Re: Takeover standards

["Roland More" <NoSpamroland@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Three strikes if the customer's panel has been out of production for 5 years
or more, and tells you no other company knew what he had and is just trying
to sell him new equipment.

"tourman" <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1187198686.735562.181540@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>I would like to hear comments from other regular installation
> companies on what standards they personally use before "taking over"
> alarm systems installed by other companies or individuals. Since I
> have been doing far more takeovers lately, AND I am also now "cherry
> picking" my clients, I have worked out a rough guide I use called the
> "three strikes, you're out" rule ! It gives me something to use other
> than my gut instincts. If you can add to it, I would like to hear your
> comments. If you disagree with specific points, please tell me / us
> why with rationale.
>
> In looking over an installation, if I can assess three strikes against
> it, I  walk away rather than "take it over"  and more often than not
> save ending up buying myself a bushel of future trouble.
>
> For example:
>
> One strike if there is no wiring diagram in the can
> Two strikes if the connections to the panel board don't leave at least
> six inches of spare wire on each zone loop to work with in the future
> (this guarantees you can expect trouble with service at the other end
> of the loop)
> One strike if the EOL connectors are in the can rather than at the end
> of the line where they belong (a sure sign of an amateur)
> One half strike if the installation was done by someone who only
> installs casually, or does it in conjunction with other services such
> as video, or home automation in which he specializes
> One half strike if the home owner had the installation done by a
> friend
> One half strike if the installer has used the smallest can possible on
> a system that is very expandable
> One half strike if the panel can is located such that it cannot be
> easily accessed for service.
> One half strike if the home is totally finished in the basement AND it
> was done by the casual installer above, so wiring errors and drywall
> nailing problems are impossible to fix
> Three full strikes if it was installed by certain companies which we
> all know about in our local areas (in my area, for example, we call
> this guy "Jimmy the slease")
> One full strike if every point of contact is NOT home run
> One full strike if doors are contacted  using magnetic contacts on the
> heel of the door
> Three full strikes if motions are wired in series AND they come back
> to the can on one single wire
>
> I am sure there are other points I have missed
>
> RHC
>