Intruder Alarms, IP CCTV and Access Control: Integrated Security for Your Building

Fire safety is only part of protecting a building. It is just as important to know who comes in, what happens on the premises and what happens if a door opens at night.

Here we cover intruder alarms, IP CCTV and access control, and explain how to link them with the fire alarm.

How does an intruder alarm work?

Sensors on doors (magnetic contacts), windows (glass-break), in rooms (motion) and along the perimeter detect intrusion. When the system is armed, the panel sounds a siren and sends the alarm to a monitoring centre or the owner's phone.

Arming and disarming is done with a keypad, key fob, card or mobile app.

What is IP CCTV and why is it better than analogue?

IP cameras send a digital signal over the network. Benefits: high resolution, one cable for video and power (PoE), remote viewing on a phone, and video analytics (number-plate recognition, line crossing, people counting).

We install IP CCTV and local networks from small offices to major sites, including Tashkent Airport.

What is an access control system?

It is electronic locks, turnstiles, card readers and biometrics. It controls who can enter which room and when, and records working time.

In a fire, the access control system must unlock doors on escape routes on a signal from the fire alarm — this is always included in the design.

Can fire alarm, intruder alarm, CCTV and access control be combined in one system?

Yes. An integrated security system lets you manage all subsystems from one workstation: see alarms on a floor plan, get video on each event and control doors.

The fire alarm must keep priority and work independently of any faults in the other subsystems.

Do you still need a fire alarm if you have CCTV?

Yes. A camera does not replace a fire detector: under the standards it is not a fire detection device, and an operator can easily miss smoke on one of dozens of screens.

But the systems complement each other well: when a detector triggers, the camera shows that zone and the duty officer knows within seconds whether it is a real fire or a false alarm.

Why one contractor for everything makes sense

One cabling infrastructure and network, coordinated logic (fire — doors unlock and the zone camera shows up), and one point of responsibility for warranty and maintenance. We install IP CCTV, access control, perimeter alarms and networks — including on sites the size of Tashkent Airport.

The result: lower installation costs and no gaps between different contractors' systems.

How to choose CCTV cameras

It depends on the task and location: outdoor cameras with IR illumination and dust/water protection for grounds, high-resolution cameras for face identification at tills and entrances, number-plate recognition cameras for car parks, and compact dome cameras for offices.

Camera count, fields of view, lighting and storage should be calculated in advance — this is done at the design stage.

Access control: card, PIN or biometrics

Cards and fobs are the most common and affordable option. A PIN keypad suits plant rooms. Biometrics (fingerprint, face) prevent passes being shared and are convenient for time and attendance.

They are often combined: a card at the building entrance and biometrics for the server room or cash office.