Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS)

Introduction

Closed-circuit television or CCTV, also known as video surveillance is the method through which video cameras transmit signals to specific set of monitors at a specific place. The CCTV signals are not openly transmitted like the broadcast television signals, even though it uses a point to point (P2P) wireless link. The term CCTV is most commonly applied to surveillance cameras used in stores, offices, military facilities etc. Surveillance of the public using such cameras is very common in most parts of the world.

Siemens installed the first CCTV in Germany in the year 1942 for observing the launch of rockets. Walter Bruch the German engineer was responsible for the technological innovation and the design. In the US it began to be commercially used since 1949 and is popularly known as Vericon.

For that reason, a CCTV camera is a fundamental tool that keeps your property secure, along with maintaining the well-fare of your company’s employees and operations. It promotes the safety of the space, reduces crime rates, as well as deters potential smash-and-grabbers from damaging your property. We should have surveillance cameras in public places because they ensure public safety. Rarely will anyone attempt to harm you when they know their actions are being recorded on camera. Cameras keep you and your personal property safe. The police can identify criminals recorded with cameras. Through surveillance cameras, the police can both prevent crimes from happening and can quickly solve criminal cases with material evidence.

In addition, surveillance cameras protect against property theft, and vandalism. If no one is aware of the crime until after it has been committed, the surveillance footage is always a crucial piece of evidence during a police investigation. Criminals are less likely to commit crimes in the area if they know they’re going to be being filmed the whole time. Having cameras in public places make people feel safe. If people know that there are cameras around them, they will most likely not do anything stupid. 

 

Activity 1: I CHALENGE YOU!

Identify the following pictures.

CD75 | Sure24 Outdoor Dummy CCTV Camera | RS

1. C _ M _ _ A

Vigilant Vision DS15LED 15.6 LED CCTV Monitor | RS

2. M_ _ _T O R

TYY - Conventional Fire Alarm System Package - Vinea Distribution Inc. (VDI)

3. A L A _ _  B _ L L S

FDAS Supplier Philippines, FDAS 721 UT CONV. SMOKE

4. S _ _ K E  D E _ _ _ T O R

 

Task

At the end of this lesson, you must be able to:

  • Determine the types and benefits of the CCTV and FDAS.
  • Know how CCTV Camera and FDAS works.
  • Able to perform how to install CCTV and FDAS.
  • Know what the basic fire alarm requirements are.
     
Process

Closed-circuit television (CCTV)

CCTV is a TV system that is primarily used for monitoring, surveillance and security purposes. In order to achieve its purpose, it is important that to consider the strategic placement of cameras and observation of the camera’s input on monitors somewhere.

Types of CCTV systems:

1.    Wired CCTV system
2.    Wireless CCTV system

  Components of CCTV systems:
1.    Camera/ Input device
2.    Digital video recorder (DVR)
3.    Power Supply
4.    Monitor/ Output device

CCTV Camera Types:

1.    Indoor Camera
These types of CCTV are suitable for monitoring security in homes, schools, offices, hotels, etc. 

2.    Outdoor Camera
Generally used for outdoor places such as entry and exit points with limited night lightings. 

3.    IR day/ Night Camera
Commonly used cameras by military personnel in parking lots and high security zones to ensure high alert security withing the area even night and day.

4.    Dome Camera 
Dome cameras are compact in size and sometimes unnoticeable that can be installed in public places like railway station, bus terminals and other areas where there is a huge gathering of people.
 

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

A digital video recorder (DVR) is a consumer electronics device or application software that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card, SSD or other local or networked mass storage device. It includes set-top boxes (STB) with direct to disk recording facility, portable media player (PMP) with recording, TV gateways with network and local recordings, recorders (PMR) as camcorders that record onto Secure Digital memory cards and software for personal computers which enables video capture and playback to and from a hard disk drive.

 

Installation of CCTV Camera:

  1. First, connect the BNC to both ends of the Coaxial Cable.
  2. Plug-in the cable to the CCTV camera (Video out) and to the video-input of the DVR.
  3. Connect 12v adapter to the supply terminal of (CCTV cam.)
  4. Plug-in the monitor and turn ON.
  5. Connect the VGA Cable (Video Graphic Adapter) of the monitor to the VGA Socket of DVR.
  6. Connect the 12v adapter to the supply port of DVR.
  7. Lastly, turn ON the DVR

You can watch CCTV Installation below:

Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS)

Based on surveys, only 17 percent of the Filipino homes have fire alarm systems while data from Bureau of Fire and Protection showed that majority of the fire incidents occurred at homes. For this reason, installation of fire detection and alarm system (FDAS) is important in order to save lives and properties for residential houses since the former does not follow the same standards and protocols as compared to commercial buildings that have fire exits, smoke detectors, sprinklers and CCTVs.

