Frequently Asked
Questions

A commercial security system is the first line of defense against break-ins, theft, vandalism and more. These systems go way beyond the capabilities of the security setups found in residences. The equipment available for commercial use has advanced features like AI-assisted detection, access control, integration capabilities and so much more. All of these devices work together to create a comprehensive network of protection to keep your property, assets, employees and customers safe.

Mammoth Security has worked with numerous companies around Connecticut including the U.S. Coast Guard, the City of New Britain, and many eateries! Even though every business had different needs, we made sure to create and install a security system tailored made for their needs.

The term security system refers to any configuration of technology and equipment that provides protection from hazards. These setups could include:

Burglar Alarms
Fire Alarms
Access Control
Motion Detection
CCTV
Perimeter Control

Each configuration features customized technology for sensing, recording, and alerting to processed data and possible threats. Mammoth Security will survey your property and work with you to find the right equipment for all your security needs, while making sure you’re compliant with local and federal law.

Our most popular security system solution is our camera installations. Businesses enjoy having the ability to survey who comes and goes on their property. Not only that, but the presence of camera equipment actually helps deter would-be intruders and thieves from making an attempt. Security cameras provide 24-hour surveillance and can record valuable footage that may need to be used as evidence in the event of an incident.

The other most popular option is burglar alarm systems. These setups offer recording, alerts, and alarms to help protect your business from those looking to do harm. Mammoth Security can customize a solution that will protect vulnerable areas and quickly alert you and the authorities during a burglary.

There isn’t really a “better” choice when it comes to protecting your property. What’s important is getting a system that meets your needs and requirements. Many companies like to integrate the two to create a comprehensive and encompassing setup that covers all aspects of property protection.

Security cameras will keep a constant eye on your property regardless of whether staff is onsite or not. Burglar alarms enhance that security by adding a layer of audible alarm deterrence and optional monitoring that is connected to emergency services.

An effective business security system is one that works well for your business. There are some suggestions on how to get the most reliable and thorough protection.

A hardwired high definition camera system integrated with a monitored burglar alarm is likely the best way to cover your business from all angles. Monitoring means that a staffed center can respond to threats even without you present. Many companies also benefit from multiple setups for full coverage if there are multiple buildings on the property. Wireless cameras can be installed so that all surveillance can be connected on one system. This creates a convenient, easy-to-access security system.

Technically? Yes. Would we recommend it? No. There are plenty of DIY security systems and camera setups available on the market that boast easy installation and good coverage. And although they are passible, we wouldn’t recommend using them for the protection of your business and investments.

Commercial-grade available options have much more extensive features and often go above and beyond the capabilities of those available off the shelf. Additionally, professional installation means that you are guaranteed to have your system setup properly and working when you need it most. A licensed technician can help design the best layout for your system as well to ensure the best level of security.

In this modern age constantly evolving technology has made it easier than ever to protect our properties. But why should you install a security system in your business? Because it’s now possible to protect your investments, assets, employees and customers 24/7, which can reduce the possibility of danger, problems, and insurance headaches.

Long gone are the days of grainy footage,and unreliable recordings after a break-in or fire. Security systems also reduce the chances of an event even happening, and if something does happen, you’ll be prepared with evidence to bounce back quicker. With security devices now being more affordable it is possible to protect your business at any stage and it can grow as you do.

Prices can vary depending upon a multitude of factors such as size of the property, location, chosen equipment, and wiring setup. Security camera setups can start as low as $3,500, but more extensive systems or integrations can change that number dramatically. It’s best to work with a licensed security system installer to design coverage that meets your needs and budget. Mammoth Security’s friendly staff is always available to work with you to evaluate your property and draft a quote.

Yes, a licensed low-voltage electrician is needed to install a commercial security system. All of the included wiring requires a professional to run through the walls and buildings. Low-voltage electricians or security companies, in general, provide the added care required in running the security system wiring. They are also able to troubleshoot and make any necessary changes or repairs.

Depending on your situation and needs, the right company for you could be different from another business’ choice. When looking for a licensed security company, always evaluate your options. Look for companies with good ratings, positive customer feedback, their proximity to your location, their experience and their license standing. Reach out to your prospective companies and speak with them about your needs and how they can best.

Commercial security systems are more extensive than residential units. This is because the possible threats that face a commercial building are a bit more varied than a home. This means that a system that can detect and protect against multiple threats is required. Often commercial systems also need to span a wider distance because of the size or amount of buildings covered by the system. It’s always important to get a security system that fits your needs and to expand as needed.

