Re: Dear "Well Known National Alarm Company":

[Frank Olson <use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

A.J. wrote:
> "Frank Olson" <use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:KJxjk.40991$nD.1634@xxxxxxxxxxxx
>> The ULC certificated system you installed two years ago at this grade
>> school was bogus.  The fact that you certified the system was nothing more
>> than a money grab.  Here is a list of deficiencies we found (and
>> corrected) when we took over the system:
>>
>> 1.  A plug-in transformer is not allowed.
>
>
> Correct.
>
>
>> 2.  ULC requires a dedicated circuit for the alarm communicator.  It can't
>> be "shared" with a Nortel Networks telephone system or a Telus supplied
>> ADSL Modem.
>>
>
> Depending on the year it was installed. I believe it 's only until recent
> years that a dedicated circuit is required for the communicator.

Did I say 2006??


>
>
>> 3.  ULC requires that the primary telephone line must be dedicated to the
>> fire alarm communicator.  It can not be "shared" with the customer's ADSL
>> Modem and most definitely must seize the line ahead of the modem.
>>
>
> Dedicated phone line is not required, as far as I know.

For the "primary line" in this jurisdiction it is.  ULC "defaults" to
the jurisdiction.


>
>
>> 4.  The Power 832 (your Focus 32) panel must have two 7AH batteries
>> connected to the battery harness to meet the requirements of the ULC
>> listing.
>>
>
> Correct.
>
>
>> 5.  You can not under any circumstances circumvent the lightning arrestor
>> at the DMARC/Protector.
>>
>
> Correct, but nothing to do with ULC requirement.
>
>
>> 6.  All wiring to the communicator cabinet must be either armoured or run
>> in conduit.  This includes the wiring to the keypad.
>>
>
> Correct.
>
>
>> 7.  The ULC certificate has space for five scheduled inspections.  The
>> certificate was issued in 2006 and should be valid until 2011.  The first
>> "inspection" was signed off one month after installation.  The last one
>> was signed off less than two weeks ago.  I hesitate to post what you
>> charged the customer for each of these "inspections".  What were you going
>> to do "next year"?  Sign off on the back of the certificate??
>>
>
> Hmmmm, no idea there.

The certificate calls for annual inspections.


>
>
>> 8.  You should teach your technicians to recognize a PROPER ULC
>> installation.  The fact that four separate techs signed off on this sham
>> just boggles the mind.
>>
>
> Agree 100%.
>
>
>> 9.  The Mircom 1000 has independent outputs for sprinkler supervisory. The
>> supervisory and trouble contacts do not activate together
>> (simultaneously).  ULC requires that you monitor the supervisory output
>> (as does the local authority).  For the last two years a latching tamper
>> (generated by someone that's just turned off the water) would never have
>> registered with your CS.
>>
>
> Correct.
>
>
>> 10.  If you're going to use a dual line digital communicator, the
>> telephone lines must be installed in accordance with NFPA 72.  And you
>> definitely cannot run both lines in a single eight conductor CAT3 cable.
>> When you have all the lines entering through the same conduit, an
>> alternate means of communication must be provided.  Typically this is done
>> by either an RF transceiver or ULC listed cellular communicator.
>>
>
> I have to disagree with you here. How far are you willing to carry the
> different path approach ?

Considering the occupancy, I'd say as far as is necessary to achieve the
maximum benefit.  In this case two separate technologies will be used.
A hard line (POTS) and GSM.


> As far back as the manhole from the street ?

Either end of the building/structure.


> But
> pretty soon dual line comm will be history anyway, so no point arguing
> further. I am not a big fan of digital communicator only  for fire alarm
> system anyway, so the sooner it goes away, the happier I am.

I couldn't agree more.


>> You've done your customer a huge disservice and grossly overcharged them
>> for the last two and a half years.  You should be ashamed!!
>>
>> PS.  Your equipment has been neatly boxed and is located behind the office
>> counter.  Don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.
>>
>> Sincerely
>> Frank Olson
>
> That's very nice of you, and no I don't work for them.

Didn't think you did...