P
Packet
An organized sequence of binary data that includes data and control structures.
Pair, Twisted
Two insulated conductors twisted together on a spiral without a common covering. Twisted pair wire is not recommended for use on the DMP Bus. The user may use twisted pair wire between two 708 modules if necessary.
Panic
A special silent or audible alarm initiated by a user that alerts the monitoring center to an urgent situation. Users can initiate this alarm by pressing a mechanical panic button or the top row select keys on the Security Command keypad when appropriately programmed.
Panic Zone (PN)
Used to identify mechanical devices that allow a user to signal an emergency alarm. A panic zone can provide either a silent or audible alarm with or without reporting to a monitoring center receiver.
Parallel
A method of connecting an electric circuit where each element is connected across the other. The addition of all currents through each element equals the total current of the circuit.
A transmission format that can send multiple bits of data at the same time. This method connects an electrical circuit where each element is connected across the other. The addition of all currents through each element equals the total current of the circuit.
Partial Arming
Turning on (arming) part of the system. See Perimeter Arming.
Parity
An error-checking procedure where the number of 1 should always be the same, either even or odd, for each group to be transmitted without error.
Particles of Combustion
Substances (products that either remain at the site of burning, such as ash, or scatter as volatile products) that result from the chemical process of a fire.
Passive Infrared Detector (PIR)
A passive sensor that uses infrared light to detect motion within a specific range.
Pass-Through
The ability to gain access to one network element through another.
Passphrase
An alphanumeric encryption key used to allow devices to communicate with one another.
Passive Star
A network topology where every branch is connected to a common point. Unlike active stars, passive stars have no repeater at the center to actively retransmit signals.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB, PC Board)
Non-conductive fiber board with copper foil on one or both sides that connects components mounted on the board.
Perimeter
The portion of a protected area or building that includes doors, windows, and other accessible openings.
Perimeter Arming
An arming option that allows users to turn on only the perimeter portion of their protection. Perimeter arming allows unrestricted movements within the interior of the protected areas by leaving the interior devices disarmed.
Permanent Schedules
Similar to primary and secondary schedules and intended for use in applications such as Late to Close annunciation and Auto Arming. Permanent schedules can also be programmed to restrict codes that have certain authority levels to disarming the system only during selected times.
Phillips Head
A type of screw head having a slot shaped like a deep cross.
Phillips Screwdriver
Screwdriver with the tip shaped like an X used on Phillips head screws.
Phone Trouble Output
An output that turns on any time the phone line monitor detects a voltage below 3 VDC or when the short across pins 2 and 7 on the phone block is lost. The output turns off when the phone voltage rises above 3 VDC.
Photoelectric Smoke Detector
A device that detects the presence of small airborne smoke particles. This detector uses two chambers set at right angles to each other in a darkened chamber with a light sensitive diode in one and a light source in the other. As smoke particles enter the chamber, they cause the light to be reflected into the path of the light sensitive diode, activating the alarm relay on the device and causing an alarm condition on the fire alarm circuit.
PIN (Personal Identification Number)
An individual access code.
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
A protocol that supplants the Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP). It provides remote access to IP networks through asynchronous and synchronous links.
Port
An electrical point of entry, usually on a router, to a computer, network, or other electronic device. A router can have many ports.
Post Indicator Valve (PIV)
A cast metal post over the stem of an underground gate valve supplying water to a sprinkler system. On each side of the PIV are rectangular windows where the user can view a plate showing whether the valve is open or shut.
Power Fail Delay
A programming option that tracks the duration of an AC power failure. When the AC power is off for the length of the programmed delay, an AC power failure report is sent to the receiver.
Power Rating
The specified power required by a device for normal operation.
The specified power output of a generator/transformer/power supply.
Power Supply
A source of electrical operating power, such as a generator or transformer arrangement including the circuit’s terminations connecting it to dependent system components.
Preaction System
A system used in facilities where water damage would cause serious problems. The pipes leading to the sprinkler heads are normally filled with air. During a fire, an independent fire detection system opens a valve to allow water to fill the pipes before the heads open. Heat from the fire opens the heads, allowing water to spray the fire. This is also known as a Dry-Pipe Automatic Sprinkler System.
Premises
The building or home being monitored by the security or fire system.
Presignal
A panel programming option that sounds a one-second on and two-seconds off keypad tone during the Retard Delay on a Fire zone. The tone silences when the delay expires or the zone restores to normal. This is used for notifying key personnel.
Presignal Addresses
A programming option that allows the user to select which keypads in the system annunciate the keypad tone during a Fire Zone Retard delay.
Pressure Mat
A thin rubber mat containing metal strips. Applied pressure to the mat would cause the strips to close and cause an alarm.
Preventative Maintenance
Testing an alarm system on a regular basis to be sure that all the components are functioning properly.
Primary Power
The main source of power for the alarm/fire system, commonly known as AC power.
Primary Schedules
Programmable schedules in DMP panels for use in applications such as Late to Close annunciation and Auto Arming. Permanent schedules can also be programmed to restrict codes that have certain authority levels to disarm the system only during selected times.
Printer
See Local Printer.
Printer Reports
A programming option that allows the definition of events that are sent to a local printer.
Priority Zone Type
A programming option that provides for a zone to be in a normal condition before its assigned area can be armed. Priority zones cannot be bypassed or force armed.
Processor
A device that processes data. The Command Processor™ is the main DMP board that processes system data.
Profile
A defined set of rights or permissions tied to an individual user, granting access to operate specific features of a system (i.e. arming/disarming certain areas but not others).
Programmer Lockout Code
A programming option that allows the user to enter a special code into the panel that will then be required to gain access to the panel internal programmer through the keypad. The user can change this code at any time to any combination of numbers from one to five digits long. Once the user has changed the code, it is important that it is documented and stored in a safe place. Lost lockout codes require the panel to be sent back to DMP for repair.
Note: Lockout codes cannot be higher than 65535 or be codes 6653, 2313, or any three-digit code that begins with 98. All of these codes are reserved by the panel for various functions.
Projection Beam Smoke Detector
A detector where the amount of light transmitted between a light source and a photosensitive sensor is monitored. When smoke particles are introduced in the light path, some of the light is scattered and some absorbed, thereby reducing the light reaching the receiver and causing the detector to respond.
Programmable Read-only Memory (PROM)
Firmware chips used on DMP products.
Prompt
A message on the keypad display that instructs the operator to make a selection or to take action.
Proprietary System
An alarm system owned and operated by the user, who is fully responsible for its operation.
Protected Premises
An establishment where an alarm system is installed.
Protocol
A set of rules for information exchange over a communication medium. The set of protocols used by a particular networking protocol is called a family or suite of protocols.
Proximity Card/Credential
An identity card, or device such as a key fob, containing a microcircuit. When placed in close proximity to a card reader, the card activates the reader circuitry and registers a unique code.
Pull Station
A fire alarm initiating device that transmits an alarm signal when manually operated.
Push-Button
A manually-activated, momentary switch.