DD243:2004

A standard to reduce the number of false alarms

All new monitored alarm systems that require a Police response must use a method of alarm confirmation. Alarm confirmation methods are used to reduce the possibility of false alarms and thus reduce the time wasted by the Police in attending systems which have false alarm activations.

The British Standard DD243 details what methods of confirmation may be used and how the system must be configured. In particular it details how a system may be armed and disarmed in order to reduce the likelihood of false activation by the system user. It applies to monitored systems installed throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland and is a requirement of both ACPO and ACPOS security systems policy.

The standard was originally published in January 2002 and became effective in July 2002.  A revised version was released with some minor changes in December 2004.

Under DD243 there are 3 methods of alarm confirmation which may be used:

• Audio
• Video
• Sequential

 In addition to the above methods, confirmation of an alarm activation also extends to the alarm signalling system where dual path transmission is installed. If any of the following incidents occurs an alarm is deemed to be confirmed and the Police called:

1. Alarm signal transmission followed by a transmission path cut*
2. A signal transmission path cut followed by an alarm signal transmission
3. Cuts on both signal transmission paths

*Note: Single path signalling systems can only provide line cut alarm confirmation in the event of incident 1 occurring. ADT recommends for high risk premises dual path signalling should be installed