Glossary for Fire Alarms, CCTV, Intruder Alarms and Access Systems

Fire Alarms

Air Sampling Smoke Detection: A sensitive method that draws air through pipes to detect smoke particles early.
Alarm Silence: Temporarily mutes an alarm sound while the issue is addressed.
Aspiration System: The mechanism that draws air in air sampling detectors.
Beam Detector: Uses infrared to detect smoke across wide areas.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: Detects toxic CO gas for fire and life safety.
Emergency Evacuation: Organised exit process triggered by fire alarms.
Fire Alarm System: A network designed to detect and alert occupants to fire risks.
Flame Detector: Identifies infrared or ultraviolet light from flames.
Heat Detector: Activates based on high or rapidly rising temperatures.
Multi-Sensor Detector: Combines smoke, heat, and CO detection in one unit.
Photoelectric Smoke Detector: Detects smouldering fires using light scattering principles.
Smoke Detector: Senses smoke to warn of potential fires.
Smoke Layer Detection: Identifies smoke accumulation via beam detectors.
Voice Evacuation System: Broadcasts voice messages to guide evacuation.
Voice Prompt: Audible instructions issued by alarm systems.
Water Flow Detector: Detects water movement within sprinkler systems.

ANPR Camera: Uses OCR to read vehicle licence plates.
Audio Analytics: Analyses sound patterns captured by CCTV.
CCTV: Closed-circuit system for video surveillance.
Day/Night Camera: Infrared-equipped camera for 24/7 use.
Digital Video Recorder (DVR): Stores video footage from CCTV in digital format.
Dome Camera: Discreet IP camera in a dome housing.
Floodlight Camera: Camera with built-in lighting for security.
Focal Length: Determines camera field of view.
HD Camera: High-resolution camera offering clear footage.
IP Camera: Digital camera transmitting over IP networks.
PTZ Camera: Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera with motorised control.
Thermal Camera: Detects heat for low-visibility surveillance.
Video Analytics: Software that identifies events in CCTV footage.
Video Motion Detection: Detects movement and triggers alerts.

Access Level: Permissions defining entry rights.
Anti-Passback: Prevents repeat use of credentials at the same entry.
Biometric Authentication: Uses physical traits (e.g. fingerprint) for access.
Fail-Safe Lock: Unlocks during power loss for safety.
Fail-Secure Lock: Remains locked during power loss for security.
Magnetic Lock: Electromagnetic door securing mechanism.
Proximity Reader: Grants access with proximity tags or cards.
Smart Card: Card with embedded chip for secure entry.
Time and Attendance System: Tracks staff entry and exit times.
Two-Factor Authentication: Combines two credentials (e.g. card + PIN).