Perfect Connections

Community Service

2011-02-19T04:54:00.000-08:00

The Central Jersey Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (CJNARI) is looking for a community service project to perform this spring. Our professional remodelers, along with professionals from various trades are available for a 1 to 2 day project for someone in need. Projects can be indoors or out. If you know of someone in need and can use some help, please contact us or CJNARI . http://www.cjnari.org

POTS

2011-02-02T05:33:00.001-08:00

In the old days (5 years ago), you would pick up your telephone and it would work, always. You didn't need power, you didn't need an internet connection, you didn't have to rely on all the packets of information getting to where they have to go. Things have changed.

More and more people are cancelling telephone service with traditional phone companies and receiving service through their cable company or another provider. Cheaper, yes, but certainly not better for your alarm system.

The only problem you had to worry about in the past was someone tampering with your phone lines. Now, that is just the beginning. The internet is not as reliable as traditional phone service. 99% up time is over 3 1/2 days of down time a year. Doesn't sound bad until you remember life safety is at stake. There are other problems as well. The way information packets are processed are not compatible with alarm systems and some providers. Worse yet, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't If the power goes out, no phone service. If someone cuts the cable wire, no phone service. We've all called the cable company for service in the past. Lets just say quick they are not.

There is a solution. Connect Wirelessly. Primary or backup communication from your alarm system to the central station can be accomplished via the cellular network for often less than the cost of a telephone line. The signal will get out if the power is down or somebody cuts the wires.

Contact us for more information.

Remote Access

2011-01-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

You can now access and control your home or business alarm system simply by using your smart phone or IPad. Couldn't be easier. Contact us for more information.

2010 CotY AWARDS

2010-01-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

I was honored to be involved with 2010 Central Jersey Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (CJNARI) Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards. The event was at Maggiano's in Bridgewater and we had a great turnout. CJNARI is an organization dedicated to education and ethics in the remodeling industry. This was our second event, and quite successful. The work our group does is terrific. www.cjnari.org

WELCOME HTHI CUSTOMERS

2010-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Former HTHI Customers:

We are pleased to welcome all alarm and security customers of HTHI to Perfect Connections. Being a fully licensed NJ alarm company, your security is our business. We offer 24 hour service and you can always talk to the technician on duty. Our office hours are 8:30a - 5:00p Monday through Friday.

In the near future you will be receiving a informational packed from us. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Patrick Chrustinsky
President
908-722-2880

View Included

2009-08-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

This week we are working on this house in North New Jersey. We are wiring for and installing a burglar alarm system, video surveillance system, video intercom system, wireless computer access points, phone wiring, high definition television wiring throughout the house with all equipment being in a central location, and speakers - indoors and out.

ONE MANS JUNK

2009-07-13T16:09:00.001-07:00

This salvage yard in NJ has 22 acres that are protected by a perimeter alarm system. The gate is alarmed, there are beams along the perimeter and strategically placed throughout the yard as well as outdoor motion detectors on the office building. This system is a combination of hardwired as well as long range wireless. There is also a digital surveillance system on the premises to capture video of anyone foolish enough to break in.

SIGN SAYS IT ALL

2009-07-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

ON THE JOB IN SCOTCH PLAINS

2009-07-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is a total renovation that we are working on. We are doing the burglar alarm system, intercom system, phone system, data wiring and configuration, multi room stereo system, central vac system, as well as mounting all the wall mounted televsions.

YES, THEY REALLY WORK

2009-06-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

Friday night, the telephone pole in front of one of our customers was hit by lightning. This caused a power surge into the building, damaging several electric circuits. When an electrical outlet started smoldering and smoking, the smoke detector activated and initiated the indoor and outdoor horns and strobes and placed a call to our monitoring station alerting them to a fire condition. This was fortunate because it all happened when the business was closed. The monitoring station then called the fire department, which responded. Upon arrival they noticed the damage and disconnected the electricity into the building. This quick response saved quite a bit of property and heartache for this business.

EVERYBODY NEEDS PROTECTION

2009-06-27T05:29:00.001-07:00

TECHNOLOGY AT WORK

2009-06-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Putting the final touches on a system that will allow this store owner to watch his surveillance cameras on his Blackberry Storm mobile phone. Not only will he be able to see what is going on from the cameras on a monitor in his office and from any computer with an internet connections, but the video will stream to his phone, whereever he may be.

REMOTE SURVEILLANCE 2

2009-06-18T04:27:00.000-07:00

The equipment for this job is mounted in the third floor mechanical room. A penetration had to be made through the roof and a 1 1/2" PVC was inserted. On the room was a junction box with 1" PVC going to the front and back of the building. 7 cameras in total were mounted along the perimeter.

