more comment on CCTV as security system and words mean different things August 23, 2025

KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ
ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE
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more comment on CCTV as security system and words mean different things
August 23, 2025

more comment on CCTV as security system and words mean different things

Ken,
   As Bart correctly stated, CCTV systems as part of an “alarm system” are a small percentage. But with the advancements being achieved in the fields of AI and video analytics, I foresee alarms system use of cameras being vastly more prevalent in the very near future.
   What may be tripping up some of us old-time alarm folks is the phrase “alarm system” vs. “security system”. To many of us, it is the same. There was a time when “security system” could only really mean one thing: “alarm system”, but as technology grew and added cameras and locks and water detection and video doorbells, that phrase grew to encompass a lot more. And we didn’t evolve our language to match the industry.
   A “security system” as a whole concept can incorporate alarm and detection devices (alarm system) as well as cameras (CCTV system) for recording the event, and smoke and heat detection equipment (fire system) to also protect the premises and contents. Some might suggest that having an armed guard present (guard service) when the safes are open would be a part of the “system of security” as well. This may be the “security system” as a whole that encompasses the requirements of that insurance carrier and “secures” the carrier and client against the insured loss.
   The point here is simply that words mean different things, and often we in the business gloss over a phrase we’ve used for years and think it means one thing but it means something else to someone else. Coincidentally, CCTV usually means “closed circuit television”. But with the advent of remote viewing and cloud services, is it really a closed circuit any more? Perhaps we should distinguish our systems between “closed circuit” and “Open Circuit Video System” or OCVS System as a trade acronym.
   Maybe one of your readers can come up with a better one than that. That one says “Open Circuit Video System system” of you say it out loud. Like, “Automatic Teller Machine machine”. Anyway…
   A great example of common phrase misuse is a case I’m retained on currently, where in my first conversation with the plaintiffs’ attorney we discussed the difference between “smoke alarms” and “smoke detectors”. And there is a difference, believe me. But even after that, I’m reviewing deposition after deposition where the witness is being asked about the smoke detectors. The entire case is about smoke alarms. But I guess the court will acknowledge that conflation of terms during trial.
   For the fire alarm guys: I sat in a deposition a few years ago where my client attorney drilled down on that “smoke alarms” vs. “smoke detector” difference with a witness (who has been an alarm tech for over 10 years) who couldn’t define the difference. He was embarrassed and potentially devalued in the eyes of the jury. But he also couldn’t say how many decibels of sound is required at the pillow. Knowledge is power.
   Thank you, Ken, for this discussion board. It is valuable to me in many ways.
Lloyd Young, LPI, APS
Licensed Professional Investigator
Alarm Planning Superintendent
SECURAC, Incorporated
C-10783
ACR-2313
APS-2034079
AlarmClass.com
www.securac.com
855-SECURAC
LloydYoung@securac.com

Response

   Words do indeed mean different things to different people, though some words really should mean what the word is commonly thought to mean. Alarm system shouldn't be complicated. Security system sounds broader. Security service even broader. Does that include fire? Fire alarm or fire protection [also called suppression, sometimes]. I doubt many of you install CCTV, though many of you are installing cameras.
   I am surprised that Bart and Lloyd say that cameras are a small part of alarm systems. The alarms I see are those either in default in paying their alarm company or they are suing their alarm company, and most of these systems include cameras. While the doorbell camera may not be hooked up to the security system being professionally monitored I am certain that the customer considers it part of the security systems at the premises.
   The industry will see a lot more of cameras, I believe. Whether it's because end users want to be able to view the premises or AHJs want video verification or even just recording, camera installations and the use of the camera system as part of the security system is growing exponentially.
   What started this discussion was denial of insurance coverage because the camera part of the alarm system was not operable. In that case the alarm system, synonymous with alarm system in this case, described the system as including cameras. I often refer to this industry as the alarm industry, hoping not to insult the integrators.
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Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq
Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC
Attorneys at Law
200 Garden City Plaza
Garden City, NY 11530
516 747 6700 x 301
ken@kirschenbaumesq.com
www.KirschenbaumEsq.com