The Central Station is recognised as the nerve-centre of the entire electronic security network. A SAIDSA “approved” Central Station is required to comply with stringent standards which have been set by the South African Intruder Detection Services Association.
The purpose of setting high standards is to:
- Force the serious security companies to upgrade and maintain the physical structure, equipment and operational methods of their Central Station.
- Offer clients peace of mind that their intruder alarm systems are professionally monitored and their system information is well protected 24 hours a day.
- Limit the proliferation of the unprofessional “fly-by-night” operators by setting them apart from professional security companies.
- The ultimate goal is to improve and maintain a consistent standard of electronic security throughout the industry.
In order for a Central Station to become “approved” in terms of the SAIDSA specifications, certain criteria must be met. Protection of a Central Station from any form of physical attack, is of utmost importance.
Floors, walls and roof are required to be of a substantial specified fabric and structure. The windows are to be protected by bullet-resistant glass and grenade screens. The entrance to a Central Station has two electronically interlocked doors separated by a lobby, with closed-circuit television monitoring the approaches, thus protecting the Central Station from unauthorised or forced entry.
All the equipment pertaining to the receipt and processing of alarm signals is duplicated, allowing for a swift and simple switch-over should any device become faulty. A continuous standby power supply to all essential equipment is mandatory. It is therefore possible to operate a Central Station continuously without loss of security or degradation of performance.
The receiving antenna together with the various relay sites and repeater stations are well protected against tampering.
The Central Station operator requires intelligence and initiative and is trained to understand the significance of their actions and the vital role they play in the operational functions within the security network.
Communication devices enable the monitoring process to be further improved by signal differentiation which means that the computer tells the operator what type of signal has been generated e.g. “burglary”; “fire”; “hold-up”; etc. It is therefore possible to prioritise the order in which these signals should be attended to and to ensure the correct type of action.
The Central Station can monitor and identify signals such as low battery, power failure, tampering and locking up of business premises and can identify who has armed or disarmed the system. This has proved to be a significant management tool to many commercial, industrial and financial institutions.
Communications to and from an alarm system can be performed remotely from the Central Station via a modem, enabling information to be downloaded or uploaded as required