False alarms in burglar alarm security systems are a significant concern, leading to unnecessary resource wastage, including time, manpower, and materials. These alarms can disrupt normal operations, diminish the urgency of legitimate alarms, and may even result in catastrophic consequences if a genuine threat is overlooked.

This article explores the primary causes of false alarms and offers practical strategies to reduce them, focusing on both technological improvements and human factors.

1. Human Factors: The Leading Cause of False Alarms

Over 95% of false alarms are attributed to human error, including improper installation, accidental activation, and operational mistakes. Addressing these issues requires minimizing human error through better systems, safeguards, and user awareness.

(1) Alarm Information Confirmation Mechanism

A critical step in reducing false alarms is establishing a reliable confirmation mechanism. When the alarm monitoring center receives a signal, it should immediately send a confirmation to the alarm control panel. If no confirmation is received, the panel should resend the signal, ensuring proper functioning and minimizing false alarms.

(2) Regulatory Measures and Penalties

Implementing strict regulations is essential for reducing human-caused false alarms. Alarm users or security companies who exceed a specific threshold of false alarms within a set period should face fines or other penalties. This approach discourages the misuse of the system and promotes responsible usage.

These steps can significantly reduce false alarms caused by user error. However, focusing only on human factors isn’t enough—system complexity and technological issues must also be addressed.

2. Reducing System Complexity to Minimize False Alarm Rates

False alarms can often be traced to complex system setups or errors in installation. For instance, users may forget to disarm the system upon arrival, or detectors may be improperly placed, resulting in blind spots. Reducing complexity is key to minimizing these issues.

(1) Simplifying User Interaction

The system interface should be intuitive and easy to operate. By simplifying the design, we ensure that users can interact with the system effectively while maintaining the necessary security features.

(2) Product-Related Technical Issues

False alarms can also arise from product defects, particularly in detectors and control panels.

• Wireless Alarm Systems: Coding Issues

In wireless systems, false alarms may occur when the control panel and detectors share the same code. To prevent this, it’s vital to use rolling codes, though this technology tends to be more expensive and is typically reserved for high-end systems.

• Wired Alarm Systems: Circuit Interference

Wired systems may face issues with circuit interference. If strong external signals affect the circuit, false alarms may trigger. To mitigate this, alarm control panels should have advanced filtering systems in place to minimize such interference. Some wired systems use open circuit alarms, but this can create vulnerabilities when wiring faults go undetected.

(3) National Standards and Industry Regulations

To further reduce false alarms, national regulations and industry standards need to be strengthened. Regulations should cover network alarm monitoring center construction, product certification, and performance assessment of security companies. By adhering to these guidelines, both manufacturers and users can significantly reduce false alarm rates.

3. Enhancing the Performance of Infrared Detectors

Infrared detectors are among the most common sources of false alarms. Environmental factors, technical limitations, and power issues can all contribute to this problem.

(1) Improving Infrared Detector Performance

To reduce false alarms, it’s essential to enhance the performance of infrared detectors. Key factors include sensor selection, the design of Fresnel lenses, and the integration of multi-detector technologies. Additionally, optimizing microprocessor software is crucial to improving detection accuracy.

(2) Anti-Interference Measures

Co-frequency interference is a major cause of false alarms. A priority queuing process for signals can be implemented in the alarm control panel, where incoming signals are processed in order of receipt. This reduces the chance of false alarms triggered by simultaneous signals from multiple detectors.

(3) Addressing Environmental Sensitivity

Infrared detectors are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and light. To address this, several strategies can be employed:

• Secondary Delay Judgment: The system should delay sending an alarm signal upon detecting an intrusion, allowing for a second confirmation before triggering the alarm.
• Multi-Detector Technology: Using multiple sensors (e.g., dual infrared or infrared with microwave) can reduce false alarms by ensuring that the system only triggers when multiple sensors detect the same intrusion.
• Advanced Signal Processing: Utilizing microprocessor algorithms to process signals and verify whether an intrusion has actually occurred.
• Filtering Non-Human Infrared Signals: Adding filters to infrared sensors to reduce interference from non-human infrared emissions, such as visible light.

(4) Power Supply Management

Power failure or low battery can render wireless detectors ineffective, leading to missed alarms. Wireless detectors should include an under-voltage reporting feature to alert users when the battery is low. Additionally, regular diagnostic checks should be implemented, where detectors send health status reports to the control panel. If the panel doesn’t receive the report, it can notify users of potential malfunctions.

4. Addressing Technological Gaps in Detection Devices

Despite advancements in alarm control panels and monitoring centers, front-end devices such as detectors have yet to make significant technological progress. Overcoming these technological barriers is key to reducing false alarms.

(1) Advancing Detection Technology

A major breakthrough in infrared detection technology is needed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and enhance the reliability of detectors. For example, transitioning from constant current detection to constant voltage detection can improve detection accuracy.

(2) Choosing Reliable Manufacturers and Installation Practices

To minimize false alarms, users should select systems from reputable manufacturers known for their advanced R&D and high-quality products. Proper installation is also crucial—professionals should handle setup to avoid errors caused by incorrect placement of detectors. Detectors should be installed away from direct sunlight, high winds, or electromagnetic interference, and installation angles should be optimized.

5. Conclusion

Reducing the false alarm rate in burglar alarm security systems requires a holistic approach involving technological advancements, better user training, and stricter regulations. By addressing both human and technical factors, the reliability and effectiveness of these systems can be significantly enhanced. With high-quality equipment, professional installation, and regular maintenance, users can reduce false alarms and ensure their systems provide optimal protection.