Our recent Ask The Expert session on wirefree systems brought many readers questions to Ashley Thomas at Technical/Sales, FM Electronics. Here are some that didn't make it on to our web site.
What should be checked?
Q: What are the maintenance obligations when installing a wireless system?
Maria Van Cotthem, janssema@eps.e-i.com

A: With wirefree alarm systems regular maintenance is essential (as with all security equipment). Typically, installers will supply a maintenance contract with two services (at about six month intervals) a year. The exact requirements will vary depending on the system and battery technology used, but as a general rule all batteries will be checked at the six month service interval to ensure reliable operation of the alarm system.

Battery replacement intervals will vary. The individual system manufacturer will normally advise your installer on the replacement interval. Typically,the intervals will vary from one to five years. Generally it is more cost effective to replace a battery sooner at a scheduled maintenance, rather than having to call out an engineer to make a special visit due to a problem with your alarm system.

On many systems signal strength can be checked. We always advise that this check is carried out as part of a maintenance. If a Class 6 system is installed, the signal strength measure ments should be taken from each device back to the control panel, recorded and checked to ensure that they meet the individual manufacturers' minimum signal strength requirements. This measurement can then be used as a reference during a maintenance visit. Many 'wirefree systems' also have some wiring (for bells, keypads, detection devices, mains supply etc.). This will need to have end of line resistance and/or voltage checks performed to ensure reliable operation. This is just a general guide as some individual systems may require additional checks to be made.

Usually your installer will make a note of checks performed as part of your system records. If your alarm is a Class 6 wirefree system connected for police response via an Alarm Receiving Centre, in most instances your alarm installation company will need to have both a monitoring and maintenance agreement with you to ensure both reliable operation of your system and the minimum number of false alarm calls from your system. Most police forces will now downgrade their response to you if you have more than two false calls in any rolling 12 month period. (If police response is downgraded or withdrawn your insurance cover may be affected.) I trust this will assist you

Serious charge
Q: I have been experiencing problems with battery charging voltage. On some control panels I service, the voltage is as low as 12.5 instead of the recommended voltage of 13.5 and13.8, and the battery is only 12 month old. What would you suggest is the best way to rectify this problem. I look forward to hearing your expert advice.
Leigh Marshall, leighmarsh@marsh7168.freeserve.co.uk

A: First, I would suggest you measure the charging voltage with the battery Disconnected. If the voltage across the battery leads is low, you will need to know how the individual control panel is set up. From our experience, panel manufactures charging voltages vary and I would suggest you contact the individual panel manufacturer(s) as on some panels the charging voltage is easily adjust-able and on others it is fixed and you may even need to send the panel to the manufacturer to get this problem rectified. I hope this will assist you.

Safe sailing
Q: Is there any product on the market that could be used for boats that doesn't need mains power and could send either a text message or call a mobile to inform the owner that there boat is being tampered with?
Keith Fryer, keith@loiscradles.fsnet.co.uk

A: There are a few products which could be adapted for this application> Many control panels can operate from either 12V DC or 230V AC and you may be able to use the boat's own 12V DC supply or separate leisure battery to power your control panel and communications device. We are aware of a product supplied by Edgarson Security Designs (www.edgarson.co.uk) which can send both a voice message and a text message in the alarm condition which would be suitable for signalling. I would also ask around alarm control panel manufacturers to find a control panel with the lowest possible current consumption to work with this unit or similar.

Source

Security Installer