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Frequently Asked Questions about Video Door Entry Systems
A VIP (via Internet Protocol) video door entry system is a door entry system that connects via the internet. A network video door entry system allows you to connect to your system from anywhere, using your mobile phone, tablet, or PC, either via Wi-Fi or through 3G or 4G.
Programmable buttons allow users, in addition to the basic functions of the video door entry system, to control a wide range of home automation features. For example:
- To turn on the entrance lights.
- To turn on the stairway lights.
- To communicate with other apartments or floors.
- To perform any function you want, from turning on certain lights to activating the garden irrigation system or anything else you can imagine.
In video door entry systems, parallel monitors means that when a visitor rings the bell for a specific floor, two or more monitors ring simultaneously. This setup is recommended for two- or three-story single-family homes, where users want to be able to answer the visitor from whichever floor they are on.
There is no problem at all, thanks to Comelit’s mixed video door entry system. Each user has the option to choose whichever model they prefer (video door entry system or audio door entry phone), regardless of the choices made by the others.
A mixed video door entry system means that each user can choose whichever monitor they prefer, regardless of the choices made on other floors or in other apartments. More specifically, even the same user can choose different models of video door entry monitors or audio door entry phones within the same floor or apartment.
Intercom communication is a function that allows users on different floors or in different apartments to communicate with one another through their video door entry system.
Thanks to Comelit’s Simplebus system, replacing a video door entry system becomes a very easy process, since our systems require only the two best-preserved wires in the apartment building or house in order to operate.
A 2-wire video door entry system means that it can be installed with virtually any type of existing wiring, as it uses only the two best-preserved wires in the system for its connection. This means that Comelit systems can be installed even if you currently have only a simple doorbell, without the need for extra construction work or wall chasing.
The video door entry monitor can be installed either on the wall or on a desk using a special stand, provided this is agreed in advance. The desk stand is not included in the package and is available upon customer request. It is mainly recommended for commercial spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alarm Systems
Central Monitoring Stations (CMS) are facilities that monitor alarm systems. These stations are connected to the alarm and are notified immediately of any event that may occur. The main reason for choosing connection to such a station is so that both we and the police can be alerted in the event of a break-in. However, the station’s capabilities provide even greater security, as they also inform subscribers about the proper operation of the alarm system, such as low battery warnings and similar issues. Those connected to these stations pay an annual or semi-annual fee and secure 24-hour monitoring of their alarm system, while also having the ability to access their event history whenever they wish.
Monitoring centers supervise your alarm system and notify you or the appropriate authorities about:
- burglary
- fire
- medical assistance
- panic
- duress
- tampering
- power outage
- system battery failure
- system malfunction
- siren performance
- battery disconnection
- and finally, it performs 24-hour system tests to ensure the proper transmission of signals.
If the alarm is armed and detects a break-in, the system sends a signal to the Central Monitoring Station (CMS). In this case, the station is required to call the emergency contact numbers provided by its subscribers and request the security codes. If the subscribers do not answer or provide emergency codes, the appropriate authority is notified so it can respond to the premises where the break-in is taking place.
If the alarm is not armed and a break-in occurs, will the Monitoring Center contact me?
No. A basic requirement for the Monitoring Center to function properly is that the alarm must be armed at the time of the break-in. The alarm is the control unit that detects the incident first, so if it is not armed, it will not detect the break-in and will not send the appropriate signals.
When the alarm system is connected to the Central Monitoring Station (CMS), subscribers provide one to three emergency contact phone numbers. At the same time, the persons associated with those phone numbers receive a security code and an emergency code.
Example: A family connects their alarm system to a Central Monitoring Station (CMS) and provides the phone numbers of both spouses and their home telephone as emergency contact numbers. The technician gives the couple a security code, XXXX, and an emergency code, CCCC. In the event of a break-in, the station calls all subscribers in the priority order they have specified. If the subscribers answer the phone and provide the code XXXX, it means that the couple is safe on the premises and they do not wish for any authority to be notified. If they provide the code CCCC, the appropriate authority is contacted immediately, such as the police, an ambulance, and so on.
When the alarm system is connected to the Central Monitoring Station (CMS), subscribers provide one to three emergency contact phone numbers. At the same time, the persons associated with those phone numbers receive a security code and an emergency code.
There are many reliable and reputable monitoring stations on the market that can meet each subscriber’s needs. The best thing you can do is ask the company that supports your system to recommend the most suitable Monitoring Center based on your requirements.
The proper functioning of your alarm system is of vital importance for the security of your premises. If your alarm is not operating correctly, you risk becoming a victim of theft. There are some simple steps you can take to make sure that your alarm system is working properly.
