Safe-Home.com

Question about advantages of Sensaphone Remote Monitoring Systems over security systems by national or local alarm and security companies.

Q: "We are building a new data center. Our choices are between a national or local alarm and security company with monthly monitoring fees or a Sensaphone system. We want to monitor power, temperature and humidity. We are also concerned about possible water leaks onto the flooring and being able to lower the thermostat in the room if one of the units begins to overheat. Which system do you recommend? Thanks. Bill."

Answer: For a data center, we would recommend the Sensaphone IMS-1000 Internet Remote Monitor, IMS-1002 or Sensaphone IMS-4000 PowerGate2 Outlet Switcher IMS-4302IMS-4000 unit over the Sensaphone Web600 Web-Monitor Alarm, No Land Line Needed. The WEB600 is a great starter solution with accessories like a battery back up, a temperature probe, a zone water detector and a humidity transmitter.  However, when you are talking a larger computer room or data center, you are talking about tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment that keep your business operational 24/7.

Sensaphone Systems offer these advantages:

• No Monthly Monitoring Fees: you buy the product and programs it to notify directly any employee or employees you choose without the cost of a central service that runs at least several hundred dollars annually.
• Real Sensor Values: Universal inputs read actual temperature values and more.
• Battery Backup: Either included or an inexpensive option.
• Maximum Flexibility: Notifications using custom voice phone calls, emails, faxes, text messages, SNMP traps, etc. Communication is via land phone lines, cell phones, Ethernet or satellite.
• Remote Access: You can program remotely whether a phone line product, a web-based products or a satellite product.
• No Dependencies: stand alone solutions mean you get direct communication without a central service, computer or server in the middle.
• Field Proven in Sensitive Applications: Proven reliability and validity in emergency response materials, military weapons systems, medicines, Homeland security, etc.
• Innovation: In-house engineering. Three US patents for unique technologies. Constantly working to make products more powerful and easier to use.
• Easy to Use: Simple, clear set up and maintenance. You don't have to be an electronics genius! Some products like the IMS series even automatically detect the sensor you've connected and configure it for you. The owners manuals are extensive and clear to follow. Telephone technical support is there, unlimited and toll free.
• Made in the USA:  Yes! Sensaphone is made in Pennsylvania. All engineering design, manufacturing, servicing, testing and support are here in the USA.

For your data center, Safe Home recommends you choose the IMS-1002 model and then choose from the 9 sensors listed:

• The IMS-1002 Model. The Sensaphone IMS-1000 Internet Remote Monitor, IMS-1002 is a web-based single room monitoring device with a voice modem. It will monitor up to 8 external sensors that are connected via Cat-5 cable. If your computer network failed, you will get a phone call or calls via a standard land line. It is fully Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) manageable.
• IMS-4811 or IMS-4813: The Sensaphone Temperature Sensor (F) for IMS-1000,4000 and the Sensaphone Room Temperature Sensor Celsius for IMS-1000,4000 are room temperature sensors with displays in F. or C.
• IMS-4812: Sensaphone Mini Temperature Sensor for IMS-1000,4000 monitors the temperature inside a cabinet or small space.
• IMS-4821: Sensaphone Humidity Sensor w/Display for IMS-1000,4000.
• IMS-4830: Sensaphone Water Detector IMS-4830 W/10 Ft Rope can be expanded by adding additional units for water detection.
• IMS-4840: Sensaphone 4840 External Power Failure Sensor for IMS-1000, 4000
• IMS-4841 or IMS-4842: Sensaphone IMS AC Current Sensor, up to 15 Amps, C13/C14 and the Sensaphone IMS AC Current Sensor, up to 20 Amps, C19/C20 are current sensors. Each reports the actual current flow in the circuit. If a generator fails to start, you know immediately.
• IMS-4860: Sensaphone Magnetic Reed Door Switch for IMS-1000,4000 monitors a door for unauthorized entry
• IMS-4861: Sensaphone IMS Passive Infrared Motion Sensor for monitoring unauthorized access into a data center
• IMS-4862: Sensaphone Smoke Detector for IMS 1000,4000. Smoke Detector functions independently from any primary fire alarm system.

If a sensor is disconnected, you will get an alert. Each sensor is continuously monitored by the IMS parent unit. Cat-5 jacks and cables make it easier to connect to remote sensors using existing structured cabling.

