July 14, 2011
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Comment and Question
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I'd like to suggest a new topic, Auto Arm.
I installed a system in a middle school and (I feel mistakenly) told the staff about the auto arm feature. I offered it as a back up to arm the system in case the custodial staff forgets to arm the system. Turns out, the school is relying on the auto arm as the only way the system arms itself. I find this unacceptable as I feel it places all liability on me to arm the system.
The auto arm feature on a burglar alarm system is OK as a back up but has some inherent faults that make it unreliable. First, any zones that are faulted (doors open or motions activated) when the system auto arms are automatically bypassed and not armed. Second, in the event of power failure and loss of back up battery the system clock is no longer accurate. When power is restored the system clock starts up at 12:00am. Instead of arming at the requested time of 10:00pm, it could arm at 5:45am only 15 minutes before the custodial staff shows up for the day.
I am hand delivering a letter to the school district superintendent explaining the problems with the auto arm feature and that it was only intended as a back up. Because the school is relying on the auto arm feature as the only means to arm the system, the auto arm feature is being turned off on a specific date and time.
Any comments?
Tony Barlow, Pres/CEO
North Coast Signal Inc.
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Answer
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The remote arming feature is something that I have recently added to the Standard Contract forms. As I understand it there are inherent potential problems because of the wireless remote, such as not knowing if the system was activated (or deactivated) or interception from an unauthorized source. You raise other technical issues.
Like any other feature of the system your contract needs to address limitations, both in the system and your exposure and responsibility. Your follow up letter is a good idea, but won't rectify a deficiency in your contract. The use of the Disclaimer Notice would be another good idea. You can describe any reservations you have in that separate document which is acknowledged by the subscriber.
I am sure other companies are having their own concerns about the auto arm or remote access feature. Anyone have comments?