Digital Communication Standard -
Ademco ® Contact ID Protocol -
for Alarm System
Communications
SIA DC-05-1999.09
Sponsor
Security Industry Association
Copyright 1999 - Ademco Group
Publication Order Number: 14085
Digital Communication Standard - Ademco ® Contact ID Protocol - for Alarm System Communications
SIA DC-05-1999.09 ADEMCO Group
Page i
FOREWORD
This standard documents a communications protocol that was developed and is wholly owned by ADEMCO Group,
a division of Pittway Corporation. It is published by the Security Industry Association (SIA) as a de facto security
industry standard. It is intended to facilitate product compatibility and interchangeability, to reduce
misunderstandings between manufacturers and purchasers, and to assist purchasers in obtaining the proper products
to fulfill their particular needs.
The existence of this or any SIA standards document shall not prevent any SIA member or non-member from
manufacturing, selling, or using products not conforming to this or any SIA standard. SIA standards are voluntary.
SIA encourages the use of this document but will not take any action to ensure compliance with this or any other
SIA Standard.
Neither SIA nor Ademco assume any responsibility for the use, application or misapplication of this protocol.
Although some SIA standards establish minimum performance requirements, they are intended neither to preclude
additional product features or functions nor to act as a maximum performance limit. Any product, the specifications
of which meet the minimum requirements of a SIA standard, shall be considered in compliance with that standard.
Any product, the specifications of which exceed the minimum requirements of a SIA standard, shall also be
considered in compliance with the standard, provided that such product specifications do not exceed any maximum
requirements set by the standard. SIA standards are not intended to supersede any recommended procedures set by a
manufacturer for its products.
Ademco reserves the right to revise this protocol at any time. Users of this document are cautioned to obtain and
use the most recent edition of this standard. Current information regarding the revision level or status of this or any
other SIA standard may be obtained by contacting SIA.
Requests to modify this document are welcome at any time from any party, regardless of membership affiliation
with SIA. Such requests are to be made in writing, clearly identifying this document and the text within it related to
the proposed modification, and include a draft of the proposed changes with supporting comments. Requests for
new Event Codes are to include a description of the event to be reported as well as a short justification. Submission
of requests are to be accompanied by the name, phone number, and e-mail address (if available) of the person
making the request. Requests are to be sent directly to Ademco, preferably by email, care of:
Rich Hinkson: Rich_Hinkson@ademco.com
or
Bob Orlando: Bob_Orlando@ademco.com
Decisions to modify this protocol are at the sole discretion of Ademco, and Ademco reserves the right to deny
requests. When a decision is made regarding a request for modification, Ademco will notify the requestor.
Whenever a modification is made to this protocol, Ademco will inform SIA so that SIA may update this document
and notify other interested parties. Ademco may, at its discretion, also maintain a current list of Event Codes for this
protocol on its web site: http://www.ademco.com
Written requests for interpretations of this standard and other matters of document publication should be addressed
to:
Standards
Security Industry Association
635 Slaters Lane, Suite 110
Alexandria, VA 22314
E-mail: Standards@siaonline.com
Internet: http://www.siaonline.org
Digital Communication Standard - Ademco ® Contact ID Protocol - for Alarm System Communications
SIA DC-05-1999.09 ADEMCO Group
Page ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This document was developed by Richard Hinkson of the ADEMCO Group, a division of Pittway
Corporation.
The Ademco “Contact ID” protocol has become a prevalent and respected format for digital
communications between security alarm systems and central monitoring stations. Many manufacturers
have adopted it, seeking industry wide compatibility.
SIA gratefully acknowledges Ademco’s generous contribution to communications in the security
industry, both in allowing SIA to publish this protocol as a de facto security industry standard and in
accepting industry requests for modifications.
Digital Communication Standard - Ademco ® Contact ID Protocol - for Alarm System Communications
SIA DC-05-1999.09 ADEMCO Group
Page iii
REVISION HISTORY
The following are changes made to this document, listed by revision.
SEPTEMBER 1999 BASELINE
Original Publication
