Abstract: An alarm or security system (10) employs sensors (12) interspersed throughout a building (B). Groups of the sensors are connected to respective control panels (P1-Pn) which are interconnected with each other for communications therebetween. Each control panel operates audio annunciators (20) for sounding an audio alarm when a sensor goes into alarm, as well as visual indicators (22) for providing a visual indication of an alarm condition. A method of synchronizing the sounding of the audio alarm and providing the visual indication includes designating one control panel a master panel (M) and the other panels as slave panels (S). The master panel generates a command signal for activating the audio annunciators and visual indicators to produce an audible alarm and a flashing light each of which separately indicates an alarm situation within the building.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the status of an alarm or security system (10) installed at a facility (F). A sensor (S) responds to the occurrence of a predetermined condition by going into alarm and an indication thereof is communicated to a call center (CC) which forwards the information to a monitoring site (M1-Mn). The monitoring site then processes the information about the status condition and determines what action is to be taken in response thereto. Before forwarding the information to the monitoring site, the call center first sends a protocol message to the monitoring site querying whether or not the monitoring site is available to receive forwarded status condition information. The information is forwarded only if the monitoring site responds affirmatively to the message. Otherwise, the call center either retains and processes the received status condition information, or forwards it to a second monitoring site.

Abstract: A method of remotely communicating with a control panel (CP) of an alarm system (A) so to access information about the system and its operation. A communication's connection is first established between the control panel and a remote location (R). The communications channel preferably uses the internet (I). Once a communication's link is established, a login algorithm is exchanged in order to validate permissions once complete, analog values from various detectors are retrieved, as is other requested information about the system and its operation. Different people with different responsibilities as to the system have controlled levels of access to the system. Downloaded information is used to prepare various reports as to the status of the system, necessary maintenance and repairs, and performance evaluations such as incidence of false alarms.