Panic Button

Panic buttons are normally closed switches connected to the 24-hour detection loop or, if the control panel does not have one, the anti-tamper loop. Although the loop circuit latches electronically in the control box, panic buttons have also mechanical latching which can only be released by means of a key. Thus the panic buttons for a loop are all connected in series, the same as the magnetic switches, but to the 24-hour or antitampler loop.

The panic buttons will be sited according to the predetermined plan, which will be wherever a personal attack is possible. Near front doors, perhaps in the living room, and in the bedroom are the obvious points. Panic buttons should be easily reached without fumbling, yet no be vulnerable to accidental operation. Some trial positioning with persons likely to use them in an emergency is worth while to get the location of the panic buttons exactly right.

In spite of their large and formidable appearance, many panic buttons used a reed switch which has a low current rating. Panic buttons should therefore not be used to switch current to a sounder direct. Some panic buttons are heavy duty rated and can pass sounder currents; in addition they are SPD and so can be connected in either a normally open or a normally closed mode.

These can be used in a simple panic system independent of the main alarm, and are wired as normally open just like an ordinary bell circuit. The mechanical latching ensures that, once pressed, the alarm keeps sounding. Wiring to the panic button should be protected or concealed as the alarm would stop if it was damaged.

The importance of making sound and lasting connections, especially in the detection loops, cannot be over emphasized. As there usually are quite a number of connections around a loop, and there is more than one loop in each system, the chance of making a bad one is quite likely, especially for a non-professional installer.

Yet just one poor connection in a whole system can produce false alarms that are very difficult to trace, cause a lot of trouble, and so undermine the effectiveness and credibility of the whole installation.