These definitions will help you understand your alarm system when you need to troubleshoot it or contact us for assistance.
KEYPAD:
This is where you enter the keypad code for a security system.
KEYPAD CODE:
This is the three or four digit code you enter into the keypad to arm/disarm or program the security system.
ZONE:
This is the area in which an alarm device covers.
DEVICE:
These are hardwired or wireless pieces of equipment that when activated send a signal to the alarm panel which in turn sends a signal to the central station. Example - motion detector, water bug, door sensor, window switch.
ALARM:
This is a system condition that occurs when a Device is activated. The system condition is sent as a signal to the central station and is called a report code.
TROUBLE:
This is a signal (system condition) that indicates anything but an alarm. Example AC Power Loss, Phone Line Trouble, etc.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
These are persons on the account that should be notified in the event of an alarm or trouble code. It is recommended that they have access to the premise or have the ability to contact the owner.
PASSWORDS:
Are used to determine if the person calling the service office or central station is authorized to manage the account. This includes making changes to Responsible Parties, Updating any accounting information, putting the alarm system in test.
CENTRAL STATION:
A facility that provides monitoring services for customers. Where installed/programmed ALARM SYSTEMS automatically send signals in the event of an intrusion, fire or other incident. All activities are recorded and acted upon by trained operators.
DISPATCH PROCEDURES:
Security Alarms-- First, call premise for password to
determine if false alarm. If no password received, dispatch the police and contact the RP's. This can be varied by contacting a security company or only notifying RPs (the police do not require dispatch on a monitored system). If the system has ambush enter the ambush code into the keypad (this will silence the alarm) and the police will be dispatched without lights and sirens before any additional calls are made. RPs are called in the order provided until a person has been contacted or messages have been left with all RPs.
Fire Alarms-- Per international fire code, ALL alarms will be dispatched before contacting the Premise or RPs. Once the dispatch has been made the premise will be called first then the RPs will be called.
TEST:
To test the security alarm system without dispatch or RP notification, call the central station; give them your account no. and password. Tell them you need to test your system. They will put it on test until you are finished. Hang up, arm your alarm and activate an instant zone device (i.e. motion detector, panic or window). Wait 60 seconds, disarm the alarm, call the central station and verify they received the signal.
To test the fire alarm system, please contact our office. A test will be scheduled that adheres to all mandated codes.
ON-LINE:
When a system is 'On-line' it is being actively monitored. If you are receiving trouble codes during the night and want to wait until morning to call for service; instruct the central station operators to put the system 'On-line in trouble'. They will continue to log the trouble signals (but you will not be called repeatedly) until you can schedule repairs.