Re: An ethical conundrum... Opinions welcome!

[Frank Olson <use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

JoeRaisin wrote:
> Frank Olson wrote:
>> tourman wrote:
>>> On Nov 29, 10:23 am, mleuck <m.le...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>> On Nov 29, 3:11 am, Effenpig1 <dirtyspicev...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>>> I've noticed a lot of high volume companies don't use timer tests
>>>>>>> on residential systems, usually because they want to cut down on
>>>>>>> service since they don't have anyone local.
>>>>>> Yea right
>>>>> Ummm, Yea right, WHAT????
>>>> Ummm Yea right it's nonsense someone does not use timer tests to
>>>> prevent service calls.
>>>
>>> RHC: More likely they don't use test signals to cut down the number of
>>> signals going in to their massive stations. Millions of accounts
>>> equals millions of test signals, which in turn equals a lot more
>>> hardware to handle them. And if they can fall back on that
>>> manufacturer published doctrine..."test systems weekly" as an excuse
>>> not to do the right thing...why not ?
>>>
>>> To their way of corporate thinking, this might well make sense.....
>>> who knows what's in their minds !!! It would be interesting to know if
>>> the worst of the bunch...Alarmforce.... program in test
>>> signals...anyone know ?
>>
>>
>>
>> I have no idea.  I was talking to the manager of one of the better
>> alarmco's in Vancouver and he told me that they lost a client to
>> Alarmfarce.  The guy had a full perimeter system installed.
>> Glass-break detectors, etc.  Sold the house and the new owner moved
>> his Alarmfarce system in.  One door, one PIR (made "pet proof" by
>> mounting it upside down three feet from the floor).  The alarmco's
>> service dept was contacted to power down their equipment (including
>> the monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors).  This company
>> charged $35.00 per month for monitoring ($25.00 per month for basic
>> service, $5.00 for fire, and $5.00 for CO).  Alarmfarce charges $25.00
>> for their voice service.  I suppose the customer perceived "value" in
>> one over the other.  There's a lot of "hype" in the sales pitch used
>> by Alarmfarce.  I hope Joel Matlin sleeps well at night secure in the
>> knowledge that the fire and CO detectors in this house have been
>> neutralized because this customer chose "the best alarm system in
>> North America".
>>
>> PS.  Like any good reputable alarm dealer the customer was offered a
>> degraded system (local only) rather than disconnect the thing
>> entirely.  He didn't want to pay for the service call so now, he has
>> practically "nothing".
>
> Good Freakin' God - I hope there are other smoke detectors in the house.
>
> What is the liability - even if asked to do so - in killing smoke
> detectors in a house?  Should the AHJ that granted occupancy way back
> when be contacted?


I have no idea (if there are 110VAC smokes on the premises).  The AHJ
isn't involved when system smoke alarms are added to a residential
security system.  There isn't even a requirement to have them properly
supervised.

I know where you're coming from.  Unfortunately there are still people
that don't properly research their options, and some people that are so
"stuck" on one particular product (or the hype surrounding it), that it
clearly affects their purchase decisions.  God help all stupid people
(stuck with Alarmfarce systems).