A great panel but does it conform to Euro regs?

Having installed a substantial quantity of Powermax systems over the past year, it is truly a panel well worth the review – any wireless installer not using it, needs to seriously think again. One could easily fit three of these systems a day, tripling the profit margin. It is a feature-rich product which covers every imaginable application.

The only 'flaw' in my opinion, is the external transformer – but the panel’s ability and functionality soon makes the external transformer acceptable.

I have concerns however, about it truly meeting the new EN Standards.

We in the Republic of Ireland are about 19 months ahead of the UK in regard to the EN50131 Standards. Our complete changeover date was March 2004. Every system installed since then, must be EN50131 compliant.

We began phasing out IS199 (the BS4737 equivalent) in late 2003.

We are now well used to the new standards. It’s not as bad as installers think ... except for the paperwork!

The concern I have about the Powermax is the flashing LED indication that the panel is armed. I have contacted Visonic about this, but have been unsuccessful in reaching a conclusion.

The EN Standards state than an 'armed' indicator light on the panel should be time-limited to 180 seconds (EN50131-1, 8.3.3.1 and EN50131-7, 7.3.4.1).

I have fitted hardwired systems with 'armed' indicator lights in the past, which the EN inspectorate stated should be OFF. Switching this feature off in the Powermax, is not an option from the programming.

I have yet to have a Powermax installation inspected for EN conformity – however, if the inspectors expect to see no visual 'armed' indication on any other type of system, I feel it is unlikely the Powermax will be any different.

It is important for installers to note, that the EN inspectorate only assesses the quality of workmanship of their company. The conformance of the actual equipment is the manufacturer’s job – and rightly so. However, responsibility does lie with the installer to make sure he (or she) does not use equipment that is 'non-compliant'.

Declarations of compliance should be obtained from all manufacturers and kept on file. 'Hear-say' from the manufacturer is no use when you fail an inspection...

It would appear to me that Visonic have put so much effort in developing a great system, they have overlooked the basics – like EN markings and gradings externally on the panel (EN50131-1, 15). These markings tie in with the manufacturer making sure the system is compliant.

Lack of such markings could cast doubt to an installer (or inspector) as to whether the system actually conforms or not.

All in all, the Powermax is a great little system which I can highly recommend, but a lot more needs to be done by the manufacturers to help convince the inspectorate that it is truly EN compliant.

I would welcome the views of other companies who have fitted the system, and are familiar with the new EN standards.

Frank Flanagan, Crimewatch Security Systems, crimewatch@eircom.net

(The Managing Director of Visonic replies...)

The review was great. Many thanks. We are sorry this customer has not had a reply to his question. The ‘Armed’ light can be extinguished by switching on the ‘Screen Saver’ option held in the Panel Definitions options.

The product has been passed by the Irish Regulatory Authorities for EN50131-1 compliance. We hope you are able to go back to your reader with the good news. Thanks once again for an excellent article.

Keith Donovan, Managing Director, Visonic UK Limited