Your questions need answering!
Please see below for some frequently asked questions. If you need more information please call us, we are happy to help!

How do I contact you?
Visit our contact page for more information! Or give us a call (07) 849 0901

How do I find out more about you?
Glad you asked! You can read all about our company from our About Us page!

What is home automation?
For more information about home automation, please visit our Home Automation services page.

What kind of things can be automated?
Almost anything! Our home automation systems can control interior and exterior lights, curtains/blinds, home theatre and entertainment systems, air conditioning units, security alarm systems, the coffee machine, phone systems, outside water features, garden sprinklers, security gates/doors, garden lighting, showers/spa baths, under floor heating, thermostats, pool systems/spa and the like. If you have specific systems not mentioned above that you would like automated, or you would like further information please feel free to contact us for assistance.

What are the benefits of having a C-Bus home automation system?
Security

• Panic Scene – Hear a strange noise? Hit the “Panic” button and light up your whole house instantly. All external as well as internal lights will turn on to maximum brightness. If desired, your C-Bus home automation system can be linked to your security alarm system for even greater peace of mind.
• Vacation Scene – Away from home for some time? Deter would-be burglars by giving your home the “lived in look”. Lights can be turned on and off at set times as well as opening curtains during the day and closing them at night again, all according to a pre-set schedule.

Comfort

• Goodnight Scene – Forget going around your house and turning off all the lights. Simply press the “Goodnight” button on your remote (or switch next to your bed) and all lights will fade off. Need to get up during the night? Hit another button to turn on lights dimmed to half brightness so as to not disturb the rest of the household; perfect for getting ready for that early morning flight or feeding the baby in the early hours.
• Helping the elderly or disabled – Repetitive switching can be a difficult task for the elderly or disabled. C-Bus can be set up to simplify these tasks and create preset lighting sequences, controlled automatically from a single button for “Morning”, “Bathroom”, “Welcome Home” and “Goodnight”.

Convenience

• Welcome Home Scene – You’ll love coming home more than ever. Simply press a ‘Welcome Home’ button when you arrive home and the system will create the perfect environment by turning on selected room lights, air conditioning, and music. You could also have a ‘Goodbye’ button.
• Pathway Scene – Forget fumbling in the dark for keys or light switches. Choose ‘Pathway’ scene simply by opening your garage door when returning home to create “a path of light” from one area of the house to another.
• Cost Savings – Two examples being:
  1/ We usually set lights to run at 90% full power which helps save power consumption and extends the life of the lamp significantly.
  2/ By automating the on/off function of particular lights in certain areas, the lights will only stay on as long as the light sensor detects movement in those areas.

Entertainment

• Cinema Scene – Recreate that cinema experience in your very own lounge room. Get comfortable as you sit down to watch a movie and adjust the lights to the exact level you want. Close the motorised curtains and play a DVD, all via remote control.
• Dinner Party Scene – Friends over for dinner? Press a ‘Dinner Party’ scene button and welcome your guests with outdoor and entrance lighting, activate water features, soft lighting at the dinner table, air-conditioning and even ambient music.

Is the C-Bus home automation system easy to use?
It should be. We design our home automation systems to make life easier not harder. Larger homes often have numerous and complex systems installed. All these systems can be brought under the control of the home automation system. This is often done via a conveniently located touch screen or a DLT.

Can my alarm system be integrated into a C-Bus home automation system?
Yes. For most security systems the functions which can be immediately integrated with the C-Bus automation system include auto-arming and disarming. However, depending on the compatibility of your alarm system, it may be possible for you to monitor the status of each security zone of your home laid out on the automation touch screen (including an iPhone).

Will the C-Bus home automation system reduce energy and utility costs for me?
Yes. We would programme your home automation system to make full use of timers, dimmers, lights that turn off when you leave the room or as natural light changes. Automated lighting, irrigation systems, heating and the like can be programmed for wise and prudent use which will help reduce energy and utility costs.