 

The Fire Triangle and Classes of Fire

 

 

 

How does fire develop?

  1. Convention - a mode of heat transfer which includes the movement of the molecules of the material. It is only observed in liquids and gases. It is not possible in solids because the molecules in solids are tightly packed and are not free to move.
  2. Radiation - is a way in which energy moves from one place to another.
  3. Conduction is the transfer of heat from one molecule to another through a substance.

Importance of FDAS:

  • Detect fire in the areas.
  • Notify building occupants to take evasive action to escape the dangers of a hostile fire.
  • Summon organized assistance to initiate or assist in fire control activities.
  • Initiate automatic fire control & suppression systems & to sound alarm.
  • Supervise fire control & suppression systems to assure operational environmental, utility & process controls.

 

Components of Fire Detection and Alarm System:

Input Devices: 

  1. Fire Box (manual pull station) – normally installed in exit path 
  • Single Action – pull handle once
  • Glass Break – in case of fire, glass rod or plate should be broken
  • Double Action
  1. Fire Detectors
  • Heat Detectors which can be fixed temperature type or rate-of-rise heat detector
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Flame Detectors
  • Fire-gas Detectors

Output Devices:

  1. Audible output devices – an audible alarm signal that lets people know the alarm system has been activated in case of fire. It may consist of sirens, bells, buzzers, horns or voice drivers.
  2. Visual output devices – can be mounted inside or outside the area and may comprise of strobe lights, LEDs and on/off site printer.

 

Sample Wiring Connections of FDAS

System Installation

Installation Procedure

  1. Prepare the site. Check the installation location is free form construction dust, debris and other factors.
  2. Check temperature ranges and humidity.
  3. Unpack the equipment and other components.
  4. Install the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).
  5. Review wire routing.
  6. Check for opens, grounds, and shorts circuit before after installation.
  7. Connect standby batteries.
  8. Test for proper operation.

You can watch FDAS Installation in the Link below:

https://youtu.be/3hmxzM6SOsE

Caution: ENSURE that the AC circuit breaker is OFF before connecting high voltage wires

(220 – 240 VAC) to the mains connector.

 

 

 

 

Evaluation

Instruction: Answer the following questions briefly. Explain your answer in a maximum of 3 sentences. (5 points each questions)
 

1. What is the importance of having CCTV and FDAS in a dwelling unit or other commercial buildings?

2. If you will install CCTV at your own home, where will you put it, and why?

 

You will be graded based on the following criteria:

Criteria  Rating
Content 40%
Content 30%
Quality of Writing 30%
Total 100%

 

Conclusion

CCTV is a core component in an overall security strategy as it helps monitor for and deter crime. However, its functions are even more powerful when integrated with other traditional security solutions such as access control, remote management tools and emergency communication systems. When these essential parts of a building’s security network work in tandem and can seamlessly communicate, safety efforts can be improved. For example, if an unauthorized guest attempts to enter a restricted area, access control technology can immediately notify facility managers and activate CCTV of the area in question to monitor and assess the situation from one remote location. The ability to integrate CCTV with additional security systems is a functionality that shouldn’t be overlooked as we keep moving closer to smarter, more connected buildings.

Meanwhile, FDAS was developed to detect fires promptly as they grow, fire detection systems are an extremely valuable fire protection tool for any establishment. Early detection is crucial in the protection of first responders and other emergency response personnel as they combat fires. With fire detection systems, appropriately loss can also be significantly reduced. Downtime for business operations can be decreased.  Fire control efforts can get started while the fire is not massive yet.

Credits

Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Incorporated IIEE, (2017). Philippine electrical code part 1. IIEE Bldg., #41 Monte de Piedad St., Cubao, Quezon City

Fowler, R. J. (2013). Electricity: principles & applications. Manila, Philippines: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Cardenas, E.J. (1989). Fundamentals and elements of electricity. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store.

Fajardo, M. B. & Fajardo, L.R. (2000). Electrical layout and layout estimate. Manila, Philippines: 5138 Trading.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hmxzM6SOsE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS9dgZyJBm

Teacher Page

This WebQuest materials was prepared for Performance Task3 (Webquest-IBL) on MJTIC207 by Prof. Anabel Sta Cuz- Sollano of CSTC Sariaya, Quezon. 

​​​​​​Prepared by: Hazel Nair L. Kumar - BTVTED 2 - ET