How to Receive a Carrier Group Alarm

Recognize the three different types of alarm signals. Doing so will help make sense of the process of receiving the CGA signal, once all of the hardware is properly configured. Alarm signals are coded according to color and are generally classified as either red, blue or yellow alarm states. Each one indicates a different type of connectivity issue. It is not necessary to know what each type of alarm signifies, but you should know that all three are often lumped together as a Carrier Group Alarm. The alarm trigger can indicate a loss of signal or some other error associated with the hardware that detects the signal in the first place.

Install the signal carrying network equipment according to the manufacturer's specifications. CGA signals are generally carried using some type of network interface that receives the signal from the monitoring company or source. The equipment is designed to report back to the alarm company or user if there is any type of signal loss. Various types of network interface cards exist and each manufacturer will have its own installation specifications. The hardware should be installed in the circuit between the alarm control center and the source from which the alarm signal is sent.

Establish a connection with the alarm monitoring service of your choice. Most people choose to have their alarm signal monitored remotely by a third party, rather than do it on their own. If properly configured according to the manufacturer's specifications, your network hardware should receive the signal. Alarm monitoring companies must meet standards established by the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. The eCFR indicates that an alarm signal must be executed if a signal loss of 2.5 ±0.5 seconds occurs. Signaling must occur as a result of MF or dial pulse signals that must also meet various tone standards.