Specify intrusion detection by detection, nuisance and false alarm rates, with every link supervised

The DoD’s 2025 electronic security systems criteria define intrusion detection performance by probability of detection, nuisance and false alarm rates and vulnerability to defeat, and require disrupted links between components to be annunciated at once. Those are useful terms for any commercial specification.

Source facts

UFC 4-021-02, dated 28 July 2025, applies to all construction, renovation or repair projects that include an electronic security system within the Department of Defense. It defines intrusion detection performance metrics as probability of detection, nuisance alarm rate, false alarm rate and vulnerability to defeat.

The criteria require any disruption to data connections between intrusion detection components to be immediately annunciated at the alarm monitoring workstation, giving end-to-end supervision of the whole system. Tamper protection can combine physical protection, line supervision, encryption and tamper alarming of enclosures and components, and direct-current line supervision is typical for a sensor-to-panel connection with an end-of-line resistor.

Sensor guidance is specific: High Security Switch replaces the legacy term balanced magnetic switch, UL 634 Level 2 switches meet added requirements for tampering, nuisance alarms and reliability, and a microwave sensor used by itself can see through walls and is susceptible to nuisance alarms from movement outside the protected area.

Applicability

The UFC is mandatory only within its Department of Defense scope. Outside that scope, treat it as a published reference for performance terms and design practice, alongside the alarm standards and local requirements that apply to the site.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends writing intrusion-system specifications around detection and alarm-rate performance and end-to-end supervision, rather than around a device list alone. Define each protected zone and its intended detection, require supervised wiring with end-of-line resistors located in the sensor housing, require communication-path and tamper conditions to report to the monitoring point, and select door contacts and motion technology for the threat and environment of each space.

Verification

At acceptance, walk-test every zone, cut or short a sample of supervised circuits, open enclosures with tamper switches, and interrupt each communication path, confirming every condition reaches the monitoring point with the correct zone and time. Track nuisance and false alarms for the first months and adjust sensors before closing the project.

Official reference

Unified Facilities Criteria UFC 4-021-02, Electronic Security Systems (28 July 2025). Reviewed October 18, 2026.