How can I control my new C-Bus home automation system?
By touch screens, remote controls, DLT (Dynamic Labelling Technology) wall switches and/or a range of stylish wall switches. Please see our Home Automation page for more information.

What is automation?
To learn more about automation for your business, see our Business Automation section.

How can I automate my business premises?
By installing a C-Bus automation system in offices and/or commercial premises business owners can efficiently and effectively control and manage all the separate systems installed such as interior and exterior lighting, heating/cooling and ventilation, security and access control, gates and doors, specialist equipment/appliances, boardroom AV equipment, curtains/blinds and the like. If you have specific systems not mentioned above that you would like automated, or you would like further information please feel free to contact us for assistance.

Can the C-Bus automation system be controlled by a remote?
Yes, the C-Bus Control and Management system can be controlled by a hand-held infrared remote.

Will the C-Bus automation system reduce energy and utility costs for me?
Yes. We would programme your C-Bus automation system to make full use of timers, dimmers, lights that turn off when you leave the room or as natural light changes, e.g. automated lighting, heating/cooling and ventilation and the like can be programmed for wise optimum use which will help reduce energy and utility costs.

Can a security alarm system be integrated into the C-Bus automation system?
Yes. For most security systems the functions which can be immediately integrated with the C-Bus automation system include auto-arming and disarming. However, depending on the compatibility of your alarm system, it may be possible for you to monitor the status of each security zone of your business premises on a conveniently located touch screen (including an iPhone).

Is the C-Bus automation system easy to use?
It should be. We design our automation systems to make life easier not harder. Larger business premises often have numerous and complex systems installed. All these systems can be brought under the control of the automation system. This is often done via a conveniently located touch screen or a DLT.

How can the C-Bus automation system be controlled?
By touch screens, remote controls, DLT (Dynamic Labelling Technology) wall switches and/or a range of stylish wall switches. Please see our Business Automation page for more information.

What is access control?
Access control is a system which enables an authority to control access to areas and resources in a given physical facility or computer-based information system. An access control system, within the field of physical security (buildings and area within buildings), is generally seen as the second layer in the security of a physical structure.

What is the importance of access control?
The possession of access control is of prime importance when persons (business and/or homeowners) seek to secure important, confidential, sensitive information or equipment.

What is the reason/purpose for having access control?
Access control systems are designed to permit the free flow of authorised movement into any site or area within a site, whilst denying entry to unwanted visitors or unauthorised staff.

What can an access control system manage?
Access control is used to manage entry and egress of certain gates or doors.

How does access control work?
Access control works by business owners/managers issuing electronically coded proximity tags or cards, which are presented by the recipients/holders to proximity readers located adjacent access controlled gates or doors which the holder wants to enter. Each card or tag is programmed into the access control system in such a way as to authorise and allow the holder access through certain doors while denying access to certain other doors. Access can be therefore managed very precisely for each individual staff member as required. If at any time a card holder loses his or her access card/tag, its electronic number can be quickly removed from the system and a new card/tag issued. Larger businesses usually appoint staff members as administrators of the access control system.

How do proximity cards/tags work?
A proximity card/tag allows users to gain access and egress to a pre-defined area by simply scanning the card/tag in front of a proximity card reader. The proximity card reader then analyses the data stored in the card/tag and determines whether the user has authorised entry based on access level, date and/or time of day. The reader then stores the information and records the activity for future reference or reports. This type of system can monitor individuals’ access, protect employees and provide full activity reports. Access control software is password protected and allows administrator access to particular programmes, networks or drives.

What other access control device can be used instead of proximity cards?
Instead of proximity cards customers can use proximity tags, which are generally more robust and have a longer operating life. They work in exactly the same way as proximity cards but conveniently can be hooked onto a key ring, which helps minimise the chance of losing them.

What range of access control systems do you install?
The main access control systems we install are the Tecom Challenger, Paradox Digiplex Evo and the Elite S.

