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Here is a glossary of security and fire alarm terms:
Access Control System– An electronic system facilitating the selective restriction of access to a place or resource. Access control systems automatically approve authorized personnel with no need for a security officer to validate the authorization.
Alarm Battery- Alarm batteries prevent your alarm from being disabled when the power goes out in your building. They also power the cellular phone systems so your alarm isn’t disabled if phone lines go down.
Alarm Manufacturer- Any company specializing in the production of alarm systems. Examples include Honeywell, General Electric, Tyco and Bosch.
Alarm Monitoring- The communication between your home security system and the central station of your security provider. When your system registers an emergency event, it sends a signal to the monitoring station, which will notify the appropriate authorities to that address.
Alarm Signal- The audible sound and/or transmission of a signal or message once the alarm system has been activated. This signal is sent to the monitoring center to dispatch the necessary authorities.
Alarm.com- Alarm.com is a company that provides cloud services for remote control, home automation, and monitoring service. Users can use Alarm.com to arm and disarm their systems, check live security camera feed, and operate any Z-Wave home automation devices.
Alarmnet- Alarmnet is the division of Resideo that manages Total Connect 2.0 and the AlarmNet 360 servers. Their services are designed for Honeywell Security Services.
Away Mode- Away Mode is a security system setting. Away Mode secures your house when you leave, activating indoor and outdoor cameras to record the home while you’re not in it, as well as arming all sensors.
Bullet Camera- Security cameras with a distinct cylindrical shape, giving it the appearance of a bullet shell. The most common type of security camera, used as a visible deterrent.
Carbon Monoxide Detector- A device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide gas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. A good detector will warn you of CO buildup long before you experience any symptoms of poisoning.
Do it Yourself (DIY System)- DIY systems are security systems installed on one’s own. This can allow for additional customization options when building your system.
Dome Camera- A type of security camera in a round shape with an opaque cover. Dome cameras are ideal for indoor use and easily mount to ceilings.
Door Contact- A device made up of a sensor and a magnet. When a door is opened, the magnet will be separated from the sensors, sending a signal to the control panel.
Door Strike- A component to a locking system. When the strike is activated, the latch is released, and will remain locked as soon as the door is closed.
False Alarm- The incorrect reporting of a break-in. False alarms can be caused by numerous things, such as pets triggering motion sensors.
Fire Alarm- A device that makes a loud noise to warn of a fire. Most fire alarms are directly triggered by smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual activation devices.
Fire Alarm Control Panel– A fire alarm control panel (FACP) is the central hub of a fire alarm system, responsible for monitoring and controlling various devices, such as smoke detectors, heat sensors, and notification appliances. When the system detects an alarm condition, the control panel processes the signal, activates alerts, and communicates with emergency responders or monitoring services to ensure prompt action.
Flood Sensor- A device which senses floods by increasing conductivity between two exposed metal probes when water touches them.
Gas Detector- A device that detects the presence of gases that could be harmful to organic life. Gas detectors can sound an alarm where the leak is occurring.
Glass break Detector- A device that detects if a glass plane is shattered or broken. Once the sounds of breaking glass are detected by a sound signature, an alarm is set off.
Heat Detector- A device that reacts to the heat of a fire and sets off an alarm in response. Many heat detectors can be used to trigger fire suppression systems.
Horn Strobe- An alarm that combines audible and visual cues to alert occupants to evacuate. Flashing strobe lights and a noisy alarm help to inform occupants.
A security camera that detects and measures the heat signature of objects. This infrared energy converts into an electronic image, making it easier to see living things on camera in the dark without light.
Interactive Services- Accessing your security system via web-enabled devices like computers and smart phones. Interactive Services can be used to remotely arm and disarm your system, turn lights on and off, any lots more.
A miniature numerical keyboard operating an electronic device. These are commonly seen on doors in access control systems, with authorized users being granted passcodes to unlock them with the keypad.
A warning alarm in security alarm systems when your battery is low or dying. This informs occupants the alarm backup battery must be replaced or disconnected.
A device that alerts occupants when the air temperature in a room falls below a pre-defined threshold. This can inform users of low temperatures and give them time to act before pipes freeze and burst.
Mag-lock- Also known as an electromagnetic lock, this is a device that keeps doors shut via an electromagnet and an armature plate. When the magnet is energized, the magnet will keep the door shut thanks to the armature plate, unlocking when the magnet is no longer energized.
Monitoring Center- Location of a professional home security team monitoring security systems. These centers will assess what’s going on and contact the proper authorities as needed.
Motion Detector- A device that is designed to detect and measure movement. Motion sensors can detect motion via sound waves, radio waves, and microwaves.
NVR- A Network Video Recorder, a device responsible for video recording of security cameras. While a DVR simply processes data at the recorder, the NVR encrypts and processes data for storage and remote viewing.
Panel– A panel is the brain of a security or fire alarm system. All of the devices connect and report to the panel, and the panel manages signals and communicates with the central station if there is an alarm or trouble condition.
Panic Alarm- A device that, when pressed for a predetermined amount of time, will activate the alarms manually. This can be used to notify the monitoring center of an emergency that you perceive your system may have missed or not seen yet.
Permit– An authorization to perform an installation. Typically, permits are required by fire departments to perform a fire alarm installation.The permit price typically varies by system size. Sometimes they are also required for security system installs.
PTZ Camera- Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera, a camera capable of remote directional and zoom control. Unlike fixed cameras, PTZ cameras allow an operator to physically move the camera to remotely survey the area.
Pull Station- A station on the wall of the building with a lever that manually activates the fire alarm. This device can be used to warn others and contact the fire department in case of a fire the detectors haven’t noticed yet.
Security Panel- The central device of a security system which all devices connect to. This device arms and disarms the systems and sounds the alarm when there’s a security breach, communicating with the monitoring company.
Smoke Detector- A device that detects smoke. As fires produce a lot of smoke, a detector that sounds an alarm when smoke is sensed is key to fire safety.
Starlink- Napco’s line of LTE cellular communicators. Starlink can be used to upgrade any manufacturer’s old communication methods.
Stay Mode- A security system setting in between armed and disarmed. Stay mode will deactivate your indoor motion sensors while leaving the rest of the system armed to maximize peace of mind even when you’re home.
Trouble Signal- A signal on a fire alarm panel. Trouble signals warn the user that there is an operational issue with this system.
Water Detector- An electronic device designed to detect the presence of water. This device provides an alert in hopes of preventing water leakage.
Window Contact- A device made up of a sensor and a magnet. When a window is opened, the magnet will be separated from the sensors, sending a signal to the control panel.
Wired Security System- A security system in which devices receive power via a hardwired cable. Signal transmission is also dependent on hardwires between devices.
Wireless Security System- A security system in which devices receive power from batteries. Signal transmission is dependent on wireless networks.
Wiring- Refers to the wiring interconnecting parts of a hardwired home security system. Main alarm panels need to be wired to all home security components in the system, as well as power and telephone.
