Input types define how an input or trouble input will operate in a particular area. This covers a wide variety of applications: from alarm generation and reporting to trouble monitoring and output, area and automation control. Because each input can be programmed into up to four areas with a different input type in each, input types provide a flexible and efficient method of applying programming to one or more inputs.
There are a number of preconfigured input types available that provide basic functionality.
It is recommended that you do not edit these records, to ensure you have a known baseline to use for testing and troubleshooting. You can use these defaults to provide a template for your own custom input type programming.
- Instant: When the input is opened in an armed area the area goes into alarm immediately.
- Instant Force: The same as Instant but the input can be force armed.
- Delay: When the input is opened in an armed area the area begins the entry delay.
- Delay Force: The same as Delay but the input can be force armed.
- Delay Follow: If the input is opened during the entry delay the alarm is not activated. If the input is opened when the area is armed and not in entry delay the area goes into alarm immediately.
- Delay Follow Force: The same as Delay Follow but the input can be force armed.
- Trouble Silent: Used for trouble inputs. If this input is opened while the 24hr portion of the area is armed a 24hr (tamper) alarm is generated. The bell output for the area is not activated.
- Trouble Bell: Used for trouble inputs. The same as Trouble Silent but the bell output for the area will be activated.
- 24 Hour Alarm: Used for panic inputs. When this input is opened it generates an alarm even if the area is disarmed. A 'Panic' code is sent to the monitoring station.
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Fire: Used for smoke detectors and other fire detection inputs. When this input is opened in an armed area the area goes into alarm and a 'Fire' code is sent to the monitoring station.
It is recommended that fire detection inputs are programmed into a dedicated fire area that is always armed.
Input Types and Host Controllers
By default, input types are global and are downloaded to all controllers. However, if a host controller is assigned to an input type, it will only be downloaded to that controller.
Input types that are imported from controller databases have a host controller assigned automatically. In addition, a host controller is assigned to an input type when any of the following fields are configured:
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Secondary Input Type (if the secondary input type has a host controller)
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Keypad Display Group
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Control Automation
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Control Output
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Control Output Group
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Control Area
Name
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Name: The name of the record in English.
English is the default system language for all records and is assumed to be the primary language.
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Name (Second Language): The name of the record as it appears within the Protege X user interface when the operator's Portal Settings display language is set to a language other than English.
When the operator's display language is set to any language other than English, all 'Second Language' values become the primary value, and the English versions are displayed as the 'Second Language' value.
General
Location Group
Only available when LBAC Mode is enabled (see Using Location-Based Access Control (LBAC)).
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Location Group: Select the location group that this input type belongs to. Operators can only view and edit this input type if they have access to one of the same locations. In addition, the input type can only be assigned records from the same location group or a subset of it.
Configuration
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Operating Schedule: This schedule determines when this particular input type is active.
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When this schedule is valid the settings for this input type will be used. When the schedule is invalid the settings from the Secondary Input Type set below will be used instead.
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Secondary Input Type: An optional secondary configuration that is used when the Operating Schedule set above is invalid.
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Keypad Alarm Display Group: When an input using this input type generates an alarm only the keypads in this keypad group will display the alarm information. For example, you might want trouble input alarms to appear only on specific keypads available to installers and maintenance staff rather than regular users.
If no keypad group is selected all keypads will display alarms from these inputs.
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Control Automation: The automation that will be controlled by inputs with this input type assigned. Automations can be used to control outputs, or can be connected to C-Bus groups for integrated building automation.
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The relationship between the input state and the automation state must be set in the Options 3 | Automation Options section below.
This method of automation control will only function when the area assigned to the input is armed. It is recommended that you create a control area that is always armed for this purpose.
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Custom Reporting Code: When this input triggers an alarm the custom reporting code determines the event code reported to the central monitoring station. It is also included as a 'Special Code' in the Protege X event log. This allows you to provide more information about the type of alarm being triggered (e.g. medical alarm, smoke alarm, etc.).
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If this field is set to None the standard burglary code will be used.
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Control Output Time: Inputs with this input type will activate the Control Output/Output Group (set below) for the duration defined here.
If this field is set to 0 the output will turn on indefinitely.
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By default this field only applies to the control output set in the input type. However, if the Use Input Type Output Time option is enabled (Options 3 section) this setting also applies to the control output set in the input programming.
This setting overrides the Activation Time set in Controller Records | Outputs | General and the Output Time set in Groups | Output Groups | General.