What security equipment can be connected to an access control system?
One of the features of an access control system is that it incorporates a security alarm. This usually means any detector that can be connected to a security alarm can be connected to an access control system, e.g. movement detectors, sirens, smoke detectors, reed switches, glass break detectors, etc.
The specific range of access control equipment includes: proximity readers, PIN pads (keypads), push buttons, biometric (fingerprint) readers, iris recognition, electric door strikes and mortice locks, wireless remotes, magnetic locks, electric drop bolts and ‘Request to Exit’ buttons.

What is alarm monitoring?
Most burglar alarm systems have the ability to communicate events to an alarm monitoring company, through the normal phone lines or over the internet. The advantage is that someone is notified as soon as your alarm is triggered, and it can be investigated promptly. Property owners normally provide a list of people the monitoring company should call to tell them the alarm has been activated.

What is your minimum contract period?
Our minimum contract period is three months.

What happens if my neighbours just ignore my alarm?
We can programme your alarm for self-monitoring (i.e. to automatically call your mobile, your office or a relative/friend) or 24-hour monitoring with our Monitoring Bureau. That means someone is always alerted if there is a problem with your alarm system other than your neighbours.

With my alarm being connected to your 24-hour monitoring bureau, what will happen in the event my alarm is activated and I am not at home?
Our monitoring bureau will follow your list of instructions (protocols) on which key holders to contact and the order of priority. If you have requested that a guard be dispatched immediately, then they will do this.

What is a key holder and why do I need one?
A key holder is a person/s you give a key to your home to hold so that they can check your home at your request in your absence. If your alarm is connected to a 24-hour alarm monitoring bureau, then you will be required to have a minimum of two key holders that can be contacted in the event of an alarm. It also makes good sense to have someone living close by to be a key holder in the case that your alarm is self-monitored.

My alarm is currently being monitored by another company. Can this be changed so that my alarm is monitored by ARC’s monitoring bureau?
Yes it can. One of our technicians would need to make a site visit in order to programme your alarm for monitoring with our monitoring bureau.

I already have a monitored alarm and intend to have broadband connected. What should I do?
We can install the necessary filters for you, test the alarm and leave it ready for your phone company to enable your broadband service.

What needs to be done to be connected to ARC’s monitoring bureau?
You will need to have a working phone line in place (or a GSM mobile network). Once this has been done then our technician will need to come to the site in order to make the necessary programming changes. You will also need to fill out a monitoring agreement form and the associated paperwork prior to connection.

Do I really need alarm monitoring?
We highly recommend alarm monitoring whether it be 24-hour alarm monitoring or self-monitoring. It is always helpful to be alerted when your alarm has been activated so that you can take appropriate action. “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

I have an existing alarm system which was installed by another company. Is ARC able to connect my alarm to monitoring even though they did not install the alarm?
Yes!

What is a DVR?
A Digital Video Recorder stores footage on Hard Disc Drives instead of the previously traditional video tape.

Which Digital Video Recorder?
Simply put – Buyer Beware – particularly of the desktop P.C. masquerading as a digital security recorder. Image integrity is critical for ensuring your video evidence stands up under cross examination / scrutiny. Not every digital video recorder offers high quality, clear images that can prove the authenticity of an image.

How many days footage can I store on my DVR?
Normally, a Digital Video Recorder enables you to record from one to four weeks of footage. It depends on the number of cameras connected and the capacity of the hard drive installed which can vary from 320BG to 4000GB.

How much hard drive storage do I need?
The hard drive will fill up based on three variables, the frame rate on the DVR, the resolution setting and the recording rate. You can change the settings on the last two on the DVR. Also make sure motion detection is on as you don’t want to record when nothing is happening. On a standard system with the correct settings with say 8 cameras and a 250 gig drive it should last 30 days. As a really rough guide say one camera one gig per day.

Can I watch my camera or video footage from my PC at home or another location?
Yes, if you have purchased an internet compatible system and assigned the system an IP address and it has access to the Internet.

