Term |
Definition |
bandwidth |
The amount of data a network can transport in a given period of time. Higher bandwidth means more data per second can be transferred.
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biometric |
A security identification system which measures a physical feature (such as hand geometry, retinal scanning, fingerprints, facial or vocal feature), translates it into a digital form, and then compares it with the values found in the approved database. |
bullet-resistant glazing |
Glass consisting of two or more plates bonded with plastic interlayers, generally resistive to penetration by bullets from medium to high power arms.
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burglar-resistant glazing |
Any glazing which is more difficult to break through than the common window or plate glass, such as glass designed to resist smash and grab burglary attacks. It typically consists of two layers of plate bonded with a plastic interlayer.
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buried sensor |
A sensor that detects perimeter intrusion. It is activated when hydraulic pressure in a tube buried near the surface changes as a result of an individual or vehicle passing over the protected area.
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damped sensor |
An inertia or vibration sensor having low sensitivity. Damped sensors are used in locations where heavy ambient movements or vibrations would cause a standard sensor to activate.
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day zone |
A feature of an intrusion detection system that uninterruptedly monitors a highly sensitive area even when the system is disarmed.
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delay circuit |
An alarm system feature that allows the user a preset number of minutes/seconds to enter or exit the protected premises. |
detector |
Any device for detecting intrusion, equipment failure or malfunction, unsafe equipment operation, presence of smoke or fire, or any other condition requiring immediate action. Detectors include a means for translating the detected abnormal condition into a form of alarm signal. |
distributed card access
system |
An access control system in which each card reader has all the intelligence and data required to make access decisions. |
dome camera |
A CCTV camera installed in a tinted dome-shaped housing, so that the camera and its direction are unseen. |
dual technology motion
detector |
A sensor that utilizes two technologies, such as microwave and infrared, in a logical combination to reduce false alarms. |
electric door strike |
An electrically operated door lock with a solenoid and a mechanical latch. Applying power causes the solenoid to withdraw the latch pin so that the door may be opened. |
electric field sensor |
A perimeter-type sensor that responds to a isturbance of the electrical field surrounding it. |
electromagnetic lock |
A type of lock that uses magnetic attraction to hold the latch in the locked position. |
electronic vibration detector |
A detection device that employs a sensitive contact microphone. It is used to protect safes, vaults, files, and art and cultural property, and to monitor entry attempts through walls, floors, and ceilings. |
emergency call panel |
A panel having one or more push buttons that connect directly to a central station or emergency response agency such as the fire department or ambulance service. |
exit button |
An electrical switch that releases the lock on an exit door from a protected area. It is typically used where an access card is required for entry, but not for departure. |
fail safe lock |
A type of lock that automatically opens when a power failure occurs. Typically, a fail safe lock will have an electrically released strike plate or a solenoid operated bolt. |
fail secure lock |
A type of lock that automatically locks when a power failure occurs, as opposed to a fail safe lock. |
fence sensor |
Any of the several varieties of vibration, taut-wire, and electric cable sensors designed for installation on fences. |
fiber optic system |
A transmission system that uses light-transmitting fibers. A fiber optic system that transmits light but not images is called a non-coherent system. A fiber optic system that transmits images is called a coherent system. The image resolution capability is a function of the size and number of fiber optic links. Optic fibers are extremely fine and thousands of them may be combined into what is called a bundle. Because they do not emit electromagnetic emissions they are difficult to detect and interdict electronically, thereby making them desirable for use in high-security data transmission systems. |
field disturbance sensor |
A sensor that triggers an alarm upon detection of change in a radiated or ambient energy field. These sensors are generally used in perimeter security applications. |
fingerprint reader |
A high-security identification device that identifies persons by finger or palmar prints. The system uses a central computer, an optical scanner, and a data base of prints. The unknown prints are placed on a light-sensitive plate. The prints are read by the optical scanner and compared against file prints. |
fixed temperature sensor |
A fire detection sensor that works like a thermostat. Typically, a detector sensitive to heat will cause electrical contacts to close when the temperature around it reaches a pre-set, fixed number of degrees. |
floor sensor |
A sensor installed under, in, or upon a floor and designed to trigger an alarm when an intruder moves across the floor. Typically, a floor sensor operates on a weight or pressure principle. |
