Network and Cellular Fire Transmitter Approval Provides Cost Savings for Installers and End-Users
For the first time ever, the City of New York Fire Department has approved the use of cellular and network communicators for primary fire alarm signaling to central stations. The approval is for products manufactured by DMP, including the ANSI/UL 864 listed DMP XR100 and XR500 Series control panels with network and 463G cellular alarm communicators. The DMP cellular transmitters can be programmed to use a variety of cellular networks including AT&T™ and T-Mobile™ and soon Verizon™.
This approval breakthrough is made possible thru extensive testing completed by the FDNY in cooperation with DMP to demonstrate the reliability of the technology. By programming the communicators to send check-in messages every five minutes, the end-to-end FACP to central station receiver, meets the already established NFPA 72 code for fire alarm signaling, and now it has officially been approved for use in New York City.
“Customers will save big on telco communication costs along with having a higher level of signal integrity. Network and Cellular communications are very reliable, and the speed at which they communicate to the central station is impressive; when lives are on the line every second counts.” says Terry Shelton, Director of Product Quality Assurance for DMP.
The built-in network and 463 Series cellular unit fits neatly into the DMP XR100/XR500 enclosures, requiring no additional power supply or equipment cabinets. Programming is accomplished through the keypad on the alarm control, and the SIM card is included with the transmitter. Installing dealers use SecureCom Wireless Cellular Service from DMP, providing a one-stop cellular connection process. Cellular signal strength can be viewed from the keypad of the control panel.
There are several advantages to using the DMP network and 463 Series communicators. When compared to digital fire alarm transmitters that require two separate telephone lines, the cost of a network and cellular connection may save end-users from $60 to $100 per month. IP and cellular networks are robust, less likely to fail during inclement weather conditions, and there is little possibility of outside interference stopping the alarm and supervisory signals from reaching the central station.
While UL and the FDNY have approved the DMP network and 463G cellular communicator for alarm transmission, alternate and redundant communication paths can also be easily provided for up to eight distinct primary/backup alarm transmission paths. These transmitters from DMP allow fire alarm installation companies to provide not only a dramatic monthly cost savings for their end-users, but also simplifies fire alarm system installation.