How can I test my system to be sure everything is working ok?

1.  Consider notifying your neighbors that you are going to test your system and that they will hear the siren sound for about a minute.

2.  Call Central Station @ 800-506-4006 to have your account put on test to prevent them from responding to your alarm. Have them put it on test for a minimum of 30 minutes.

3.  Set the system as you normally do and wait for the exit (60-90 seconds) time to expire. Open a door or window and let the alarm sound. If you opened an entry door you must also wait for the entry (30-60 seconds) time to expire. The keypad will beep during this delay.

4.  Allow the alarm to sound so the signal can be transmitted to Central Station. Allow about 45 seconds to 1 minute to pass then call Central Station back to verify they received your signal. If you turned the siren off before the signal was received you have not made a true test of the system’s ability to power the siren and send a signal at the same time.

5.  After the signal is received disarm your system. The rest of the system test can be conducted without arming the system or sounding the siren. Have one person watch the keypad while another opens each protected door and window, one at a time. There should be a “not ready” indication at the keypad when each door or window is opened and a “ready” indication when closed. (If no other person is available, put the system in “chime” mode by pressing your 4-digit code and the “9” key to turn the chime on/off. All perimeter zones will then “chime” when opened.) Test any motion detectors by moving in front of them. Wired security screens and glass break detectors require a technician visit for testing.

6.  If you wish to test additional devices, such as panic buttons, you must call Central Station again to make sure you have plenty of time on test, and extend it if necessary. Test one or more devices and allow 45-60 seconds for the signal to be received. Then call Central Station to verify those signals were received. If so, you can ask them to remove your account from test or simply let the time expire. Be certain not to end the test until ALL signals have been received and accounted for. Otherwise, Central Station may dispatch the police or other responders.

7.  If you have a smoke detector connected to your alarm system it will have a small red light that blinks at least once every 20 seconds. Observe the detector to be sure that it is blinking properly. A professional smoke detector test requires a technician visit.

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