The term “fiber optics” refers to an advanced wiring technology that transfers high-speed data through glass or plastic fibers. Fiber-optic based networks are faster than most other data-transfer mediums. This technology is also more reliable than other methods due to its durability in construction.

Fiber is typically used for connecting over long distances, especially beyond 300 feet. However, technology exists that allows us to connect cameras from more than 2,000 feet away without needing fiber. While the ideal practice is to use fiber for connections over 325 feet, budget constraints can sometimes make that challenging. Generally, fiber optic networks are more common in larger business locations and properties.

Wired and wireless security solutions differ in the method in which all the devices are connected to one another. Wired setups use physical cabling between the control panels and peripheral devices. Wireless on the other hand, allows the equipment to communicate with the use of radio waves.

Wireless setups are often used in situations where flexibility of placement is required. It’s also a common choice for those looking to install security systems in existing structures as drilling and running wire can be more difficult.

Wired configurations are considered more reliable and are the go-to choice for new building construction. Although wired setups often cost more in upfront costs due to the cost of physical cabling and installation, they are less likely to experience any interference in signal or connectivity.

A dependable security company should be quick to respond, take responsibility, and always be ready to assist customers. When you call, a representative should be available to address your questions immediately. The company should also have an efficient troubleshooting process for both installations and business security solutions. It's important that their employees are well-trained in-house, without relying on subcontractors. You deserve to be treated like a person, not a number.

Our team of professionals is here to provide quality security installation services. With our in-house technical team, you'll get personalized service with professionals who care.

Telecommunications, telecom for short, is the process of transmitting and receiving data over large distances. This includes cell phone signals, radio waves, and any mobile/wireless information, including internet data.

Telecommunication is part of security setups when devices are required to transmit data either to a monitoring center or network-based saving device. Both wireless and wired setups are considered telecommunications.

A telecommunications installation company is responsible for installing and maintaining services such as fiber optic wiring, voice, data wiring, security or life systems. They essentially cover anything that is connected by low voltage wiring.

Yes, we're a prime contractor on any projects we design and install. We also actively subcontract under many of the largest General Contracting companies in the tri-state area. We also work with the A&E industry (Architects and Engineers) to design and spec projects based on a customer's needs.

Surveillance system costs can range from anywhere between $350 - $2,000 per camera for an average security system. However, some business security cameras can easily cost $4,000 to $15,000 with special features and functionality. Color night vision cameras cost a bit more to install but provide full color at night which provides additional information to the police.

A professional security installation company will have the correct wiring to use for the installation. Outdoor cameras should always use outdoor-rated cabling if it will be exposed. Aerial cable is used between buildings or to poles. Then there is varying quality cat5 wiring with different amounts of copper in them.

For new surveillance system installations, IP camera systems provide the best ROI. Video quality is the best on network video recorders. It doubles as a business security system and can help you see if your alarm panel has a false alarm. Some businesses prefer color night vision to ensure their security system provides as much evidence to the police as possible.

Dome cameras are NOT reliable outside. They have motion detection and the same quality video feeds as any other camera. They even have the same night vision. The problem is that they have a gasket that "seals" them. Some prefer domes because they're easier to aim exactly how you want with more Axis of adjustment. They work great inside a building. Outside, even professional companies mount them flat to a building which allows water to build up on the seal then freeze. Freezing water expands and breaks the seal then water will penetrate once it unfreezes. A good company will mount a dome upside down outside down to provide this camera the best chance of success. Even then most dome cameras have a foam piece that shrinks when it gets cold. Once they get older they can fail and cause IR refraction into the dome lens at night. A good professional company will standardize on Turret or bullet cameras for exterior camera locations. Some multi-sensor cameras have no choice but to be a dome camera but are built to better standards than a regular one.

Yes, some models have audio inputs or microphones built-in. All camera video feeds have motion detection, some have person, vehicle, face, or license plate detection. Some PTZ cameras have extended night vision and can lock onto a person and follow them automatically.

Yes, an NVR can work without being connected to the Internet. You just need to ensure that your business security cameras are properly connected to the NVR without problems. NVRs use local storage which you access remotely. It will still get the outputs from your property's outdoor and indoor cameras. Most small businesses want motion alerts that require an internet connection.

