Everything you need to make your construction site an impregnable fortress, including the latest digital CCTV recorders and automated warning systems.

Automated warning system
Intelligent building systems supplier Gent has brought out a combined fire detection and voice alarm system intended for small applications. Called Vigilon Compact Voice, it can handle between 10 and 100 speakers and doubles as a public address system. It is based on the company’s Vigilon Compact addressable fire panel, which can support up to two detection and alarm loop circuits. The circuit that connects the panel to amplifiers and loud speakers carries power and data, which simplifies installation. The system is supplied with an audio card containing 17 pre-recorded messages and eight accompanying tones. The messages include alert, evacuation and bomb warnings. Live emergency announcements can be made through a microphone incorporated in the panel.

Gent
www.gent.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 301

Digital surveillance
Mitsubishi Electric has brought out two digital video recorders for recording CCTV footage. The DX-TL430E can support up to two hard drives that can be easily removed if required as evidence. The recorder has a simultaneous recording and playback facility with a choice of five picture grades and nine recording time modes. It has a capacity of up to 25 pictures per second per camera. The second recorder, the DX-TL5000E, can handle up to 16 channels and accommodate multiple hard drives. It has a recording rate of up to 200 pictures per second and a viewing rate of 800 pictures per second. Other features include full networking capability and the ability to transfer recordings onto DVD or CD.

Mitsubishi Electric
www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 302

Transportable security
SeSys has launched a transportable security system for the wireless monitoring of construction sites. The company says it can be easily reconfigured as work progresses. At the heart of the system is a weatherproof camera with built-in software that transmits live pictures over the internet. It can record colour pictures by day and monochrome at night using infrared illumination. A range of security technologies can be wirelessly connected to the camera including portable digital cameras, audio detection devices and automatic number-plate recognition software. The system can also provide automatic alerts to a mobile phone or PDA if movement, noise or temperature change is detected.

SeSys
www.sesys.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 303

CCTV in a single box
Senstar Stellar has launched a compact CCTV security system called DreamBox. The system is a single box that integrates a number of CCTV applications, including digital video, audio recording, video and audio matrix switcher, security management system and transmission system. It is suitable for security-sensitive facilities such as airports, train stations and prisons. The DreamBox operates without the need for a central server, complex cable installations or network protocol integration.

Senstar Stellar
www.senstarstellar.com
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 304

Portable monitoring system
American security equipment manufacturer AES-IntelliNet has launched a device called 7005 Sentry, suitable for monitoring temporary environments such as construction sites. All the components – including a base station receiver, radio transceiver, antenna, laptop computer with network management software, and alarm automation software – are contained in a plastic carrying case. The system communicates wirelessly with a remote monitoring centre via a series of linked Intellinet units. The company says this is cheaper and faster than using the mobile telephone network. Smoke detectors can also be connected to the system.

AES IntelliNet
www.aes-intellinet.com
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 305

Third-party surveillance
Building management systems specialist Andover Controls has launched a digital CCTV recorder called DigitalSENTRY. It is intended for integration into third-party systems and can be connected to any networked environment. It can support up to sixteen cameras and can record continuously or when triggered by events such as motion or alarms. It is said to be capable of supporting any number of secure video storage drives and has a simultaneous display and search capability. Two versions are available, the first is a distributed system capable of handling any number of cameras; the second has the same features but in a standalone format.

Andover Controls
www.andovercontrols.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 306

Pet-friendly alarm sensor
Bosch Security Systems has brought out a wireless intruder detector. Called TriTech RF835E it uses both infrared and microwave sensors. An alarm is only set off when both sensors are triggered. The company says that this means it will reliably detect humans but will not be triggered by pets, even large dogs. It has eight sensor zones and a coverage area of 10 × 10 m. It is powered by an internal battery and alerts the main alarm panel when the battery needs replacing.

Bosch Security Systems
www.boschsecurity.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 307

Miniature digital locks
Architectural ironmongery supplier Hafele has added American company Ingersoll Rand’s range of Cobra mechanical digital locks to its security product line. Hafele says it is two-thirds smaller than other products of the same type. Designed for schools, hospitals, offices, retail and commercial premises it is battery-powered and code-activated. It can store up to 100 three-to-eight-digit user codes, which can be added or deleted in seconds. It can also be programmed to accept one-use codes and lock-out codes that prevent other codes from working. It is available in a choice of finishes.

Hafele
www.hafele.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 308

Product innovation
Inventor Howard Stapleton has developed an alarm system suitable for monitoring temporary perimeter fencing as used on construction sites. He says the advantage of the system, called Modular Fence Guard, is that it detects intruders as they attempt to enter a site rather than once they are on site. The system activates an alarm if intruders attempt to climb or separate the fencing. Stapleton also says it is quick to install as it simply comprises a special sensor bar that plugs into the top of the tubular uprights used on temporary fencing. The bars are linked together by a wire and connected to a central controller. The standard controller can handle up to eight fence zones and has five programmable connectors suitable for CCTV connection. The controller includes a recorded announcement that is activated if an attempt is made to climb the fence, and a full alarm should the fence be breached. The system can be activated remotely and can be linked to the site manager’s mobile phone. Stapleton claims that in three months of field tests there has not been a single false alarm. He is currently looking for partners to bring the system to market.

Compound Security Systems
compoundss@btinternet.com
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 309

Movers and makers

  • Security hardware maker Era has been awarded Secured by Design accreditation for its access control locks. Secured by Design is a police-run initiative that offers advice on securing premises and certifies products that meet its standards for security. The accredited product is the company's electronic multipoint lock that locks a door automatically with deadbolts when it is closed, and can be unlocked by one of three electronic trigger devices.

  • The Door and Hardware Federation has published a guide to specifying metal doorsets. The DHF says that identifying key performance requirements early in the specification process is vital. The guide sets out metal doorset attributes including fire resistance, sound insulation, security and environmental protection. It also gives advice on doorset configuration, dimensions and handling and the correct installation and maintenance of metal doorsets.

  • Coastform Systems, a maker of touch-sensitive entry and exit devices has appointed locking system supplier Security Engineering to distribute its products. The touch-to-enter/exit products can be used in conjunction with a wide range of access control systems and can be flush or surface-mounted next to the door. Coastform said it had made the appointment because the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act would increase sales of touch-sensitive products and Security Engineering was well placed to meet the demand.

  • Laird Security Hardware has published a guide on its Truegrain composite doors. The doors have Secured by Design accreditation and the guide explains the types of door available, as well as the choice of locks, handles and other ironmongery.

  • Design and project management consultant TPS Consult has designed a glazing system specifically for multistorey car parks in secure areas such as airports. The system was designed to withstand and mitigate the effects of a bomb explosion without creating flying glass and debris. TPS Consult said other constraints included the need to minimise additional loads on the car park structure and allow ventilation of fumes. TPS’ solution uses laminated glass bonded into a light steel frame. This is attached to the structure by a hinge that allows the glazing system to swivel if a blast occurs, thus releasing the force of the blast without overloading the structure. A gap within the hinge mechanism provides ventilation. TPS said the system had been installed at a London airport and was likely to be used at airports across the UK.

Security