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COMMENT ON REPLACING SMOKE DETECTORS FROM  APRIL 26, 2016
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Ken: 
    In regards to the smokje detector replacement.  If it was installed by an electrician I will assume it was a smoke alarm powered by 120vac, not a smoke detector.  If that is the case and they replaced it with a smoke alarm with an on board relay they will not be violating the UL of the panel.  Only devices that draw their power from the initiation circuit or NAC must be UL listed with the panel.  Other devices must be listed for the purpose of fire alarm.  Monitoring a dry contact device does not violate the UL of the panel.  We monitor many smoke alarms in this manner.   Please excuse me for saying this but this is fire alarm 101.
Bruce Chapin  SET, President
NICET Level IV #87465
Pulsar Electronics, Inc.
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COMMENT ON NJ TRANSIT USING AUDIO
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Ken;
      In regards to the video AND audio surveillance on the Port Authority trains.  As I'm sure you know, NJ is a "single party consent" state, meaning that as long as at least one person is a party to a conversation, it is permissible to record a conversation.  Anything else, is tantamount to an illegal wire tap.  Forget the lawsuits, I think someone will wind up in jail over this, or at least they should.  I don't know how anyone can view this as not being a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment. 
    "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
     To quote Ben Franklin:  “Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Sincerely,
John from NJ
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RESPONSE
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    Isn't this the same crowd that closed the bridge just for laughs?