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Control Output/Output Group: This output or output group is controlled by inputs with this input type assigned. This allows 'output follows input' control in a many-to-one or many-to-many configuration. For example, you might configure a group of lights to turn on when motion is detected on one of several PIRs in the room.
- The relationship between the input state and output state must be configured using the Output Activation Options in the Options 2 section.
- You can also set a Control Output/Output Group in the input programming, allowing one-to-one or one-to-many control.
For this method of output control the area programmed for the input must have its 24HR portion armed. It is recommended that you create a dedicated area for use with output control functions.
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Control Area: The area defined here can be force armed and/or disarmed by inputs with this input type. For example, this can be used to create key switches that will arm and disarm a specific area.
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The relationship between the input state and the area state must be configured using the Miscellaneous Options in the Options 2 section.
The control area must have the Enable Force Arming option checked in Programming | Areas | Options 2.
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Commands
- This field is used to send programming commands to the device. It should only be used when specifically advised by ICT documentation or technical support.
Options 1
Alarm Options
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Generate Alarms: When this option is enabled, inputs using this input type will generate alarms.
- Alarms are generated when an input is opened in an armed area, causing the area to go into an alarm state.
- The bell output may be activated and the alarm may be saved to the area memory (depending on the settings in the Options 2 section).
- Disabling this option will prevent inputs with this input type from generating alarms. For example, input types that are used only for automation do not need to generate alarms. The inputs will still generate open/close events.
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Generate 24HR Alarms: When this option is enabled, inputs using this input type will generate 24hr (tamper) alarms.
- 24hr alarms (sometimes called tamper alarms) are generated when an input is tampered or shorted in an area with the 24hr portion armed.
- 24hr alarms do not put the area into alarm state or (normally) activate the bell output (see exceptions and settings in Options 3).
- Trouble inputs also generate 24hr alarms when they are opened. However, trouble input alarms do put the area into alarm and may activate the bell output as normal.
This option should be enabled for any input type used by trouble inputs.
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Entry Delay Input: When this option is enabled, inputs using this input type will initiate the entry delay when they are opened in an armed area.
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For example, this option could be enabled for inputs on external doors that are used to enter the building.
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Without this option enabled the area will go into alarm instantly without any entry delay.
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Entry Delay Follow Input: When this option is enabled, inputs using this input type will not generate alarms during the entry delay period, but will generate alarms if the area is not in entry delay.
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This option should be used for inputs which cover the route between the entry and the disarming point. For example, a PIR in the entryway should not generate an alarm when someone enters through the door (beginning the entry delay), but should generate an alarm if someone is detected in the room without opening the door.
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Without this option enabled inputs will generate alarms even during entry delay.
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Exit Delay Input: When this option is enabled, inputs with this input type will not generate alarms during the exit delay period.
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This option should be enabled for any inputs that users may trigger as they exit the building during arming.
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When this option is disabled the input will generate alarms even during exit delay. It may be disabled to prevent people from re-entering parts of the building during the arming process.
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Short Exit On Restore: With this option enabled, an input with this input type can be used to shorten the exit delay timer for an area. When the input is restored (closed) during exit delay the exit delay will be reduced to 5 seconds. For example, you might enable this option for a door contact so the area arms 5 seconds after the door is closed.
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24HR Panic Input: When this option is enabled, inputs with this input type will generate alarms even when the assigned area is not armed. A 'panic' action code will be included in the central station report. This allows inputs to act as 'panic buttons' and generate alarms whenever they are opened, regardless of the area status.
This feature uses 24hr tamper monitoring to generate alarms when the main area is not armed. Therefore, the following are also required:
- The Generate 24HR Alarms option above must be enabled (however, Generate Alarms may be disabled).
- The 24hr portion of the assigned area must be armed.
To provide more information about the alarm you should also set the Custom Reporting Code (General section) to an appropriate code.
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Fire Input: When this option is enabled, inputs using this input type will generate fire alarms when opened in an armed area. A 'fire' action code will be included in the central station report. It is recommended that you program any fire inputs in a dedicated fire area that is always armed.
To provide more information about the alarm you should also set the Custom Reporting Code (General section) to an appropriate code.
Most smoke detectors use a normally open contact. Ensure that these inputs have the correct Contact Type and Input End of Line settings (Controller Records | Inputs | Options).
Reporting Options
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Report Alarms: With this option enabled the controller will report all alarms generated by these inputs to the central monitoring station. In addition, a reporting event will be saved to the event log.
The Generate Alarms option must be enabled for this option to function.
