NAPCO iSecure IBR-TOUCH-WL User manual

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© NAPCO 2019 OI413LF 12/19

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The iSecure IBR-TOUCH-WL
Smart 7" Wireless IoT Touchscreen
is a "smart", user-friendly, interactive
interface designed for your Napco iSe-
cure security system. Its interactive
touch screens will not only display the
status of your system, but will also give
you step-by-step instructions to guide
you through all operations.
This booklet contains important
information about the operation of your
system with the app; read it carefully
and keep it handy for future reference.
Check the Glossary for terms that may
be unfamiliar to you.
You'll probably find subjects or
screens mentioned in this booklet that
do not apply to your system. The Nap-
co iSecure system has such a wide
variety of features that few security
systems, if any, will ever need them all.
Your alarm professional has chosen
appropriate features for your particular
needs.
Regardless of how your system has
been configured, rest assured that it has
been carefully designed and engineered
to the highest industry standards. To
assure optimum safety and security,
familiarize yourself with this equipment.
Periodically check its condition and
state of readiness by testing it at least
once a week in both the ac/battery and
battery-only modes (ask your alarm
professional how to make these tests).
OVERVIEW
IMPORTANT - TEST YOUR SYSTEM WEEKLY
Test your sounding device and backup battery
(These tests should only be performed on weekends or at a time
designated by your alarm company.)
1. While disarmed, at the Home Screen, tap Security > MENU.
2. Answer NO by tapping BYPASS until "ACTIVATE SIREN TEST Y/
N" appears in the window.
3. Tap YES by tapping MENU to execute the test. The alarm will
sound for about two seconds.
 If the alarm does not sound, call for service.
 If the battery is low, "LOW BATTERY E02-00 SERVICE" will
appear in the display indicating a low battery condition. Allow 24
hours for the battery to recharge. If the trouble continues, call for
service.
Test your central station communicator
1. Tap the User Settings ("gears") icon (shown at
right).
2. Tap "Test Wi-Fi Connection". In the screen that
appears, verify the Wi-Fi signal strength is sufficient.
If insufficient, relocate Hub.
3. Tap "Run Diagnostics". Wait for the process to complete.
 The parts of the test that were not successful will have an "X" next
to their description(s). Important: For wireless keypads connect-
ed using Wi-Fi only, an "X" will always appear next to "Serial Con-
nection" . Contact your security dealer if any parts of the
system are in need of correction.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................4
YOUR "HOME SCREEN"......................................................................................5
HOME SCREEN ICONS.......................................................................................6
SECURITY KEYPAD CONTROLS & INDICATORS .............................................7
WARNING ICONS ................................................................................................9
GO-ANYWHERE SMART HUB ICONS AND LEDS ...........................................10
ARMING AWAY: SETTING THE ALARM WHEN LEAVING..............................11
ARMING STAY: PROTECTING YOURSELF AT HOME....................................13
EASY EXIT / EMERGENCY BUTTONS .............................................................14
TURNING OFF THE ALARM (DISARMING) WHEN RETURNING.....................15
ARMING "NIGHT": PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN SLEEPING..................16
FIRE PROTECTION ...........................................................................................17
FUNCTION MENU..............................................................................................21
CENTRAL-STATION MONITORING ..................................................................26
ADVANCED FEATURES ....................................................................................27
KEYPAD MESSAGES ........................................................................................28
USER SETTINGS MENU....................................................................................31
"VIDEO" BUTTON...............................................................................................36
"VIDEO" BUTTON > ENROLL CAMERAS..........................................................37
"CLIMATE" BUTTON ..........................................................................................40
GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................41
SYSTEM TROUBLE ERROR CODES................................................................43
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS..........................................................................47
LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................................................................48
TO SILENCE AN ALARM, ENTER YOUR
CODE, AND TAP DISARM
FOR SERVICE, CALL: ______________________
CENTRAL STATION: ______________________
EXIT DELAY: _____________________________
ENTRY DELAY: ___________________________
FIRE ALARM SOUND*:
______________________________________
BURGLARY ALARM SOUND*:
_____________________________________
EMERGENCY FIRE ENABLED? YES NO
EMERGENCY PANIC ENABLED? YES NO
EMERGENCY AUX. ENABLED? YES NO
*FIRE HAS PRIORITY OVER BURGLARY.

