Frequently Asked Questions for Carpenter Security Integrators: Palm Beach, LLC.

Q.How does CSI compare to other low voltage integration companies?

Most companies offer the same equipment manufactured by a few major companies. The difference is how the equipment is installed, serviced, and monitored. As a local, full-service company, we offer a level of personalized attention and service that large companies can not or do not provide. Yet we are large enough to have the staff and equipment to deliver 24-hour services that the small companies can’t. Our competitive prices coupled with our superior service result in unequalled value for our customers.

Q. What is a monitored alarm system and why do I need monitoring?

A monitored alarm or fire system uses sensors and control electronics at your home or business to automatically communicate any alarm or critical event to a central monitoring facility, where trained operators review software processed signals and assess threats and notify the owners and any appropriate emergency response authorities.

Monitoring is key to achieving the full the benefit of your system. Monitoring assures that someone responds to your emergencies even if you can’t. This is especially true for fire and duress alarms. Monitoring also allows you to test your signal to verify operation. Finally, with a monitored system, you can also capitalize on reporting features, supervision, and any insurance discounts.

Q. Is an alarm system expensive?

The cost of a system depends on your individual needs, but technology and design skill can be applied to assure an appropriate return on your investment. CSI also offers a rental option to minimize your initial investment if you so choose.

Q. What financial benefits can I enjoy from a security system at home or in my business?

Most insurance companies provide discounts for systems of various types. Beyond this, there are many financial benefits, many significant, that you can realize with a well-designed system based on the principle of maximizing Return on Investment. CSI can provide a Risk Assessment for you to identify many of these benefits.

Q. What is an Integrated System?

An integrated system applies the core security systems, Intrusion, Access Control, and CCTV in a coordinated system in which the components work seamlessly through computer and technical linkages to address security and life safety needs for a facility. An example of this is when a camera starts recording video as a door is opened with an access card to provide you with a visual check the individual is indeed the proper card holder.

Q. What happens if my phone lines are cut?

Most systems communicate with the central station through the phone lines, so interruption will not allow the signal into the central station. Local alarms will still sound. CSI recommends that you supplement your system with a Cellular Back-up system using a wireless signal to transmit the emergency condition by providing a secondary path.

Q. What happens if I trip my alarm accidentally?

When we receive an alarm signal, the first step we take is to attempt to verify whether an emergency truly exist. We will call your designated phone number(s) to allow you the opportunity to tell us it was an accident. We will ask for your password to verify that it really is you we are speaking to. If we receive that proper password, then we know it is not a true emergency and no further action is needed.

Q. How long does it take Security Central to respond to my alarm?

Alarm systems today transmit signals to our monitoring facility in approximately 15 – 30 seconds. Our first response typically occurs within 30 seconds from the time we receive that signal. So we are usually responding to your alarm within a minute from the time it was triggered.

Q. What happens if my AC Power fails?

Most CSI systems are equipped with substantial back-up battery power that should run your system for several hours in case of power failure. If you choose, you can also configure the system to automatically send a Power Fail signal to our Central Station and may designate that we notify you in case of such an event. This is particularly useful for refrigeration sensors. Finally, we will also receive a low battery signals to help identify exposure.

Q. How do you manage complex customers?

CSI management and personnel have years of experience serving customers with specific and complex needs, including multiple and revolving user pools, multiple sties and multi-tenant facilities, high security facilities, etc. We have applied that experience in developing an infrastructure and processes necessary to provide you the excellence in key account service that you expect and require.

Q. How do I maintain my systems?

CSI will service your system for a monthly fee to allow you to budget and avoid repair charges, while maximizing up-time. This service typically provides a proactive approach to keeping your system in top condition to avoid an interruption of service.

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Commercial Audio

Q. Why do you use DMX business music in your systems?

CSI management has a great deal of experience with Business Music. This product is optimized for the Commercial environments with excellent programming and non-offensive lyrics. This is Continuous music with no talk or commercials. DMX is the leader in the Continuous Business Music Category.

Q. Why do you use Klipsch speakers in your systems?

Klipsch speakers are known for their “In Your Face” front firing speakers with a horn-loaded technology. This produces high efficiency, low distortion, controlled directivity and flat frequency response. These characteristics reproduce music with the quality and tonal characteristics of live sound.

The sound was born in the Home Theatre world and delivered in the Country Club environment. These speakers produce a very emotional, powerful performance in a direct sound field. Unlike other commercial brands that use indirect reflective sound to fill the room, Klipsch produces a far more lively sound without the distortion or coloration of these traditional speakers. We like to use these speakers in Aerobic rooms and lively social areas.

Q. Why do you use JBL speakers in your systems?

JBL is the leading producer of branded loudspeakers in the United States today. They have extensive experience in hospitality, Country Club and Office work place environments. JBL has a speaker for every application and is considered a great choice for background and foreground applications.

Q. Why is it better to buy my LCD or Plasma television from CSI rather than the big stores?

Buying the television is only one part of the equation. We all expect the television will work when we plug it in….Often they do not. Using CSI allows you the luxury of never having to stand in the “Customer Service Returns” line of one of those big stores. The process is painful.

Also the fine print in the specifications really does matter. We have the expertise to get the right type of screen in the proper location within your home or business. CSI will arrange delivery and installation of your flat screen television and all you have to do is enjoy the show.

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