Lesson 1Powering and earthing: transformer sizing, battery capacity estimation, fused circuits and tamper circuitsAddresses power and earthing for reliable alarm operation. Explains transformer sizing, battery capacity calculations, fused circuits, grounding practices, and tamper monitoring for power and enclosure access.
Calculating total system current drawTransformer and PSU sizing rulesBattery capacity and standby durationEarthing and surge protection methodsFuses, PTCs, and tamper loop wiringLesson 2Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: detection range, mounting height, pet-immunity considerations, placement to minimise nuisance triggersExplains PIR motion detector operation, coverage patterns, and data sheet parameters. Focuses on mounting height, angle, pet-immunity limits, and placement strategies that reduce nuisance alarms from heat and movement.
How PIR sensors detect infrared changesReading range and coverage specificationsMounting height and tilt for full coveragePet-immunity ratings and real limitsAvoiding drafts, heaters, and moving drapesLesson 3Glass break detectors: acoustic vs shock sensors, mounting locations and coverage patterns for large living-room windowsExplains glass break detector technologies and where to use them. Compares acoustic and shock types, discusses coverage patterns, mounting locations, and testing methods for large living-room and bay windows.
Acoustic versus shock detector principlesCoverage radius and line-of-sight needsMounting on ceilings, walls, or framesDealing with curtains and soft furnishingsFunctional testing with glass break testersLesson 4Magnetic contacts: types, installation positions on doors and windows, reed switch wiring and mounting best practicesCovers magnetic contact types and how reed switches operate. Explains correct placement on doors and windows, cable routing, EOL wiring, and mechanical mounting methods that maintain alignment and long-term reliability.
Surface, recessed, and heavy-duty contactsReed switch operation and polarity issuesBest positions on doors and window sashesCable routing and strain relief methodsEOL wiring and loop supervision optionsLesson 5Shock/vibration sensors for the balcony and secondary glazing: sensitivity settings and sitingDescribes shock and vibration sensors for doors, windows, and balcony structures. Covers sensor types, mounting surfaces, sensitivity adjustment, cable routing, and testing to detect forced entry without false alarms.
Piezo and mechanical shock sensor typesMounting on frames, glass, and masonrySetting sensitivity and test proceduresZoning strategies for multiple openingsAvoiding nuisance alarms from normal useLesson 6Communication modules: options (telephone line, GSM/GPRS, IP/ethernet), redundancy strategies and general programming conceptsReviews communication modules for alarm signalling, including PSTN, GSM, GPRS, and IP. Explains redundancy, path supervision, power needs, and basic programming of reporting formats and account numbers.
PSTN, GSM, GPRS, and IP path overviewSingle, dual, and triple path strategiesSIM management and data plan concernsProgramming formats and account codesSupervision timers and fault reportingLesson 7Siren/PA horn selection and placement: internal vs external, mounting height, decibel recommendations and tamper protectionFocuses on siren and PA horn selection, internal versus external units, and sound output. Covers decibel ratings, mounting height, tamper protection, and local code considerations for residential installations.
Indoor versus outdoor sounder choicesDecibel levels and tone characteristicsMounting height and direction of soundTamper switches and cable protectionCompliance with noise and timing rulesLesson 8Surface and recessed door/garage contacts: selection for external garage and internal kitchen doorCovers selection and installation of surface and recessed contacts for doors and garage openings. Discusses environmental ratings, cable protection, alignment, and zoning for internal and external access points.
Choosing contacts for external garagesContacts for internal interconnecting doorsEnvironmental and impact resistance needsMounting hardware and alignment checksZoning strategies for perimeter doorsLesson 9Keypads and touchpads: types, mounting locations, illuminated keys, accessibility for adults and older childrenDetails keypad and touchpad types, display options, and user interface design. Explains mounting height, lighting, and accessibility so adults, older children, and visitors can reliably arm, disarm, and view system status.
Fixed, remote, and wireless keypad typesDisplay, indicator, and buzzer functionsMounting height and wall location choicesBacklighting, key size, and tactile feedbackAccessibility for children and older adultsLesson 10Control panel fundamentals: typical inputs/outputs, power and battery backup, zone wiring considerations (EOL resistors), enclosure placementIntroduces control panel hardware, inputs, and outputs. Covers power supply, battery backup, zone wiring with EOL resistors, enclosure siting, and separation of user and technician access areas.
Main board layout and terminal functionsAuxiliary power and current budgetingZone types and EOL resistor schemesEnclosure placement and cable entryService access and labeling standardsLesson 11Panic/auxiliary devices: wired/wireless panic buttons and 24-hour medical/panic zonesExamines panic and auxiliary devices for emergency signalling. Compares wired and wireless panic buttons, latching versus momentary operation, 24-hour medical and duress zones, and placement to avoid accidental activation.
Types of panic and medical alert buttonsWired versus wireless panic device choices24-hour zone types and reporting formatsPlacement to avoid accidental activationsTesting and labeling for user confidenceLesson 12Dual-technology and curtain/edge PIRs: when to use narrow/curtain sensors for windows and balcony coverageExplores dual-technology and curtain PIRs for targeted perimeter protection. Covers detection principles, lens patterns, siting for windows and balconies, false alarm reduction, and matching sensor specifications to real site conditions.
Dual-technology PIR operating principlesCurtain lens patterns and coverage anglesSelecting sensors for windows and balconiesMounting heights and tilt for narrow beamsReducing false alarms from outdoor movement
