Power Failure - DSC HS2016 Reference Manual

System Failures
Thissystem hasbeen carefullydesigned to be aseffective aspossible. There are circumstances, however, involving fire, burglary, or other typesof emergencieswhere it maynot provide protection. Anyalarm system of anytype maybe
compromised deliberatelyor mayfailto operate asexpected for a varietyof reasons. Some but not allof these reasonsmaybe:
Inadequate Installation
Asecuritysystem must be installed properlyin order to provide adequate protection. Everyinstallation should be evaluated bya securityprofessionalto ensure that allaccesspointsand areasare covered. Locksand latcheson windows
and doorsmust be secure and operate asintended. Windows, doors, walls, ceilingsand other building materialsmust be of sufficient strength and construction to provide the levelof protection expected. Areevaluation must be done
during and after anyconstruction activity. An evaluation bythe fire and/or police department ishighlyrecommended if thisservice isavailable.
Criminal Knowledge
Thissystem containssecurityfeatureswhich were known to be effective at the time of manufacture. It ispossible for personswith criminalintent to develop techniqueswhich reduce the effectivenessof these features. It isimportant
that a securitysystem be reviewed periodicallyto ensure that itsfeaturesremain 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 coverage, disconnect a warning device, or interfere with or prevent the proper oper-
ation of the system.

Power Failure

Controlunits, intrusion detectors, smoke detectorsand manyother securitydevicesrequire an adequate power supplyfor proper operation. If a device operatesfrom batteries, it ispossible for the batteriesto fail. Even if the batteries
have not failed, theymust be charged, in good condition and installed correctly. If a device operatesonlybyAC power, anyinterruption, however brief, willrender that device inoperative while it doesnot have power. Power interruptions
of anylength are often accompanied byvoltage fluctuationswhich maydamage electronicequipment such asa securitysystem. After a power interruption hasoccurred, immediatelyconduct a complete system test to ensure that the
system operatesasintended.
Failure of Replaceable Batteries
Thissystem'swirelesstransmittershave been designed to provide severalyearsof batterylife under normalconditions. The expected batterylife isa function of the device environment, usage and type. Ambient conditionssuch ashigh
humidity, high or low temperatures, or large temperature fluctuationsmayreduce 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 system in good operating condition.
Compromise of Radio Frequency (Wireless) Devices
Signalsmaynot reach the receiver under allcircumstanceswhich could include metalobjectsplaced 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 unfamiliaritywith the correct operation. It isimportant that allsystem users
be trained in the correct operation of the alarm system and that theyknow how to respond when the system indicatesan alarm.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectorsthat are a part of thissystem maynot properlyalert occupantsof a fire for a number of reasons, some of which follow. The smoke detectorsmayhave been improperlyinstalled or positioned. Smoke maynot be able to
reach the smoke detectors, such aswhen the fire isin a chimney, wallsor roofs, or on the other side of closed doors. Smoke detectorsmaynot detect smoke from fireson another levelof the residence or building.
Everyfire isdifferent in the amount of smoke produced and the rate of burning. Smoke detectorscannot sense alltypesof firesequallywell. Smoke detectorsmaynot provide timelywarning of firescaused bycarelessnessor safetyhaz-
ardssuch assmoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electricalcircuits, children playing with matchesor arson.
Even if the smoke detector operatesasintended, there maybe circumstanceswhen there isinsufficient warning to allow alloccupantsto escape in time to avoid injuryor death.
Motion Detectors
Motion detectorscan onlydetect motion within the designated areasasshown in their respective installation instructions. Theycannot discriminate between intrudersand intended occupants. Motion detectorsdo not provide volu-
metricarea protection. Theyhave multiple beamsof detection and motion can onlybe detected in unobstructed areascovered bythese beams. Theycannot detect motion which occursbehind walls, ceilings, floor, closed doors, glass
partitions, glassdoorsor windows. Anytype of tampering whether intentionalor unintentionalsuch asmasking, painting, or spraying of anymaterialon the lenses, mirrors, windowsor anyother part of the detection system willimpair its
proper operation.
Passive infrared motion detectorsoperate bysensing changesin temperature. However their effectivenesscan be reduced when the ambient temperature risesnear or above bodytemperature or if there are intentionalor unin-
tentionalsourcesof heat in or near the detection area. Some of these heat sourcescould be heaters, radiators, stoves, barbeques, fireplaces, sunlight, steam vents, 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 warning devicesare located on a different levelof the residence or premise, then it isless
likelythat the occupantswillbe alerted or awakened. Audible warning devicesmaybe interfered with byother noise sourcessuch asstereos, radios, televisions, air conditionersor 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 system willoperate asintended, yet the occupantswillnot be protected from the emergencydue to their inabilityto respond to the warningsin a timelymanner. If the system ismonitored, the
response maynot occur in time to protect the occupantsor their belongings.
Component Failure
Although everyeffort hasbeen made to make thissystem asreliable aspossible, the system mayfailto function asintended due to the failure of a component.
Inadequate Testing
Most problemsthat would prevent an alarm system from operating asintended 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 allsensing devices, keypads, consoles, alarm indicating devicesand anyother operational
devicesthat are part of the system.
Security and Insurance
Regardlessof itscapabilities, an alarm system isnot a substitute for propertyor life insurance. An alarm system also isnot a substitute for propertyowners, renters, or other occupantsto act prudentlyto prevent or minimize the harmful
effectsof an emergencysituation.
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY:
DSC Software purchased with or without Productsand Componentsiscopyrighted and ispurchased under the following license terms:
l ThisEnd-User License Agreement ("EULA") isa legalagreement between You (the company, individualor entitywho acquired the Software and anyrelated Hardware) and DigitalSecurityControls, a division of Tyco
SafetyProductsCanada Ltd. ("DSC"), the manufacturer of the integrated securitysystemsand the developer of the software and anyrelated productsor components("HARDWARE") which You acquired.
l If the DSC software product ("SOFTWAREPRODUCT" or "SOFTWARE") isintended to be accompanied byHARDWARE, and isNOT accompanied bynew HARDWARE, You maynot use, copyor installthe SOFTWARE
PRODUCT. The SOFTWAREPRODUCT includescomputer software, and mayinclude associated media, printed materials, and "online" or electronicdocumentation.
l Anysoftware provided along with the SOFTWAREPRODUCT that isassociated with a separate end-user license agreement islicensed to You under the termsof that license agreement.
l Byinstalling, copying, downloading, storing, accessing or otherwise using the SOFTWAREPRODUCT, You agree unconditionallyto be bound bythe termsof thisEULA, even if thisEULAisdeemed to be a modification of
anypreviousarrangement or contract. If You do not agree to the termsof thisEULA, DSC isunwilling to license the SOFTWAREPRODUCT to You, and You have no right to use it.
Appendix 7: Specifications
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