Home alarm systems, house security in Cyprus by M Erotocritou

Frequently Asked Questions

General

I was told that wireless alarms are less reliable and prone to intereferece - is this true?

This is true for the cheap wireless alarms you will find everywhere in the internet, selling for a few dozens of dollars or Euros. It was also true for most wireless alarm systems sold a few years ago. The previous model of Erotocritou (not sold anymore) had no actual reports of flase alarms. The current model operates at the 868MHz frequency, which is regulated and especially designed for zero interference. Moreover, since Erotocritou's devices are wireless, it is not possile for an intruder to bypass the system by simply cutting the wires that connect these devices to the main unit of the alarm.

I was told that I have to install new, expensive batteries every few months in my system's devices - is this true?

This is true -again- for the cheap wireless alarms you will find everywhere in the internet, selling for a few dozens of dollars or Euros. Erotocritou's devices operate on simple AAA (alkaline or normal) batteries, that you can buy everywhere. Under normal operation, the batteries of the devices last for about 2 years and may even last up to 4 years. The main unit will inform the user when the batteries of any device are low, many weeks before they are actually drained.

Q.	Can I install the system in an office environment - or it's only for home use?
A.	Of course you can - moreover, coupled with the wireless external keypad, the system can let trusted employees who have been granted authority to arm or disarm the system while entering the premises.

Devices

Q.	What is a PIR sensor?
A.	PIR (passive infra-red) sensors sense movement and change in temperature at the premises they are installed at. They are for internal use and are the primary means of detecting intrusion inside a house or office. PIR sensors are usually installed at the corners -or at the center- of a room, thus covering the entire area where an intruder might get access.

How are magnetic contacts and glass-break detectors are used?

Magnetic contacts consist of two parts: a transmitter and a magnet. The transmitter is placed on the door case (or window frame) while the magnet is placed on the door or on the window.
When the door or the window is closed, the transmitter and the magent are considered as "one" device by the main unit. If an intruder separates them, then an alarm will be triggered. When placed at all doors and windows of a house, magnetic contacts allow the inhabitants of a house to activate them at night (wihout activating the PIRs), thus enabling perimeter security while at the same time, the inhabitants are able to freely move inside the house.
The glass-break detector works in a similar way: it consists of a detector which has to be stuck on a large window, and a transmitter. If the detector senses a considerably large vibration or breaking of the window, it issues an alarm.

Q.	Is there a limit to the number of devices that the main unit can support?
A.	The Erotocritou wireless alarm system can support the largest number of devices, compared to similarly-priced (or even much more expensive) systems in the market. It can support more than 250 security and environmental detection devices.

Installation

Q.	If I install two or more Erotocritou wireless alarm systems in neighbouring houses or offices, will there be any interference problem?
A.	No, under no circumstances. Every detector has a pre-configured code, set at the factory. The keyfobs support rolling-code technology while issuing a command to the main unit. The main unit itself uses a custom algorithm to detect the constant change of codes. If you lose your keyfob, you can just erase it from the system and it will no longer be able to be used again by anyone.

Q.	Will I need an extra phone jack for the system to use while calling after a triggered alarm?
A.	No, you will not need an extra phone jack. Your phone cable will be placed at the "line-in" jack of the main system and an extra cable (suppied) will be used to connect the main unit to your phone.

What are "zones"? Why do I have to use different zones in an alarm?

Zones are distinct -and different- protection areas. The Erotocritou wireless alarm system does not need to separate protection areas into zones, as all of its devices can be addressed individually, thus creating a multi-zone (more than 250) system. Entrance devices (zones 1 & 2) can be addressed as delay zones, so as for users to have the extra time needed to enter and exit the house or office while disarming or arming the system.

Q.	Can I use Erotocritou to secure my boat?
A.	Not only you can use Erotocritou to secure your boat, but coupled with the optional GSM unit, you will have the ability to arm or disarm the system from anywhere in the world. Moreover, if an alarm is triggered, you will be notified via SMS messages, which will include the specific device that triggered the alarm.