New installations of DACT are in steady decline. What does this mean for the industry? Collaboration with cable, Internet and the FCC is in order.
Is the DACT, or “dialer” as we know it, it in its death throes or is there to be new life for it? DACT is an acronym for the Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter, given to the technology by the NFPA Supervising Station Fire Alarm Systems Technical Committee of NFPA 72. That committee first gave the nod to the DACT with the 1989 issue of that documents forerunner, NFPA 71.
Where are we now? The most recent survey shows the overall use of DACT is at 58 percent, down from 65 percent the previous year and has steadily declined from 84 percent in 2012. Telling is that new installations of DACT are now at 38 percent and are on a steady decline. This drop combined with other causes of attrition lead to the decline in overall use of DACT. There has been a flight mainly to wireless as a reasonable alternative. Wireless (cellular and private radio) as a sole means of communications in new installations is up to 58 percent.
Join the ranks of informed security integrators who trust SDM to guide their business decisions and keep them at the forefront of industry developments.
Exclusive Insights: Gain access to unparalleled industry research that provides you with detailed insights and projections that can help you strategically plan and adapt your business.
Professional Development: Podcasts, Videos, and Webinars highlight special topics from security intrusion and monitoring to the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics - each session keeping you informed and ahead of the curve in this fast-paced industry.