Ajax devices are now compliant with the American SIA CP-01 standard

Ajax devices comply with the requirements of the SIA CP-01 certification, one of the primary standards for security alarm systems in California, Texas, and Florida. This standard aims to reduce false alarms and enhance user experience. Even though this standard is crucial for the U.S. market, the new features necessary for certification are globally applicable. They enable professional installers to share experiences and adopt best practices.

We delivered most of the features required for obtaining SIA CP-01 certification in OS Malevich 2.19, while cross zoning is available from firmware version 2.20.

What the standard is applicable to

The SIA CP-01 standard is the Security Industry Association (SIA) CP-01 control panel standard approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It outlines recommended design features for security system control panels and their associated arming and disarming devices to minimize false alarms. These features are applicable to both residential and commercial properties equipped with security systems.

What are the benefits for installers and customers

• Reduced false alarms and patrol calls: Ajax products certified by the SIA CP-01 standard are designed to minimize false alarms, benefiting businesses and clients. This reduces unnecessary stress and ensures that resources are utilized efficiently.
• Enhanced trust: Compliance with the SIA CP-01 standard is mandatory for insurance, monitoring companies, and the police, as only certified systems can be installed and trusted. This assurance extends to potential clients, indicating that the security devices they will use are reliable and effective.
• Competitive edge: SIA CP-01-compliant devices provide installation companies with an advantage over uncertified competitors. This differentiation helps them stand out and attract customers seeking quality and reliability in security systems.
• Market growth: The SIA CP-01 standard is mandatory in three American states: California, Texas, and Florida. This certification allows installation companies to deploy Ajax devices in these regions, offering installers and customers an entirely different user experience, faster and easier installation, convenient monitoring, and other Ajax system advantages. This can help expand the customer base.

How to set up the SIA CP-01-compliant system

To configure the system to comply with the SIA CP-01 standard, the PRO user should enable the SIA CP-01 mode in the hub settings. In the Ajax PRO app, navigate to Space → Hub → Settings → Service → Arming/Disarming Process. Then, access the Compliance with Standard setting, select ANSI/SIA CP-01-2019, and click Save. Once completed, the hub will automatically apply all necessary settings. Installers can make further adjustments according to the specific requirements of each project and client’s needs.

For a more detailed process, refer to our guide. It provides step-by-step instructions and additional insights into configuring the system for SIA CP-01 compliance.

What features the standard implements

Extended delays when entering/leaving

A common cause of false alarms is a short delay time during entering or leaving the premises. The SIA CP-01 standard regulates this aspect by increasing the delay to ensure enough time for these actions. In SIA CP-01 mode, short delays are prohibited. The minimum delay time is set to 45 seconds upon leaving and 1 minute upon entering. An additional delay is activated if a user fails to disarm the system within these timeframes. In such cases, the siren alerts, but the alarm is not sent to the central monitoring station (CMS).

Delay auto-adjustment

If a user has armed the system, left the premises but then returns (for example, if they forgot something), the system automatically extends the Delay when leaving. This adjustment is made based on the activity identified by door opening detectors. If the detectors identify both an opening and closing, it indicates someone has left. However, if another opening is detected afterward, the system identifies it as a return to the premises.

Night mode activation in case of accidental arming

If a user accidentally arms the security system but remains inside the premises, a non-SIA CP-01-compliant system typically runs the usual scenario, leading to false alarms and unnecessary stress. To address this issue, we have introduced a new approach: when a user arms the system but stays inside, the system automatically switches to Night mode. Upon triggering the door opening detector with a set delay when leaving, the system identifies whether the user has left. If the detector fails to register leaving (door opening and closing), the system assumes the person is still inside and secures only the perimeter.

Immediate sirens mute during user code entry

As soon as the first digit of the user code is entered, all sirens are silenced and remain so until the entire code is input. This feature ensures that users are not irritated by the noise, reducing anxiety and minimizing the risk of entering the wrong code.

Simplified keypad activation and code entry

The system can now automatically activate keypads. Previously, users had to “wake up” the keypad by pressing any button or running a hand over the device before using it. With the SIA CP-01 mode enabled, the system automatically wakes up after triggering the opening detector, eliminating the need for keypad activation.

The code entry process has been updated. Previously, users needed to press the Disarm button after entering the code to disarm the system. However, this additional step could be forgotten for various reasons. To simplify system disarming, we established a specific password length. Once the user enters the required number of characters, the system automatically recognizes the complete password without the need to press an additional button. This improvement streamlines the process of changing the arming mode of the system.

Cross zoning

Cross zoning is a crucial feature mandated by the SIA CP-01 standard. Here’s how it operates: multiple detectors, grouped into one zone, must be triggered within a specified time frame for the system to activate an alarm. This event is known as alarm confirmation. Within a system, numerous zones may be created. If no confirmed alarms occur, the event will not be sent to the app or the CMS, and the sirens will not be activated. In the firmware version prior to OS Malevich 2.20, only one cross zone was available.

Moreover, cross-zone scenarios are now available. Installers can set up specific scenarios, such as activating smoke machines and roller shutters if an alarm is confirmed.

Which Ajax devices are certified

The following devices have undergone certification:

• Hub 2 (4G) Jeweller
• Hub 2 Plus Jeweller
• HomeSiren Jeweller
• StreetSiren Jeweller
• StreetSiren DoubleDeck Jeweller
• KeyPad Plus Jeweller
• Button Jeweller
• DoubleButton Jeweller
• Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller

The certification covers firmware versions ranging from 5.60.4.xx to 6.0.0.0 and 6.56.1.57 and higher, varying according to the device model. Additional information regarding features available for each device based on its firmware version is outlined in the article.

Besides that, the Ajax product portfolio includes devices with the functionality required to obtain the SIA CP-01 compliance but are not certified:

• Hub Plus Jeweller
• Hub 2 (2G) Jeweller
• Hub Hybrid (2G)
• Hub Hybrid (4G)
• HomeSiren S Jeweller
• StreetSiren S DoubleDeck Jeweller
• KeyPad S Plus Jeweller

Additionally, you can learn more about the standards Ajax devices comply with, along with a list of available devices for purchase.