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Reliability - Security

The AFAM system has been designed to provide superior performance and reliability.

• The CTU has a battery back-up system allowing it to continue working for at least 24 hours following a mains power failure (this matches the required performance of the Fire Alarm Panel). It automatically tests its back-up battery every 24 hours and reports any failure. The CTU also reports any mains failure in excess of 8 hours (avoids flat batteries and 'defect' call-outs). 
    
• In the event of a Vodafone GPRS system failure, the CTU will continue to be able to send its messages to the AFAM Message Handling System via the built-in telephone back-up path. The CTU telephone back-up path to the MHS is automatically checked every 24 hours.
   
• If the CTU fails to communicate with the MHS at any time, an alert is sent to your Service Agent if it is a local fault, or AFAM staff.
   
• The AFAM Message Handling System (MHS) is a completely duplicated system and is housed in fire protected premises with battery-mains generator back-up.
   
• In the event of a major outage of the AFAM Message Handling System (natural disaster, etc), the CTU’s are programmed to automatically redirect their calls to the Emergency Message Handling System (located at an alternative geographic location).
   
• AFAM’s connection to the NZFS Message Handling System is transmitted via two dedicated and independent paths. All signals require acknowledgement and an alert is sent if this is not received, and the non-delivered 'message' sent to the Emergency Watch-room.
   
• If a Fire Alarm System remains in an "off-normal" condition at the end of a day (previously reported but not yet corrected), a further reminder message is sent to the Service Agent. 

• All "non-emergency" signals that occur out-of-hours are held until the following morning to avoid costly call-out charges.
   
• Building owners can be sent messages (page, text, or SMS) for specific occurrences if required.
   
• All events associated with a Fire Alarm System or AFAM’s monitoring system are automatically logged and stored for audit purposes.