FAQ

Besides the increased capacity (we can monitor hundreds of points on a single system), a commercial security system can provide multiple partitions (allowing some areas of your facility to be armed while others are not), can be set up to provide you notification if the alarm is not set or turned off according to your business schedule. Plus, we can monitor more than just security points- we can provide temperature monitoring for your critical areas such as server rooms and refrigerated rooms.

Unlike many of the other systems we provide, whether or not you need a fire alarm system often depends upon the ordinances of the municipality the property is in. ABF highly recommends a fire alarm system regardless of whether or not you are required to have a fire alarm system by code.

Depending on jurisdictional differences, permits and plan reviews will usually be required. More often than not, this adds a significant amount of time to the typical fire alarm installation. If you are preparing to occupy a new facility in the near future, it is best to act now and talk to one of our commercial account representatives, who can help you determine what requirements will need to be met for your new property.

Codes vary by county and municipality. They depend on things such as what the building will be used for, how tall the structure is, and whether the building is protected by sprinklers.

A CCTV camera system is one of the most popular security systems for commercial facilities, and their capabilities go far beyond security alone. Their versatility makes them a perfect tool to combat not only theft and vandalism but other workplace issues such as safety, productivity, and human resource issues.

No technology in the security industry is evolving faster than CCTV. Choices range from small analog camera systems, to internet connected systems, to super high resolution ‘megapixel’ IP cameras. The options are seemingly limitless and can be confusing. Talk with one of our commercial account representatives today about your security needs and the benefits of each of these technologies.

The choice depends on what the objectives of your overall security plan are. If your primary objective is to deter criminals and document a possible break-in or other criminal activity, a quality analog system may be all you need. If you are trying to detect sources of inventory shrinkage, document slip and fall incidents or other workplace accidents, or need to maintain several months of recorded footage, an IP camera system may be your best solution. Discuss your specific security concerns with our staff, and we can help you choose the system that is right for you.

Yes! ABF has systems that provide you with the ability to view your cameras from any internet connected computer, anywhere in the world. Our systems can send video clips from your cameras to a remote storage facility, so that motion events are stored and can be retrieved from a web browser on any computer.

Any company that needs to protect their assets by restricting access to their facility by unauthorized persons would benefit from an access control system. In combination with alarm and surveillance systems, access control provides an overall security solution for nearly any facility.

Each person who needs access to your facility is given a credential (either a card or a small ‘keyfob” for attaching to your keychain). When placed in close proximity of the readers mounted by each door, the reader ‘reads’ the card and checks that information against the system programming, and either allows or denies access based on that information.

An electric strike is a device that replaces a standard door strike. It is mounted on the door frame and receives the latch and latch bolt. Electric strikes allow mechanical free egress.

A “Mag” Lock is the most basic type of electronic lock. A large electro-magnet is mounted on the door frame and a corresponding armature is mounted on the door. When the magnet is powered and the door is closed, the armature is held fast to the magnet, preventing the door from being opened.

Yes, nurse call systems can communicate back to the nurses stations wirelessly. The ability to use wireless nurse call systems is great for existing buildings or upgrades of existing systems.

Mass notification systems must be engineered by professionals. The engineering process ensures the proper decibel levels and audibility requirements to meet code.

Sometimes we are able to reuse the existing clocks in a building when upgrade the clock systems. It really depends on the technology you would like to upgrade to and the condition of the existing clocks.

Home Automation can significantly reduce your home’s energy consumption. You can automatically program your thermostat to adjust during unoccupied times and save up to 10% off your heating/cooling bill annually. By dimming the lights in your home 25%, you save approximately 20% in energy costs and quadruple the bulb life. Electric water heaters can also be programmed to turn off during the night reducing your energy consumption. Visit our Energy Management page to find out more.

Yes, we have several NICET certified fire alarm designers that understand not only the codes that apply, but the fire districts themselves and all of their specific requirements.