Capacitive breakthrough protection – electronic monitoring of walls
Certified solution for VdS-compliant area monitoring of sensitive areas using the Cx-1 capacitive field change detector
For planners of security systems, reliable, certified and discreetly integrable wall monitoring is at the top of the list – especially in security-relevant properties such as data centres, server rooms, government buildings, museums or industrial facilities.
With the Cx-1 capacitive field change detector, we offer invisible breakhrough protection that meets the highest security requirements in accordance with VdS Class C and at the same time fits seamlessly into existing building structures.
Reliable wall monitoring – modular, scalable and architecturally discreet
Flexible fleece construction for inconspicuous integration into demanding construction projects
The sensor system is based on a multi-layer fleece construction with Styrodur insulation layers. It is installed directly on the inside of the wall to be secured, and the sensor surface can be painted over after installation – ideal for architecturally demanding projects with high design requirements.
Segmentation of large wall areas – up to 50 m² per field with full functionality
Large wall surfaces can be planned in a structured manner: the sensor surface is divided into individual segments of up to 50 m² (depending on the insulation thickness) so as not to exceed the capacitive load limit of the Cx-1. Each segment is constructed and shielded separately – ideal for the scalable protection of large objects.
Technology behind the Cx-1 – detecting and evaluating capacitive field changes
Reliable detection of breaches and intrusions
The Cx-1 field change detector continuously monitors the capacitive field generated within the wall structure. Any physical change – whether a breach, intrusion or intrusion – is precisely detected and an immediate alarm is triggered.
Integration via coaxial cable & USB configuration – easy to plan and test
The connection to the sensor surface is made via coaxial cable (RG71) with a length of up to 10 m. Smaller areas can be connected directly via a second socket. Commissioning and configuration are carried out via the Tiny NEMA USB communication adapter, including PC-based software and load calculation tool – perfect for preliminary planning and documentation.
Advantages for planners and architects – certified, scalable, insurance-compliant
Shape adaptation, paintable surface, modular structure
The system adapts individually to structural conditions – such as door openings, beams, angled walls or other fixtures. The paintable, flush surface allows for virtually invisible integration into any interior design.
Important prerequisite for VdS approval & insurance documentation
The Cx-1 break-in protection is certified according to VdS Class C, which not only offers technical security but also legal certainty vis-à-vis authorities and insurers – a clear advantage in the planning and implementation of security systems.
Conclusion: Capacitive breakthrough protection – state-of-the-art technology for maximum building security
Capacitive breakthrough protection with Cx-1 combines state-of-the-art sensor technology with the highest security standards – ideal for buildings where discretion, protection and accountability are crucial.
Whether banks, museums, archives, data centres, ammunition depots or highly sensitive industrial facilities – with the Cx-1, your property is protected against structural attacks at an early stage.
You can find more information here: Capacitive security technology
Historic Green Vault: Impressive treasures and fascinating insights into museum security
Visiting the Historic Green Vault in Dresden
Last week, during the symposium “Security of Museums, Exhibition Halls and Archives”, we had the opportunity to visit the Historic Green Vault in Dresden in the evening.
Seeing the recovered jewels, estimated to be worth more than 100 million euros, up close was truly impressive. Many of these treasures remained under lock and key during the trial of the perpetrators. According to our museum guide, a conscious decision was later made not to restore the valuable pieces immediately. Instead, they were returned to public display so that visitors would no longer be deprived of seeing them.
At the same time, it was quite moving to encounter some of these works of art in a damaged state or with clearly visible missing elements.
Professional curiosity meets security technology
During the tour, however, we were almost as fascinated by the security systems as by the jewels themselves. Out of professional curiosity, we found ourselves looking for glass break detectors, laser scanners, cameras, showcase monitoring systems and object protection devices. Our particular interest did not go unnoticed by the security staff.
At a place like this, vigilant eyes are entirely understandable. We therefore explained honestly that our attention was focused on the technology from the perspective of a security technology company – not because we were planning a break-in ourselves. Whether we managed to convince everyone remains an open question.