The data logging includes a time stamped collection of input values that can be viewed and graphed. Plus you will get a detailed event history of user logins, telephone calles, etc. It is possible to add video integration to have an image sent of the condition that tripped the alarm. This is web-based monitoring with a traditional phone line, too.

You can place the IMS-1000 or IMS-4000 into your server rack. There are no moving parts in the IMS-1000 series units: each is complately standalone with its own internal battery back up.

Please contact us if you have additional questions. Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about whether to buy the NextBolt NX3 EZ-Mount Biometric Deadbolt Lock, Oil Rubbed Bronze, NextBolt Biometric Deadbolt NX4 Secure Mount Oil Rubbed Bronze or the NextBolt NX5 High Security Polished Brass Deadbolt.

Q: "Which Actuator Systems deadbolt lock should I buy for my home and for my business? I don't see Bioaxxis locks for sale anymore. These fingerprint dealbolts appear similar. I want a replacement for my front door deadbolt at home. That way my wife, my children and I won't have to bother with carrying keys.  I prefer the oil rubbed bronzoe. And with many new employees, I would like to do away with giving out keys at my business.  Please help me decide. Thanks. Tom."

Answer; The best way to help you decide is to tell you the differences between the three types of deadbolt locks that use keyless fingerprint recognition technology. I will also explain about the lever handle door lock that Actuator Systems makes for higher security.

NextBolt NX3 EZ-Mount Biometric Deadbolt Lock, Oil Rubbed Bronze, The fastest, easiest substitute deadbolt lock for your home outside doors. This units operates in temperatures from -30 Degrees F to =150 Degrees F.

• Direct replacement for current deadbolt lock. Just remove the old one and install this one.
• Five-pin tumbler rekeyable keyway
• 99 maximum users
• Dimensions ( L x W x D )  6'' x 3'' x 1.4''
• Operates for thousands of openings on one set of 4 AA batteries.

NextBolt Biometric Deadbolt NX4 Secure Mount Oil Rubbed Bronze : Operation temperatures: -30 Degrees F to =150 Degrees F.

• Secure mount: two screws go through two holes connecting the front and back plates of the lock: Requires a drill to make holes in door.
• Other wise, same features as above.

NextBolt NX5 High Security Polished Brass Deadbolt: Operation temperatures: -30 Degrees F to =150 Degrees F.

• Eight-pin tumbler re-keyable key way 
• Other wise, same features as above.

Features Common to All Three Deadbolt Locks:

• Deadbolt opens in less than a second
• Impact Alarm:a high-pitched alarm sounds if intruder attempts to enter. Product Warranty Period - Two (2) Years
• Includes three nickel plated brass keys
• Solid brass cylinder plug
• One inch brass deadbolt with case-hardened steel roller pin
• 2 3/8'' (60mm) & 2 3/4'' (70mm); 2 3/8'' (60mm) or 2 3/4'' (70mm) individual backset optional
• ANSI Grade deadbolt
• Weatherproof - Fully resistant to rain, snow, temperature extremes, humidity, UV and dust.
• Up to 99 users.
• Add and delete users individually
• Elegant and contemporary appearance.
• Non-Handed - will fit any left or right handed door up to 2 ¼” thick.
• Sliding weather cover triggers sensor to power on automatically.
• Sliding weather cover also triggers deadbolt to re-engage (no tricky buttons to push or PIN Codes to recall).
• Power: 4 AA batteries
• Battery operation with low battery alert - non-volatile memory will not delete stored fingerprints (even if batteries expire)
• UL, CE, ANSI & FCC approved.
• Product Warranty Period - Two (2) Years

The lever handle door lock is more sophisticated. The ReliTouch RT-201SC Biometric and PIN Handle Lock Satin Chrome features fingerprint lock technology, User ID, PIN technology and key technology. This commercial type lock has been tested for over two million cycles. Use with fingerprint only or with PIN only or with a combination of two identification types. Depending upon how many employees you have, this might be a great solution for your front and back doors to your business. The other deadbolt locks would limit access not only to your home but also to a computer room, your private office, a storage room, etc.  Many people use the NX3 for gun closet security.