f-number |
The ratio of the focal length to the clear aperture in a lens, expressed in the form f/1.8. |
foot candle |
The unit of illuminance on a surface one square foot in area on which there is a uniformly distributed flux of one lumen. |
f-stop |
The lens designation indicating the relative diaphragm opening or aperture diameter. |
glass break sensor |
An electronic detector that evaluates the sound frequencies generated by breaking glass. Contact-type sensors can be mounted directly on the glass; acoustical detectors listen for soundwaves. |
graphic annunciator |
A mimic board or CRT display that has special graphics to delineate alarm zones or sensor locations. It presents an overall picture of a system's status on a map or facility outline and depicts the location and current reporting condition of each sensor. |
hand geometry |
A technique of access control verification that analyzes relative variations in finger lengths. Typically, a person is enrolled in the system through a stored image of one hand. When seeking access, the enrollee places his hand on an imaging plate; a comparison is made of the stored and active images; and if the images match to a predetermined accuracy, access is granted. |
hardening |
Enhancements to make an object or material more difficult to penetrate. |
heat detector |
A sensor that detects the presence of heat, with or without the presence of smoke or fire conditions. The device operates either by a rapid change in temperature or by a rise in temperature above a given level. When the temperature change occurs, an alarm is activated. Fixed temperature and rate-of-rise sensors are examples. |
high-pressure sodium lamp |
A security lamp having a long and dependable service life. When combined with the proper ballast, it will tolerate 40 to 50 percent dips in power. A power interruption of only one-twentieth of a second, however, can cause this type lamp to extinguish and begin its re-strike sequence. Re-strike is rated as instant, but the lamp will not be at the fully rated output until it has returned to its normal operating temperature. High-pressure sodium luminaires are an excellent choice for lighting systems to be used in conjunction with TV surveillance systems, both indoors and outdoors. They provide high efficacy, uniformity, and a short re-strike. A possible disadvntage of high-pressure sodium is electromagnetic radiation, which could cause interference with electronic equipment or systems, including alarms. |
high-resolution monitor |
A CRT display unit having a horizontal resolution greater than the standard 500-line monitor. When the number of lines of picture information is increased, the display is sharpened and the detail improved. |
inertia sensor |
A sensor that causes an alarm condition when it has experienced a movement caused by shock or vibration. The term also refers to an intrusion detector capable of tolerating background vibration without loss of sensitivity to intrusion attempts. |
infrared card reader |
A card reader that uses an infrared light source to read information encoded in an access control card. It operates on an optical density principle. |
infrared motion detector |
A passive, low-power, area-protection device that detects a change in ambient temperature caused by movements of a body or objects within a protected zone. Sensor circuitry generates an alarm when a moving object causes a change in a radiated energy pattern covering the protected zone. For example, an intruder moving into a protected zone would introduce a heat change caused by the intruder's body heat. |
interior microwave motion
detector |
A sensor designed specifically for indoor use, and usually consists of a single transceiver. Microwaves are transmitted into the protected area so that a constant pattern of microwaves are reflected back. Movement within the protected area disturbs the constant pattern and a comparison circuit trips an alarm. |
interior zone |
A protective zone established inside a perimeter zone. |
intrusion detection system |
A system combining mechanical or electric components to perform the functions of sensing, controlling, and announcing unauthorized entry into areas covered by the system. |
keypad |
An arrangement of finger-touch buttons on a wall plate or similar mounting device. Pressing the buttons in a pre-designated sequence will transmit electronic signals to achieve a security purpose, such as to turn an alarm system on or off. In computer usage, it is the small set of keys next to the main keys on the keyboard of a terminal. |
lacing sensors |
A network of very fine wire placed in a concealed fashion around a protected object or at a point of entry such as a skylight or cellar window. If the lacing is broken, an alarm results. |
laminated sensor |
A thin lamination of metallic foil layered between paper or some other nonconductive substance. The laminate is attached to a surface such as a wall surrounding a protected area and electrified. A penetration of the laminate will cause an alarm. |
laser identification |
Property identification system in which a laser beam applies to high value items microscopic identification numbers too tiny to be seen by the naked eye. |
laser intrusion detector |
A sensor that activates upon detection of a break in a beam generated by a low-power laser. |
layered security |
A physical security approach that requires a criminal to penetrate or overcome a series of security layers before reaching the target. The layers might be perimeter barriers; building or area protection with locks, CCTV and guards; and point and trap protection using safes, vaults, and sensors.
