacture. It is possible for persons with criminal intent to
develop techniqueswhich reduce the effectivenessof these features. It isimportant that a securitysystembe reviewed periodicallyto ensure that itsfea-
turesremain effective and that it be updated or replaced if it isfound that it doesnot provide the protection expected.
Access by Intruders
Intrudersmayenter through an unprotected accesspoint, circumvent a sensing device, evade detection bymoving through an area of insufficient cov-
erage, disconnect a warning device, or interfere with or prevent the proper operation of the system..
Power Failure
Controlunits, intrusion detectors, smoke detectorsand manyother securitydevicesrequire an adequate power supplyfor proper operation. If a device
operatesfrombatteries, it ispossible for the batteriesto fail. Even if the batteries have not failed, they must be charged, in good condition and installed
correctly. If a device operatesonly byAC power, anyinterruption, however brief, willrender that device inoperative while it doesnot have power. Power
interruptionsof anylength are often accompanied by voltage fluctuations which may damage electronic equipment such asa securitysystem. After a
power interruption hasoccurred, immediatelyconduct a complete systemtest to ensure that the systemoperatesasintended.
Failure of Replaceable Batteries
Thissystem'swirelesstransmittershave been designed to provide severalyearsof batterylife under normalconditions. The expected batterylife isa func-
tion of the device environment, usage and type. Ambient conditionssuch ashigh humidity, high or low temperatures, or large temperature fluctuations
mayreduce the expected batterylife. While each transmitting device hasa low batterymonitor which identifieswhen the batteriesneed to be replaced,
thismonitor mayfailto operate asexpected. Regular testing and maintenance willkeep the systemin good operating condition.
Compromise of Radio Frequency (Wireless) Devices
Signalsmaynot reach the receiver under all circumstanceswhich could include metalobjects placed on or near the radio path or deliberate jamming or
other inadvertent radio signalinterference.
System Users
Auser maynot be able to operate a panicor emergencyswitch possiblydue to permanent or temporaryphysicaldisability, inabilityto reach the device in
time, or unfamiliarity with the correct operation. It isimportant that allsystem usersbe trained in the correct operation of the alarmsystem and that they
know how to respond when the systemindicatesan alarm.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectorsthat are a part of thissystemmaynot properlyalert occupantsof a fire for a number of reasons, some of which follow. The smoke detect-
orsmayhave been improperlyinstalled or positioned. Smoke maynot be able to reach the smoke detectors, such aswhen the fire isin a chimney, walls or
roofs, or on the other side of closed doors. Smoke detectorsmaynot detect smoke fromfireson another levelof the residence or building.
Everyfire is different in the amount of smoke produced and the rate of burning. Smoke detectors cannot sense all types of fires equally well. Smoke
detectorsmay not provide timelywarning of fires caused by carelessness or safety hazardssuch assmoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas,
improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electricalcircuits, children playing with matchesor arson.
Even if the smoke detector operates asintended, there maybe circumstances when there isinsufficient warning to allow alloccupantsto escape in time
to avoid injuryor death.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectors can only detect motion within the designated areasas shown in their respective installation instructions. They cannot discriminate
between intruders and intended occupants. Motion detectorsdo not provide volumetricarea protection. They have multiple beamsof detection and
motion can only be detected in unobstructed areascovered by these beams. They cannot detect motion which occurs behind walls, ceilings, floor,
closed doors, glasspartitions, glassdoorsor windows. Anytype of tampering whether intentionalor unintentionalsuch asmasking, painting, or spraying
of anymaterialon the lenses, mirrors, windowsor anyother part of the detection systemwillimpair itsproper operation.
Passive infrared motion detectors operate by sensing changes in temperature. However, their effectivenesscan be reduced when the ambient tem-
perature risesnear or above bodytemperature or if there are intentionalor unintentionalsources of heat in or near the detection area. Some of these
heat sourcescould be heaters, radiators, stoves, barbeques, fireplaces, sunlight, steamvents, lighting and so on.
Warning Devices
Warning devicessuch assirens, bells, horns, or strobesmaynot warn people or waken someone sleeping if there isan intervening wallor door. If warn-
ing devicesare located on a different levelof the residence or premise, then it isless likelythat the occupantswill be alerted or awakened. Audible warn-
ing devices may be interfered with by other noise sources such asstereos, radios, televisions, air conditioners or other appliances, or passing traffic.
Audible warning devices, however loud, maynot be heard bya hearing-impaired person.
Telephone Lines
If telephone linesare used to transmit alarms, theymaybe out of service or busyfor certain periodsof time. Also, an intruder maycut the telephone line or
defeat itsoperation bymore sophisticated meanswhich maybe difficult to detect.
Insufficient Time
There maybe circumstanceswhen the systemwilloperate asintended, yet the occupantswillnot be protected fromthe emergencydue to their inability
to respond to the warnings in a timely manner. If the systemis monitored, the response maynot occur in time to protect the occupants or their belong-
ings.
Component Failure
Although everyeffort has been made to make thissystemasreliable aspossible, the system mayfailto function asintended due to the failure of a com-
ponent.
Inadequate Testing
Most problemsthat would prevent an alarmsystemfromoperating as intended can be found byregular testing and maintenance. The complete system
should be tested weeklyand immediatelyafter a break-in, an attempted break-in, a fire, a storm, an earthquake, an accident, or anykind of construction
activityinside or outside the premises. The testing should include all sensing devices, keypads, consoles, alarmindicating devicesand anyother oper-
ationaldevicesthat are part of the system.
Security and Insurance
Regardlessof itscapabilities, an alarmsystemisnot a substitute for propertyor life insurance. An alarmsystemalso isnot a substitute for propertyowners,
renters, or other occupantsto act prudentlyto prevent or minimize the harmfuleffectsof an emergencysituation.
EULA
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY: DSC Software purchased with or without Productsand Componentsiscopyrighted and ispurchased under the fol-
lowing license terms:
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