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Report Tampers: With this option enabled the controller will report all 24hr alarms (tamper alarms) generated by these inputs to the central monitoring station. In addition, a reporting event will be saved to the event log. This option should also be enabled to allow reporting of trouble input alarms.
The Generate 24HR Alarms option must be enabled for this option to function.
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Report Bypass: With this option enabled the controller will report to the central monitoring station all instances where these inputs are bypassed to arm an area. It will also report when the bypass is removed. Reporting events will be saved to the event log.
The Report User Bypass option must also be enabled in Programming | Areas | Options 1.
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Report Restores: With this option enabled the controller will report all input restore events to the central monitoring station. This occurs when an input is closed again after generating either an alarm or a 24hr alarm. Reporting events will be saved to the event log.
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Stay Input: When this option is enabled, inputs with this input type will be monitored when the assigned area is stay armed.
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Inputs with this option disabled will not be monitored when the area is stay armed.
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For example, you may wish to stay arm an area to supervise the perimeter while people are still inside. In this case the Stay Input option should be enabled for perimeter inputs such as door contacts, and disabled for internal PIRs and other inputs.
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Force Input: When this option is enabled, inputs using this input type can be forced. This means that the assigned area can be force armed when these inputs are open, without bypassing them. The inputs are still supervised and can still generate alarms if closed and opened again.
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If this option is disabled these inputs cannot be forced. However, this can be overridden by the Use Unattended Brute Force Arming option in Programming | Areas | Options 1.
You may need to bypass inputs when they are force armed to generate bypass reports. Enter one of the following commands in the General section:
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EnableForceBypass = true (bypasses the input until the area is disarmed)
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ForceSendsBypass = true (bypasses the input until it is closed)
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Exit Alley Input Do Not Test It: Inputs with this option enabled will not be tested when the assigned area is arming. This means that the area can be armed even if these inputs are open and not bypassed. This should be used for inputs such as PIRs that overlook keypads and other arming points, which would otherwise need to be bypassed every time the area is armed. It should be used alongside the Exit Delay Input option.
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Recycle Input Alarm on Exit Delay End: By default, inputs with the Exit Delay Input option enabled do not generate alarms if they remain open after the exit delay ends. An alarm would only be generated if the input closes and opens again after arming. When this option is enabled any input that is still open at the end of the exit delay will be recycled (closed and opened again), generating an alarm. Use this feature for inputs that may be breached during exit delay, such as window or door contacts.
Options 2
Miscellaneous Options
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Activate Bell Output: With this option enabled, when an input or trouble input with this input type assigned generates an alarm the bell output for the assigned area is activated.
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This may be disabled in cases where a silent alarm is required (e.g. duress inputs).
For regular inputs this option does not normally apply to 24hr / tamper alarms, but the 24HR Generates Bell If Armed or 24HR Always Generates Bell settings (Options 3) may be enabled as required.
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Retrigger Bell Time: When this option is enabled these inputs can retrigger the area's alarm/bell timer. If the alarm has already been activated when the input is opened the alarm timer will be reset to extend the time the bell output is activated.
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Save To Area Memory: When this option is enabled, alarms generated by these inputs will be saved to the area's alarm memory.
- The alarm memory can be viewed and acknowledged in the View menu of a keypad ([Menu] [5] [1]). Alarms in the memory are cleared the next time the area is armed.
- Disable this option to prevent alarms from being saved to the alarm memory.
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Disarm Control Area On Input Restore: When this option is enabled the Control Area (General section) will be disarmed when any input with this input type is closed (restored).
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Arm Control Area On Input Alarm: When this option is enabled the Control Area (General section) will be armed when any input with the input type is opened (alarmed).
It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Toggle Control Area On Input Alarm: When this option is enabled, whenever an input with this input type is opened the state of the Control Area (General section) will be toggled. This means that each time the input is opened the area will switch from disarmed to armed, or vice versa.
It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Allow Force Arming Of Tampered Input: By default, areas cannot be force armed if they contain an input which is in a tamper state. With this option enabled, areas can be force armed even if inputs with this input type are tampered.
The Force Input option must also be enabled (Options 1).
Output Activation Options
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Activate Bypass Output: With this option enabled these inputs can activate the area's Bypassed Inputs Output/Output Group. This is activated when the area is armed with bypassed inputs in it, and deactivated when the area is disarmed.
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Activate 24HR Tamper Output: With this option enabled these inputs can activate the area's Tamper Alarm Output/Output Group. This is activated when an input generates a 24hr (tamper) alarm and deactivated when the area's 24hr portion is disarmed.
