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Check your System

THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTING YOUR ALARM SYSTEM

Periodic testing of your alarm system is essential to ensure proper function. You should test your system each month.

how to Test

How to test your system

There are two types of tests to perform: testing signals within your home and testing the signal from your home to the monitoring center. The procedures vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of the system. If you have one, refer to the owners' manual to test according to your system type. If not, the following test procedures will.

Testing the operation of all door and window contacts, and motion detectors.

1. Verify that the system is in "READY" mode. Do not arm it!

2. Open each protected door or window, one at a time.

3. Check that the keypad displays the door or window you are testing is open.

4. Close the respective door or window. The keypad should display.

5. Repeat this procedure for each sensor in the system

Testing the signal transmission to the Monitoring Station.

1. Call the Monitoring Station and ask that your system be placed in “TEST” mode.
Be ready to give your monitoring account number and password to the operator.

2. Arm your system as usual and set it off by opening a door or window, or by tripping a motion detector.
Allow the alarm to sound for at least one minute.

3. Turn off your system and reset it to “READY” mode.

4. Verify that the signal was received by the Monitoring Station.

5. Call the Monitoring Station to take system off “TEST” mode.

prevent false alarm

FALSE ALARMS ARE COSTLY TO EVERYONE

False alarms take police away from real emergencies.

They can endanger responding authorities and your whole community. Setting off a false alarm is like dialing 9-1-1; the police will respond thinking there is a real problem.

False alarms can lead neighbors to ignore your alarm if it goes off repeatedly. It's like "crying wolf" and can, in effect, make your security system seem less credible.

False alarms may make you reluctant to arm your system - exposing your home or business to undetected breaches of security.

False alarms are generally caused by user error. Many cities charge fines for excessive false alarms, so it is important for customers to understand the operation of their security systems.

COMMON CAUSES OF FALSE ALARMS

Pets

Security systems can be designed to accommodate indoor pets. However, if you acquire a pet after installation, you may need to have your system modified so pets will not trip indoor motion detectors or pressure pads.

Remodeling

Your system was designed according to the original configuration of your home. False alarms may be caused by significant changes to that layout, even such interior changes as replacing window shutters with drapes, moving large furniture, and installation of fans or air conditioners. Further, it is recommended that a review of your security system design take place to ensure comprehensive protection after a remodel.

Visitors

Train all trusted individuals who may visit your home (housekeepers, guests, maintenance) on your security system's operation.

Moving objects

Balloons, large plants and objects that may fall are common causes of false alarms. Before arming your system, place these objects in a room where they may not trip a motion detector.

Doors and windows

Be sure to close doors and windows securely, as they may trigger an alarm if blown open. Install appropriate locks to help secure them from wind, pets or intruders in your home.

Bugs, pests or dust on a sensor lens

Smoke detectors and motion sensors should be cleaned regularly.

Circuit breakers that are turned off

Alarm equipment must always be powered. Circuit breakers that are not powered can trigger a false alarm.

Malfunctioning equipment

Alarm activations for no apparent reasons may be an indication of faulty equipment.

False alarms should not be caused by storms or severe weather conditions.

If you cannot determine the source of a false alarm, contact Protection24hour Service at 1-877-900-8220 as soon as possible.

Q & A

ALARM SYSTEM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q : I am having trouble with one of my security devices and the appointment for the technician to come to my home isn't until next week. Can I arm my system in the meantime?

A : Yes, you can bypass the zone in which the security device is found. It is generally as simple as entering your code, pressing the bypass key, and then the keys designating the zone you wish to bypass. The bypass light will come on, confirming that you have now bypassed the zone. You may now enter your security code to arm your system. Each control panel may be different, but will allow you to bypass a zone. If you aren't sure and can't find your Owner's Manual, please call Protection24hour Service and we will walk you through the procedure.

Q : My system doesn't seem to be working properly. How do I get service?

A : Call Protection24hour Service at (877) 900-8220. In most cases, our technically trained customer care representatives are able to resolve system issues over the telephone. If not, we will schedule service with a Protection24hour Authorized Service Technician.

Q : Can I cancel an alarm signal if I have pressed the panic or fire alarm buttons on my keypad?

A : If you have pressed either the panic or the fire alarm buttons, you will not be able to cancel the alarm signal.

Q : Can't find the manual for my system. Can you help me get another one?

A : Call Protection24hour at (877) 900-8220, or email us at service@protection24hour.com.

Q : What if I accidentally set off my alarm?

A : You can cancel the audible alarm by entering your code properly within 60 seconds. This should clear your system and switch it to "READY" mode. Some systems have alarm memory. In this case you may need to enter your code again to clear it. "CANCEL" signal is received.

Q : What if my telephone line has been cut?

A : If your telephone line has been cut by an intruder, or if a storm or natural disaster has disabled communications, your security system is still internally operational. The alarm will sound when sensors are triggered. However, emergency signals will not be transmitted to the Monitoring Station so police and fire authorities will not be notified by the operator. To ensure the integrity of your system, cellular backup can be added to provide an alternate path to the Monitoring Station. Call Protection24hour customer care to learn about this type of signal transmission.

Q : What is a Low Battery Signal?

A : A low battery can describe a number of conditions. It generally means that a battery has failed and needs to be replaced. Please refer to your user manual or contact Protection24hour service if you need additional information.

Alarm System permits

Certain state, city, or county agencies governing the area of a subscriber’s monitored location may have ordinances or laws that require the subscriber to register their alarm or to obtain an alarm permit/license.

If such is the case for your area, failure to register or obtain a permit/license may result in a non-compliant classification for the subscriber and may result in a citation or assessed fines and penalties without waiver, which shall be the responsibility of the subscriber. To avoid being assessed fines or penalties, please be sure to call your local police department or the appropriate governing agency to determine whether or not alarm subscriber responsibilities are applicable to your area.

Insurance Discount

As a user of an UL approved alarm system, you may be eligible to receive a discount on your homeowners insurance or business insurance premium. Insurance companies know that if you have a monitored security system installed in your home, you are less likely to claim damage due to intrusion or fire. Our customers are reporting significant savings with security monitoring alone. Those with added features of monitored smoke and fire detection may save even more!