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING NAPCO
This guide will introduce you to the features of your
iSecure IBR-TOUCH-WL Smart 7" Wireless IoT
Touchscreen.
For assistance, please go to:
 http://www.napcosecurity.com/
For User Guides and other documentation, go to:
 http://tech.napcosecurity.com/
Note: Screen images, icons and instructions
shown in this guide may vary depending on the firm-
ware version installed.
IMPORTANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION
With regard to non-Napco software applications, if you
use, link to or download a service or software applica-
tion such as a non-Napco location-based GPS type
service, chat room, marketplace or social network
from this device, you should carefully review the terms
of service or application. If you use any of these non-
Napco services or applications, personal information
you submit may be read, collected, or used by the ser-
vice or application provider and/or other users of those
services. Napco is not responsible for your use of
those applications or for the information you choose to
share with others. Specific terms and conditions, pri-
vacy polices and terms of use apply to those non-
Napco applications and services. Please carefully
review all conditions and terms applicable to those
services and software applications for all privacy poli-
cies, risks or waivers. Your Napco Limited Warrantee
and other terms and conditions govern your use of all
Napco wireless products and services.
INTRODUCTION
Some of the screen images in this guide were created using the Android operating system; most of the corresponding iOS screens are similar. Changes to the app may
occur over time, so keep in mind that all images and text are subject to change without notice.

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YOUR "HOME SCREEN"
Security: Tap to display the status of your alarm
system. Allows the control of all system operations, just
like a standard wired keypad (see page 7).
Video: (optional) Tap to discover and view the cam-
era transmissions in your system (see page 36).
Automation: (optional) Tap to control the Z-Wave
home automation system components (see OI414) includ-
ing lighting and other devices.
Climate: (optional) Tap to control the Z-Wave home
automation thermostats and other climate control devices
(see page 40).

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HELP: On-screen instructions
for Z-Wave functions.
HOME: Tap to return directly
to the Home Screen.
SIGNAL: Displays the wireless
signal power. The indicator dis-
plays 3 bars maximum; the more
bars lit, the stronger the wireless
signal. A red "X" appears when
the device is not connected.
MESSAGES: Tap to open the
iBridge Messenger login screen.
The iBridge Messenger SMS/
MMS Notification Service keeps
you informed and in control of
your protected premises through
emails, SMS messaging, or video
alerts (10-second MMS video
clips) sent to your smart phone.
LOCKING DEVICES: (optional)
Tap to access the Z-Wave door
locking devices in your system.
TROUBLES: Appears if a prob-
lem occurs in the system that
may prevent arming (see SYSTEM
TROUBLE ERROR CODES). If you
are unable to clear the trouble to
allow the system to be armed,
call for service immediately.
EMERGENCY Buttons: Used
to signal an audible Fire, Police
or Auxiliary emergency.
USER SETTINGS: Tap to ac-
cess the screens to allow chang-
es to the way your app operates
(see USER SETTINGS MENU).
SECURITY: This icon is your
gateway to your alarm system.
From here you can arm, disarm,
bypass and control all system
operations.
VIDEO: (optional) Tap to dis-
cover and view the camera trans-
missions in your system.
AUTOMATION: (optional) Tap
to control the Z-Wave home au-
tomation system components,
including lighting and other devic-
es.
CLIMATE: (optional) Tap to
control the Z-Wave home auto-
mation thermostats and other
climate control devices.
HOME SCREEN ICONS
The "Home Screen" may contain other touchable icons, including:

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1
SECURITY KEYPAD CONTROLS & INDICATORS
2
6
7
14
10
13
12
16
17
4
11
3
8 9
5
15
Change
Area