How many cameras will I need?
How long is a piece of string? We custom design every solution. It will depend on the nature of the previous or anticipated problems you are trying to overcome. One of our consultants would need to visit the site and talk with you to establish your objectives. We provide this service free-of-charge. We can also offer advice as to how we can best achieve all your objectives while helping to keep costs to a minimum.

How do I get footage from the system for the Police?
This can be achieved in a number of ways via DVD, CD, Flashcard, USB Pen, external hard drives. Our consultant can discuss which medium will best suit your needs.

What is your warranty period for a new CCTV camera surveillance system?
We offer a one year warranty from the date of installation covering all the CCTV equipment supplied and installed by us. Some CCTV equipment comes with a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Should I use Colour or Black and White cameras?
It was once considered that monochrome cameras were the cheaper option for the budget-conscious. Today there is a place for both colour and monochrome cameras, and the decision should be based on the type and amount of light available for any camera to do its job effectively.

Do CCTV cameras have audio?
In New Zealand, security CCTV cameras are not permitted to record people’s conversations (audio).

Are CCTV Camera Surveillance systems wireless or hard wired?
Usually they are hard wired. However where this is not practically/economically viable the wireless option is available but it is more expensive. Usually line of sight between transmitter and receiver is critically important to ensure clear images from the camera to the recording equipment.

Do I have to manually turn on the night vision function on my CCTV camera?
Not normally. Usually it is an automatic function of the camera.

What is a PTZ camera?
Pan, Tilt, and Zoom – A PTZ camera has the motorised capability of being able to pan across a scene, tilt up and down over a scene and zoom in and out of a scene.

What is an intercom system?
An intercom system is a small private phone system with say two or more phones. For example using two phones, say, with one at your front entrance gate and the other in your kitchen, a caller (visitor) presses the call button at the gate station (phone) which signals the master station (phone) in the kitchen to sound (ring). In this case you would answer the visitors call at the master station just like answering a phone call.
The intercom allows you to identify visitors. This can be done either audibly or visually depending on the intercom you decide to install. In the case of a video (and audio) intercom you would go to the master station and be able to view your visitor while answering their call.

What are the benefits of installing an intercom system?
1. Better security, especially when integrated with access control, i.e. doors or gates are electrically locked and can be remotely controlled by the intercom master station. Home and business owners are therefore able to effectively control access to their premises.
2. Helps home and/or business owners identify visitors either audibly and/or visually depending on the intercom you decide to install.
3. Less likely to miss visitor calls.

Where would you normally install an intercom system?
Intercoms are normally installed in a wide range of home and business situations. These include:

• Stand alone homes, in town or country
• Apartments
• Commercial and industrial premises
• Government installations
• Offices

What are the different types of intercom systems?

• Audio only
• Audio & Video (monochrome or colour)
• Intercoms with access control (i.e. having a keypad)

Can you get weatherproof outdoor intercom call stations?
Yes. Most often the intercom call station is located on the outside of a building or gateway where it is exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Most intercom manufacturers produce a range of outdoor intercoms.

Are intercom systems normally hard wired or wireless?
In most situations intercoms are hard wired. However, a limited range of wireless intercoms are available.

We cannot hear our visitors over the intercom, but they can hear us, what’s wrong?
The most likely cause is component failure in either the call station or master station. Please contact us and arrange to have one of our technicians come and repair your intercom system.

What range of cameras do you have available?
We have BlueEye, RedEye and RedEye Wireless and Industry Eye cameras available for purchase.

Are the Mi5 range of cameras video cameras?
No, they are digital still-image camera. The default setting is that the camera will capture an image approximately every 2 seconds when movement is detected, however due to the camera’s image buffering technology this means that the camera is able to capture an image sequence and not just one image every 2 seconds. An example of an image sequence may be, upon on each trigger, the camera captures an image at times 0.0, 0.5, 2.0 & 3.5 seconds. For more information please visit our page on Mi5 Portable Cameras.

