FAQs

Do I need to have a PSTN line?

ADT Fire Monitoring strongly recommends customers provide a back-up secondary communication path e.g PSTN to ensure the highest quality standards for safety and protection.

The NZFS policy for Automated Fire Alarm providers is to maintain a service level of 99.97% irrespective of how many communication paths.

What does PSTN stand for?

Public Switched Telephone Network

What is an analogue PSTN line?

An analogue PSTN line is similar to the one you probably have for your telephone at home. Some businesses run digital PSTN lines, which are unsuitable for connection into the equipment.

What does the analogue PSTN line do?

Its primary function is to act as a back up line in case the main communications (Mobile Wireless) path to the equipment is broken.

Can I use an existing analogue PSTN line?

Connection to a PSTN line is easy. Provided your premises uses analogue PSTN lines you can use an existing spare line or you can use an existing shared line that has e.g a fax machine on it. However it must not have any ‘line grabbers’ on it e.g Security systems that automatically dial out in the event of activation. Depending on the type of telephone system used in your premises you may already have a spare PSTN line.

How would I find out if I had a spare analogue PSTN line?

Contact your Telecommunications Service Provider and they will be able to tell you, and advise how much it will cost to install the new cable and a jack point

If I need to put in a new analogue PSTN line, whom do I contact to do this for me?

You can contact your Telecommunications Service Provider and ask them to install a new analogue PSTN line for you. You will be charged standard rates for this.

Where should the analogue PSTN line be installed?

You must instruct your Telecommunications Service Provider to install the jack point within one metre of the fire monitoring equipment.

Who pays for the analogue PSTN line?

The customer is responsible for all costs associated with this line including the installation and the monthly fee.

Cost related queries re installation and rental?

Your Telecommunications Service Provider would have to give you a quote per site.

I am unable to find out the information requested?

If there is an existing line available it will be identified on your Telecommunications Service Provider bill. If you are unable to identify a line or are in a multi-tenanted site it may be prudent to install a dedicated line for future use.

Would ADT have that information?

ADT have no access to any of your Telecommunications Service Provider records.

Can I use the phone in the lift?

The Fire panel would have to be set up as the primary line grabber on this line. The only concern we would have is one of Health and Safety. If there were potential for someone to be caught in a lift and not be able to phone out because the fire panel has grabbed the line we would not recommend this.

Why can't I use my security line?

The fire panel must be the primary line grabber and this will take precedence over anything else. The security system would also be kicked off the line if the fire alarm goes off

Does it have to be a dedicated line?

No – it can be a shared line as long as the fire panel is the primary line grabber. The benefit of having a dedicated line means that data can be sent both ways.

• Remote diagnostics of the ASE
• Ability to identify faulty components of an ASE that may need replacing
• Remote Re-boot (or restart) of ASE
• Firmware or software upgrades

Why can't I use a digital line?

The line will be used to send and receive data so must be analogue – like a fax line.

Why do we need to provide a phone number?

Data can be sent to the device and the panel must be programmed with this telephone number to do that.

Who installs the line?

Your Telecommunications Service Provider e.g Telecom, Telstra

Does it matter which service provider we use?

No – it’s up to you

How much does it cost to have the line converted?

We believe it will cost approximately the same as a new connection, somewhere between $100-$200 but your Telecommunications Service Provider would have to confirm a price.