ADSL equipment could interfere with alarms: ACA

Users are being warned that some alarm systems and ADSL equipment could interfere with each other.

According to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA), self-installation of broadband asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) equipment might lead to interference with some security alarm systems.

This includes back-to-base alarm systems or alarm systems with a dialling function, according to a statement issued by the telecommunications regulator.

Dr Bob Horton, acting ACA chairman, argued that consumers who had an alarm system that could be remotely monitored must have their ADSL service professionally installed with a properly placed filter, to prevent the two services from interfering with each other.

“Interference can occur if the ADSL service is not separated from your normal phone service before it reaches the alarm system,” Horton said. “When this happens, the ADSL service will most probably prevent the security system from correctly sending and receiving signals from the monitoring station.”

Horton said that there was the possibility the ADSL service might also be affected, because it would not be able to communicate with the computers in a household if all sockets beyond the security system were isolated under alarm operating conditions.

“If you have a monitored alarm system, insist on competent professional installation by a registered or licensed cabler,” he said. “Security providers are becoming increasingly aware that ADSL can compromise security services and should be able to recommend the best solutions to ensure correct monitoring.”