Do Mi5 cameras produce colour or black & white images?
This depends on the camera you choose – we have both colour and monochrome cameras.

How many images can be stored in the memory?
The memory can store up to 65,000 images.

What happens when the memory is full?
When the memory is full and the camera is still taking images it will then start overwriting the oldest images.

How long will the battery last for?
This depends on which camera you purchase. The BlueEye cameras come with a 9 week standby rechargeable battery and the RedEye cameras come with a 22 week standby rechargeable battery.

Can I use the Mi5 cameras at night time as well as during the day?
Yes. We recommend that you use the colour cameras during the day (or in well-lit areas at night) and the monochrome cameras during the day or night or both. Monochrome cameras all have an in-built semi-invisible infrared illuminator which enables them to see at night.

Are Mi5 cameras weatherproof?
The outdoor cameras (RedEye) come in a weatherproof housing (IP65 rated) and the indoor cameras (BlueEye) come in a PIR type housing which is not weatherproof however you can purchase a separate polycarbonate secure weatherproof case that has been specially made for these indoor cameras.

Can I integrate an Mi5 camera with my security alarm system?
Yes by purchasing the ‘BlueEye for Alarms’ kit.

What is the range on the camera lens?
The focal length on the standard camera lens is 3.7 metres. The focal point is perfectly clear at this distance. The RedEye Telephoto cameras can have either a 20 metre or a 40 metre focal length.

How do I set up my new Mi5 camera?
Each camera kit comes with the software required to set up your camera. If you would like us to set up your camera for you then we are more than happy to do so.

Can you give me some examples of where Mi5 cameras are being used?
Mi5 cameras are currently being used in/for the following:

What is multi-room audio?
A multi-room audio system lets you enjoy music from several audio sources such as MP3 players, Media Players, satellite tuners, CD players and even your iPod in any area of your home, inside or out, all at the same time. Dad can relax with jazz on the patio. Mum can work out to rock-n-roll in the bedroom. The kids can play games while listening to their iPod in the family room. With a multi-room system, everybody gets exactly what they want, when they want it.

Typically, all of the equipment is neatly concealed in one location, out of sight. All wiring is hidden within the walls. What you see are elegant keypads and speakers, intelligently designed to blend with the décor. You can even extend your music outdoors with weatherproof speakers. At the push of a button, you're listening to your choice of music.

How many speakers are in each zone or a room?
The multi-room audio amplifier provides a stereo output (two channels) for each zone. Therefore, you would normally connect two separate speakers, one for each channel. However, you can use a single two channel stereo speaker where the room/area is quite small.

What is the maximum number of zones/areas I can have?
By installing, for example, a Russound system there is no fixed maximum number of zones that multi-room audio can be distributed to. These systems are designed so that they can be extended infinitum, usually in modules of six-zone multi-room audio amplifiers.

What sort of cabling do I need?
Twin core speaker cabling and CAT5e data cabling for the room keypads and infrared remote control.

What is the normal power output per zone?
These range from 40watts to 60watts per zone directly from the controller amplifier. However, additional power amplifiers may be added to boost power output for a particular zone, e.g. outdoor entertainment zone.

How do I control the volume in different rooms?
Normally by keypad or infrared remote. A keypad is normally installed in each zone/area. From the keypad you can also control the source for that particular zone/area. You also have the option of installing a touch screen or controlling it by your i-Phone.

Can my multi-room audio system be integrated with my home theatre system?
Yes. Audio and video can be distributed throughout your home using a multi-room audio video controller amplifier. An output from your home theatre system needs to be connected to the multi-room audio video controller amplifier which allows AV signals from your home theatre system to be distributed throughout your home.

What qualifications are security alarm installers/technicians required to hold in NZ?
Security installers and technicians are required to hold a Security Guard Certificate of Approval. Security companies and businesses are required to hold a Security Guard Licence. Both the Certificate and Licence are issued annually by the Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the New Zealand Police.