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1. Banner: Displays system status
messages, zone descriptions, etc.
2. BACK Button: Tap to return to
the previously selected screen.
3. Keypad Window: Displays system
status messages, zone
descriptions, Area number, system
date and time.
4. MENU: Enter User Code first,
then tap MENU. Selects available
system functions as displayed in
the window. The selected function
is executed by tapping ENTER.
Turn to page 21 for descriptions of
the Function Menu buttons that
appear. (2) Scrolls window display
backward (PRIOR). (3) Answers
"No" to questions in the window
display. (2) Scrolls the window
display forward (NEXT). (3)
Answers "Yes" to questions in the
window display.
5. BYPASS: (1) Deactivates
selected zones from the system.
(2) Unbypasses a bypassed zone.
6. Emergency Buttons: Used to
signal an audible Fire, Police or
Auxiliary emergency (for example,
a medical emergency).
7. User Settings: Tap to allow
changes to the way your app
operates (see USER SETTINGS
MENU on page 31).
8. RESET: (1) Resets various
system troubles, displays, etc. (see
text). (2) Resets residential smoke
detectors.
9. Area (*): Selects other areas (see
Manager's Mode on page 12).
10. Numerical Keys (1-9, 0): Used to
enter codes, zone numbers, etc.
11. Clear: Tap to clear previously
entered data.
12. Disarm: Enter code and tap
Disarm to turn off your alarm
system.
13. Arm Night: When retiring for the
evening, after all family members
are home, tap Arm Night to bypass
all Interior Zones simultaneously to
allow free movement within the
premises, while the protection of
armed perimeter zones is
maintained. In addition, the exit
delay is canceled on the exit/ entry
zone(s), causing an instant alarm
upon violation.
14. Arm Away: Arms all zones in
the system, with display indicating
the exit time remaining.
15. Change Area: Selects other
areas (see Manager's Mode on
page 12).
16. Arm Stay: (1) Bypasses all
Interior Zones simultaneously
("STAY Mode") to allow free
movement within the premises.
Press and hold down when the
system is armed in "STAY Mode"
to cancel entry delay on Exit/Entry
zones, causing an instant alarm
upon violation.
17. HOME: Tap to return directly to
the Home Screen.
SECURITY KEYPAD CONTROLS & INDICATORS

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"AC Power Loss"
 Appears during AC power outages
 Disappears when AC power restored
"Zones Bypassed"
 Appears when zone(s) are bypassed (see "Selectively Bypassing Zones" on page 11)
"Fire"
 Appears during a Fire Alarm
 When Pulsing: Fire Alarm Silenced
"System Trouble"
 Appears when a Fire or general trouble is detected
 Flashing: Trouble has been acknowledged
"Low Battery"
 Go-Anywhere Smart Hub backup battery low voltage condition detected
WARNING ICONS
Multiple combinations of icons may appear on the Home Screen:

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"ARMED" Light (Red)
 Steady On: Armed
 Slow Flash: Alarm
 Rapid Flash: Instant
 Off: Disarmed
"STATUS" Light (Green)
 On Steady: Disarmed
and all zones secured
 Off: Open Zone
"Fire" (Red)
 On Steady: Fire Silenced
 Pulsing: Fire Alarm
"Trouble" (Yellow)
 Steady: System Trouble
Acknowledged
 Flashing: System Trouble
"Bypassed" (Yellow)
 On: Zone(s) Bypassed
"Go-Anywhere Hub AC" (Green)
 On: AC on
 Off: AC off
"Cellular Signal Strength" (Green)
 Flashes: Go-Anywhere Hub
Cellular signal strength 1-8
"Operational Status" (Yellow)
 Normal: Momentary Blink every
10 seconds
 All Other Blinks: Cellular Com-
munications in progress
"IP Network Wi-Fi" (Yellow)
 OFF: Network OK
 Rapid Flashes: No IP connection
 1 blink: No network cable
detected
 2 blinks: No access to Internet
via network cable
 3 blinks: Ethernet failed to com-
municate
 4 blinks: Ethernet poll / checkin
failure
 5 blinks: Wi-Fi enabled but no
Wi-Fi installed
 6 blinks: No Wi-Fi access to
internet
 7 blinks: Wi-Fi failed to communi-
cate
 8 blinks: Wi-Fi poll / checkin fail
 9 blinks: Wi-Fi no serial data
response
 10 blinks: Wi-Fi security
authentication failed
Wireless Transmissions (Green)
 On: Receiver trouble due to ex-
cessive radio noise in area. Try
relocating the Go-Anywhere Hub.
Otherwise, call for service
 Rapid Flicker: Transmissions in
progress
 Flashing: 900MHZ peripheral
download Status
 Off: No transmissions
GO-ANYWHERE SMART HUB ICONS and LEDs