Basically, the difference between NVR (network video recorder) and DVR (digital video recorder) is what cameras they're compatible with. An NVR works with digital IP cameras, and a DVR works with full cctv analog or digital-analog security cameras. NVRs also have more features for proactive notifications or AI (Artificial Intelligence). Motion detection, night vision, and all other features work the exact same.

In a nutshell, IP cameras are better than analog cameras. IP cameras in a surveillance system have the latest technology and are more reliable in terms of motion detection, remote access, field of view, range, and resolution.

Technically, closed-circuit television can refer to ANY security camera system that records locally and isn't a publicly broadcast video. Many professionals use the term "CCTV" to refer to the old-style analog cameras. So in this case, the IP camera is considered a CCTV camera.

It's a security solution that leverages smart locks and access doors to manage who can gain access to facilities and to monitor that access. Commercial systems for access control can range from simple electronic systems to complex networks incorporating biometric verification and cloud-based management.

A door access control system is a security measure that allows or restricts access to a building, room, or other enclosed areas. It typically operates electronically and can be managed centrally, eliminating the need for mechanical keys and enhancing physical security with electronic locks.

A door access control system works by verifying the credentials presented by a person wishing to enter a controlled area. If the credentials match an authorized user's data in the system, the user is then granted access. The right access control system will manage access based on specific user permissions, time of day, and other criteria.

You can integrate systems for access control with video surveillance to enhance security measures. This integration allows for real-time visual verification of individuals during access events.

Cloud-based software and mobile credentials for access control have a lower environmental footprint than mechanical and key card systems. They minimize physical waste by eliminating the need for traditional keys and cards, and they reduce energy consumption through efficient software and hardware design.

Keyless entry types are biometrics, such as fingerprint, facial, or iris scans; physical credentials, like key cards or fobs, smart cards, and wearable devices; and mobile access credentials, including mobile access apps, RFID tags, and smartphones transmitting data as Bluetooth or NFC signals.

The best building access control solutions for property managers include systems that offer scalability, remote management, integration with other security systems, and flexible user credential options to accommodate various levels of building security needs.

While mobile devices with access control credentials offer convenience and enhanced security, they are susceptible to hacking. However, using advanced encryption and security protocols significantly reduces this risk.

Cloud-based access control systems are considered safe when they employ strong encryption, reliable security protocols, and regular security updates. Cloud providers typically offer high levels of encryption and redundancy to protect against data loss and unauthorized access

A Structured cabling system installation is an organized approach to cabling infrastructure based on standards.

Structured cabling systems consisting of patch panels and backbones are structured in a way to enable final hardware ports to be connected to the patch panels via patch cords from network switches. This patch panel is then connected to the main trunk or backbone usually with fiber-optic wiring.

Fiber-Optic, Coaxial, and twisted pair.

The 6 sub-systems of structured cabling solutions are Entrance Facilities, Equipment Room, Backbone cabling, Telecommunications Room or Telecommunications enclosure, Horizontal Cabling, and work area.

First, the structured cabling system standards we go by:

Based on ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 (Generic Telecommunications Cabling), which is used for generic infrastructures, and ANSI/TIA-568-C.1 (Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard) there are 6 structured cabling subsystems.

1. Entrance Facilities (EF)

These are located in the MDF or main distribution frame or in their own small area dedicated to this specifically. Entrance facilities are where the protection devices, and connections to the internet access provider reside. This is where the building connects to the outside world.

2. Equipment Room (ER)

These are climate-controlled spaces often located in an MDF or main distribution frame where horizontal cabling meets the backbone. Other telecommunications rooms or enclosures (IDFs or Intermediate distribution frame) will all connect back to the MDF via backbone wiring.

3. Backbone Cabling

Fiber-Optic, coaxial, or twisted pair backbone cabling connects telecom rooms and Entrance facilities / Access Provider areas.

4. Telecommunications Room (TR) and Telecommunications Enclosure (TE)

This houses the horizontal and backbone cables that connect hardware endpoints. This includes patch cords, patch panels and is commonly located in MDFs or IDFs. A telecommunications enclosure is generally a small wall-mounted network rack housing a small amount of equipment where a full room is not warranted.

5. Horizontal Cabling – (Cabling Subsystem 1)

This system runs from the work area's network endpoints to the telecom room or enclosure. It includes all wiring, terminations, jumpers, and patch cords. The horizontal structured cabling system connects to your network switches.