What is your warranty period for a new security alarm system?
We offer a one year warranty from the date of installation covering all the security alarm equipment supplied and installed by us.

Will having an alarm installed in my home reduce my insurance premium?
Most insurance companies offer a discount on their home and contents premiums if you have an alarm system installed to your insurance company’s requirements.

We have just moved into a new home which has a security alarm system installed. Do you have any recommendations?
We would strongly recommend that you have your security system serviced to ensure it is operating correctly. We would also strongly recommend that you have all the existing user codes deleted and replaced with your own user codes.

What happens in the event my alarm goes off (activates)?
Normally, the alarm sirens/strobe light will operate for 5-10 minutes before switching off. The alarm system will re-arm itself automatically at this time; however the keypad will continue to beep until the appropriate user code has been entered.

What happens in the event of a power cut?
Usually most alarms will work in the event of a power failure because they have a built-in standby battery. The industry standard is for the battery to power the system for a minimum of 8 hours. If there is a power failure the standby battery will hold the alarm in its current status whether it is armed or disarmed, and you can use it normally. Our Technicians check the condition of your systems battery as a part of maintenance servicing which we recommend is completed annually.

What happens if my neighbours just ignore my alarm?
We can programme your alarm for self-monitoring (i.e. to automatically call your mobile, your office or a relative/friend) or 24-hour monitoring with our Monitoring Bureau. That means someone is always alerted if there is a problem with your alarm system other than your neighbours.

What is a key holder and why do I need one?
A key holder is a person/s you give a key to your home to hold so that they can check your home at your request in your absence. If your alarm is connected to a 24-hour alarm monitoring bureau, then you will be required to have a minimum of two key holders that can be contacted in the event of an alarm activation. It also makes good sense to have someone living close by to be a key holder in the case that your alarm is self-monitored.

Can I set the alarm at night?
Yes, and we always advise you do. We can program the system to include only those areas of the premises that you want protected and exclude others for 'Stay' mode. It is more disturbing to be burgled when you are asleep than when you are out of the house!

What is ‘Stay’ Mode?
Stay mode allows you to arm certain parts of your home so that you can keep areas that are being occupied un-armed but still maintain full security over the armed areas.

Can I have pets in the house and still use the alarm system?
Yes, if the alarm system is initially set up with pet friendly detectors. These detectors still sense movement by intruders but do not detect animals under a certain weight. Pet friendly detectors are typically more expensive than normal movement detectors but if you have pets it allows them to roam free throughout your home. Otherwise, if you have pets you must make sure that the pets are restricted to the portion of your home where there are no movement detectors or areas where pet friendly detectors are installed.

What qualifications are security alarm installers/technicians required to hold in NZ?
Security installers and technicians are required to hold a Security Guard Certificate of Approval. Security companies and businesses are required to hold a Security Guard Licence. Both the Certificate and Licence are issued annually by the Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the New Zealand Police.

What is your warranty period for a new security alarm system?
We offer a one year warranty from the date of installation covering all the security alarm equipment supplied and installed by us.

Will having an alarm installed in my business premises reduce my insurance premium?
Most insurance companies insist that the business premises they are covering have a security alarm system installed, which is connected to an independent 24-hour monitoring bureau. It is likely that you may not be able to obtain insurance cover without a 24-hour monitored security alarm system installed in your business premises.

Can I have a panic button on my alarm system?
Yes. You can have a hardwired panic button conveniently fixed on a wall in your business premises or a portable (wireless) panic button you can wear on a pendant around your neck or on a wristband.

What is ‘Chime’ mode?
‘Chime’ mode is a facility that can be assigned to certain zones. On selecting the chime mode this will enable the control panel will emit a sound (beep or door bell type chime) when the chime zone detects movement. This function is normally programmed to the main entrance door. Not all control panels support this function.