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ARMING AWAY: SETTING THE ALARM WHEN LEAVING
Arming the System - Arm Away
1. From the Home Screen, tap Security to display the keypad.
2. Check the touchscreen. On the face of the unit are two lights. The top green STATUS light must be lit in order
to arm. If the green STATUS light is off, the description of any unsecured zone(s) will display. Find each problem
zone and secure by closing windows, doors, etc. When all zones are secure, the green STATUS light will light
and the Keypad Window and Banner and will both read, "System Ready".
3. Arm the system. Enter your User Code followed by Arm Away. On the Hub, the green STATUS
light will turn off and the red ARMED light will turn on. Note: If you enter an invalid User Code,
the system will beep 4 times and a voice prompt will inform you of the invalid code. Re-enter your
User Code.
4. Leave the premises. Leave through the exit door before the exit time expires.
Priority Arming
If you attempt to arm the system with an unsecured ("faulted") zone, a 3-second tone will sound and the TROUBLE
icon will appear on the left side of the screen (shown at left), indicating that the zones must be secured before the
system can be armed.
Selectively Bypassing Zones
If you cannot locate or repair a faulted zone, it can be removed from the system, or bypassed from the system:
1. If you start at the Home Screen, tap Security to display the keypad.
2. At the keypad, tap the zone number, then tap BYPASS.
The BYPASS icon will appear (shown at left) indicating that a zone has been bypassed.
Note: Bypassed zones are unprotected! If an unsecured zone cannot be secured, have the system checked as
soon as possible. To remove the bypass from the zone (to "unbypass"), repeat this procedure, and the BYPASS
icon will disappear. Note: Some installations may require a code before bypassing or unbypassing a zone. If in
doubt, ask your security system installer if a code is required.
(TROUBLE Icon)
(BYPASS Icon)
Arm
Away
BYPASS

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System Trouble
If you attempt to arm with the TROUBLE icon displayed, a 3-second tone will sound and a voice prompt will inform
you of the inability to arm at the Go-Anywhere Smart Hub. This means the system has detected a problem that may
prevent it from operating normally. A number corresponding to the trouble will then appear in the display (for exam-
ple, 'E-02 Low Battery' indication). Refer to SYSTEM TROUBLE ERROR CODES on page 43 for descriptions of
these troubles. If you cannot correct the problem immediately, press RESET and you will then be able to arm the
system in this condition. Note: If you cannot clear the trouble, have the system checked as soon as possible.
Area Arming (Optional)
In a system that has been partitioned into two Areas, one of the Areas may be armed while the other remains disarmed.
Manager's Mode
The Manager's Mode allows the user to arm / disarm selected Areas in a partitioned system. To arm a different Area:
1. If you start at the Home Screen, tap Security to display the keypad.
2. At the keypad, take note of the current Area number displayed at the top of the Keypad
Window. For example, "SYSTEM READY 1" indicates the keypad is currently provid-
ing status and control of Area 1.
3. At the keypad, tap the "star" button (⋆) or the Change Area button. Notice the number
will change to Area 2. The keypad will now provide status and control of that Area.
4. Enter your User Code followed by Arm Away.
To return to the other Area, simply repeat steps 2 and 3.
Notes:
 The User Code must be valid in both Areas.
 If any zone is not secured, the TROUBLE icon will appear (shown above). All faulted zones in the
respective Area(s) must be secured or bypassed. Note: If a system trouble is indicated, the system cannot
be armed using this method.
 Only one Area can be armed at a time.
 The BYPASS icon appears on the left side of the keypad screen when zones are bypassed.
ARMING AWAY: SETTING THE ALARM WHEN LEAVING
(TROUBLE Icon)
--or--
Change
Area
*