REMOTE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

2009-06-17T03:45:00.000-07:00

This customer, a pretigous NJ commercial developer, needs to look at the parking lot areas of a newly purchased office building and shopping center. The best view is from the roof of a 3 story building. 7 cameras were installed around the roof perimeter to view the critical areas.

FEELING SECURE

2009-06-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's a good feeling knowing that your family and home are protected. This home has a fully wireless alarm system with 38 wireless transmitters on the windows and doors.

2009-06-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Sign up for our E-Newsletter. We cover all topics from types of devices, how they work, and how new technology is changing the way you protect a home or business. From burglar and fire alarms to remote video surveillance systems, to controlled access systems. http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001f-KEXzn5tO2Ktau8cH2ZguCj5PA9E1ZW

IT WILL NOT HAPPEN HERE

2009-06-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

People think that because they live in a quiet "good" neighborhood their house won't be burglarized. Simply not true. You can't get much quieter and suburban than this, but in the past month 7 homes have been broken into. Fortunately, we have been able to protect several smart people who now know that it can happen here. Sleep better. Call us at 800-369-3962 for a free no obligation estimate.

ON THE JOB IN PRINCETON, NJ

2009-06-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

On the job in Princeton, NJ

Finishing a new construction installation today and tomorrow. This customer has a full security system, cable wiring, and 30 Cat6 data runs in his home. This house is built by R. Faucett Construction of Flemington, NJ. http://www.rfaucettconstruction.com/

OUTDOOR SOUND

2009-06-01T13:56:00.001-07:00

We installed a pair of outdoor speakers in Princeton earlier today. They are in a terrific covered patio, complete with fireplace. The space is great and having music there just makes it better. This addition was built by Bryhn Construction in Princeton, NJ. http://www.bryhnconstruction.com/

Award Winner

2009-06-01T04:56:00.001-07:00

This past January we were honored to win a Contractor of The Year (CoTY) award from the Central Jersey National Association of the Remodeling Industy (CJNARI) chapter. It was quite an honor. Central Jersey House and Home Magazine did a great story about the meaning of the award and the award presentation celebration. Here is the article. http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=13712&page=1&p=1

STUDY PROVES EFFECTIVENESS OF BURGLAR ALARMS

2009-05-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, this past February Rutgers University published a study that credited the drop in burglaries in Newark NJ to an increase in the amount of registered alarm systems, proving something we already knew. What is interesting, however, is that burglar alarm systems did not displace the burglaries to other homes in the neighborhood. Here is the full release:

Study Links Burglary Reduction to Increase in Alarms Systems
NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive study of five years of
statistics by researchers at the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice
(SCJ) in Newark found that residential burglar alarm systems decrease crime.
While other studies have concluded that most burglars avoid alarm systems,
this is the first study to focus on alarm systems while scientifically ruling
out other factors that could have impacted the crime rate.
Researchers concentrated on analyzing crime data provided by the Newark Police
Department. "Data showed that a steady decrease in burglaries in Newark
between 2001 and 2005 coincided with an increase in the number of registered
home burglar alarms," said study author Dr. Seungmug (a.k.a. Zech) Lee, who
received his doctoral degree from SCJ in 2008 and presently teaches at Ohio
Northern University in Ada, Ohio. "The study credits the alarms with the
decrease in burglaries and the city's overall crime rate."
In short, the study found that an installed burglar alarm makes a dwelling
less attractive to the would-be and active intruders and protects the home
without displacing burglaries to nearby homes.
The study also concluded that the deterrent effect of alarms is felt in the
community at large. "Neighborhoods in which burglar alarms were densely
installed have fewer incidents of residential burglaries than the
neighborhoods with fewer burglar alarms," the study noted.
The study was conducted with the cooperation of the Newark Police Department
and reviewed five years of police data. The more than 300-page study was
conducted over a two-year period and funded by the non-profit Alarm Industry
Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF). SCJ Professors George L. Kelling,
Marcus Felson and Ronald V. Clarke and Professor Robert D. McCrie of John Jay
College of Criminal Justice in New York were members of the study's Faculty
Advisory Committee. Dr. Clarke served as committee chair.
"This type of study assists police departments to effectively deploy their
limited resources," said Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy. "The School of
Criminal Justice provides valuable insight into the positive impact alarm
systems can have in preventing residential burglaries."
"This is the most comprehensive study of its kind that has ever been
conducted," said Dr. Lee. "By using sophisticated in-depth research
techniques, we were able to eliminate the variables that impact crime rates
and focus directly on the impact alarm systems have on residential
burglaries."
The study noted that "technology innovations" have increased the availability
of home security systems to middle-class homeowners and that technology has
made the systems more dependable. "Computers, printed circuits, digital
communicators, and microprocessors have refined monitoring and signaling
technology, and modern electronic sensors now include ultrasonic, infrared and
microwave devices which were formerly available only in more sophisticated
commercial and industrial applications," said Dr. Lee.
Researchers also pointed to an earlier study based on interviews with burglars
("Burglars on the Job 1994," Northeastern University Press) to support their
conclusions. That study concluded, "Most offenders, though, wanted to avoid
alarms altogether and, upon encountering such devices, abandoned all thought
of attacking the dwelling."
For more information about "The Impact of Home Burglar Alarm Systems on
Residential Burglaries" study, please contact Dr. Lee at 419-772-2597,
s-lee.8@onu.edu or ezech0725@gmail.com.
MORE ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Rutgers School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) is a major national and international
center for scholarly research on all aspects of policing, delinquency, crime,
and criminal justice administration. This provides a basis for its educational
programs that also fulfill public service obligations by helping to address
the needs of criminal justice agencies within the city, state, nation, and
world.
Based at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, SCJ's faculty includes some
of the top scholars in the field, and the Ph.D. program in criminology has
been ranked fourth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The doctoral
program continues to set the standard for doctoral training, and SCJ's
graduating students are highly sought after by universities recruiting new
faculty. All of the degree programs offered by SCJ provide classroom as well
as research opportunities that prepare students for positions in research,
teaching, and criminal justice system management and policymaking. For more
information on the school, please visit www.rutgers-newark.rutgers.edu/rscj.
SOURCE Rutgers University in Newark, Office of Communications
Dr. Lee, +1-419-772-2597, s-lee.8@onu.edu or ezech0725@gmail.com, for Rutgers
University in Newark, Office of Communications; or Ferlanda Fox Nixon,
ferlanda@andromeda.rutgers.edu, or Helen Paxton, paxton@andromeda.rutgers.edu,
both of Office of Communications of Rutgers, The State University of New
Jersey, +1-973-353-5262, fax, +1-973-353-1050