Can I control my security alarm system via a wireless remote control?
Yes, you are able to add wireless remotes to most alarm systems. Please contact us to establish if your control panel has wireless capability. We can also programme the remote to operate motorised gates and doors.

What are the different types of security alarm detectors that are available?
Passive Infrared Detector, Passive Infrared Pet Friendly Detector, Dual Technology Detector (PIR & Microwave), Glass Break Detectors, Magnetic Contacts. Our Security Consultant can advise you on matching the right detector for each situation.

Are there detectors for outdoor use?
Yes. Usually there is a weatherproof detector available that is a close equivalent to the indoor range.

Can the security alarm be programmed to suit the specific needs of the company?
Yes. We can customise your security alarm to meet your individual requirements. For example we can programme siren run time, entry and exit time, extra entry time for certain areas, chime mode, partial arming, partitioning of alarm, zone labelling and other system features.

Will I need wireless or hardwired security detectors?
For most homes and businesses, the alarm system can be hardwired - and this is the preferred option because hardwired detectors do not need the batteries changed. However, if running cables in the roof or down walls is not possible then wireless detectors would be the preferred option, unless you don’t mind the cable being surface-run in some plastic capping. Wireless security equipment generally costs more than hardwired.

Can the alarm be expanded or upgraded in the future?
Yes. Additional movement or smoke detectors, keypads, sirens, remote controls and other equipment can be added to most systems. Contact us to establish whether you have spare zones, expansion capability (hardwire or wireless) or if an upgraded control panel is required.

What are the advantages of motorising my gate?
It's more convenient and safer. Instead of parking on the road and getting out to open your gate, you activate opening by remote control and your gate opens in a few seconds. It closes and locks automatically after you have passed. If anyone tries to force it open, the motor exerts a counter-force. Smooth operation helps your gate last longer.

What options are available for the opening and closing of my automated gate?
There are a number of options available to control the opening and closing functions of your automated gate including:

• Wireless hand-held remotes
• Wireless transmitters fitted in the owner’s vehicle/s
• Ground loops
• Landline telephone system
• Mobile phone
• Access control at the gate (e.g. keypad, proximity reader, biometric reader, etc. Please refer to our page on Access Control).

What are my options for automating gates that are a long way away from a permanent power supply?
Depending on the distance from your gates to a permanent power supply will usually determine which option is the most practical and economical. Even if the gates are 100 meters or so from a permanent power supply it may still be more economical to run a new underground power cable to the gates. However, if the gates are 200 meters and more then solar power (with battery backup) is likely to be the best option.

Can existing manual gates be automated?
Generally they can be automated but there will be some exceptions. Much will depend on the layout of the overall site and the state of repair of the existing gates, the gate posts, the gate hinges and the gate leaf alignment.
Automating gates is a highly skilled task and requires a range of engineering skills including civil, mechanical and electrical. Some of the critical tasks include ground work preparation, the geometry of the automation, the wiring and programming of the control panel.

What happens in the event of a power failure?
All quality installations will provide home owners with manual release keys and instructions on how to release the automation system in the event of a power failure. Automated gate systems that have DC (direct current) motor/s normally come with a battery backup option. However, all systems come with a manual release facility that can be used in the event of a power failure.

Will the gates close on an obstruction or user?
Each gate kit comes complete with a set of photocells; these are normally mounted on each pillar and project a beam across the entrance. If a car or any object (e.g. child, pet) breaks the beam, the gates will either not move, or, if it has started closing then the gate will stop closing and open out again. Additional photocells may be mounted on posts towards the house for extra safety.

Can I have my gate connected to my security system?
Yes. When your gate is closed it is also electrically locked. We can install a detector on the gate which will monitor the electric lock. In this way, if the gate is forcefully opened or the electric lock is breached, the security alarm system will be activated.

