The “size” of the control panel and keypad is dependent on the number of zones required. Zone requirement is dependant on the number of peripheral devices attached to the control panel. By breaking the property up into clearly defined zones, one is easily able to identify which area has been violated, or rather where an intruder has gained entry. Zone violations light up on the keypad, thereby allowing alerting the user as to the exact location of the intruder.

Clearly defined zones assist the control room when dispatching reaction officers. A single internal zone violation may be a false alarm, while multiple zone violations starting on the perimeter and moving internally will alert the control room to the fact that the intruder may still be on the premises, the reaction officer will act accordingly.

One or more zones can be “bypassed” while the alarm is armed. This means that the peripheral device will still be active, but the control panel will not react to zone violations. Often interior P.I.R’s will be bypassed at night to allow freedom of movement indoors, while the perimeter & exterior zones remain alarmed.