Open the window to alarm screens

System can be ineffective if not properly configured.

A criminal usually selects the path of least resistance when attempting to gain entry into a building, whether it is a door or
window, especially if it is open or unlocked. With this in mind, if a customer wants to be able to leave their windows open and still
utilize their alarm system, the particular window either has to be shunted or a machine wired screen can be provided for detection
capabilities in this application.
In their infancy, alarm screens were hand laced by the installer, which was not only very time consuming but, among
other things, was the creation of other problems such as wiring that became loose over time, or excessive false alarms due to the
methods needed to keep the wiring taut on the screen.
Then came the machine wired screen, which provides a much more effective and uniform wire trap detection pattern
across the screen that remains taut. This is more difficult to defeat, and maintains good protective loop circuit resistance. The
screens are manufactured using fiberglass and aluminum mesh materials. Notably, if the screen is not properly configured, it could
be rendered ineffective and dangerous to the end user.
By way of example, if the machine wired screen is not properly trapped in all four corners, through trap wiring or contacts,
the perpetrator can simply bend in a corner of the screen and gain entry into the premises without detection. Even more troubling is
that under most circumstances the intruder is not trying to circumvent the alarm screen, he just pushes the screen in and no alarm
condition occurs. Similarly, screens which are wide can be intentionally beat by the intruder through simply cutting in between the
vertical alarm detection circuit wiring and spreading the mesh which, based on the screens size and width, will provide more than a
sufficient opening for the intruder to gain entry into the premises without detection.
To address this vulnerability, have the screen manufacturer run the mesh (wiring) horizontally. It is also important to note
that over the past 30 years, I have investigated numerous burglaries where the aforementioned methodologies occurred and, as a
result, the alarm system unilaterally failed. Indeed, with a machine wired screen installed in the window, the alarm industry is telling
the customer that they are Safe to leave their windows open with the alarm system armed. Clearly, once the window is left open,
the opportunity for the perpetrator to gain access into the residence has been made much easier. However, if the screen is properly
configured, an alarm should detect this change of state and activate.
In the crime triangle, for a criminal event to occur, the following generally applies and/or is present; one is motive, two is
intent, and three is opportunity by the perpetrator.
Unfortunately, the only part of the crime triangle that we in the alarm industry can help minimize is the opportunity function
of this equation.
An alarm system can be designed and configured to help accomplish this task; by thwarting or minimizing the intruders
opportunity, such as the alarm activating and the central station being alerted to this criminal activity when the screen is breached
early in the act.
Besides the issue of properly trapping the screen for appropriate detection capabilities, it is also important to recognize
that the machine wired screen must also be properly supervised with end-of-line resistor supervision (EOLR) so that if an accidental
or intentional short occurs, the control panel set will be electronically configured upfront and, as is required, to detect this
impairment; as such, it will alert the subscriber and the remote monitoring station for appropriate action.
For enhanced security, have the screen manufacturer conceal the end-of-line resistor (EOLR) within the screen frame
itself. Of course, the ultimate location of the screen with the end-of-line resistor built-in, and how the protective loop circuit wiring is
arranged is mission critical for proper protective loop circuit supervision. Lastly, if you put each screen on its own zone, you can
have the end-of-line resistor built in to each of the screen frames.
Jeffrey Zwirn, CPP, CFPS, CFE, DABFET, CHS-III, SET is the president of IDS Research and Development
and an internationally recognized alarm and security authority serving as a resource to professionals, providing expert assistance
and consultation in all types of claims. He is an independent, court-qualified alarm and security expert with more than 35 years of
hands-on experience in the industry.
Editors Note: This column is not intended to be legal advice and should not be construed as such. Please first consult
and lawyer and/over advisors with any concerns or questions before taking any actions or inactions.