W

Walk Test

A feature that allows a single technician to test the protection devices connected to zones on the system.

Waterflow Alarm

A device that initiates an alarm signal when water flows through the sprinkler system. The alarm is transmitted to the monitoring center, where it is handled as a fire alarm.

Waterflow Switch

A device installed onto a sprinkler system riser that detects the flow of water within the pipe. Because changes in water pressure within the pipe can move the vane-type switch, water flow switches requires built-in delay device mechanisms or needs to be connected to zones with a programmable retard delay. Dry sprinkler water flow switches activate when water flow is detected.

Wet System

Standard type of sprinkler system. Pipes leading to spray nozzles are filled with water. This system is generally used where there is no danger of the water freezing in the pipes.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network that spans distances beyond the range served by LANs. WAN distances are usually measured in miles instead of feet.

Wideband

A system where multiple channels access a medium (usually coaxial cable) that has a large bandwidth, greater than that of a voice-grade channel.

Wiegand

Trade name for a technology used in card readers and sensors, particularly for access control applications.

Wiegand devices were originally developed by HID Corporation. The Wiegand interface is a wiring standard used for interconnecting peripherals like fingerprint readers, card swipers, or iris recognition devices.

Note: Newer, more sophisticated technologies are available. DMP prefers to use the term “door controllers” in general references rather than Wiegand Interface Modules.

Wire-In Transformer

A transformer type that provides two wire leads for directly connecting line voltage (120 VAC). Wire-in transformers do not have prongs for plugging into electrical outlets.

Wireless

The use of radio transmitters to send alarm device information through the protected premises to a wireless receiver connected to a DMP Command Processor panel.

Wirenut

A connector used to make and insulate an electrical connection. Wire ends are stripped and placed in a cap-like connector (wirenut), then the wire nut is twisted to secure the wire ends together.

Wiring Closet

Central location for termination and routing of on-premises wiring systems.