The Automatic Fire Alarm Monitoring system consists of two main parts: the monitoring equipment (called a CTU) installed in the customer's building, and the message handling system (referred to as the MHS).

The cellular system availability is confirmed every ten minutes, and the phone line is tested once a day.

MONITORING EQUIPMENT (CTU - CUSTOMER TERMINAL UNIT)

The monitoring equipment is installed at the customer's building and connects to the installed fire detection equipment. When a change in that equipment's state is detected, a signal is sent to the message handling system via either the cellular network or the phone line.

MESSAGE HANDLING SYSTEM (MHS)

The message handling system receives the signal from the monitoring equipment and passes it to the New Zealand Fire Service via the dual communication paths. At this time it is also passed to the fire detection equipment's service agent for their prompt response.