ReliTouch RT-201SC Biometric and PIN Handle Lock Satin Chrome Features and Specifications :Operating Temperature Range : -40F to 150 F

• 3rd Generation Biometric Lock for Residential/Commercial applications
• Finish : Satin Chrome
• Fingerprint Scanning : CMOS Optical Sensor or Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Sensor.
• Verification Type :1 to N (PIN or fingerprint only), 1 to 1 (User ID + FP or PIN), Scanning Time : <1 second
• Recognition Time : <1 second/user
• False Accept Rate (FAR): < .001%
• False Reject Rate (FRR): < .01%
• Dimensions : 1.5" D x 3" W x 9.5" L
• Weight : 11 lbs
• Door Thickness : 1 1/2" ~ 2"
• Cylinder : Removable commercial grade 6-pin rim cylinder
• Keyway : SC4 keyway (3 keys included)
• Clutch Design : Free-wheeling
• Backlight : Night view backlit PIN keypad for easy use
• Access Time : 5 seconds access time before door re-locks
• Adjustable Backset : 2 3/8 inches and 2 3/4 inches
• Operating Temperature Range : -40F to 150 F
• 100% Weatherproof : This lock can be placed in adverse weather without the fear of damage caused by moisture, snow, dust, UV, or humidity
• Power Supply : Four (4) AA batteries to operate. Lithium-AA batteries are recommended for longest life.
• Estimated battery life is 12,000 to 21,000 cycles
• Has Low battery alert
• Power Supply Option : Lock can also be hardwired to run full-time on AC by standard 12V DC power supply
• Non-volatile memory :  When batteries are removed or replaced, memory will not be lost, meaning users need not be re-enrolled.
• Impact Alarm Feature : A screeching alarm will sound, If lock is attacked and loses contact with the door  Non-handed design,
• Heavy Duty components : Rated to over 2 Million cycles
• UL-Listed, ANSI Grade 2 tubular latch with 3-hour UL fire-rating
• ADA and HIPAA compliant
• User: Up to 1,000 PIN code users (any PIN-code length per user), or up to 1,000 fingerprint users
• Each user can be set up with any of several access methods, per user, per lock
• Easy to delete or register individual users
• Access Modes : Fast Touch and Go 1:N Mode (1 to Many),  High-Security Access (1:1), User ID+PIN,   User ID+Fingerprint,  PIN only
• Access Control features : Open Mode, Timed Lock Access, Timed User Access, Import Records, Export Records
• Two program methods: at the lock using the LCD or at a PC using the PCMU (not included)
• Optional PC Management Upgrade lets you program all locks and all users at a PC with a high resolution fingerprint scanner (not included) so One (1) GB flashdrive can be used to program all the lockds and download audit trail records so you know where, when and who accessed the door or building.
• Warranty: 2 Years.

Thank you for your question. Unless you are in a very dangerous neighborhood, either the Nextbolt NX4 o4 NX3 would be great choices. These come in satin nickel, oil rubbed brass or polished brass, For your office situation, you may want to install either of these locks on interior room doors where you want access limited. For the building doors of your business, either the NX4 or the NX5 is a great choice. If you have many employees or contractors, have valuable data and/or materials  and want more control, then choose the ReliTouch RT-201SC Biometric and PIN Handle Lock Satin Chrome. Models in other finishes should be available in the near future.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

Question about the Sensaphone Remote Monitoring Systems.

Q: "I need a remote monitor but am confused by what differentiates one model from another. Can you give me a simple explanation? I don't know if I want a 1400, 800, etc. for my green house needs. Thanks. Steve."

Answer: The numbers actually refer to the number of inputs available to you. If you have a small greenhouse set-up, one of the smaller, less expensive basic units would be a good choice. Also consider if you have a cell phone or land line in the building.

Here is some information about the basic units:

