DD243 Overview

1. DD243 Overview • On overview of the DD243 policy and its impact on alarm installation companies

2. What is DD243? • BSI DD 243: 2002 is a code of practice for the installation and confirmation of intruder alarm systems designed to generate confirmed alarm conditions. • The document was written in response to the ACPO Security Systems Policy 2000 published by the Association of Chief Police Officers, which became effective on October 1st 2001

3. What does it mean? • It means that if you supply intruder alarm systems that require a police response, you may need to dramatically change the way you design and/or install those systems. • This applies to systems installed to BS4737, BS7042 or EN50131-1

4. When does it become effective? • DD243 became effective on 1st July 2002. Any new intruder alarm system installed on or after this date and requiring police response must meet the requirements of the policy. • Additionally, any existing intruder alarm system that loses police response after 1st July 2002 must be upgraded to comply with DD243 to regain response.

5. What does DD243 cover? • In basic terms the policy covers four separate areas: • Section 4 Primary design and configuration considerations. • Section 5 Design, installation and configuration of intruder alarm systems incorporating alarm confirmation technology. • Section 6 Other means of minimizing false alarms. • Section 7 Handling of Alarm Information by ARCs.

6. What are the key points? • The following are what we feel are the key points of the DD243 policy. This is not a definitive list and should not be seen as the limit of an installation company’s responsibilities, merely as a guide to some of the main issues.

7. Section 4: Primary design and configuration considerations • 4.1 Design Objectives IASs (Intruder Alarm Systems) should be designed, installed and configured: a) to provide effective confirmation facility; and b) to minimise the likelihood of false alarms. • Emphasis is placed on the design of the system for compliance with the policy requirements. This requires proper risk assessment including detailed discussion with the client and taking into account the insurance requirements.

8. Section 4: Primary design and configuration considerations • 4.3 Transmission Fault Signals DD243 recognises that there are two circumstances where there may be high confidence that there is a genuine intrusion or attempted intrusion: - a) if an ARC receives a transmission fault signal followed by an alarm signal, or vice versa, from the same protected premises during the same set period; b) if an ARC receives two transmission fault signals from the same protected premises, one from each of two transmission paths of different technologies (e.g. cable and radio)

9. Section 4: Primary design and configuration considerations • 4.3 Transmission Fault Signals • The ARC and the police will treat either of the above circumstances in the same way as confirmed alarm messages. • The Provision of two transmission paths is optional – and the provision of two transmission paths does not equate, of itself, to the system being fitted with confirmation technology.

10. Section 5: Design, installation and configuration of intruder alarm systems incorporating alarm confirmation technology • 5.4.1 Criteria for sequentially confirmed alarm conditions • The general criteria for the way an IAS is configured for an alarm condition to be sequentially confirmed is as follows: • At least two separate alarm conditions are reported, each originating from an independent detector, within the confirmation time; and • The two detectors must be: • EITHER of different technologies • OR (if they are of the same technology) the two detectors must not have overlapping areas of coverage.

11. Section 5: Design, installation and configuration of intruder alarm systems incorporating alarm confirmation technology • 5.4.1 Criteria for sequentially confirmed alarm conditions • The detectors must have separate outputs and be connected to separate zones in the control panel. Although two separate zones must be used, the detectors can be in the same area, or room. • The ‘confirmation time’ is the term used for the period of time after the first activation, during which a second, or confirmed, activation can be reported. The confirmation time must not be less than 30 minutes and must not be more than 60 minutes. • Two detectors of different technologies (such as the Pyronix Veritec P2) are allowed. Two detectors of the same technology are also allowed provided that those detectors do not have overlapping areas of coverage.

12. Section 5: Design, installation and configuration of intruder alarm systems incorporating alarm confirmation technology • Where both detectors are movement detectors further rules apply under the following section: • 5.4.2 Configuration of movement detectors that may offer a sequentially confirmed alarm. • Where any two movement sensors are used (single technology or dual technology) and they do not have overlapping areas of coverage, they should be located far enough apart to minimise the possibility of false alarms. (NSI suggests 2.5m)

13. Section 5: Design, installation and configuration of intruder alarm systems incorporating alarm confirmation technology • In the case of two movement detectors, with any overlapping areas of coverage, at least one must be a dual-technology detector. The overlapping areas of coverage should be at the far end of the field of view, to minimise the overlapping coverage areas and thus, the likelihood of false alarms. Again these detectors should be mounted ‘some distance apart’. • Two separate dual-technology movement detectors with overlapping areas of coverage are allowed, providing the above criteria is met.

