Re: NFPA's Creation of Security Standards/Codes

["Jim" <alarminex@xxxxxxx>]

securitymission@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> NIck,
>
> What about those in the security field who choose to do a substandard
> job?  Wouldn't a set of codified standards go a long way toward 1)
> forcing these firms to do a better job, and 2) create a more equal
> playing field for all within this industry when it comes to an
> apples-to-apples bid?
>
> Also, can I quote you in a story if I decide to write one?
>
> Thanks,
> Al Colombo, SSI

Al, when you're replying to someone it would make it a little easier
for everyone to know what and who you were responding to, if you'd
include, at least a little, of the text of their post.


Comment on your above question .........

Who is ever going to inspect security system installations? Sure,
staged inspections on new construction, might stand a chance of
stopping some of the inadequate and poor wiring that occurs in this
trade, but how would someone inspect an after market job? How would
wireless systems be "inspected" How would "takeover" of old systems be
inspected and "approved"? And who bears the cost?

How is all of this going to affect the cost of alarm systems? How will
"that" affect the industry ....... it self? The question of whether
code should be written or not .... or by whom,  is only the tip of the
proverbial iceburg, of what the ultimate questions and results might
be.

This, I'd think more than anything else is likely the cause of any
reluctance to let NFPA write the code. Would they really be concerned
about the burglar alarm installation trade or more concerned with the
prestige of writing the code, and secure in having the code accepted by
municipalities, simply because they're accepted for fire codes? And if
municipalities do or don't pick up on it, once it's written, and
accepted, there's no turning back. The slippery slope is started. Then
would NBFAA come out with their own code? What about UL? Wouldn't THEY
like to get into this?  We're talkin MEGABUCKS here.

It's about more than simply writting the code and who's going to write
it.