• Sensaphone Web600 Web-Monitor Alarm6 available zone inputs. A battery back-up unit (not included) plugs into the left side of the unit. Also there is an ethernet connection and a input for the 5V DC power adapter. There are two lights, a power and an alarm light on the top of the unit. A screwdriver is even included.
• Sensaphone Model 800 Desktop Monitoring System: 8 inputs and 1 output contact. Monitor 8 conditions, plus power failure and sound level.Notify 8 people with custom voice phone calls.Control a thermostat or other device automatically, manually, even remotely.
• Sensaphone 1400 With Solid Door has built-in Power Failure, Sound Level, Temperature Inputs 4-contact or temperature, 4-20mA Outputs 1 Relay (manual or automatic control)Notification 8 custom voice phone calls No monthly fee.
• Solid Door Sensaphone 1800 Remote Monitor Monitor up to 8 conditions, plus power failure and sound level. Notify up to 8 people with custom voice phone calls or text messages. Review alarm history and who acknowledged the alarm event. Control a device automatically, manually, even remotely. Sends a text message and alpha page alarms.
• Sensaphone 2800 Wireless Monitoring System lets you use up to four Sensaphone wireless sensors with the 2800. A variety of wireless sensors types are available to choose from, including:Temperature,Humidity,Power Failure,Motion Detector,Water on Floor.Wireless sensors. Two Wireless Interface modules. These allow you to connect to existing equipment or sensors and transmit their status back to the 2800 wirelessly. There is a Dry Contact wireless module and a 4-20mA wireless module. The 4-20mA wireless module even provides battery backed 24 VDC loop power for your transducer. Built-in Power failure, Sound level. Inputs 4 hard wired universal, 4 wirelesses inputs, Outputs 1 relay (manual or automatic control)Notification 8 custom voice phone calls.

There are numerous sensors available for the inputs. There are some larger units available that can take extra slot cards allowing a larger number of sensor inputs.

Please give us more information about your situation and we'll help you choose.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Door Guardian door lock for use on basement doors and pantry doors.

Q: "We live in a house where the basement door is hinged to open into our kitchen. I am concerned about my curious toddler opening the door with the levered door "knob" and falling down the steep stairs and getting injured. Also there are items in our pantry like dog food that I don't want dumped out while my back is turned. Is this the right product for us? We don't want to install deadbolts in the doors because they are hollow core and the next owner may not see that as positive. Thanks. Sara."

Answer: Yes, the Door Guardian is a terrific child safety device to keep inward swinging doors closed to curious children. When my sons were young, we had a similar set-up and had to install a double turn dead bolt lock high on a hollow core door, a rather permanent installation.

Installation sometimes means mortising out the door frame as the unit has to be level when installed. The lock portion should not cause any harm to the door itself. Mount the Door Guardian high on the door frame so that only older children and adults can reach it. Otherwise, you could find yourself locked in the basement! This is a great addition to a pantry door and a lot less expensive that the combination door lock my son and his wife installed to keep the children from midnight raids that left the kitchen a mess.

Mount the Door Guardian unit at least six inches higher than the door knob or the deadbolt. Depending upon the door frame, you may have to mortise out an area so that the stationary part of the unit can be mounted straight, otherwise the lock part may not keep the door closed. Included are two long dry wall screws and three metal self-tapping screws if your door frame is metal.

Slide forward and flip closed to lock. Slide and turn to open the lock. This is installed on the side of the door with the door knob, on the side that swings inward.

Choose from:

• Silver Nickel Metal Finish Door Guardian Lock
• White Metal Finish Door Guardian lock
• Satin Chrome Finish Door Guardian Lock
• Antique Brass Door Guardian Lock
• Bright Brass Door Guardian Lock

Thank you for your question. Let us know if you have other child proofing concerns: we are happy to help you.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Product: FGD-0006 Magnetic Reed Switch

Q: "I own several convenience stores that accept delivery at the rear of the store. I want to install these switches on the rear doors and on the front doors into each store so that my clerks know when the doors are opened. Is this switch normally closed? Or normally open? Does the magnet hold it open? Thanks, Basil"

Answer: Yes, this switch will meet your needs for monitoring doors. In combination with a Sensaphone system, you'd have all the monitoring capabilities you'd even need without paying for an alarm monitoring service.  The magnetic reed switch may be used with all Sensaphone models to detect any unauthorized entry or intrusion. They are usually installed on doors and windows to detect their opening and closing. Several magnetic reed switches may be wired in series.

My Sensaphone sales rep sent me this response. "The magnetic reed switch monitors the opening and closing of doors. So, this sensor can be configured as normally open or normally closed dependent upon whether the customer wants to monitor the door opening or closing."

From the spec sheet, I also gleaned the following.
Description: The magnetic reed switch may be used with all Sensaphone models to detect any unauthorized entry or intrusion. They are usually installed on doors and windows to detect their opening and closing. Several magnetic reed switches may be
wired in series.

Each FGD-006 package contains:
(1) Sensor
(1) Spacer
(1) Sensor Casing
(1) Magnet
(4) Mounting Screws
(1) Installation Instructions

Dimensions:
Part w/ screw terminals: 2.5 inches x .75 inches x .5 inches
Part w/ magnet: 2.5 inches x .75 inches x about .75 inches
Housing: White plastic

Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about John Sterling security window guards, Max Guards, Fixed Guards and Swing Open Guards .

