Security system for a building complex having multiple units

Abstract

A security system and method for building complexes having multiple units provides enhanced resistance to intruder disablement, particularly for systems having a unit controller and user input device that are mounted within a common control panel. The system and method are useful with residential building complexes having residential units such as apartments and condominiums, and commercial building complexes having commercial units such as offices, businesses, or storage facilities. A unit controller communicates a unit alarm condition to a main controller located remotely from a respective unit. The unit alarm condition can be communicated via wireless communication. Also, the unit alarm condition is communicated without significant delay following the sensing of a security condition in the unit. For example, the unit controller can communicate the unit alarm condition to the main controller substantially immediately following sensing of the security condition. In this manner, the unit alarm signal is communicated to the main controller before an intruder is able to gain physical access to the control panel containing the unit controller. A user input device allows a user to enter information to invalidate the unit alarm condition communicated by the unit controller. If the unit alarm condition is not invalidated within a delay period, however, the main controller generates a main alarm condition and, sending notification to a security agency and activating a main alarm. The unit controller can be configured to activate an alarm within the unit in the event user input is not received within a second delay period. The system and method provide enhanced reliability and facilitate installation.