Security is a process, not a fixed state
The two-day conference organised by the German Forum for Crime Prevention (DFK) focused not only on the extensive revisions to the VdS Guideline 3511 for museums. A recurring theme throughout the event was that security concepts must be understood as dynamic processes requiring continuous adaptation.
Several examples illustrated how external circumstances can suddenly create new vulnerabilities. Trees or Christmas market stalls, for instance, may provide access to areas that are normally out of reach. The recent break-in at the Louvre was also frequently cited as a reminder that security measures must be reviewed and adapted continuously.
Fascinating art and sophisticated security concepts
Our visit to the Historic Green Vault once again demonstrated how closely culture and security are linked. Alongside the extraordinary treasures, it was particularly interesting for us to experience the complexity and diversity of modern security concepts in museums.
Learn more about museum security
Anyone wishing to explore the topic of museum security technology in greater depth will find a wide range of expert presentations and practical examples at the VdS Symposium in Berlin this November.
Note: The image used is taken from the digital panoramic tour provided by the Dresden State Art Collections. As expected, photography was not permitted during the tour.
Special security solutions for museums and galleries
Discover our dedicated security technologies designed specifically for museums, galleries and exhibition spaces here.
Event preview 2024: What else awaits you
What a brilliant first half of 2024 lies behind us! The year began with our fully booked training course on the Cx-1 field change detector in January, closely followed by the BHE specialist symposium on burglary protection in Fulda in February, the BHE anniversary in Berlin in April, the criminal police symposium in Bavaria in May and the Frankfurt Circle at our premises in Hermsdorf in June.
After a short summer break, we will continue from September* with numerous conferences and workshops that we will be attending as participants, speakers or with a stand in order to exchange ideas with you and present our tried-and-tested and latest products live:
Joint workshop with Vitrinen- und Glasbau REIER GmbH
- Location: MARKK, Hamburg, Germany
- Date: 11 September 2024
- Participation: Speaker
- Further information: Workshop
security essen - We will not be exhibiting this year.
- Location: Essen, Germany
- Date: 17 - 20 September 2024
- Participation: Visitor
- Further information: Security Essen
Specialist conferences for criminal police specialist advisors
- Participation: Speaker
Simedia specialist forum "Security for museums and cultural treasures"
- Place: Berlin, Germany
- Date: 13-14 November 2024
- Participation: Visitors and exhibitors
- Further information: Expert forum
VdS symposium "Security of museums, exhibition centres, archives"
- Place: online
- Date: 18 November 2024
- Participation: Speaker
- Further information: Symposium
Capacitive field change detector Cx-1 training course
- Place: Hermsdorf, Germany
- Date: 27 November 2024
- Participation: We are organising the event.
- Further information: Training
We look forward to a great second half of 2024 with you!
At which event will we meet?
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*Status July 2024
Burglary: How perpetrator behaviour is changing
Glass break detectors - proven technology with a new significance
Just 10 years ago, glass breakage detectors were part of the standard repertoire of any security concept.
"However, the media coverage of burglaries and thefts has led to the impression that windows, for example, "no longer break glass", that perpetrators can only get in by levering open the window mechanism. However, the statistics do not bear this out. Perpetrator behaviour is now much broader, so we have to adapt accordingly when creating security concepts. History shows that there is a perpetual arms race between perpetrators and security systems," says Sascha Puppel, publicly appointed and sworn expert for security technology and security concepts and board member of the Bundesverband Sicherheitstechnik e.V. (BHE).
"Mechanical security systems that are sensibly coordinated with each other are the first line of defence against burglary and form the basis for a solid security concept."[1] Electronic security systems offer additional protection. This approach and the experience that perpetrators were often able to break in by prising open in the past has now led to (display) windows and patio doors being converted and retrofitted. This includes, for example, retrofitting mushroom-head pins, lockable window handles or screw-on security devices that make unwanted entry more difficult.
Prying open with a screwdriver is still the most common method for the opportunist thief[2], who in most cases "seizes the moment". However, this method is now closely followed by piercing the glass seal. Burglars pierce this with a screwdriver in order to reach the window handle or patio door handle. If they can move it, the window or patio door can be opened very easily[3].