Q:" Hi I am in need of some expertise here. I am interested in window guards to prevent theft through an open window. If I was to purchase this item ,how do they prevent theft on windows that are open?" A US Navy Chief Gunner Wife.

Answer: The security window guards that we sell are mounted on the inside of the home, apartment or other building. Guards can be mounted to protect only the window opening or the entire window. There are three styles: fixed, removable and swing open. The fixed are not for escape: in some places they are banned and in others they are required in non-sleeping rooms for safety. The Max guards remove completely from the mounting bars. The swing open units do just that.

The two kinds that open have a hole for either a clip or a lock so they cannot be opened from outside the building. The bar spacings vary from 3.5 to 4 inches so a hand could get between the bars but removing anything of any size would be difficult. And removing the clip or lock would be difficult to impossible from the outside. The bars are made of steel. The diameter/size varies from a round bar to the angle type bar of the MAX guards.

Please go to our website to figure out which size or sizes of guards would protect your windows. If you have questions, please send us your window measurements and types of windows and we'll guide you.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product Product Code: JS-1123-P WHITE 3 Bar Fixed Window Guards 23-42 Inches wide.

Q: "Can this style of window guard be installed on crank out jalousie windows?"

Answer: Yes, this fixed window guard can be installed on a jalousie window. What is important is that the guards are installed so that when the windows tilt they do not touch the bars. This may mean mounting the window bars on the window frame or beyond the frame into the wall studs after first screwing blocks of wood on the sides of the windows so as to make sure the window glass does not touch the window guard.

What you have chosen is a fixed or security window guard. These are recommended for non-sleeping rooms. If you are going to install this in a bedroom or are concerned about escape, please consider a window guard that can be opened by removing a lock pin. For example, the WHITE 5 Bar Lift Out MAX Long Window Guard 21x40-60 In. is a sturdy security window guard that also lifts out for window washing and escape. Also the WHITE 6 Bar Swing Open Window Guard (24-42 in. wide) swings open for window washing and escape.

As one website pointed out, the advantage of jalousie windows is the great ventilation and that they do not obstruct the view. The disadvantage is that the panes of glass are small,are a security risk as they are more easily and quietly broken out than a solid pane and are almost impossible to seal for energy efficiency.

Thanks again for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about window guards for a wide, tall sliding window.

Q: "We have large, sliding windows. One side of each window slides horizontally. The inside measurement (ie, the actual "screen" itself - this measurement does not include any window framing, etc) of the screens are: 61" high, 30" wide. I want to be sure to purchase the correct window guard. Do we have to cover the entire opening of the screen? That seems excessive to me. I was thinking that the guard would need to come up as high as a standard safety gate would - but maybe I am wrong. Please let me know if you have what we need. Sincerely, Kimberly"

Answer:
Dear Kimberly,

To childproof a slider window or a casement (wind out) window, the only safe way is to cover the entire window opening with one or more vertically mounted guards spaced side by side with a 4 inch or less space between them. Yes, this means the guard looks like prison bars. Otherwise a child could use a horizontally installed guard as a ladder and climb over the guard and fall out. In order to slide both sides of your window, you will need to stack guards side by side to cover the entire window. To determine the size that you need, please go to our window guard sizing and selection page.

There was a sad situation in New Jersey a few months back. A child fell OVER a horizontally mounted window guard through the screen. It was a slider window. I was contacted by a man who was going to testify about this tragedy. Horizontal window guards are made for single hung or double hung windows: a window stop can be used to stop that window from opening above the guard so the child cannot climb over. Sometimes, parents will protect the entire window if it is next to a bed or sofa where a child might fall against the window and break the glass.

Since this was originally published in 2003, Safe Home has added a second window guard line, the John Sterling line. These are expanding window guards, not telescoping ones. The window guard sizes range include sizes from an 11 inch window guard that expands to 24-42 inches to a 6 bar guard that expands from 58 inches to 76 inches. Some units are fixed ones that can be modified to swing open egress or escape window guards with accessories such as a locking channel for a six bar basic window and a safety release pin to pull out so the window can swing open.

Feel free to contact us if you have additional questions or want to childproof a number of windows in your home.

Sincerely, Barbara