VOIP (VOice over the Internet Protocol) and FIOS (FIber Optic Service) are an alternative communication services. Often they can replace your hard wired telephone line and provide you with similar service with more affordable rates.
VOIP:
VOIP is offered by many independent vendors as well as the major cable providers. It allows you to make and receive local and long distance telephone calls using your internet connection.
If you are considering changing to VOIP as your primary telephone service, you could disrupt your security systems ability to transmit an alarm signal in the event of an emergency. Possible problem areas are power loss, cable loss and incorrect installation.
FIOS:
FIOS is offered by Verizon and allows you to make and receive local and long distance telephone calls using a fiber optic connection.
If you are considering changing to FIOS as your primary telephone service, you could disrupt your security systems ability to transmit an alarm signal in the event of an emergency. Possible problem areas are that FIOS only has a 6 to 8 hour back up battery in case of power loss, and incorrect installation.
Commercial Fire Alarm Systems are required to have a minimum of 24 hours back up battery with a 5 minute alarm ring time. If there is a substantial power outage the fire signal transmission would not get through to the Central Station. This could be a violation of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards.
If you have VOIP or FIOS installed, please be sure to test your alarm system after the installation to confirm that we are still receiving your emergency signals. We offer long range wireless monitoring as back up, call us (410) 766-8336 for details.