Electical Contractor

Video surveillance is a powerful tool, especially when price is not the main deciding factor behind what is purchased. While some camera systems cost less, the overall effectiveness is markedly less than when image quality is made a priority.

The demand for security and active life safety systems is growing because there is an expectation of safety in public places, and the new technology is less expensive than doing the job with “feet on the street.”

Museums are among the most difficult for security companies to protect because of the many methods criminals use to gain unauthorized access. The risk rises with the number of valuable items on display.

There are two basic categories of alarm panels on the market today: residential and commercial. Commercial panels, whether single- or dual-use combination, must be tested by a third-party organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) of Northbrook, Ill.

One way electrical contractors (ECs) ensure safety is to install smoke alarms in every home they wire. Not only does code call for 120V AC smoke alarms in one- and two-family dwellings, but most local fire authorities also require them.

Hospitals, nursing homes and healthcare facilities are transitioning to digital. This renovation is necessary to maintain and upgrade data, surveillance and security, often with convergence of all low-voltage systems on one cable infrastructure.

The need to control access into and out of buildings is fundamental to maintaining effective security. Not only is this important from the perspective of asset protection, but also for the safety of those who live, work at and visit these locations.

According to the FBI, there were more than 1.4 million acts of violent crime, or 466.9 offenses per 100,000 Americans, in 2007. Over the same period, nearly 10 million property crimes occurred, or 3,263.5 per 100,000.

Cameras in public places are becoming more commonplace. Cities frequently install cameras on light poles overlooking street corners, at hot spots around the city, on government buildings, and other places.