SIA seeks comments on new standard aimed at false alarm reduction

SIA has released a revised control panel standard, intended to reduce the number of false alarms

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released for public review a revised control panel standard that is intended to reduce the number of false alarms. ANSI/SIA CP-01-2007 Control Panel Standard - Features for False Alarm Reduction details the recommended design features and settings for security system control panels and associated arming and disarming devices. Before the revision is accepted by ANSI, SIA has requested a formal comment period ending on Oct. 19, 2009.

The revised standard, like its precursor, is intended for use by manufacturers in the design of control panels and alarm signal receivers. It is also intended for reference by all affected parties, including security system installers, specifiers and end users; central stations; manufacturers of central station products, such as receivers and automation software; and local authorities.

Some significant changes in this new version include elimination of single button devices to initiate panic alarms, exceptions for the specified time ranges of the entry and dialler delay times, expanded range for swinger shutdown programming and more specific product documentation requirements.

The version of the standard undergoing review (ANSI/SIA CP-01 -20xx) can be downloaded from the SIA Standards Control Panel Working Group Website.