Most alarm-annunciation systems are equipped with logging and alarm printers.Īlarm printers are typically of the high-speed, continuous-feed variety. Logged information is important not only for security personnel investigating an event, but also for maintenance personnel checking equipment performance for such causes as false and nuisance alarms. A silence switch is usually provided to allow the operator to silence the bell or tone before actually resetting the alarm.Īll alarm-system activity (such as a change of access/secure status, an alarm event, an entry-control transaction, or a trouble event) should be logged and recorded. In any case, the audible alarm serves to attract the operator's attention to the visual-alarm display. The audible alarm may be produced by the ringing of a bell or by the generation of a steady or pulsating tone from an electronic device. In conjunction with the visual display of an alarm, the alarm-annunciation system must also generate an audible alarm. To assist the operator in determining the correct response, alarm-specific instructions may be displayed adjacent to the alarm information.

If alarms are prioritized, higher-priority alarms may be highlighted by blinking, by using bold print or reverse video, or by changing colors. Both text and graphic information can be displayed in a variety of colors. Monitors provide great flexibility in the type and format of alarm information that may be displayed. Alphanumeric displays and map displays are seldom used. Status information is usually displayed on monitors. The type of display used to inform the operator visually of the ESS's status is determined primarily by the system's complexity. Devices such as push buttons and keyboards permit an operator to acknowledge and reset alarms, as well as change operational parameters. Audible devices are used to alert an operator to an alarm or the equipment's failure. Visual displays and printers can be used to inform the operator of an alarm or the equipment's status. The operator interacts with the alarm-annunciation system through devices that can be seen, heard, or touched and manipulated.

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