Monday, January 28, 2013

Five Common Questions from PSS Store Customers


Five Common Questions from PSS Store Customers

To help you decide which access control system or security system is right for your home or office, we have compiled answers to some our most frequently asked questions from customers in the same position as you.  We hope this can provide you with an immediate answer.  If not, feel free to contact us at 1-800-676-4909.


1: What accessory works with a specific opener?
Every accessory is unique, so it is impossible to provide a ‘one size fits all’ answer to this question! That said, you can typically determine whether a particular accessory you are looking at will work with your opener in a few ways.

  • Check the accessory’s product description. The description will often describe the type of opener which the accessory is appropriate for.
  • Check the manufacturer. Typically, manufacturers will ensure that their accessories function well with their openers. So, a LiftMaster 811LM remote control will work with a LiftMaster  850LM Receiver, and so on.
  • When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s website for product specifications! Manufacturer’s sites sometimes provide compatibility guides or operator manuals to help determine if an accessory is right for you. Here are sites of a couple major manufacturers that may help you out.
  • LiftMaster
  • Chamberlain
  • If you are still unsure, check any opener documentation you may have, or contact us.

2: How do I program a remote control?
Just like with accessories, it is impossible to provide a blanket answer to this question. Each remote control will have its own programming sequence. Programming instructions will typically be found in the remote’s documentation. If the documentation for your remote is lost or missing, you may be able to find it online at a manufacturer site. Here are some sites from major manufacturers to get you started.
               



3: Will this opener work on my gate?
The answer to this question will vary from one customer to another, but there are a few factors that are worth talking about generally.

The first thing to determine is the type of gate you have. Does it slide open, or does it swing open? Does it open vertically (like a garage door)?

The weight and size of the gate is the main factor in determining to proper opener for you gate. All of the manufacturers provide specifications for their openers based on weight and size.

Then, you must match opener to the gate. For swing gates, you may decide between a linear or articulated style. The articulated (pad mounted) is more effective when used with heavy gates under high use. You must have enough room for this type of installation. PSSStore.net can assist you is choosing the proper opener for your gate.

You might also consider a few extra factors to determine whether an electric opener is appropriate for you. The gate should be in good operating condition. Ensure that the area is plumb and level, and that the gate can swing freely on its hinges. It should not drag on the ground. Check to make sure that the gate posts are strong and well secured to the ground to minimize flexing. And, make sure that the gate is stable horizontally.

If your gate meets these factors, then it is likely a good candidate for an electric opener.

4: What is a loop?
A loop (and its associated loop detector), is a system used to detect a vehicle’s presence near a gate. It may be used to open a gate when the vehicle is near, or as a fail-safe to prevent a gate from closing on a vehicle and causing damage.

Typically, the “loop” itself is a strand of insulated wire. The wire is embedded in slots in the drive, or in some cases buried below the surface. The wire is connected to a detector, which processes the information it receives from the wire and sends a signal to the gate opener to open or close.

5: How much is shipping?
Shipping costs will vary based on the weight of the customer’s order. Products may be shipped via truck for large orders such as Elite gate openers. Discounts on some shipments may apply if ordering multiple gate openers that can fit on a single pallet. Call for shipment pricing on large orders. UPS Ground will be used for smaller orders like gate hinges or keypad access systems.  2nd Day Air, or Next Day Air can only occur if the product is in stock and the customer calls in the order for verification.

Monday, January 14, 2013

A Better Way to Secure Your Home or Business

Whether it’s protecting your personal belongings or business assets, good security measures should always be put in place for insurance purposes. Aside from just securing your material belongings, securing your loved ones, pets and invaluable items is what truly provides piece of mind. However, it’s often difficult to find the right level of security without feeling over or under protected.
 
As a home or business owner you have the right to properly secure your assets. Most importantly, you have the option to choose the level of security you need and don’t have to be placed in a “standard package” used by most security companies.

How Much Security Do I Actually Need?

Security levels will usually vary depending on your individual or organization needs. Typically, home owners require less surveillance measures compared to mid-to-large sized businesses. However, the value of the items you are protecting should play a big role in the amount of security you may need. 

In order to get a good idea of how much security you may need ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I have peace of mind with my current security system/measures?
  • Do I think my current security system/measures will be effective in a worst case scenario?
  • How much value do I have in the items I’m securing?
  • When was the last time I updated my security measures and emergency plan of action?
  • How much am I willing to invest in the right security system?
Essentially, these questions apply to both home owners and businesses. Protecting the valuable things and people in our lives is what we truly cherish.

How to Choose the Right Security System

Standard security companies usually do not offer advanced products or customizable security packages. If they do, most of the parts and labor will be highly inflated and customers end up paying more than necessary.  Meaning products such as Elite gate operators or DoorKing gate operators cost more than market value.  When choosing the right security systems consider the questions above and go with the products that closely match your needs.

Methods to Secure Your Home or Business

With the right combination of security products, you can satisfy your every need. The truth is you should consult a professional to determine if they can match your security needs, if they are within your budget and if they can customize a plan that you’ll be happy with. This is easier said than done of course.

Installing the right security system is step one. Next is coming up with the proper plan of action in case of an emergency. With over 40 years of experience, PSS Store can help you find the right security system that will match your every need. A good place to start is our list of advanced security systems on our site at PSSStore.net or call us directly at 800.676.4909 to better assist you.

About PSSstore.net Home & Commercial Security Systems:
Perimeter Security Systems has been selling, installing and repairing gate access control systems in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties for over 40 years. PSS Store carries top brands such as DoorKing Security Systems, Elite and many more.

With the goal of helping more homes and businesses become more secure, Perimeter Security Systems has made their entire inventory of trusted security systems and brands available for purchase online. 

PSSstore.net