The VdS-concept for the important minimisation of false alarms by intruder alarm systems has been standard in Germany since the 1970s. The additional security factor referred to as “Coerciveness” is now also adopted in the upcoming part 12 of the EN 50131 series of standards.
False Alarm Protection
One important criterion for the successful use of Intruder Alarm Systems (IAS) is not only the rapid detection and alarming in the event of imminent disaster, but also the so-called false alarm protection. Ultimately, the inadvertent triggering of inferior systems has extremely negative effects on the reactions of the surroundings as well as the connected security and safety services. Logically, the fourth alarm in a row, which is then genuine, no longer receives the necessary attention. VdS, Europe's largest institute for burglary protection, has successfully tackled this core problem for decades with the concept of “Coerciveness”.
"A VdS-approved Intruder Alarm System can only be armed from the outside" |
“A large proportion of false triggering is caused by human error during the entry or access of the monitored area – by the Intruder Alarm System operators themselves,” explains Günter Grundmann, head of the VdS-Laboratories for Electronic Security Technology. “We ensure the vital minimisation of these false alarms among other things. A VdS-approved Intruder Alarm System can only be armed from the outside. To re-enter the secure area, the authorized person must first disarm the IAS. Otherwise, the access is prevented by an additional electromechanical element, a so-called blocking device. A very simple but effective principle.”
Despite the initially increased costs for the IAS installation, the minimisation of unwanted alarms over the entire life cycle of the system leads to high cost savings. In addition, the tried and tested VdS concept ensures that all monitored windows, doors, etc., are closed before it can be armed. Thus, a costly obligation breach of the insurance contract by, for example, tilted windows can be ruled out and excluded.
Globally Valid IEC Standard
These “Coerciveness” mentioned VdS-requirements for the arming of the systems have been firmly established in Germany since the 1970s. In the EU guidelines for IAS, EN 50131-1, this procedure, which was also required in the connection conditions of the German police, was previously listed but not specifically required. This will now change: the responsible body, CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) has adopted “Coerciveness” in its technical specification TS 50131-12, the pre-cursor of a European standard, as a “best practice”. The working group also formulated specific product requirements based on VdS-Guidelines. In addition, the TS will probably also be used as a globally valid IEC standard.
Grundmann says: “Thanks to the VdS experts and all the partners who con-tribute their expertise in our guidelines – like so much other VdS support, your qualified elaborations in the area of alarm arming have now been adopted into the European Security Standards.”