1.Replace the batteries of the control panel and the siren regularly (optionally: if the system is wireless, also replace the batteries in your detectors regularly).
Whether your alarm system is wireless or wired, you should replace the two main batteries in the control panel and the siren at least every 3 years. Even wired alarm systems rely on batteries to ensure proper operation in the event of a power outage. Replacing them correctly guarantees that your alarm system will continue to function whenever it is needed.
2. Monitor the indications on the keypad.
All modern alarm systems built to European standards are designed to monitor the proper operation of the system. These alarms warn you of any malfunction through red or orange indicator lights, or with written messages displayed on the keypad screen.
3. Check that the motion detectors and magnetic contacts are functioning properly.
Ask someone you trust to help you. Sit in front of the keypad and give them instructions such as “open the door,” “open the windows,” or “move around the area,” and check whether your alarm system indicates where they are and what they are doing. If the alarm notifies you that a sensor or detector is being triggered while your helper follows your instructions, then everything is working properly. If you notice that a sensor or detector does not respond, contact the company that supports your alarm system. If a wireless detector does not respond, replace its batteries and test it again. If it still does not work, then contact the company that supports your alarm system.
4. Press the panic button.
This button has saved many lives. You need to know that it is working properly. If it is located on a remote control, make sure to replace the batteries regularly.
5. Central Monitoring Station (CMS).
Modern Central Monitoring Stations are large companies that can provide you with immediate information regarding the proper transmission of signals from your system. These companies use systems that can confirm whether your alarm is sending signals correctly, provided that you are subscribed to their service. The Central Monitoring Station notifies you immediately in the event of a system trigger or if a signal is not received, which may indicate a possible alarm malfunction or low batteries, in addition to the protection it offers in the event of a break-in, such as contacting the police. Furthermore, you can request that they send you whichever signals you wish at any time, as they keep a record of every activity of your alarm system, including arming, disarming, triggering, battery failure, signal loss, signal restoration, and more.
The following text attempts to provide an analysis of the main differences between wired and wireless security alarm systems. It will help you choose the most suitable alarm system by presenting the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
1. Wired alarm systems
What exactly does a wired alarm system mean? Basically, it means that every component of your alarm system is connected to the other components by wiring. Every system includes a control panel and a keypad. The control panel contains all the system’s core elements, while the keypad is used to control the system. Wired alarm systems connect these two parts through wiring. Then, any other components, such as door and window contacts, motion detectors, and so on, are also connected to the control panel.
Disadvantages of wired alarm systems
As you can imagine, the installation process of a wired alarm system is long and demanding. The installation technicians will almost certainly need to spend several days running cables in order to connect all the components of your new alarm system. For some companies, the installation cost is quite high. This process can also be more difficult depending on the type and size of the house. A larger house will, of course, require more time for the wiring to be installed than a smaller one.
When you purchase an alarm system, moving out of your home is usually the last thing on your mind. In most cases, you sign a contract for the monitoring of your alarm system for a specific period of time. However, life can be unpredictable, and you may need to move sooner than expected. Wired alarm systems cannot be taken with you, as they become an integral part of the property. If you move to a new home and want to have an alarm system there as well, the entire installation process will need to be done again from the beginning.
Advantages of wired alarm systems
If you are building a new home, running cables for the installation of a wired alarm system is still considered one of the standard features of a newly constructed property. While installing a wired alarm system in an existing house is quite difficult, installing one during the construction phase is much simpler. It is still a time-consuming process, but to a far lesser extent. In addition, you will know that the system will remain permanently in your home, especially if the house is newly built and you plan to live there for many years.
2. Wireless alarm systems
Because wired alarm systems are very difficult to install, many companies focused on developing wireless security systems. Wireless systems meet the needs of both companies and consumers. A wireless alarm system includes a control panel, a keypad, and various other accessories. Instead of all components being connected to one another by cables, in wireless alarm systems they are connected through antennas. These antennas communicate with each other and relay information to the control panel.
Disadvantages of wireless alarm systems
The fact that all the alarm accessories are wireless means that they operate on batteries. So, when the batteries run out, you will need to contact the company that installed your alarm system and inform them. In many cases, this is a simple process: the alarm company either sends someone to replace the batteries or has already instructed you on how to replace them yourself.
Advantages of wireless alarm systems
A wireless system that you own, rather than lease, can be taken with you to your new home or holiday house. You can also contact the company from which you purchased the alarm system to help you transfer the alarm equipment from your old home to your new one.
Wireless security systems also have the advantage of lower installation costs. Technicians can complete the installation of a wireless alarm system much faster than it would take to install a wired alarm system.
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