Security System Definitions and Terms
Below is an alphabetized list of the most common security system definitions and terms.
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A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z
A
AC Power – Alternating Current. Standard household electrical service requires a transformer to power the control panel and any powered devices.
Access Code – The four digit code used to arm and disarm the security system. Typical systems allow multiple codes which can be assigned to individual users.
Access Control – A type of security system that restricts access of areas to authorized personnel.
Activation Fee – A one time, up front fee paid to a security company to place a system online for monitoring services.
Alarm Communication Path – The method by which the security system transmits an alarm signal to the central monitoring station. This is typically via landline, broadband or cellular service.
Alarm Verification The means by which the central monitoring company verifies an alarm signal prior to dispatching the authorities. This can be by means of a phone call, audio verification through a microphone built into the system or video verification through installed cameras.
Arm – To turn on the system so that sensors are actively detecting alarm events.
Authority Level – A designation assigned to users that determines which functions can be accessed by that individual.
Away Mode – The “Away” mode of arming the system engages all sensors, both perimeter door/window sensors and interior motion sensors to provide maximum level of protection when no users will be on the premises.
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B
Babysitter Code – refers to a temporary code which can only be used to disarm the system if the same code was used to arm the system-thus preventing the user from disarming the system if it was armed by another user.
Bandwidth – The capacity of a cable or other medium to transmit data.
Battery Back-Up – A rechargeable battery that powers the security system in the event of a power failure. Typically it is sufficient to provide power for a 24 hour period.
Bell Cut Off – References the length of time the siren will continue signal an alarm event once triggered before deactivating and resetting.
Biometric Code – The use of fingerprint scanning to enable access.
Broadband – A high capacity means of data transmission that commonly refers to cable internet access.
Burglary – An illegal entry of a residence, car or property resulting in loss or destruction of property.
Bypass – To disarm a specific zone or zones of the security system.
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C
Carbon Monoxide Detector – A device that detects the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO) – a toxic and potentially deadly odorless and colorless gas produced by inefficient combustion of fossil fuels.
Cellular Monitoring – The use of cellular transmissions to communicate data, notifications and signals to the central monitoring station. It can be used as a primary means of communication, or as a secondary, or back up, means in the event that a phone or cable line is cut or otherwise compromised.
Chime – A signal that the security system can be programmed to emit when a door or window is opened which can be useful in monitoring occupants’ movements and activity.
Control Panel – The “brain” of the security system which contains the central computer that communicates with all the individual sensors along with the battery back up and typically the communication mediums. In many wireless systems it also includes the keypad and siren in one self contained system. This component requires AC power.
Covert Camera – Refers to a camera which is concealed from the view to surreptitiously monitor or record activity. Cameras ca be hidden in stuffed animals, motion detectors, smoke alarms etc.
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D
Disarm
Dispatch
DIY Installaton
Door Sensor
DSL
Dual Path Communicator
Dual Technology
Duress Code
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E
Enhanced Call Verification
Entry/Exit Delay
Environmental Monitoring
Ethernet
External Siren
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F
False Alarm
Flood Sensor
Freeze Sensor
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G
Garage Door Sensor
Geo Fence
Geo-Services
Glass Break Sensor
GSM
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H
Hacking
Hardwired
Heat Sensor
Home Automation
Hub
Hybrid Alarm System
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I
Image sensor
Infrared
Installer Code
Interior Protection
Ionization
IP
IP Address
IP Camera
ISP
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K
Key Fob
Key Holder
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L
Landline
LED
Life Safety
Local Alarm
Local Alarm system
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M
Master Code
MMS
Mobile App
Moniting Fees
Monitoring Center
Monitoring Service
Motion Activated Video
Motion Detector
Motion Lights
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O
Opening/Closing Reports
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P
Pan and Tilt
Panic Button
Password
Perimeter Protection
Periodic Test Transmission (pinging)
Pet Immunity
Photoelectric (optical Detection)
PIR
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R
Rate of Rise (heat detctor)
Remote Keypad
Repeater
Resolution
RF
Router
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S
Security System
Self-Monitored
Sensors
Silent Alarm
SIM Card
Siren
Smart Home
Smoke Detector
SMS
Stay Mode
System Status
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T
Takeover
Test Mode
Transformer
Transmitte
Trouble Signal
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U
U.L.
User Code
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V
Video Survaillence
Video Verification
Voice Annunciation (talking keypad)
Voice Dialer
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W
WAN
Window Sensor
Wireless Security System
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Z
Zigbee
Zone
Zone Expander
Zoom
Z-Wave
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Last Updated on July 14, 2016 by
