Blog

DGA Security Blog

Our business security and fire systems experts answer the most frequently asked questions, no holds barred. Read on.

Blog Feature

Video Surveillance | Intrusion Alarms | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
March 7th, 2024

Thermal cameras are intrusion devices that detect and capture thermal radiation emitted by objects and individuals. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on visible light, thermal cameras use thermal imaging. Thermal cameras detect and measure the heat energy emitted by objects and convert it into a visual representation called a thermogram. Thermal cameras excel in challenging lighting scenarios, including near darkness or adverse weather conditions such as fog, smoke, or haze. This capability makes thermal cameras particularly valuable in applications such as outdoor perimeter surveillance.

Blog Feature

Intrusion Alarms | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
February 8th, 2024

A Door (or window) Contact Sensor is a two-part device mounted on a door or window that causes an alarm condition when the intrusion alarm is armed and the door is open. This alert typically causes an alarm condition and signals the monitoring center to take the next steps.

Blog Feature

Intrusion Alarms | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
January 18th, 2024

Glass break sensors are audio sensors that trigger an alarm when they detect the sound of glass being shattered. Glass break sensors work by listening for sound patterns and frequencies of breaking glass, and multiple sensors should be installed to cover the target window area. They are especially popular among businesses that showcase high-value merchandise in a window display such as jewelry stores, luxury retailers and art galleries, which tend to attract “smash and grab” style break-ins. For these types of businesses, their business insurance provider would likely require glass break sensors as part of their comprehensive business security system.

Blog Feature

Access Control | Video Surveillance | Fire Systems | Intrusion Alarms | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
June 22nd, 2023

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a trusted resource known around the world for product safety and service certification. Since being founded in 1894, UL examines and tests devices, systems, and material to determine how their performance affects life, fire, casualty, hazards, and crime prevention.

Blog Feature

Access Control | Video Surveillance | Fire Systems | Intrusion Alarms | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
May 25th, 2023

Integration in security refers to the interactivity between different parts of a security system. Here are some examples of what you can accomplish with an integrated security system.

Blog Feature

Intrusion Alarms

By: Michael Reynolds
July 29th, 2021

When it comes to door/window contact sensors used in business security systems, the most common mistake we see is either overuse or underuse of these devices. Sometimes we see a contact sensor installed on every door and window regardless of location – which likely increased the installation cost without adding additional security benefit. Other times, we see doors and windows that are easily accessible from the outside missing a contact sensor, making the business vulnerable to potential intrusion attempts.

Blog Feature

Intrusion Alarms

By: Larry Weintraub
April 30th, 2021

When we are designing business security systems, we sometimes get pushback from clients about whether they really need motion sensors in addition to door/window contacts. At other times, we get pushback from our clients’ architect who asks us: “Do we really need a motion sensor in that spot? Can you move it to a more hidden location?”

Blog Feature

Intrusion Alarms

By: John Kolb, CET, CPP
April 29th, 2021

Modern electronic glass break sensors are smart devices that are highly effective at detecting a breaking glass window. But the truth is glass break sensors can be tricky in a business security alarm system. High-pitched noises from outside can cause false alarms. Furthermore, some glass window types don’t shatter in a way that can be picked up reliably by these sensors.

Blog Feature

Access Control | Video Surveillance | Fire Systems | Intrusion Alarms

By: Michael Reynolds
April 7th, 2020

When a business is temporarily closed or is rarely visited, it’s even more critical to make sure your business security and fire systems are working properly. Here are the top seven tips on how to optimize your business security and fire systems to keep your business assets protected — even when you are stuck at home.

Blog Feature

Access Control | Video Surveillance | Intrusion Alarms

By: Jared Reeves
June 29th, 2019

What were the top security tech trends at this year's ISC West? Read more to find out.

Blog Feature

Access Control | Video Surveillance | Fire Systems | Intrusion Alarms

By: Stanley Oppenheim
June 27th, 2019

24/7/365 customer care isn’t enough. Customers expect to control their business security and fire alarm systems with a finger tap or two.