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Activate Memory Output: With this option enabled these inputs can activate the area's Alarm Memory Output/Output Group. This output is activated when an alarm occurs in an area and remains on until the area is disarmed. This feature can be used to indicate to users that there has been an alarm, warning them from entering potentially insecure areas.
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Activate Control Output On Alarm: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group will be activated whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed).
This option refers to the control output set in the input type programming (General section). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Activate Control Output On Restore: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group will be activated whenever an input with this input type is closed (restored).
This option refers to the control output set in the input type programming (General section).
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Deactivate Control Output On Alarm: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group will be deactivated whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed).
This option refers to the control output set in the input type programming (General section). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Deactivate Control Output On Restore: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group will be deactivated whenever an input with this input type is closed (restored).
This option refers to the control output set in the input type programming (General section).
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Toggle Control Output State On Alarm: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group will be toggled whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed). This means that each time the input is opened the output will switch from off to on, or vice versa.
This option refers to the control output set in the input type programming (General section). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Input Retriggers Output Time: When this option is enabled these inputs can be opened/closed a second time to restart the Control Output Time (General section) so that the control output remains on for longer. For example, this can enable motion controlled lights to stay on for longer when a second person triggers the motion sensor.
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This feature also works with the Control Output/Output Group set in the input programming. The Use Input Type Output Time option must be enabled (Options 3 section).
This option only functions correctly when the area assigned to the input is armed.
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Options 3
Automation Options
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Activate Automation On Alarm: With this option enabled the Control Automation will be activated whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed).
This option refers to the control automation set in the input type programming (General section). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Activate Automation On Restore: With this option enabled the Control Automation will be activated whenever an input with this input type is closed (restored).
This option refers to the control automation set in the input type programming (General section).
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Deactivate Automation On Alarm: With this option enabled the Control Automation will be deactivated whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed).
This option refers to the control automation set in the input type programming (General section). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Deactivate Automation On Restore: With this option enabled the Control Automation will be deactivated whenever an input with this input type is closed (restored).
This option refers to the control automation set in the input type programming (General section).
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Toggle Automation State: With this option enabled the Control Automation will be toggled whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed). This means that each time the input is opened the automation will switch from off to on, or vice versa.
This option refers to the control automation set in the input type programming (General section). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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24HR Generates Bell If Armed: When this option is enabled, inputs with this input type can activate the area's bell output on a 24hr / tamper alarm, only when the area is armed.
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The Activate Bell Output option must be enabled (Options 2).
This option is not required for trouble inputs.
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24HR Always Generates Bell: When this option is enabled, inputs with this input type will always activate the area's bell output on a 24hr / tamper alarm. The bell will be activated even if the area is not armed.
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The Activate Bell Output option must be enabled (Options 2).
This option is not required for trouble inputs.
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Control Options
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Use Input Type Output Time: This option allows the Control Output/Output Group set in the input programming to use the Control Output Time set in the input type programming. When the control output is activated it will turn off after the period set in the input type.
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Activate Input Control Output On Alarm: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group set in the input programming will be activated whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed).
This option refers to the control output set in the programming for each individual input (Controller Records | Inputs | General). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Activate Input Control Output On Restore: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group set in the input programming will be activated whenever an input with this input type is closed (restored).
This option refers to the control output set in the programming for each individual input (Controller Records | Inputs | General).
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Deactivate Input Control Output On Alarm: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group set in the input programming will be deactivated whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed).
This option refers to the control output set in the programming for each individual input (Controller Records | Inputs | General). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
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Deactivate Input Control Output On Restore: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group set in the input programming will be deactivated whenever an input with this input type is closed (restored).
This option refers to the control output set in the programming for each individual input (Controller Records | Inputs | General).
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Toggle Input Output State: With this option enabled the Control Output/Output Group set in the input programming will be toggled whenever an input with this input type is opened (alarmed). This means that each time the input is opened the output will switch from off to on, or vice versa.
This option refers to the control output set in the programming for each individual input (Controller Records | Inputs | General). It is not necessary to activate the area alarm to perform the control function.
Options 4
General Options
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Always Log Input Event: When this option is enabled, inputs with this input type will always generate events, regardless of whether the Log to Event Buffer option is disabled in the input programming (Controller Records | Inputs | Options).
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Use Alternate Entry Time: With this option enabled, whenever an input with this input type initiates an entry delay it will use the Alternate Entry Time set in Programming | Areas | Configuration. For example, you might use this for the door contact on a rear entry or garage door to allow the user more time to reach the keypad.