14. 4.3 Configurations not regarded as offering a sequentially confirmed alarm condition. • This section describes other configurations that are NOT ACCEPTABLE under the DD243 policy. • These are basically as follows: • A ‘double knock’ configuration • A ‘dual-technology’ detector • Two (or more) detectors or devises of the same type with overlapping areas of coverage including • Two vibration sensors. Two glass break sensors. Two foil-on-glass detectors. Two door contacts (or similar). Two audio monitoring devices. Two video motion detection devices. Two or more detectors responding to a change in atmospheric pressure.

15. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.2 Alarm Filtering All Intruder Alarm Systems must EITHER: a) have the means to indicate to the ARC whether the IAS is set or unset; OR b) be capable of generating a secondary signal identifiable at the ARC as a mis-operation signal. • These requirements remain the same as under the NACP 14 and the previous DD243: 1999 document. • The filtering period (maximum 120 seconds as recommended in BS5979) will apply from the first, unconfirmed activation and will continue to run even in the event of a second, confirmed activation during the filtering period.

16. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.2 Alarm Filtering • There are a series of conditions that mean that alarm filtering can be over-ridden. All four must apply and these would only ever be effectively possible on some commercial systems. The four conditions are: 1) Set/Unset monitoring in use 2) Alarm at least 30 minutes after latest agreed setting time 3) Alarm at least 30 minutes before earliest agreed unsetting time 4) System set at least 15 minutes before alarm occurs

17. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.3 Means of Completion of setting • The six permitted options for completion of setting IASs are as follows: a) Key operated shunt lock fitted to final exit door b) Push button switch mounted outside the protected premises c) Protective switch (ie door contact) fitted to the final exit door d) Portable ACE e) In conjunction with an ARC f) In the case of systems installed to comply with BS EN 50131, other means.

18. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.3 Means of Completion of setting • The traditional timed exit method of setting is now not allowed under DD243 unless the set period is completed by the means of a push-to-set button or final door set using door contacts. • Other methods are now acceptable including completion of setting using a portable ACE (ancillary control equipment). • It is worth noting that means of COMPLETION of setting is not the same as means of setting. For example a traditional end user code entered into a Remote Keypad (such as the Pyronix MX-LCD) is acceptable, provided the completion of the setting procedure is by a push-to-set button or by door contacts on the final exit door.

19. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.3 Means of Completion of setting • Where systems are installed to EN 50131, setting from outside the protected premises is permitted. • Whatever method is chosen, there should be a time-limited indication to the user that the setting has been completed. This may be audible i.e. the cessation of the exit tone.

20. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.4 Means of unsetting • There are five options for means of unsetting under the DD243 policy. a) Unlocking the initial entry door unsets the IAS b) Unlocking the initial entry door disables all means of confirmation c) Opening the initial entry door disables all means of confirmation d) Completion of unsetting is achieved using portable ACE e) Unsetting is carried out in conjunction with an ARC

21. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.4 Means of Completion of Unsetting • This section is possibly the one that will have the biggest impact on many installation companies. • The traditional timed entry route, with the end user entering their code at a remote keypad, is no longer acceptable. • Options (a) and (b) require an electrical connection between the lock and the IAS. For example an electric lock or a shunt lock may be used. Electronic access control liked to the IAS is also acceptable.

22. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.4 Means of Completion of Unsetting • Option (c) is obviously the one that leaves greatest risk as a forced entry through the entry door would disable confirmation! It is unlikely that this method of unsetting will be acceptable to insurers for all risks. Furthermore, if this method is adopted the installation company must advise the customer in writing that all confirmation is disabled when the entry door is opened. They must also obtain, from the customer, in writing; that this is acceptable.

23. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.4 Means of Completion of Unsetting • Option (d) will allow the use of an entry timer in conjunction with a portable ACE (such as the Pyronix Prox) The portable ACE can be self-powered or can be in the form of a proximity tag or card. It must be a single action device to unset the system (such as presenting a tag or card to a proximity reader) and must offer security of no less than that provided by a key switch of 1,000,000 differs.

24. Section 6: Other means of minimizing false alarms • 6.4 Means of Completion of Unsetting • The main advantage of using portable ACE is that means of alarm confirmation are not disabled when the initial entry door is opened. Where a portable ACE is used however, there are points worth noting with regard to confirmed alarms involving the entry route. • If the entry time expires without the IAS being unset, an unconfirmed alarm will be signalled to the ARC. At that point the ARC will apply the alarm filtering delay. • If a detector off the entry route subsequently activates a further unconfirmed alarm will be signalled to the ARC. Only on activation of a second, independent detector will a confirmed alarm signal be able to be sent to the ARC.

25. Some Questions Answered • Do I need to change the equipment I use? • The policy calls for several key changes in the way that systems are designed and installed. It is the installation company’s responsibility to ensure that both their systems and the individual components used within them, comply with the requirements of DD243. • Several DD243 compliant control panels are already available on the market (such as the Pyronix Matrix 832+) and so it is vital that installation companies check with their current suppliers for compliance. • If an installation company is currently installing non-compliant products in a system requiring police response they are breaking the law.

26. Some Questions Answered • What do all the abbreviations mean? • Within the DD243 policy several abbreviations are used: • ACE Ancillary Control Equipment • Portable ACE Portable Ancillary Control Equipment • CIE Control & Indicating Equipment • IAS Intruder Alarm System • ARC Alarm Receiving Centre

27. Some Questions Answered • Where can I learn more? • The British Security Industry Association have issued the ‘BSIA Guide to DD243: 2002’ (BSIA Form No.140) and the National Security Inspectorate have issued the ‘Commentary on BSI Draft for Development DD243: 2002’ • Both of these documents contain further information about the policy. • The policy itself can be obtained from the BSI.

28. Some Questions Answered • Which Pyronix products comply? • Pyronix Limited, as a UK manufacturer, has been at the forefront of providing new technology to help UK installers meet the requirements of the ACPO and DD243 policies. • With a range of products specifically designed to ease compliance, Pyronix is positioned to be the partner of choice for professional installation companies looking to gain the technical and commercial edge over their competition.

29. Some Questions Answered • Which Pyronix products comply? • The Veritec P2 sequential confirmation detector combines two independent technologies, a PIR and a Pressure Wave Sensor, within one housing to provide the ultimate solution for those utilising sequential confirmation techniques. This product was awarded overall winner for product Innovation at the BSIA Awards 2002 • The Prox SA and Prox R range of Proximity Readers are perfect for companies recognising the benefits of using a portable ACE to comply with setting and unsetting procedures.

30. Some Questions Answered • Which Pyronix products comply? • The Matrix 832+ Control Panel and Accessories is the latest innovation from Pyronix, the current Security Manufacturer of the Year. This total control equipment solution is completely modular, ensuring that installation companies can tailor the system exactly to the needs of the individual client. • It goes without saying that the Matrix 832+ is DD243 compliant. • The Verified Systems Audio Verification range from Pyronix is considered by many to be the industry’s leading audio verification solution. Recently redesigned and re-launched to provide even more installer benefits the Verified Systems range is now better value than ever.

31. Some Questions Answered • How else can Pyronix help me? • Pyronix prides itself on offering industry-leading levels of customer service and support. • Each of our professional Account Managers are supported by a team specifically tasked with maintaining our service levels to you. • A large technical support team, marketing department and team of Internal Sales Executives are all here to ensure that you experience ‘customer delight’!

32. Some Questions Answered • How else can Pyronix help me? • We offer certified engineer training, bespoke marketing packages, customer business reviews, loyalty schemes as well as customised pad printing services, product literature and the other services that you expect from the Security Manufacturer of the Year. • To find out how Pyronix can help you drive your business forward contact us today.