Hi,

I am aware that the texecom sell their excel model with the option of a 1.2mm steel enclosure. Is this just for extra security or is there a different reason? How does the metal box stand against the hum of the transformers that has been reported on some models? ie does it make the noise louder?

Thanks

It's mainly to prevent someone trying to smash the siren in, I think. Also, if they do manage to break the box off the wall, the siren will continue sounding inside the metal cover, making it even harder to stop, or even reduce the volume. It's more for bell boxes that are quite low down and high security installations rather than your average domestic. As far as I know, Texecom sounders don't have a hum problem? Occasionally you get a control panel transformer hum problem, but not with the bell boxes.

Er the excel is a panel mate, i think your talking about outside bells!

32393[/snapback]

DOH! Not enough sleep is my excuse The transformer thing should have given it away though

No worries, as to the original question, probably the main reason for choosing metal is to give it some protection from attack, the plastic box would last about 10 seconds if someone went at it with a hammer. However the metal box would probably only last a minute, but that could be enough to let the dialler dial or whatever else it wants to do.

To be honest ive only ever been to 2 jobs where the panels had been, let us say, altered cosmetically, most intruders will just run rather than stop to smash things off the wall

Hi,

Thanks for the help and swift replies to my post. Great forum!

Thanks again.

To be honest ive only ever been to 2 jobs where the panels had been, let us say, altered cosmetically, most intruders will just run rather than stop to smash things off the wall

32399[/snapback]

Same here, usually it's just the keypad that gets demolished.

If the panel is out of the way, e.g. in an upstairs cupboard, then the chances are it won't be touched in the event of a break in. I'd always go for the metal option if possible, and especially if it is easily accessible and\or in a prominent position.

I've been to countless jobs where the control panel has been ripped off the wall and /or smashed to bits. Halfway savvy crims that know the systems won't be policed, have just gone and ripped anything that makes a noise, off.

However, as mentioned, systems with their control panel installed in a secure location, usually only have the bell, speakers and keypad damaged.

Back to the point, though. In my experience, when an intruder removes a panel from the wall and rips out the wiring, they are usually satisfied that the alarm is disabled and won't then damage the panel further.

One advantage of metal over plastic is that a plastic panel is more liable to having the PCB damaged when it's 'removed'.

I've been to a lot of break-in's where the original equipment has been able to be reinstalled.(mainly scantronics!)

There is also the point about diallers, but when they rip it off the wall the rip all the cables out with it!

So, the best bet is a metal panel in secure location

I've been to a lot of break-in's where the original equipment has been able to be reinstalled.(mainly scantronics!)

Yes i remember going out to a newsagent where someone had gone at a 9100 with what looked like an axe. Nice big axe mark in the front of it.

Still worked no problem, even though we did change it for a Menvier so we could hide the panel/Redcare etc for the return visit, which was a month later!!

Edited November 23, 200421 yr by Monteey

Yes i remember going out to a newsagent where someone had gone at a 9100 with what looked like an axe.

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Thank the lord one less 9100 / 3000 in the world

Can you book the "mad axe man" to modify jobs or does he work freelance?

There is also the point about diallers, but when they rip it off the wall the rip all the cables out with it!

32419[/snapback]

A good case for external diallers then!

So, the best bet is a metal panel in secure location

32419[/snapback]

Can't go far wrong with that.