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CCTV
Systems
By John W. Colley
Grill
The CCTV Expert
October,
2003 Issue
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The Grill The CCTV Expert Archives
Our technical department is putting together a company procedure
on data transmission. What are some the transmission communication
we should include in our procedure manual?
Understanding and documenting the proper operation of various
security equipment and interfaces to such systems as HVAC
control, access control, fire alarm, and burglar alarm, and
the indicators of improper operation is most important.
The principles of fiber technology relevant to transmission
of signals between CCTV and other systems a few of the standard
data transmission standards are RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, 10/100
Base T (Ethernet).
What are some of the key words used in basic terms of networks?
Typical word used are IP address, subnet mask, server, client,
router, bridge, category 5 cable and connectors, bandwidth,
gateways, ping to name a few.
How do we interpret cable specifications for CCTV?
You need to read and interpret cable specifications. Important
information include: AWG, which indicates the amount of power,
which can be transmitted. This affected by length and the
device draw being installed. To calculate losses requires
the use a charts provided by the National Electrical code
as well industry electrical manuals. Some wire manufactures
will assist you in the calculation. The type of installation
that may include outdoor, indoor fire rated ceilings and CCTV
manufactures power requirements will also assist to determine
cable specifications.
How do we qualify a dealer so we do not receive a bad installation
resulting from poor work by unqualified system designers or
technicians can be costly for facility owners and video contractors
alike. Users who are the victims of shoddy work are likely
to blame the integrator and possibly the manufacturer, and
may conclude that in general, CCTV systems are ineffective
or more trouble than they are worth?
You may start by requesting information from the companies
you have requested bids from for CCTV work. A few important
items to be aware of as follows: Is your contractor licensed
within the state you are requesting the work. Is your bidders
incorporated within the state. What amount of insurance is
carried by the bidder and does this amount meet your requirements.
Has your bidders been certified by an independent organizations
for the work being contracted and do they certificates prove
the installation technician has been trained. Has manufacture
certified the service department has been trained for after
service? Does the bidder have a list of references for similar
CCTV systems being proposed?
Why is training and certification so important in today security
world?
Training and certification provides a way to distinguish between
those system planners and installers who have the knowledge,
skills, and experience required to perform the work properly,
and those who do not. Of course, more systems that are complex
require more advance skills than do simpler systems. For this
reason you should look for an organizations that has established
multiple levels of certification related to increasingly complex
systems. Video system buyers and contractors can specify a
certification level appropriate to the particular system.
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John
W. Colley is president of Integrated Security Systems, Ltd.
and has been in the security industry for over 25 years, beginning
his experience in the CCTV segment of security and gaining
knowledge through field experience, manufacturer training
and designing systems to meet customer needs. Colley started
his security integration firm 18 years ago, providing design,
engineering, installation and service to commercial accounts
using integrated systems. Send your CCTV/Surveillance questions
to jwc@securityiss.com.
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