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Arm Stay
Interior zones, when bypassed, allow for free movement within the home while the protection of armed perimeter zones is
maintained. To bypass interior zones:
1. If you start at the Home Screen, tap Security to display the keypad.
2. Enter your User Code followed by Arm Stay.
On the Hub, the red ARMED light will "slow blip off", the green STATUS light will turn off and the BYPASS icon
will turn on to indicate zones are bypassed.
On the touchscreen, the Banner and Keypad Window will count down the exit time (in 10-second decrements), and will
display, "PLEASE LEAVE NOW" allowing you the option to leave the premises during this exit delay or remain inside.
Automatic Interior Bypass (Optional - Automatic Interior Bypass programmed? □YES □NO)
Your system may have been programmed for Automatic Interior Bypass, allowing the system to recognize when you have
armed AWAY but remained in the house, thereby prompting the system to automatically adjust the interior protection
accordingly.
 If you arm AWAY but do not exit (the exit door does not open and close), all Interior zones will automatically bypass at
the end of the exit delay (thus arming STAY). On the Hub, the red ARMED and yellow BYPASS lights will turn on, and
on the touchscreen, the Banner and Keypad Window will read, "ARMED STAY", indicating that it is safe to move within
the premises.
ARMING STAY: PROTECTING YOURSELF AT HOME
Arm
Stay

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ARMING STAY: PROTECTING YOURSELF AT HOME
Emergency Buttons (Only available if programmed)
If programmed, Emergency Buttons are always active, whether the system is armed or
disarmed. All Emergency buttons, when activated, are audible within the premises.
Fire Emergency: Tap the gold "E" button, then press and hold the FIRE button to
alert the central station of a fire emergency.*
(Fire Emergency programmed? □YES □NO)
Police Emergency: Tap the gold "E" button, then press and hold the POLICE button
to alert the central station of a police emergency.*
(Police Emergency programmed? □YES □NO)
Auxiliary Emergency: Tap the gold "E" button, then press and hold the AUX button
to alert the central station of an Auxiliary emergency.*
(Auxiliary Emergency programmed? □YES □NO)
Easy Exit (Optional - Easy Exit programmed? □YES □NO)
Your system may have been programmed for Easy Exit, which allows you to exit the premises while the system is armed
STAY or armed NIGHT. By activating Easy Exit while the system is armed STAY or NIGHT, the Exit Delay countdown will
take place, during which time you are permitted to leave through the exit door. The Easy Exit Delay time will be identical to
the usual Exit Delay time the system gives you each time it is armed STAY or NIGHT. This will allow, for example, an early
morning commuter to exit the house, without having to disarm and rearm the system, awaking the family.
 To activate Easy Exit on your system while the system is armed STAY or NIGHT: At the
keypad, press and hold the Disarm button.
* Note: Discuss your Emergency fea-
tures with your installation company.
(To activate, press and hold until beep)
Disarm
Note: All Emergency buttons, when
activated, are audible within the premises.

