Frequently Asked Questions: Radio Fire Alarm Monitoring System
Q: Why did the City decide to update the monitoring equipment?
The current equipment has been in service for well over 25 years, and since then there has been significant technology advancement with radio devices. Coupled with the recent ability for the City to contract with an alarm monitoring company of its choosing, the City now has the means to provide for a more cost-effective and efficient solution to fire alarm monitoring.
Q: Why did the City decide to use radios instead of phone lines?
The phone lines that carry signals between alarm users and the City were dedicated phone lines that transmitted voltages and not voice or data. This is very old technology that is not well-supported by modern phone companies. These lines also are very susceptible to induced voltages, such as during a thunderstorm, and moisture problems. Many alarm users spend weeks trying to resolve phone issues with their alarm systems.
Q: Why is Chicago Metro Fire Prevention Company supplying the equipment?
When the City decided to change equipment and convert to a new radio technology, the City sent out Requests For Proposals and received four local vendors who deal with this type of equipment. Chicago Metro submitted the best overall proposal.
Q: What is DU-COMM?
DU-COMM is the 9-1-1- emergency telephone service provided to a number of municipalities within DuPage County. DU-COMM provides fire and police dispatching directly for the City of Wheaton. DU-COMM is located in Glendale Heights. When you call 9-1-1, you are actually speaking with a dispatcher from DU-COMM. All fire alarms are directly transmitted to DU-COMM for dispatching the appropriate fire personnel.
Q: If I pay a fee to Chicago Metro, can I stop paying fees to my current alarm company?
Not entirely. You are required to maintain your alarm systems and have a service contract with a licensed fire alarm contractor. Fire alarm systems must be regularly inspected, tested and maintained. Your current alarm company provides these services. You may continue to use your current alarm company; however, if part of the fee you paid your alarm company includes monitoring, you may want to speak with them about adjusting your bill.
Q: Why did my previous alarm company charge me for monitoring if my fire alarm system was connected already to the City through ADT?
As a customer service, many alarm companies take care of all aspects of the fire alarm system. The alarm company may take care of paying the monitoring fees as part of the overall maintenance of your system. If you prefer, you can have your fire alarm company take care of paying the monitoring fees to Chicago Metro. This way, you only have to deal with one company and one bill.
Q: I have a security system that is monitored by a private company. Does the radio fire alarm system affect my security alarm?
The radio fire alarm network system is only for fire alarms. However, the ordinance approved by the City Council requiring connection to the radio alarm network also requires all hold-up/panic alarms to be directly connected to the alarm panel owned by the City. Therefore, if you have a hold-up or panic alarm, it will be required to connect to the City’s alarm panel with a separate radio connection.
Q: I have a fire alarm system that is currently monitored by a private company. Do I have to connect to the city?
Yes. In fact, Section 907.15 of the Wheaton City Code requires all alarm signals to be transmitted to receiving equipment housed by the City of Wheaton. This requirement will not change. In order to reduce response times and maintain better oversight of fire alarms, it is important to have fire alarms directly connected to the City’s channel.
Q: Can I purchase a radio from another vendor?
No. The radios located throughout the city will operate as a network, each relying on the other to transmit signals. As radios are added or removed from the network, the system must be rebalanced to provide optimum performance. The system runs most effectively when one vendor oversees it.
Q: Do other communities use radios?
Yes. The largest network is in Naperville and has operated smoothly since 2001. Other communities include Algonquin, Northbrook, Hoffman Estates, Highland Park, Lisle/Woodridge and Elmhurst.
Q: Have there been any problems with the radios?
Yes. In some cases, a community had problems with their network which was caused because the municipality allowed multiple vendors to install and maintain the radios, which caused the network to operate inefficiently, leading to slow-downs in alarm signal transmissions.
Q: Our company policy requires our fire alarm to be monitored by a private alarm company, or our company has a proprietary fire alarm monitoring system. Are we required to connect to the City?
Yes. You may keep your current alarm company if you desire; however, you must also connect to the City.
Q: What is the charge for monitoring?
The monthly fee for radio monitoring, which includes leasing the radio, is $85. For comparison purposes, the average monthly charge for a dedicated phone line is $108, along with a currently monthly monitoring cost of $27. Switching to the wireless monitoring will save $50 per month.