6. Work Area

A work area is where the horizontal cabling endpoints are located. For example, your computer connects to the work area's telecommunications outlet. This outlet is the endpoint of the horizontal cabling subsystem.

The best practice is to include 2 telecom outlets per work area.

Structured cabling standards include 3 categories:

Installation, Testing, and distance of cabling.

Any data cabling company with experience on telecommunication projects has a Fluke testing tool with OTDR for structured cabling systems testing.

Structured cabling solutions planning is the most critical step of a project. From hardware ports to horizontal cabling system design, the installation needs to follow a detailed plan.

One of the benefits of a structured cabling system is the ability to go any distance with the right design. Horizontal cabling is usually restricted to about 300ft. When you combine that with a backbone you can go an unlimited distance.

A structured cabling system enables the communication between the devices used inside of your building. Everything from phones, network connectivity, to security are covered under it.

Category 3, Category 5e, Category 6 or Category 6A cabling is common for horizontal cable / horizontal cross-connect as well as backbone.

The best practice for backbone wiring specifically is multi-mode fiber cabling or single mode.

Coaxial may also be used as a backbone cable.

For business security, most use Honeywell alarm panels. They generally represent the best value for the money. There are more advanced systems such as DSC or ICT which integrate access control into the same system. Commercial burglar alarms cater to the needs of businesses. This includes multiple access levels for different employees. A common request is zones setup for parts of a building that can be locked while another is unlocked. You can even get text messages instantly if a sensor goes off before a live person has a chance to call. This allows you to jump into your camera system while the monitoring service calls you to confirm the break-in.

When a motion detector trips a horn on burglar alarm systems, you want the loudest one possible. You can even put a horn designed to go outside to alert people outside to the break-in as well. For interior alarms, many have a piercing sound that makes it uncomfortable to be in the room. You can even set up smoke machines to further deter burglars.

Small businesses security hinges upon a reliable commercial burglar alarm system. First, there's an input sent to the alarm panel to trip the alarm. This can be from panic buttons, motion sensors, entry sensors, glass break sensors, or even heartbeat detectors. Once a sensor sends the information to the alarm panel, it checks it's settings. Is the system armed? It will alert the monitoring company, who will text and call the first person on the contact list. Your app on your phone will also alert you to the alarm. A live person calls to confirm whether this is a false alarm or a real break-in.

Yes and no. For a petty thief, yes. Experienced burglars know that police don't respond very quickly to an alarm going off unless they have live video confirmation of a burglary in progress. Without outdoor cameras showing someone breaking and entering, the police response will be relatively slow.

Think through how you plan to use the system. This includes any issues you've had with previous systems. Often employees enter the wrong code or share it to disarm the system. There are many options to ensure that doesn't happen. Once you understand what you're looking for, you can now select a company with that experience and ask the right questions. Any company can install a burglar alarm. Only a select few who specialize in business security will be able to set up the system the way you need.

The first step toward securing an apartment building is a professional site survey and security assessment to detect security gaps. You can schedule a free, zero-obligation site survey with a security expert from our Mammoth Security team by filling out the simple form at the bottom of this page.

After your free consultation, a combination of surveillance, access control, and life safety technologies can be brought together for cost-effective, commercial-grade security at apartment buildings and complexes like yours.

ICT security systems are devices engineered and designed by Integrated Control Technology (ICT) to manage access control points and alarm systems. 

ICT Protege is the access control and burglar alarm system designed and manufactured by Integrated Control Technology (ITC).

DMP is a very good alarm system by a great company. All of their alarms are made in the U.S. and are tested by a team of in-house quality control experts before distribution.

In the security field, DMP stands for Digital Monitoring Products. DMP is respected by professionals in the security industry because they create efficient technologies that answer the safety concerns of businesses.

A DMP control panel is the software brain behind a DMP security system. The panel is the point at which all security assessments are made by the system. DMP panels like the DMP XT Series and Command Processor Panel even let customers control both their access control system and their burglar and fire alarms on one single panel with a single interface.

The combination of a wide viewing angle, weather resistance, and inconspicuous design makes dome security cameras better for many indoor and outdoor surveillance installations.

The distance that dome cameras can see largely depends on the specific camera model and its features. However, in general, dome cameras can see up to several hundred feet, depending on factors such as the camera's resolution, lens size, and lighting conditions.

