DGA Security Blog

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

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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.

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Access Control | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
February 1st, 2024

A local door sounder is a siren device that provides an audio alert when a protected door is held open past a preset time period, typically 15-30 seconds. Its purpose is to promptly and effectively alert individuals that a door has been held open for an extended period. By doing so, it not only prevents unauthorized access but also ensures that the security of the premises remains intact.

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Access Control | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
January 25th, 2024

A REX device, short for Request to Exit, is a device in access control systems that provides a simple and convenient way to exit through access-controlled doors. A REX device is required for any door secured with a magnetic lock (mag lock). This ensures that individuals inside a secured area can exit in an emergency.

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.

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Access Control | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
January 11th, 2024

Panic hardware is a type of locking hardware designed to allow immediate exit at all times and is a crucial component of building safety. Its primary purpose is to provide a quick and efficient means of escape during emergency situations. Unlike traditional locking mechanisms, panic hardware allows individuals to exit a building swiftly without the need for any lever or knob rotations. The simplicity and reliability of panic hardware make it an indispensable part of any building's safety infrastructure.

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Access Control | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
January 4th, 2024

Biometric readers scan an individual's unique morphological characteristics such as a fingerprint, palm, voice, iris, or face as a form of access control. Fingerprint and palm readers are the most popular choices due to their ease of use and high level of accuracy, but DGA also employs modern facial recognition readers, which are highly convenient and accurate forms of access control.

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Video Surveillance | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
October 19th, 2023

A wide-angle lens is a camera lens with a short focal length, providing a broad field of view. It captures a wider perspective, making it suitable for surveillance applications for more expansive spaces like parking lots, where capturing a wide field of view is important for comprehensive surveillance coverage.

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Video Surveillance | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
October 12th, 2023

A telephoto lens is a type of camera lens with a long focal length, allowing for magnification and capturing distant subjects in detail. It has a narrow field of view, which results in a close-up view of the subject, making it ideal for surveillance applications where long-range monitoring is required. Telephoto lenses are commonly used in security cameras to monitor focused areas such as hallways or alleys.

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Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
October 5th, 2023

V-Code stands for verification code. It is the confidential numeric code that you select to authenticate yourself with DGA representatives. In order to request information or make changes to your account, you will be asked to provide your V-Code. Each authorized employee should have their own V-Code.

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Access Control | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
September 28th, 2023

Fail-secure refers to a locking mechanism that defaults to a secure or locked position when it experiences a failure or power loss. This is the opposite of fail-safe, which defaults to an open position when power is lost.

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Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
September 21st, 2023

An Emergency Notification List contains the contact information for the individuals who DGA will attempt to contact in the event of an alarm activation or any other emergency situation. By maintaining an up-to-date list that includes accurate email addresses and mobile phone numbers, you enable our monitoring center to promptly alert you to any alarm signals or potential threats.

Blog Feature

Access Control | Security Terms

By: Isabel Leckie
September 14th, 2023

Also known as an Electro-Magnetic Lock, a mag lock is a highly secure and reliable locking method widely used in various settings, from commercial buildings to residential properties, typically used on building entry doors and glass doors. Designed with a powerful electromagnet and an armature (a metal plate), this locking system is secure and convenient.