BSIA Security Equipment Manufacturers section chairman Nick Sims said: “The dual-running period for British and European standards was formulated to give both manufacturers and installers the opportunity to fully understand the implications of the new standard and to get their staff and businesses geared up for changes.
“Failure to do so may lead to loss of business, especially if your competitors are ahead of the game.
“The training of engineers, surveyors and sales representatives is key to preparing for October 2005. Many BSIA manufacturers have started producing items of equipment that comply with the new standards and are in the advanced stages of developing fully compliant systems. Training is also being provided, and I would encourage installers to take advantage of these opportunities.”
The BSIA will be holding seminars early this year to assist installers, and will be issuing regular updates and guidance information.
Standards for intruder alarms are dual-running because the European standards are currently incomplete. When finished, these will replace current British standards. PD6662:2004 will be the only standard that can be used after October, and the BSIA says this is what installers should be working towards.
The BSIA says the recently published, revised DD243:2004 should be referred to for matters relating to intruder alarm confirmation.