What is a loop detector?
A loop detector is a detector that senses the presence of vehicles. Special loop cable is laid in the shape of a diamond or a rectangle under tarmac, concrete or gravel driveway and connected to an electronic detector located in the electric gate system’s control panel. The loop/s detects the presence of a vehicle which then sends a command to the gate system. The most common use of loops is to enable free exit such that when a vehicle leaves the premises and drives over a loop, the gate automatically opens and therefore avoids the need for a transmitter or special involvement from the home owner. Loops are also placed at the gate entrance as a safety mechanism that avoids the gates closing on a vehicle if the presence of one is detected by the system.

How will I know when there is a visitor at the gate when it is closed?
By necessity almost every automated gate system has an intercom, either audio or audio and video, which enables people at the gate to contact the home owner. The intercom will either be hardwired between the gate and the house or will be wireless (please refer to our page on Intercom Systems).

What is structured cabling?
Structured cabling is the ‘arteries’ of a home network (Home Hub) with the ‘heart’ being the main control unit (the Hub). It is a planned and organised method of residential low voltage cabling allowing for efficient and flexible distribution of data, audio, communication and video services through a home automated network (Home Hub). It is designed to allow for future additions of services or alterations into existing outlets without major disturbance or re-wiring. If you require more information, please visit our page on Structured Cabling.

What is a Home Hub?
The Home Hub is a service connection facility and is home to the devices that enable the delivery and distribution of various signals throughout your home via structured cabling.

When is the best time to install structured cabling and a Home Hub?
The best time to have structured cabling installed is during the build of a new house. Installing a structured network into the build of a new house enables present and future technologies to be added as and when required or desired. By first fixing alone allows the builder or developer to offer all the benefits and features to prospective buyers while leaving the second fix as an option for the buyer to do as much or as little as their lifestyles require.

Why should I have a Home Hub system in my home?
Typically more and more of the services we have in the home have multiple users – TV’s in various locations, children requiring internet access for homework or fun, convenience of telephones in multiple locations, working from home or shopping on the internet. Sharing the resources through a home network (Home Hub) has now become easy and convenient. A Home Hub offers a practical, cost effective and discrete network solution to all your television, telephone and computer/internet needs. You will have the benefit of having televisions, telephones, internet and computers anywhere in your home. If your needs change then any of the outlets can accommodate different uses by one simple change to the main control unit.

What will a Home Hub enable me to do?
A Home Hub allows a planned and organised method of distribution and sharing of the services throughout the house. These services typically include telephones, data, internet access, TV RF signals and satellite or cable TV. A correctly designed system will allow flexibility as to what any outlet in any room may be used for. It also allows other services, which may be required at a later stage, to be added and for the system to be altered or modified without major disturbance or re-wiring. Additional services that can be part of a structured home network system (Home Hub) may include security, CCTV cameras, access control, multi room audio, home theatre, lighting control and much more. Your imagination is the only limit.

What do I need to do to install a Home Hub?
If you would like to have a Home Hub installed in your new or existing premises then please contact us and arrange to speak with one of our friendly consultants.

Is future planning important when considering installing a Home Hub?
Yes, it is important that you plan which rooms you would like to access TV, video, audio, phone and the Internet as you may change the use of a room down the track. In order to access or share these signals, cables, modules and wall plate outlets for the various services need to be installed.

Can I install a Home Hub into my existing home?
Yes, it may be installed into an existing home, however it will be more costly to install. Please feel free to give us a call and discuss with our consultant all the options of installing a Home Hub into your existing home.

What can a Home Hub manage?
You would have selected which services you would like the Home Hub to connect to during the time of installation. With most selected services you simply plug-in your equipment into the correct wall plate outlet and everything should be ready for you to enjoy.

These services include:

• Telephone
• Data (computer, internet, home network, printers etc)
• TV (free-to –air, pay TV, DVD etc)
• Multi-room Music Distribution
• Home Theatre Connections (e.g. projectors)
• 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theatre

You’re Home Hub and structured cabling has been designed to allow you the flexibility to easily configure different features of your structured cabling system to suit your changing lifestyle.