and the link to the Reuters story: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS262100+05-Feb-2009+PRN20090205

HOW TO BUY A BURGLAR ALARM FOR YOUR HOME (Part 1)

2009-05-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

How To Buy A Burglar Alarm posts are intended primarily for first time alarm system buyers.

With the crime rate going up, more people are considering installing alarm systems in their home. Since most people have never had an alarm system before, the options available and ways of protecting a home are many and confusing. Here is how to start: Pick the alarm company first. Ask people that you know with alarm systsems if they are happy with the service. Be specific. There are really 2 services - the monitoirng service and the installation and repair service that the local alarm company provides. If something goes wrong they are the ones that have to show up and fix it. Let's talk about the local alarm company first. Are they available 24 hours a day, with someone always answering the phone. If something is beeping at 3AM are they available. Is someone always on call that can help you either on the phone or come out and make a repair. Ask the salesperson. If not, keep looking. As for the salesperson, do they have any experience with the installation of one. If so, they won't make promises that can't possibly be kept. Find out how long the salesperson has been in the security industry, and what did they sell before. What kind of training have they had. Are they licensed? Do they know about equipment other than the one that they sell. Can they tell you why something should be done a particular way? You are trying to find out if they really know what they are talking about, and not just read some brochures and had a crash 3 hour course. Here is a really important one - will they give you their cell phone # so you can reach them after the installation if there are any problems. Next post we will talk about the alarm company itself.

Our Offices

2009-05-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Perfect Connections, Inc. offices.

VOIP

2008-04-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Voice Over Internet Protocol is becoming more and more popular, primarily because it is usually cheaper than traditional phone service (POTS). If you have an alarm system, there is a chance that your alarm panel can not communicate over VOIP, this is particularly true if you have a third party VOIP provider like Vonage. If you receive your VOIP service directly from the cable company or phone company (Not over DSL), there is a good chance that it will work.

You should, however, be aware that a power outage will stop your modem from working, and the alarm panel can not dial out. The alarm system has a back up battery. At the very least, you should have a UPS (back up battery) that the modem is plugged into. This will work for short periods but not for long outages.

If you switch to VOIP, you should contact your alarm company in advance so they can best direct you how to test your system and determine if any phone wiring is required.

Once VOIP is active, you should test your system with the central station and then test your system regularly.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector Life Span

2008-03-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
The life expectancy of a carbon monoxide detector which is part of a security system is approximately 5 to 6 years. After this period of time, if carbon monoxide is present, there is a good chance that the unit will not be able to detect the gas.

Depending on the brand, notification of sensor failure is different. Some units have the expiration date written on a label under the cover. Other units have a combination of visual notification and chirping.

It is not a bad idea to be proactive and if your units are 5 years old, have the sensors replaced.

SMOKE DETECTORS
Smoke detectors have a life expectancy of 10 – 15 years and when they fail, have a tendency to false alarm. Commercial fire alarm systems are required to have their systems inspected at least once a year by a licensed contractor in accordance with NFPA standards. No such requirement exists for residential fire alarms, but it is highly recommended that these systems be checked for proper operation as well.