For trouble-shooting an existing system, the absolute minimum is basic hand tools like wire-strippers/crimpers (most of this is very small gauge wire), screwdrivers, and some means to test for continuity on a circuit. This is all 12vdc, except for the 16vac transformer, and you can do a surprising amount with an automotive test light, but having an inexpensive Volt/Ohm/Milliamp Meter, and learning to use it, can save you a world of headaches and frustration. For more than the basics, like installing or modifying a system, you will need drills and bits that can go through aged wood (drilling even a 1/4 inch hole through the thickness of a old door header will push most consumer grade tools to their limit). You may find a few trips to the tool rental store in order.

Source: http://forum.doityourself.com/electronic-alarms-home-security-devices/203784-alarm-forum-faq-please-read-before-posting.html

The Alarm Association of Florida, Inc. (AAF) was founded in 1968 by a group of alarm dealers who knew the time had come to organize their energies and talents and provide a resource to the security industry for services and representation to the public. However, the official date used for "the beginning" of the Association is 1970, since that is the year that the first set of Bylaws was adopted and a Code of Ethics enacted for AAF members.

Source: http://www.fla-alarms.org/default.htm

Panic Button

A panic button is a remote control device or a button on a security control panel that sends an alarm signal without requiring the use of a security access code.

Panic Pendant

A panic or medical pendant is a portable electronic device that sends a wireless signal to the security control panel. They can be worn around the neck with a neck strap, clipped to a belt, or placed in wall-mounted holders.

Radio Backup

This state of the art technology allows us to install a radio alarm backup system without telephone lines. These cellular backup support systems may also be added to your present alarm protection system as a back-up which send alarm signals by radio to the central surveillance monitoring station.

Sensor

A sensor is a device that detects a change from one state to another.

Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is an electronic device which senses the presence of smoke and sends a smoke alarm signal to the security control panel. A smoke detector conveys early detection of a fire by an audible alarm warning.

Waterflow Alarm

The waterflow alarm is a type of emergency safety alarm which is activated by the flow of water though a fire sprinkler system. This flow alarms the central surveillance monitoring station and alerts the authorities concerned.

Source: http://forum.doityourself.com/electronic-alarms-home-security-devices/203784-alarm-forum-faq-please-read-before-posting.html

Do not rely on the Keypad model! Many alarm manufacturers use a common set of keypads on multiple models. The first place to start is to look inside the door of the system enclosure. (90% of the time, there will be a diagram with the proper system name on the inside of the door). Some alarms are re-branded to identify the actual alarm hardware, there is usually a model number on the main PC board, usually on the main IC chip, or the edge of the PC board. Similar model numbers do not always program alike; there is a huge difference between a DSC PC1550 and a DSC PC1555, for example.

 Source: http://forum.doityourself.com/electronic-alarms-home-security-devices/203784-alarm-forum-faq-please-read-before-posting.html

Each false alarm requires approximately 20 minutes of police time, usually for two officers. This costs the public as much as $1.5 billion per year in police time. In the vast majority of jurisdictions, the cost of responding to false alarms is not recouped through fines. Jurisdictions that try to recoup costs generally omit the lost-opportunity costs, potentially a significant part of the equation.

Typical costs include:

• personnel costs of police call-takers and dispatchers;
• personnel, equipment and training costs of responding officers, along with those of any backup personnel;
• personnel costs associated with analyzing false alarms;
• software, hardware, office space, and equipment costs for false alarm management;
• administrative and staff costs of notifications, permitting, billing, and education programs;
• costs of developing, printing and distributing publications to educate the public and alarm companies about false alarms;
• lost-opportunity costs, since police are unavailable to work on actual crime problems; and
• costs associated with call displacement, because other 911 calls take longer to respond to.

Povided By "False Burglar Alarms" A Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series Guide No. 5 by Rana Sampsonc found at http//www.cops.usdoj.gov

Research suggests that false burglar alarms result from three main causes:

• faulty or inappropriately selected equipment,
• poor installation, and
• user error (forgetful or unknowledgeable homeowners or roaming pets).

Research tells us that false burglar alarms are not evenly distributed. Some alarm systems experience no false alarms, and others, many. One study suggests that 20 percent of alarm systems trigger 80 percent of false alarms. As a result, officers responding to false alarms are often spending time away from locations where crime and disorder are occurring. For the purposes of this guide, it is assumed that the alarm industry has the responsibility to improve the quality of its equipment, more accurately install devices and increase user knowledge of its product, all of which reduce false calls. This guide focuses on police policy remedies to devise a more appropriate response and stimulate the alarm industry to further improve the overall reliability of its products.

Provided By "False Burglar Alarms" A Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series Guide No. 5 by Rana Sampsonc found at http//www.cops.usdoj.gov