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line amplifier |
A device that compensates for line loss, generally a broadband amplifier. A line amplifier permits extension of an audio signal across a greater distance. |
local alarm |
An alarm that is annunciated in the immediate vicinity of the protected premises. |
logical access |
Access to the information content of a stored record. |
lumen |
The quantity of luminous flux intercepted by a surface of one square foot, all points of which are one foot from a uniform source of one candela. |
lux |
A metric unit of measurement for light; one lux equals one lumen per square meter. |
magnetic contact |
A device that activates when the magnetic field set up between two contact points is broken. |
magnetic lock |
A door lock consisting of an electromagnet and strike plate. The electromagnet is mounted in the door frame opposite the strike plate, which is mounted in the door. When current is applied, the strength of the magnet holds the door locked. Magnetic locks operate on low voltage and consume little power. |
mantrap |
A double-door booth or chamber that allows a person to enter at one end, undergo an access identification routine inside the booth, and if the routine is satisfied, the lock on the booth door at other end is released. When cctv is used, it is called a video access booth. |
mercury vapor lamp |
A lamp that emits a blue green light caused by an electric current passing through a tube of conducting luminous gas. It is more efficient than the incandescent lamp of comparable wattage, and is used for interior and exterior lighting, especially where people work. |
microwave motion detection |
Detecting the presence of an intruder in a specific area, through the use of radio frequency generating and receiving equipment operating in the range of 1 GHz to 300 GHz. |
microwave sensor |
A sensor that detects the movement of a person or object through a pattern of microwave energy. Microwave sensors which use the Doppler Effect to recognize movement within a protected area (monostatic sensors) are most effective for indoor applications. Microwave sensors employing the beam break principle (bistatic) are often used in outdoor applications. |
motion detection |
Detection of an intruder by making use of the change in location or orientation in a protected area as the intruder moves around. In video motion detection, this means changes in key parameters of a viewed scene from a recorded reference image of that scene. |
multiplexer |
A device that allows two or more signals to be simultaneously transmitted on a single communication or data channel, or carrier wave. |
optical fibers |
Glass or plastic threads used to transmit light energy. |
outrigger |
The angled metal extension at the top of a fence. |
outside perimeter |
A line of protection, such as a fence, surrounding but not immediately adjacent to the structure or area under protection. |
radiation detector |
A sensor that emits radiation waves and annunciates when the pattern of normal waves is disturbed. |
redundant design |
A design of alarm equipment involving two or more components so arranged that failure of one will call one or more of the others into service. |
remote keypad |
A keypad mounted away from the alarm system's control panel and used to arm/disarm an alarm system and/or shunt circuits. |
RFI |
Radio frequency interference; undesired radio frequency signals that compete with desired signals in amplifiers, receivers, and instruments. |
risk |
The analysis and measurement of potential loss or damage of an asset, based on the probability of an undesirable occurrence. |
risk acceptance |
A willingness to accept the maximum probable loss associated with a successful criminal attack. |
risk assessment |
Identification of risks and vulnerabilities to persons, property, operations, or business function or activity, and evaluation of the importance of the function to the continuation of the operation or activity. |
tamper switch |
A switch is used to sense unauthorized tampering of equipment. The switch is mounted on the inside of control panels and siren housings |
target hardening |
Using physical barriers or changes in a location to reduce the opportunity for crime and make completion of a crime more difficult. |
tiger team |
A team of experts who assess the security measures of a computer system by conducting unannounced penetration attempts such as trying to circumvent access controls of a data center or by-passing password protections installed on desk top computer assets. |
time/date generator |
In CCTV, a monitor display of the time and date. It is useful for logging and documentation. |
transmission control
protocol/Internet protocol
(TCP/IP) |
An Internet standard that makes communicating possible among different computers.
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transmitter |
A device that produces a radio frequency or other electrical signal for conveyance to a compatible receiver. A transmitter/receiver is a device capable of maintaining two-way communication. |
turn-key system |
A system that is supplied to the user in a ready-to-run condition. Preparatory procedures such as installation, setup, and testing are usually performed by the supplier. |
turnstile |
A mechanical or electromechanical entry-exit device that controls the flow of individuals between areas. A turnstile may be activated remotely or locally by a key or access card, or by a switch or keypad. |
ultrasonic motion detector |
A sensor that detects motion by transmitting an inaudible, high-frequency sound emission that reflects off objects. |
ultrasonic |
Sound waves generally above 20 KHZ, which are too high to be heard by the human ear. |
Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) |
An independent, not-for-profit, US testing and certification organization for testing product safety. |
uninterruptible power-
supply (UPS) |
A system that provides continuous power to an AC line within prescribed plus or minus tolerances. A UPS protects against over-voltage conditions and brownouts |
user identification code |
A unique sequence of alphabetic or alphanumeric characters assigned to an authorized computer system user. |
vibration sensor |
A sensor pre-set for a degree of vibration which if exceeded will cause an alarm to be given. It is commonly used for door and window protection. |
video motion detector |
A sensor that sends an alarm signal when the electrons on the face of a closed circuit television camera tube are excited by an object moving into the field of view or a designated portion of the field of view. This system allows the operator immediate viewing of the act causing the alarm. |
video window |
A portion of a CCTV image in a video motion detection system that has been selected for constant analysis. Any movement or change in the window portion will produce an alarm. The window is typically a square or rectangle and may be bordered. |
volumetric sensor |
A sensor with a protection pattern extending over a volume such as a room or an open field. Infrared and microwave sensors are volumetric in nature because they detect the presence of an intruder within a defined three-dimensional space. |
vulnerability |
An exploitable capability; an exploitable security weakness or deficiency at a facility, entity, venue, or that of a person.
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vulnerability analysis |
A method of identifying the weak points of a facility, entity, venue, or person. |
window switch |
A sensor that detects the open or closed position of a window, or an in-between position when a window is set to a partially open position while the alarm system is armed to permit outside air to enter a room without the window open enough for an intruder to enter. |
zone |
A section of an alarmed, protected, or patrolled area. A zone often means a space having one or more sensors. |
zone expander |
A device that allows more than one individual zone to be monitored over a single pair of wires. The device is armed and powered from a main controller.
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zoom lens |
A single lens with a variable focal range. |
zoom ratio |
The ratio between the longest and shortest focal length of a single lens. |