In order to achieve effective protection against this now common method, additional electronic protection of the window or glass surfaces is advisable. This can be achieved, for example, by professionally installing a glass breakage detector. Glass breakage detectors are electronic sensors which, when connected to a burglar alarm system, provide early warning of danger. There are different types of glass breakage detectors, including active, passive and acoustic models, each of which has its own advantages, disadvantages and areas of application.
Active glass breakage detector
Active glass break detectors transmit ultrasonic signals via the glass. In the normal state, this transmission behaviour is evaluated and any changes that occur when the glass breaks trigger an alarm.
Active glass breakage detectors are suitable for all glass surfaces, especially for laminated glass or glass covered with film, on which passive and acoustic glass breakage detectors do not work from a purely physical point of view. They enable precise detection of glass breakage, even with different glass thicknesses. Active glass breakage detectors are also the only option for glass monitoring in accordance with VdS Class C.
Passive glass breakage detector
In contrast, passive glass breakage detectors do not use emitted signals, but react to the sound waves that are generated when glass is broken. The detectors are equipped with sensors that react not only to the characteristic frequencies of glass breakage noises, but also to the amplitude. As soon as these are detected, the detector triggers an alarm.
Passive glass breakage detectors are suitable for single-pane glass such as float or toughened safety glass. They are basically easy to install, but special attention must be paid to the bonding point. Unlike active glass breakage detectors, passive glass breakage detectors cannot detect if the detector becomes detached from the glass or if there is a defect in the actual sensor element.
Acoustic glass breakage detector
Acoustic glass breakage detectors use microphones to detect the sound waves of glass breakage. These microphones are programmed to identify the characteristic sounds of breaking glass and trigger the alarm.
Acoustic glass breakage detectors are particularly suitable for doors and windows with several panes of glass next to each other. They always require a short distance to the glass and a direct "line of sight". "However, many sound-absorbing materials in the room, such as a thick carpet or curtains, can lead to reduced detection reliability. To ensure optimum functionality, the placement and number of detectors must be taken into account accordingly," says Puppel.
Conclusion
Integrated into a holistic security architecture and a security concept that takes into account mechanical and electronic technology as well as security-conscious behaviour (organisational and personnel measures including intervention), glass breakage detectors are an important component as a proactive measure. The active glass breakage detector, which even monitors its own function and has a special VdS-C class certification, provides the highest possible level of security for subsequent glass monitoring. The high level of reliability and early alerting make glass breakage detectors an indispensable element in minimising risk and protecting people, assets and sensitive information.
[1] https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/einbruch/technische-sicherheit/
[2] https://www.kriminalpraevention.de/files/DFK/dfk-publikationen/2004_wirksamkeit_kurzfassung.pdf Even though the police and insurance companies confirm that burglaries are always planned, it is often the arrival of favourable opportunities that triggers the choice of a particular property.
[3] https://www.zuhause-sicher.de/einbruchschutz/einbrueche-wissenswertes/taeter-arbeitsweisen/
30 years of Schmeissner GmbH - "Mit Sicherheit aus Thüringen"
"Not only in these very changeable (...) times, 30 years is a most remarkable period of time and a special sign of operational continuity," writes Joachim Uhlig, management consultant, in his greeting to the anniversary. We look back on turbulent years. Beginning with a hopeful but arduous start at the beginning of the 1990s and the many worries and fears of an ever-possible failure. The many small steps, which were taken by 3 employees over the years, starting on 50 square meters, lead today to a company, which is regionally anchored, supported by more than 40 dedicated employees, and sells throughout Europe.
Our VdS certified products are not only developed in Hermsdorf, but also produced by hand and controlled for highest quality. The focus of our work is always the customer with his questions and wishes. So that we in the business field for the protection and monitoring of art objects already work on new, trend-setting solutions, in order to constantly develop our authority in this and other areas and to consider so new possibilities of the protection.
As an owner-managed family business in its second generation, we would like to thank you, our customers and partners, for 30 years of trust, which has been and remains the foundation of all cooperation in times of global uncertainties, shortage of skilled labor as well as supply chain and material bottlenecks.
News & Press
Protector 04/2020
Invisibly monitor and protect art treasures with optimal sensor technology.
An article by Uwe Schmeißner (Managing Director of Schmeissner GmbH)
