WallAlert Wall Vibration Sensor FAQs
Cameras and door contacts cannot detect an intruder who attempts to enter directly through a wall, roof or ceiling. WallAlert turns the protected structure into a continuous intrusion sensor. A vibration-sensitive cable is installed across the surface, and the processor analyzes activity for patterns associated with drilling, cutting, hammering and other forced-entry methods. The following answers cover the questions security managers, consultants and installers ask most often.
What does WallAlert protect?
WallAlert protects solid building surfaces such as concrete, brick, concrete block, drywall, sheet metal and corrugated metal panels. Typical applications include vaults, strongrooms, warehouses, data centers, correctional facilities, secure storage rooms, perimeter walls, roofs and ceilings.
What types of intrusion attempts can WallAlert detect?
WallAlert is designed to detect vibration patterns produced by forced-entry activity, including drilling, mechanical cutting, hammering, chiseling, jackhammering and other repeated or sustained attacks on the protected surface. It is intended to provide an alarm while the attack is in progress, before the intruder completes an opening.
How does the system work?
The sensor cable is installed in a suitable conduit or pipe secured to the protected surface. The entire cable acts as a linear sensor. The LPU processor analyzes the vibration signals and activates the appropriate relay when activity meets the configured alarm criteria. It also monitors the sensor line for faults.
How much area can one WallAlert processor cover?
One LPU-402 processor supports up to two independent zones. Each zone can contain up to 1,000 ft (305 m) of sensor cable, for a maximum total of 2,000 ft (610 m) per processor. Standard cable lengths are 250 ft (75 m), 500 ft (152 m) and 1,000 ft (305 m). Additional processors can be used for larger sites or when the design requires more zones.
Cable length is not the same as wall length. The amount of wall covered depends on the wall height, number of horizontal cable runs, construction type and required security level. RBtec should review the layout before the final bill of materials is prepared.
What wall types are compatible with WallAlert?
WallAlert can be used on concrete, brick, concrete block, drywall, sheetrock, sheet metal and corrugated metal panels. A project may include different surface types, but each area should be tested and adjusted for its construction and background vibration level.
Can each zone have a different sensitivity setting?
Yes. Each zone can be adjusted independently. The processor provides 20 onboard sensitivity levels and up to 500 levels through the configuration software. This allows, for example, a reinforced vault wall and a lightweight partition wall to use different settings on the same processor.
Does WallAlert require calibration?
The system self-calibrates and does not require a complex calibration process. After installation, the technician selects an appropriate sensitivity level and performs functional tests at representative points on each zone. Final settings should be documented as part of commissioning.
How is WallAlert different from point shock sensors?
Traditional shock sensors are point devices that were designed to protect a single window, door or small panel. They are most sensitive close to the mounting point, sensitivity drops as the impact moves farther away, and adjustment options are limited. Covering a full wall this way can require dozens of individual sensors, each with its own wiring and its own blind spots, and the panel still cannot tell you where along the wall the attack is happening.
WallAlert uses a continuous vibration sensitive sensor cable instead of discrete points. The cable runs across the entire surface, so detection is consistent along the whole protected area rather than clustering around individual devices. The processor analyzes the vibration pattern to recognize forced entry activity such as drilling, cutting and hammering, provides 20 onboard sensitivity levels and up to 500 through the configuration software per zone, and reports alarms by zone. One cable run replaces a large array of point sensors and their wiring.
How does WallAlert reduce nuisance alarms?
The processor evaluates vibration characteristics associated with forced-entry activity instead of alarming on every vibration. Correct cable placement, secure conduit attachment, suitable zone lengths and site testing are still important. If recurring building machinery, loose construction or another local source creates unwanted alarms, the installer can adjust sensitivity, improve the installation or separate the affected area into another zone.
Can the sensor cable be shortened, extended or repaired?
The cable is supplied in standard lengths and can be adapted or repaired using RBtec-approved termination, extension and splice components and procedures. Unapproved splices can reduce reliability or interfere with line monitoring. The maximum permitted cable length per zone still applies after any extension or repair.
How does WallAlert connect to an alarm or video system?
Each zone provides separate intrusion and line-monitoring dry-contact outputs with normally open and normally closed contacts rated at 1 A at 12 VDC. These outputs can connect to a standard intrusion alarm panel or to a VMS, DVR, NVR, access-control or SCADA system that has compatible alarm inputs. Integration requirements should be confirmed for the specific third-party platform.
What power does WallAlert require?
The processor operates from 12 to 24 VDC and draws approximately 40 mA at 12 VDC. If continued operation during a utility outage is required, the system should be connected to a properly sized and supervised backup power supply or alarm-panel battery.
Can WallAlert be used outdoors or in harsh environments?
The standard processor enclosure is rated NEMA 4X and IP66. The listed processor operating range is -40°F to 176°F (-40°C to 80°C), with relative humidity up to 98 percent non-condensing. Outdoor conduit, fittings, cable entries, mounting hardware and terminations must also be selected and installed for the environmental conditions at the site.
How do I select the correct WallAlert kit?
Send RBtec a floor plan, elevation or marked-up drawing showing the surfaces to be protected, their construction and dimensions, and the preferred processor location. RBtec can recommend the zone layout, cable lengths, accessories and part numbers for the project.
Still have questions?
Contact RBtec at +1 (301) 760-4016 with your plans or site photos. Our team can help determine the correct WallAlert layout and prepare a bill of materials for your installer.