Frequently Asked Questions
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With the exception of batteries, power supplies and our Power Manage service, none of the devices we sell are compatible with ADT systems. The reason for this is that ADT supply systems in the UK with the European (868-0 EUR) country code. These are not compatible with UK (868-1 UK) systems and devices.
In wireless systems a zone is used to connect one detector to the system. In a typical small domestic system Zone 1 may be used for a magnetic contact on the main entrance door, Zone 2 may be used for a magnetic contact on the rear door. Subsequent zones may have motion detectors (PIRs) assigned to them.
Each Zone can be assigned a zone type. In the example above Zone 1 would typically be a Delay Zone (Perimeter) to allow entry/exit through that zone within a specified time. Zone 2 would typically be set as a Perimeter Zone. The detectors on the interior zones would typically be set as Interior Zones. The PowerMaster system can be set in two modes – Home and Away. In Home mode only perimeter zones are armed allowing movement within the property. In Away mode all the zones are armed.
In addition to the above the system is equipped with an integrated partitioning feature that can divide the alarm system into three distinct areas, identified as Partition 1, 2 and 3. A partition can be armed or disarmed regardless of the status of the other partitions within the system. Partitioning can be used in installations where shared security systems are more practical, such as a home office or warehouse building. When partitioned, each zone, each user code and many of the system's features can be assigned to Partition 1 to 3. Each user code is assigned with the list of partitions it is allowed to control in order to limit access of users to certain partitions. Each partition can also be set in Home or Away mode.
Wireless transmission/reception values are quoted as Line-of-Sight (LoS) i.e. with no obstructions between transmitter and receiver. Visonic quote up to 2,000m LoS, however this is significantly decreased by walls etc between the transmitter and receiver. Standard brick and plaster walls do not normally cause signal loss problems. The big enemy of wireless transmissions is metal especially ferrous (iron) metals. Also note; that the earth is also a good absorber of wireless signals and as such devices should not be installed close to the ground (below approx. 1 metre) and definitely not underground.
There are two types of monitoring available for the PowerMaster system.
Self Monitoring – this requires the system to be connected to a PowerManage server. Once connected, the server can send e-mails and notifications to specific recipients. The PowerManage server also connects to the Visonic-GO app which allows control, event notification and status of the alarm system. Third-party Monitoring – this again requires the system to be connected to a PowerManage server or other suitable receiver at a monitored Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The ARC is constantly manned and when alarm notifications are received the ARC attempts to verify that an actual intrusion has taken place. Upon verification, the ARC can inform the Police that a verified alarm has occurred and the Police will respond. The Police are unlikely respond to unverified requests. The cost is dependent on the provider but is likely to be in the region of £30 per month.
No - the system operates extremely well as a standalone wireless alarm system and in our experience is very stable and reliable. All the control panels have a built in PSTN dialler which can be used to report to up to 4 private telephones. The reported events are selectable to only report the events required. Note that if you have the CAM-PIRs on the system then you can only receive images if the system is connected to a PowerManage server.