System Listings

Security Systems

System Overview
In all but the smallest and unimportant of buildings, some form of security system is required. The increase of crime in the community coupled with the increased use of expensive equipment and systems within the modern building mean that the contents (and fabric) must be adequately protected during both day and night.

Security systems may be required by the premises insurers.

It is not intended to extensively detail security systems here, rather to present an idea of the considerations that must be borne in mind when facilitating such systems.

It is normal for the building services designer to design only the cable containment systems and power requirements for such systems. Security system design is a specialist area, is being constantly undated, and hence requires specialist knowledge of the latest equipment and systems.

Whatever the form of system to be installed, they all have some specific requirements in common. Usually as follows.

Cabling is normally extra - low voltage and must hence be properly segregated from 240V and other mains services.
Cabling is both fragile and is a "weak link" in a security system and so must be properly protected against mechanical damage.
Cabling is often extensive and runs throughout the building hence adequate room must be allocated to the cable runs.
Consideration should be given to using cable tray, conduits or trunking as required.

Systems Available and Applications

Intruder detection systems. These rely on a network of Passive Infra Red detectors, Microwave detectors, Ultrasonic detectors, door contacts, pressure pads and related alarm equipment. These devices are installed in key locations throughout the building (extensively on the ground floor).
The devices are all linked via specialist multicore wiring to a central control panel. The panel is normally capable of various types of setting arrangements. Commonly the system is disarmed during the day (apart from panic alarm facilities), and armed at night or during times when the building is unoccupied.
When the system is armed, activation of any of these devices will cause local sounders to sound, beacons to flash, and usually an automatic call will be made to a central monitoring station.
Wiring to security systems is normally totally separated from other services for security reasons. Conduit & trunking are the preferred methods of containment due to their high intrinsic strength.
Access control systems - These systems are commonly installed at entrances and exits to the building. The systems commonly comprise automatic door lock, electric strike plates and mortice locks, which are linked to a central control panel. The locks can only be released after a certain code has been entered on an appropriately positioned key pad, or if an electronic card reader system has authorised access. A manual override system is normally provided linked to an intercom system. Any exit doors are normally linked to the fire alarm system to ensure they unlock in a fire condition.
Closed Circuit Television Systems - These systems rely on strategically position television cameras located throughout the building, particularly in exposed or high risk areas.
The cameras are linked back to a central control station by means of specialised mult-core coaxial cables, which commonly also carry low voltage power supplies for the cameras.
At the control station, television monitors are installed usually along with real time and time lapse video recording facilities.

Power requirements - All security systems require stable and reliable power supplies. It may be necessary to implement high security supplies with UPS or generator back up.

Legislation & Guidelines
The design and installation of a security system is governed by a range of regulations and legislation and is normally left to a specialist company to design & specify.

In many situations, legislation only covers the objective of the system ie: to adequately protect.

The security alarm supervisory body NACOSS provides standards by which systems need to be installed. It also registers contractors and installers, and certifies them a competent.

The local crime prevention office should always be consulted prior to design to the design of any system

The sure way ensure compliance is to discuss fully with the relevant authorities and to above all ensure full compliance with NACOSS recommendations.

British Standards.

Also refer to The British Standards Institution

BS 7671:2001 "Requirements for electrical installations". IEE Wiring Regulations. Sixteenth edition. This is the all encompassing "Bible" in relation to the design, installation and use of electrical installations and equipment in buildings.It is relevant here due to the need to segregate LV cabling (which security cables normally are), also for the installation of associated controls and equipment.
BS 7807:1995 "Code of practice for design, installation and servicing of integrated systems incorporating fire detection and alarm systems and/or other security systems for buildings other than dwellings" Provides recommendations for the integration of a security system with other security systems for use in and around buildings.
BS 6707:1986 "Specification for intruder alarm systems for consumer installation". Components and performance of 'do it yourself' intruder alarm systems in kit form or as self-contained units. Marking, labelling and instruction requirements with an appendix giving appropriate advice regarding planning, installation and use of a system for inclusion in the instruction manual
BS 4737:Part 1:1986 "Intruder alarm systems in buildings. Specification for installed systems with local audible and/or remote signalling" Assistance to subscribers, alarm companies, insurers and the police in achieving a complete and accurate specification of the protection required for particular premises
BS 4737:Part 2:1986 "Intruder alarm systems in buildings. Specification for installed systems for deliberate operation" Assistance to subscribers, alarm companies, insurers and the police in achieving a complete and accurate specification of the protection required for particular premises. Includes hold-up and bandit alarms.
BS 4737:Part 3:Section 3.30:1986 "Intruder alarm systems in buildings. Specifications for components. Specification for PVC insulated cables for interconnecting wiring" Materials and construction for cables forming the circuits connecting the components of intruder alarm systems.
BS 4737:Part 4:Section 4.1:1987 "Intruder alarm systems in buildings. Codes of practice. Code of practice for planning and installation". Planning and installation of intruder and/or deliberately operated alarm systems in buildings. Covers the systems specified in BS 4737:Parts 1 and 2.

Combined Standards

BS EN 50130-4:1996 Alarm systems. Electromagnetic compatibility. Product family standard: Immunity requirements for components of fire, intruder and social alarm systems
BS EN 50132-7:1996 Alarm systems. CCTV surveillance systems for use in security applications. Application guidelines
BS EN 50133-1:1997 Alarm systems. Access control systems for use in security applications. System requirements

International Standards