Avigilon dome security cameras are the best on the market. Avigilon's dome cameras have various models that offer different resolutions, ranging from 1080p to 4K, providing exceptional image quality and detail. Many of Avigilon's dome cameras also have advanced video analytics capabilities, such as object detection, facial recognition, and license plate recognition. 

Choose a dome camera for a combination of discreetness, wide viewing angles, weather resistance, and tamper resistance.

Dome cameras are fixed in place, while PTZ cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom. For this reason, PTZ cameras are best suited for applications where the user requires remote control over the camera's direction, while dome cameras are ideal for wide-area coverage and discreet surveillance.

The dome design provides additional protection from the elements, making most dome cameras suitable for outdoor use. To select a dome camera that will resist a variety of weather conditions, check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating. The rating consists of two digits, with the first digit representing the level of protection against solid objects and the second digit indicating the protection level against liquids.

The IP69K rating is the highest possible rating for both solids and liquids, indicating complete protection against dust, dirt, sand, and other solid objects, as well as high-pressure water and steam.

A cloud-based access control system doesn't require an on-site server, and systems that use biometric readers or Bluetooth technology to authenticate credentials don't require physical credentials like fobs and proximity cards. However, other access control components are still necessary. For example, door readers, physical doors, and devices for locking are essential equipment for a functional access control system.

Cloud-based access control is generally secure, but the level of security can vary depending on measures taken to protect data and resources. It's important to use a reputable provider, such as the providers Mammoth Security works with, and to implement best practices like encryption and multi-factor authentication.

A cloud-based access control system is particularly useful for businesses with multiple locations or remote employees because it allows for centralized management of access permissions. Cloud-based access control is also an excellent option for businesses that may need to scale up or down as they grow or change.

Cloud computing is important to cloud-based access control because cloud computing is where a cloud-based access system stores and manages its information. Any access control system that is managed on a remote Internet server (rather than on a local server or PC) is cloud computing access control.

Because multiple sensors can capture images at different resolutions and at various ranges, multi-sensor cameras provide an expanded viewing range and overall improved video quality. Multi-sensor cameras can also eliminate the need for multiple single-camera installations.

There are several ways to view multiple security camera streams at once. NVRs and DVRs can be connected to a security camera system to stream their footage on a single monitoring device or web interface. With cloud-based storage, multiple streams can be viewed remotely through a web browser or mobile app. And a video wall controller can be used to display multiple streams on a large video wall monitor.

Analog security cameras have fewer features than most IP cameras. They tend to capture lower-resolution footage that requires more storage room than digital footage. While IP CCTV cameras are designed for easy live streaming over the Internet, analog security cameras require additional hardware components to translate their electronic signals into digital for transmission over the Internet.

IP cameras are better than analog cameras. They offer higher resolutions, remote accessibility, and better scalability. Advanced features like motion detection and facial recognition are only available with IP camera systems, and digitized footage from IP cameras requires less storage.

That said, the best CCTV security camera for you depends on your needs, resources, and any existing surveillance infrastructure you may have. Analog cameras cost less than IP cameras and work well with most existing infrastructure.

The difference between analog and digital CCTV cameras is in the way they capture and transmit video. Analog cameras use electrical pulses to capture and transmit video, while digital CCTV cameras use digital technology. As a result, digital CCTV cameras tend to achieve superior footage.

Digital cameras are overall better than analog cameras for CCTV because they connect with the Internet for remote mobile access, provide better footage resolution, have more advanced features, and require less space to store footage.

Analog camera systems are more difficult to hack than digital camera systems because they do not connect directly to the Internet. That said, video signals from analog cameras are also vulnerable to interception and hacking. That risk can be lessened by securing the cable and network infrastructure of the system and by physically securing the cameras themselves.

CCTV analog cameras are good at deterring crime, and they save money over digital IP cameras. That said, their footage is generally of a lower resolution, which limits their usefulness when evidence is needed.

Avigilon cameras start at $250 and become more expensive from there, but their extraordinary features make them a great deal, especially considering their easy integration with cameras and software systems from other manufacturers. What's more, there are no annual software licensing fees, Control Center software updates provide new cutting-edge features at no added charge, and the company provides free 24/7 technical support for all of their products.

Avigilon was founded in Canada by Alexander Fernandes in 2004 and was acquired by Motorola Solutions in 2018. Avigilon products are designed by American and Canadian teams and are manufactured in Canada and the US.