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TURNING OFF THE ALARM (DISARMING) WHEN RETURNING
Disarming the System
1. Enter your premises through the entry/exit door. The Hub will sound a steady tone to remind you to disarm
the system before your entry delay time expires.
2. Enter your User Code and tap Disarm. On both the Hub and touchscreen, the red ARMED lights will go out,
indicating that the system has been disarmed.
 If you enter an invalid User Code, the Hub will beep 4 times, signifying an error. Re-enter your User Code
immediately. Note: 10 seconds before the entry delay expires, the Hub will emit a pulsing warning tone.
Alarm Indication / Silencing an Alarm
If the red ARMED light is flashing upon entry, an alarm occurred while you were away. The display will scroll the number(s)
of the violated zone(s). Proceed with caution! If you suspect that an intruder may still be on the premises, leave immediately
and call authorities from a neighbor's telephone!
To silence an audible alarm:
1. Enter your User Code and press Disarm. After the system is disarmed, the window will continue to display
the number(s) of the zone(s) violated.
2. To reset the display, note the zones violated, then press RESET.
Ambush (Optional) My Ambush Code is ___________
If an intruder forces you to disarm your system, enter your Ambush Code and press ENTER. Using your Ambush Code will send a
silent alarm to the central station. Simply enter the 2-digit code (prefix) just prior to your normal User Code.
 Example: If your User Code is 1 2 3 4 and your Ambush Code is 9 9, press 9 9 1 2 3 4 ENTER.
The Hub and touchscreen red ARMED light will go out and the green STATUS light will turn on, as if the system were normally
disarmed. The system will appear to be disarmed normally, and there will be no indication that a special "silent" alarm has been
sent to the central station.
Disarm
Disarm

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ARMING "NIGHT": PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN SLEEPING
Night Mode: Instant Protection
When retiring for the evening, after all family members are home, you can bypass all interior zones simultaneously
to allow free movement within the premises, while the protection of armed perimeter zones is maintained. The Exit
Delay countdown will take place, during which time you are permitted to leave through the exit door. When the Exit
Delay ends, a violation of any perimeter zone will cause an instant alarm.
1. If you start at the Home Screen, tap Security to display the keypad.
2. At the keypad, enter your User Code followed by Arm Night.
On the Hub, the red ARMED light will rapidly blink, the green STATUS light will slowly blink and the
BYPASS icon will turn on to indicate zones are bypassed.
On the touchscreen, the Banner and Keypad Window will display "EXIT TIME XXX", "PLEASE LEAVE
NOW" (where " XXX" represents the exit time remaining, in 10-second steps).
Arm
Night

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FIRE PROTECTION
(Applicable only where local ordinance permits use of this alarm system for fire protection)
Fire-Zone Alarm
If a fire is detected, "FIRE ALARM" will be displayed and the Hub sounder will pulse. In addition,
the FIRE icon will flash.
1. If a fire is in progress, evacuate the premises immediately! If necessary, call the
Fire Department from an outside telephone.
2. Tap RESET to silence the sounder and reset the alarm.
NOTE: When the Fire Zone is reset, the FIRE icon on the display will go out. If
the FIRE icon is still displayed, the fire zone has not been properly reset. If you cannot clear this
condition by tapping RESET, call for service.
Fire-Zone Trouble
1. If a problem in the fire-circuit is detected, "FIRE TROUBLE" and the zone number will display
and the sounder will pulse to signal a malfunction. The "System Trouble" icon will flash accom-
panied by the audible message, "System has detected trouble condition".
2. Tap RESET to silence the sounder. Call for service immediately! Note: When
the fire trouble clears, the Hub will reset automatically.
FIRE ALARM
FIRE TROUBLE
(TROUBLE Icon)
(FIRE Icon)
RESET
RESET

