COMMON ALARM PROBLEMS & TROUBLESHOOTING
The most common alarm problems are:
1) Unknown flashing light on keypad
2) Unknown buzzing sound from keypad
3) System won't arm/disarm
4) Smoke alarm sounding
5) False alarm
Unknown flashing light on keypad
A flashing power light may indicate:
-Main system battery is getting low, usually
accompanied with buzzing keypad.
Solution: Battery needs to be replaced. Call office (952.942.5320) for
replacement.
-AC power to alarm system is disconnected
Solution: Make sure
system's plug-in transformer (3 inch beige cube) is properly
connected to working AC outlet. We suggest you plug-in a light to test whether
electrical outlet is actually working.
A flashing
light may indicate:
-System had been in alarm
Solution: Either
pressing the asterisk (*) key or rearming/disarming the system
clears the blinking red light
Unknown buzzing sound from keypad
Usually a buzzing sound from the keypad is associated with a blinking green power
light.
This indicates a low battery condition or loss of AC power. Other sources of constant
keypad buzzing may indicate more serious system problems. Call our office for service.
System won't arm/disarm
-System won't arm
You must have a green "ready to arm" light before you can
arm your system.
If this light is not lit, check your windows and doors to make sure they are tightly
closed.
There is also the possibility that you are not be entering the proper code sequence.
-System won't disarm
If your system did not take the security code,
count to ten then slowly reenter your code. Most of our systems require a ten second
period to clear incorrect codes. This is done to prevent someone from trying different
codes. If your system still does not disarm, your system will go into alarm after the
initial time delay period. Alarm codes are not given out over the telephone without proper
account information.
Smoke alarm sounding
NEVER DISMANTLE SMOKE DETECTORS.
Smoke detectors with a built-in buzzer are probably not part of the
security system. These may be detectors installed by an electrician and are wired into the
AC circuit. You need to contact an electrician to replace them.
If the security system siren is activated by a system smoke detector,
enter your security code. This usually stops the siren as long as the smoke has cleared.
You still need to reset
system smoke detectors (consult your manual or call our office). If the smoke
detector
activated for no apparent reason, it is probably dirty and needs to be cleaned by a
technician.
False alarm
If you have turned off your system within 30 seconds of the siren
sounding, your system
has probably sent our monitoring facility an automatic cancellation notice. We still
recommend you call the monitoring facility to insure your cancellation has been received.
Whenever you call the monitoring facility, you must identify yourself with your account
number and passcode. Our personnel are not authorized to cancel any alarms with
authorities without proper identification.
The most common cause of false alarms is caused when buildings expand
and contract
during relatively rapid outdoor temperature changes. Other common causes of false alarms
are insects nesting in motion detectors, especially in the fall, and dirty smoke
detectors.
We consider all false alarms to be serious, but they may occur. If you have repeated false
alarms or suspect a problem with your system, please call for service. We want to conserve
the efforts of our police and fire departments.
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