NORTHFORD, Conn., June 20, 2013 – Honeywell Power announces a fire alarm communications panel that allows installers to easily select IP, GSM (cellular) or both for fire alarm reporting to a central station. The IPGSM-4G is compatible with virtually any brand of fire alarm control panel and simply connects to both ports on the panel’s digital alarm communications transmitter (DACT). This new version’s biggest upgrade is its ability to operate over 2G, 3G or 4G networks, automatically choosing the best available cellular signal in the area.
The imminent sunset of plain old telephone service (POTS) lines, as well as 2G cellular networks, places many installers in the position of needing to update the systems they currently service to an available and reliable communications technology. Updating systems to report over IP and/or cellular networks also eliminates the two costly phone lines traditionally used for fire alarm communications. The IPGSM-4G offers installers the opportunity to upgrade current accounts and capture new business through this money-saving solution.
“I think that the cost savings this fire communicator offers and changes in our country’s telecommunications structure are going to lead more installers and AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) to use and accept the new IPGSM-4G in the coming months,” says Ken Gentile, product marketing manager, Honeywell Power. “Installers have told us this device is really easy to use and once they’ve installed one, it has become a stock item for them.”
The IPGSM-4G is easy to install with no additional fire alarm panel configuration needed. An installer can configure this product for IP or GSM as the sole communication path or, for maximum reliability, IP as primary with GSM as backup. The IPGSM-4G seamlessly connects to the dialer of any Contact-ID fire alarm control panel, making it ideal for new installations or retrofit applications. The unit is also compact and able to be mounted up to 20 feet away from the fire alarm control panel.
For IP, the communicator can share any existing Ethernet network to report signals to a central station and the data is secured using the industry’s advanced encryption standard (AES 256 bit). This unit’s new multi-communications platform technology allows it to operate on some of the most common GSM networks, including 2G, 3G and 4G. The IPGSM-4G automatically chooses the best available cellular signal in the area, based on signal strength, to maintain a seamless flow of critical life safety communications. Both IP and GSM paths are tested daily to ensure connectivity.
All signals from the IPGSM-4G communicator are routed through Honeywell’s AlarmNet Network Control Center to the appropriate central monitoring station. The AlarmNet Network is fully-redundant and monitored 24/7.
To help installers off-set the cost of inevitably transitioning legacy 2G cellular fire alarm communicators to 4G, Honeywell Power has established an Upgrade Incentive Program. Installers will be credited with a $25 incentive for every 2G unit they wish to upgrade and this applies to nearly all brands of 2G fire alarm communicators. For complete program details, visit http://www.honeywellpower.com/4grebate.html.
Honeywell Power supplies, including the IPGSM-4G, are all non-proprietary products that are sold over-the-counter at security equipment distributors throughout the U.S. Visit www.honeywellpower.com for more information on its power supplies for video, access control, intrusion and fire alarm systems.