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FIRE PROTECTION
Preparing a Fire Escape Plan
Even with the most advanced fire alarm
system, adequate protection requires an
escape plan.
To prepare your plan, draw floor plans of
your building. (Space is provided on the
next page). Show two exits - a front or
back door and a window from each room.
(Make sure the window works. You may
need a special fire-escape ladder if the
window is high up). Write down your
outside meeting place.
Family Rehearsal
Rehearse each of the following activities:
1. Everyone in his room with the doors
closed.
2. One person sounds the alarm.
3. Each person tests his door.
4. Pretend the door is hot and use the
alternate escape exit.
5. Everyone meets outdoors at the
assigned spot.
Important! - Read Carefully
Discuss these escape procedures with all
those who use the building:
1. In a residence, sleep with the
bedroom door closed. A closed door
will hold back deadly smoke while
you escape.
2. When the fire alarm signals, escape
quickly. Do not stop to pack.
3. Test the door. If it is hot, use your
alternate route through the window.
If the door is cool, brace your
shoulder against it and open it
cautiously. Be ready to slam the
door if smoke or heat rushes in.
Crawl through smoke, holding your
breath. Close the doors again on
leaving to help prevent the fire from
spreading.
4. Go to your specific outdoor meeting
place so you can see that everyone
is safe.
5. Assign someone to make sure
nobody returns to the burning
building.
6. Call the Fire Department from a
neighbor's telephone.
Would You Like More Safety Information?
For more information on home fire detection, burn safety, and home fire safety,
write to the National Fire Protection Association, Public Affairs Dept. 05A,
Batterymarch Plaza, Quincy, MA 02269.

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FIRE PROTECTION
Floorplan
Draw a plan of your premises in the space provided below.
Floorplan

20
FIRE PROTECTION
Although a fire alarm system may be of
a reliable and state-of- the-art design,
neither it nor its peripheral detection
devices can offer guaranteed protection
against fire. Any such equipment may fail
to warn for a variety of reasons:
Control panels, Hubs, communicators,
dialers, smoke detectors, and many other
sensing devices will not work without
power. Battery- operated devices will not
work without batteries, with dead batteries,
or with improperly-installed batteries.
Devices powered solely by AC will not
work if their power source is cut off for any
reason.
Fires often cause a failure of electrical
power. If the system does not contain a
working battery backup power supply, and
if the electrical circuit feeding the devices
is cut or is not providing power for any
reason, the system will not detect heat or
smoke or provide any warning of a
possible fire.
Telephone lines needed to transmit
alarm signals to a central monitoring
station may be out of service.
Smoke detectors, though highly
effective in reducing fire deaths, may not
activate or provide early-enough warning
for a variety of reasons: (a) they may not
sense fires that start where smoke cannot
reach them, such as in chimneys, walls,
roofs, behind closed doors, etc.; (b) they
may not sense a fire on a different level of
the residence or building; (c) they have
sensing limitations; no smoke detector can
sense every kind of fire every time.
Thermostatic heat detectors do not
always detect fires because the fire may
be a slow smoldering low-heat type
(producing smoke); because they may not
be near the fire; or because the heat of the
fire may bypass them. These detectors will
not detect oxygen levels, smoke, toxic
gases, or flames. Therefore, they may only
be used as part of a comprehensive fire-
detection system in conjunction with other
devices. Under no circumstances should
thermostatic heat detectors be relied upon
as the sole measure to ensure fire safety.
Alarm warning devices such as sirens,
bells, or horns may not alert someone
behind a closed or partially-opened door.
Warning devices located on one level are
less likely to alert those on a different level.
Even those who are awake may not hear
the warning if the alarm is obscured by
noise from a stereo, radio, air conditioner,
or other appliance, or by passing traffic,
etc. Alarm warning devices, however loud,
may fail to warn the hearing impaired.
Alarm products, as all electrical
devices, are subject to component failure.
Even though the equipment is designed for
many years of trouble-free performance,
electronic components could fail at any
time.
Above are some of the reasons that
fire alarm equipment could fail. The most
common cause of an alarm system not
functioning when a fire occurs is
inadequate testing and maintenance. The
system should be tested at least weekly to
ensure that all the equipment is working
properly.
While an alarm system may make one
eligible for lower insurance rates, it is not a
substitute for insurance. Homeowners,
property owners, and renters are therefore
urged to maintain adequate insurance
coverage of life and property.
LIMITATIONS OF FIRE ALARM WARNING SYSTEM