Security: A Guide to Security System Design and Equipment Selection and Installation, Second Edition (Paperback)

by Neil Cumming (Author) "The first stage in considering security systems is to perform a security overview..." (more)
Key Phrases: district brightness, open area lighting, disk tumbler locks, Principles of Operation, British Standard, Introduction Table (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Security: A Guide to Security System Design and Equipment Selection and Installation, 2ed is the first comprehensive reference for electronic security systems. In eight chapters, it guides the reader through selection, installation, testing, and maintenance of security equipment in 35 categories, from interior and exterior sensors to security systems, The uninformed purchaser, the security-conscious manager, and the novice security practitioner will find that this book demystifies the "black art" of security systems design via clear descriptions of operation principles and extensive practical advice. The more knowledgeable reader will find a unique reference and compendium of information usually found in many separate sources. Each device explained in this book is broken down into sections covering its principles of operation, uses, applications, equipment types, and advantages and disadvantages. This important reference outlines the data objectively, enabling the reader to independently make informed judgments about competing bids or proposals, compile a brief, and design or maintain a security system.

Neil Cumming is a partner at Dodd, Cumming, and Love, Consulting Engineers in Plymouth, England. As Projects Manager for all security projects, he is directly responsible for the design of all security systems from inception to completion for a variety of clients. In this role, Mr. Cumming has designed and supervised the installation of security systems on private and military sites throughout Britain and the Middle East. Starting working life as an apprentice electrician, Mr. Cumming later studies at the City University, London, earning a degree in Building Services and Environmental Engineering.

It is a comprehensive reference for electronic security systems.
Guides the reader through all aspects of electronic security systems from selection to maintenance.
Uses detailed descriptions of operations principles and practical advice to make the use of security systems easier to understand.

From the Publisher
This important reference outlines the data objectively, enabling the reader to make informed judgments about competing bids or proposals, to compile briefs, and to design or maintain security systems.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 338 pages
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2 edition (August 4, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750696249
• ISBN-13: 978-0750696241
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #181,963 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Limited interest for US readers, April 22, 2002

By	Glen M. Greer (Delray Beach, FL USA) - See all my reviews

10 years is a long time in high technology, and alarms sytems are based on high technology. So this book is now of mainly historical interest and for background reading.

Compounding this issue for non-UK residents, is the fact that the book was written in the UK, by a UK engineer about UK alarm sytems. These differ quite significantly from those used in the USA. There are different regulatory standards and quite different customs and practices.

When published, the book was an exceptionally useful volume and it highlighted for me the mystery of why there was no equivalent in the USA, nor is there today. Mr. Cumming should update his book and someone in the US should take it as a model for a book about US alarm systems.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars out of date, April 1, 2003

By A Customer

Most of info on electronics is out of date in this book, don't waste your money.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Security: A Guide to Security System Design and Equipment Selection and Installation, 2nd Edition, August 11, 2007

By	M. Murphy (Bear, DE United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was published 15 years ago in 1992. Like all technology, security system design and equipment improves at a dramatic rate (on a yearly basis). The information in this book is not relevant to today's available technology. There are better resources out there.