We use plunger type contacts on cases. These can be installed so when opened the plunger pops out and triggers an alarm. These contacts could
be wired to an existing security system. I would also suggest a glassbreak detector in the area so if someone breaks the glass rather than opening the case, it would trigger the alarm. You would incur cost of the equipment, a service call fee and labor of a technician to install it.
If you do not have a security system currently at minimum you will need a control panel, a keypad to arm and disarm the alarm with a code, a siren (if audible), a plunger contact for the case and a glassbreak detector (if budget allows). Any reputable company should be able to come out and assess the situation for no charge and give you a quote to install such equipment. This may seem like over kill, but keep in mind that most control panels come standard with at least six zones, so you can add additional equipment later as your needs change.
Will it be monitored by a security company? You will incur a monthly fee for monitoring, but if you do not have security personnel on staff this would be necessary. The security company can call representatives at your organization and the authorities in whatever order you choose. Their response time is usually under 30 seconds from receiving an alarm to attempting to contact someone.
In the future as budget allows I would consider a camera with a recording device in this area as well. It sounds like this is a high ticket item and needs 24 hour surveillance.
I know security is sometimes an afterthought of exhibit design, but it as the cliché goes "it is always better to be safe than sorry!"
I this was not information overload and at least somewhat helpful...
Thanks
Ava Wilkey
Registration Assistant
Atlanta History Center
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:03 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Any suggestions for case alarms?
Dear Holly North,
A puzzling request. The object is being put in a case because it is
valuable? This item has to be removed every evening (to put it in a safe?).
But, protecting this may not cost 'a bunch of money'? There is no security
person in your museum? There should be in this cornerstone for cultural arts
and education in West Texas...
As for your question: there are numerous solutions, and even several cost
effective ones.
I suggest you browse specialized websites such as:
http://www.euronova.co.uk
They are based in the UK, but I have been informed that many USA museums use
their products.
There is another one in Belgium:
http://www.codine.be
At http://users.swing.be/sw299151/download.html you can download several
English language leaflets and see some video presentations.
A Google search sometimes too does work wonders: http://snipurl.com/glnh
An important issue:
Do you want this alarm just to sound locally? If so, than you must realize
that guards need to be at hearing distance. If you want to connect this
alarm to an existing system with remote surveillance, than I advise you to
get in touch with the installer of that system. They will (should) be able
to help you out with your problem.
Whatever you choose to install, please do realize that you need an
organization able to response adequatly.
Yours
Ton Cremers
_________________________
Museum Security Network
http://www.museum-security.org/
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Dutch Masters in Australia
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_________________________
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museum discussion list
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Holly North
> Sent: 29 July 2005 23:11
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Any suggestions for case alarms?
>
> We are looking for some kind of alarm for a locking case.
> The alarm needs to have a deactivation key/code since the item would
> have to be removed each evening from display. We are looking for
> something that will sound if the item is removed from the case, or if
> the locking lid to the pedestal is opened. And most important, it
> can't cost a bunch of money....
>
> Thanks for the help!
>
> Holly North
> Curator of Collections
>
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_________________________
Museum Security Network
http://www.museum-security.org/
[log in to unmask]
Archive Cultural Property Protection
http://te.verweg.com/pipermail/cpprot/
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http://te.verweg.com/pipermail/msn-list/
Dutch Masters in Australia
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/dutchmasters/
_________________________
=========================================================
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The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
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=========================================================
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