Alarm receiving center

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Alarm receiving centers (ARC) are central facilities that are responsible for monitoring, receiving and processing alarms and messages from hazard detection systems.

An ARC is the first place where alarms and messages occur. The AES transmits the alarms and messages to other points after receipt and processing, in particular emergency and service control centers (NSL) or official bodies (e.g. fire brigade within the scope of fire alarm systems or the police within the framework of ÜEA ), in which the appropriate measures are then taken.

The AES therefore also has the task of monitoring the corresponding transmission networks to the objects with the hazard alarm systems and to the other points (NSL, fire brigade, police) and, if necessary, to fall back on redundant connections in the event of a fault. The AES thus represents an essential function within the so-called alarm chain.

standard

The requirements for alarm receiving centers are described in the European standard DIN EN 50518 (latest edition currently draft). This applies to Monitoring and Alarm Receiving Centers (MARC), which monitor and / or receive and / or process signals that require an emergency response. The abbreviation ÜAES describes the complete functional scope of a surveillance and alarm receiving center. However, the abbreviation AES is used in all existing standards of the EN 50131 series, which are published under CLC / TC 79 "Alarm systems". In order to avoid ambiguity and to achieve clarity in the terminology, the abbreviation AES is generally used, whereby ÜAES is to be equated with AES.

Even before the introduction of categories, the responsible national standards committee in Germany (UK 713.1 "Hazard reporting and monitoring systems") at the DKE ( German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies ) recommended carrying out an analysis of the safety / security concept. When analyzing and creating the security concept for the object to be monitored, it must be determined and, if necessary, agreed, taking into account the risk assessment, whether an alarm transmission to an AES according to DIN EN 50518 must take place.

In the latest editions of DIN EN 50518, AES are now divided into the following two categories.

Categories of AES

Category I.

AES that monitor and / or receive and / or process messages from backup applications must correspond to Category I. Security applications are understood to mean, in particular, applications for the purpose of detecting a danger emanating from criminal activities that may cause harm or damage to people, property, objects or assets. This includes in particular reports from:

Furthermore, at least the following systems, which are not explicitly mentioned in DIN EN 50518, could also be included:

Category II

ARCs that monitor and / or receive and / or process messages from non-safety-relevant applications must correspond to at least Category II. This includes in particular reports from:

  • Fire alarm systems ,
  • permanently installed fire fighting systems,
  • Personal call systems,
  • Audio / video home communication systems,
  • Video surveillance systems for non-safety-related applications (e.g. traffic flow),
  • Systems for personal surveillance, tracking of lone workers and object tracking systems for non-safety-related applications;
  • Elevator emergency call systems as well
  • Combination of the aforementioned systems.

Furthermore, at least the following systems, which are not explicitly mentioned in DIN EN 50518, could also be included:

  • Fire alarm systems,
  • Hazard warning systems without security applications.

conditions

When choosing the location of the AES, risks such as fire, explosions, flooding, vandalism and hazards that may arise from the environment are taken into account.

If the AES does not occupy the entire building in which it is housed, it must be separated from the remaining parts of the building by a physical delimitation consisting of walls, floors, ceilings and essential openings.

Attacks with mechanical means or attacks with firearms on at least one of the doors of security locks and all external doors must be countered by installing components with the resistance classes assigned according to DIN EN 50518.

Special requirements apply, for example, to the outer skin (walls, floors and ceilings) of AES.

AES of category I must offer a resistance to attacks by mechanical means specified in the standard. Windows in the AES outer skin must always be closed and locked, except for maintenance or escape purposes and must offer resistance to attacks with mechanical means and firearms in accordance with DIN EN 50518.

The outer skin of AES category II must consist of a physical barrier that is capable of preventing unauthorized access by an unarmed person, as provided by outer walls, floors and ceilings.

The standard also contains specific requirements and regulations for:

  • Resistance to fire and smoke
  • Protection against the influence of lightning
  • openings
  • Access to the AES including emergency access and emergency exit / emergency exits
  • ventilation
  • Supply inlets and outlets
  • Pass-through / lock
  • Location of the data processing devices
  • Communication lines
  • Toilets and washrooms
  • AES alarm systems
  • Electric power supplies
  • Alarm management system (AMS)
  • Operation of the AES
  • General principles, direction, control, management and
  • Staffing

In summary, the requirements for Category II AES are in some cases considerably lower than for AES in Category I.

Web links

swell

  1. ↑ AES standard DIN EN 50518
  2. ↑ Position paper of UK 713.1 on IN EN 50518