Alarmtech: Secure solutions for every security challenge

Choosing the right devices not only ensures the protection of your facilities but also compliance with industry regulations. At By Demes Group, we understand the challenges involved in designing security solutions. That’s why, as a distributor of electronic security technologies, we offer you the range of impact and seismic detectors from Alarmtech, developed to meet the demands of Grade 3 systems.

Find the ideal devices for your professional projects in the Alarmtech Catalog from By Demes Group, the authorized distributor in Europe.

How does a seismic detector work?

In the electronic security sector, professional installers recognize the importance of seismic detectors and their effectiveness in protecting various types of objects and structures. Since the 1990s, these devices have been widely used in applications such as ATMs, safes, gun cabinets, and reinforced concrete walls, playing a key role in high-security installations. These applications, typical of Grade 3 systems, require protection against thermal tools like blowtorches and thermal lances, cutting and drilling tools, as well as heavy impacts and explosions.

What is a seismic detector?

A seismic detector is a device specifically designed to address these challenges. Although there is no specific EN 50131 standard for seismic detectors, the VdS 2331 standard, developed by the German laboratory VdS at the request of the banking industry, has become the benchmark standard in Europe for decades.

This standard ensures that seismic detectors can detect attacks using thermal tools, drills, cutting tools, heavy impacts, and explosions on structures such as ATMs, safes, and reinforced concrete walls. Furthermore, the certification process includes rigorous tests to verify their detection capabilities in various scenarios and ensure resistance to false alarms. Avoiding false positives is crucial to ensuring the reliability of these devices, which is an essential requirement for obtaining VdS certification. Thus, a seismic detector is defined as one that meets the strict standards established by the VdS 2331 standard.

Other types of vibration detectors

Impact detectors, also known as inertial detectors, are ideal solutions for protecting surfaces such as windows, doors, and interior partitions. Specifically designed to detect impacts, these devices have been an essential component of security systems for decades and are manufactured by various suppliers.

Since the introduction of the EN 50131-2-8 standard, which regulates impact detectors, these devices have evolved to meet stricter criteria. This standard evaluates their ability to detect impacts on materials such as wood, glass, door frames, and thin concrete walls, including specific tests to minimize false alarms caused by factors such as hail or small objects (stones, keys, etc.).

While some impact detectors can respond to attacks with cutting tools or saws on soft materials, these capabilities and thermal threats are not covered by the EN 50131-2-8 standard. Therefore, impact detectors certified according to this standard are ideal for applications on doors, windows, and, in some cases, thin concrete or brick walls where impact tool attacks are anticipated.

Choosing between seismic and impact detectors

The decision to install a seismic or impact detector mainly depends on the characteristics of the application. Factors such as the construction, design of the object to be protected, and the required security grade as per EN standards will determine the most suitable option.

• For hard materials and sophisticated attacks, such as thermal tools or heavy drills, only a seismic detector certified by VdS 2331 can provide complete protection.
• For soft materials and attacks with impact tools, such as hammers or sledgehammers, impact detectors certified under EN 50131-2-8 are the best choice.

Download a practical guide for installers!

Alarmtech has developed the study “Seismic and Impact Detectors in High-Security Grade 3 Installations”, which addresses the key differences between seismic and impact detectors. It also includes practical examples for Grade 3 applications, serving as an indispensable guide for installers looking to choose the right solution while meeting regulatory standards and requirements.

Use the contact form on the By Demes Group website to request information, advice, or receive a personalized quote. Our excellent professional team is ready to support and guide you through every stage of your professional projects.