Subscriber Discussion

Burg Alarm Triggers Lights To Turn On?

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Aug 19, 2017

Is this possible and if so, what is the process to make this happen.  I'm being asked by a client if we can do this at their store.

MM
Michael Miller
Aug 19, 2017

What panel do they have?  

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Aug 19, 2017

Michael, its a DMP panel.

MM
Michael Miller
Aug 19, 2017

Does it have automation features? Can you add z-wave option and install a z-wave light switch?

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Aug 19, 2017

I believe the panel is an XR150

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Aug 19, 2017

This could be as simple as adding a 738Z to the panel and replacing a light switch with the Z45740 light switch. 

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MM
Michael Miller
Aug 19, 2017

Yup this is the least painful way to do it.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Aug 19, 2017

How are the lights physically switched and are you licensed for electrical?

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Aug 19, 2017

I'm not exactly sure how the lights are turned on now... but I do know they are on the POE switch.

And yes, full contractor license but we focus on low voltage.  My techs will do the work, I just want a solid answer as this is new to me.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Aug 19, 2017

Knowing what turns them on and off will be a key piece of information.  

Tied to a POE switch?  While it's true there is LED lighting that is powered by POE, that would be a very progressive system.

You can certainly program a low voltage relay from the DMP panel to power a high voltage relay for mechanical switching.  That's old school for old technology. 

If it's as simple as a light switch, there are modules for replacing the switch and using power line carrier X10 or other.

If it's a breaker they flip on, there are ways with that too.

So, back to "How do they control the lights"

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Aug 21, 2017

So they use Surveyor for the lights.

Surveyor Lighting Controls

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Aug 21, 2017

So there you go.  They have an energy managent system.  It appears they sell some thermostats that are a gateway to different operation. 

Best solution.  

Provide 2 wires from your DMP panel that close for a specified amount of time near the EMS head end and let the energy contractor make it work for the owner. 

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Aug 19, 2017

The location is a new build, stand alone retail store and currently has multiple contractors onsite.  The lights are automated to turn on but beyond that part, I am not sure.  Pardon the ignorance but typically we come in and do the video/alarm piece and book it out the door.

I'll ask about the lights and get back to you.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
Aug 19, 2017

The first thing I would ask the customer is what is the purpose of the lights being on in an alarm condition.  Is it for the benefit of a surveillance system?  If not, then it will be for the benefit of the intruder's vision, enabling the intruders to see what they're stealing.

If the lights being on during an alarm event is to enhance the performance of the surveillance equipment, then replacing light switches with motion activated switches would do the same thing, without the need to interface with the alarm equipment.  This would be a simple task.

A strobe light connected to the alarm can draw attention to the interior of the store, and an outdoor audible device should be considered if not present now.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
Aug 19, 2017

If there are contractors on site now, chances are someone is doing the electrical work and you can suggest, to the client, some motion activated lighting devices can be located on the ceiling or at the wall switch, which they can install. 

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
Aug 19, 2017

Installing hardwired Z-wave modules in a commercial building is something I would avoid, as this will extend your liability/responsibility to the electrical/lighting system, a system that you did not install.  Lamp modules that plug into a receptacle are less hassle, can be quickly eliminated as a cause of some type of lighting trouble, and you do not have to be an electrical contractor to plug something in.  But, hardwiring a z-wave light module is something else, requiring more involvement into their electrical system.  In the event there are issues with the lighting system, whether it's your z-wave module or not, you're going to get called in.  Imagine getting called because there is a flickering light, a hum or buzzing sound, a bank of lights are not lighting, dimming issues, etc., their electrician might suggest this is somehow caused by your work or equipment.  If you want to use hardwired z-wave modules, I would have the client's electrician install them and you can enroll them into the controller. Get together with their electrician on this. This way, should an issue develop, you're less likely to get blamed for electrical/lighting issues.

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