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Security & Fire Protection Systems/Questions Answered by Expert Dave Neuweiler

SubjectDate Asked
Model AC8W2/8/2012
  Q: Dave. I am replacing 2 model AC8W alarms the black & white wires are live and neutral What is the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, that third wire is the so-called "interconnect." It allows all ...
FBII XL-31 battery replacement2/7/2012
  Q: Dave, I saw your detailed response on battery replacement for above home alarm system....once I get ...
  A: and thanks for your question. On really older model systems, manufacturers used the battery as part ...
Pc1550 unknown problem2/2/2012
  Q: I oft up yhis morning and the keypad was blank. Could not set or disarm alarm. Got home this evening ...
  A: and thanks for writing. That's an unusual set of symptoms. It sounds to me like the system is ...
Radionics alarm system2/1/2012
  Q: Had the system for 20yrs; a few months ago (didn't set the alarm), when I entered the house there ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, I'd have suspected the battery too, because what you're describing ...
Security System1/30/2012
  Q: I have a DSC 1500/50 alarm system that is giving me a trouble light and the code indicates #5 which ...
  A: First... the fuses. The manual you have (I think) is for the PC 1500... and the board you have is ...
Security System1/30/2012
  Q: I have a DSC 1500/50 alarm system that is giving me a trouble light and the code indicates #5 which ...
  A: .. just to be sure we're on the same page... is that zone 5 trouble you mentioned in response to ...
Security Command XR201/29/2012
  Q: Normally, the exterior door zones each have an individual tone when someone enters/exits. Last ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the user's manual for your system: ...
Security System1/29/2012
  Q: I have a DSC 1500/50 alarm system that is giving me a trouble light and the code indicates #5 which ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Zone types are determined by system programming. This means that when your ...
security and fire protection1/28/2012
  Q: I have a DSC 1500 system. I had unplugged my system about 2 years ago. I recently sold my house. ...
  A: it's probably too late to give you a timely answer.. but the reason the alarm kept going off when ...
security monitoring for lakehouse1/26/2012
  Q: Here’s what I have— Lakehouse, undergoing expansion and remodel. About to rough-in electrical work ...
  A: Let's talk about your wish list and see if there's a reasonable approach that you could use with ...
security monitoring for lakehouse1/26/2012
  Q: Here’s what I have— Lakehouse, undergoing expansion and remodel. About to rough-in electrical work ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't know what your level of expertise is in electronics, hardware ...
Caddx Ranger 8600 smoke detector1/23/2012
  Q: I have 2 System Sensor Heat/Smoke detectors Model # 211/24R hard wired to my Caddx Ranger 8600 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The smoke/heat detectors, when tripped, should cause the siren to ...
Erroneous Alarms1/15/2012
  Q: We have five FireX 102-1072B smoke detectors throughout our house and more than once, most recently ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Most unwanted alarms are caused by uncleaned detectors. Also, most ...
wireless alarm systems1/15/2012
  Q: Dave, I am in the process of selecting an alarm system and a monitoring company and have not had ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Wireless alarm systems operate around 433 MHz, which is miles away ...
Morse MDC161/9/2012
  Q: We are monitoring this system for fire. I can not seem to get the panel to send a test timer ...
  A: As memory serves, the panel uses a 555 IC chip, which is just a timer... so the system doesn't have ...
Morse MDC161/9/2012
  Q: We are monitoring this system for fire. I can not seem to get the panel to send a test timer ...
  A: and thanks for reminding me how old I am to even remember this panel (just kidding). The panel does ...
FireX Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector1/6/2012
  Q: My smoke/carbon monoxide detector has been beeping for the past two days, 2 beeps every minute or ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If this is a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, it's mounted on ...
FBII xl 31 alarm1/4/2012
  Q: Background I recently purchased a house that has FBI XL-31 alarm system and XK-7LC key pads(LCD ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The simple answer is to find and correct the reason that the zone is ...
GE Concord Express 60-806 question12/29/2011
  Q: I have a Concord Express 60-806 that I installed many years ago and the battery needs to be ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I checked the manual, and it came up lacking in silencing troubles for more ...
PC1555RKZ Keypad12/18/2011
  Q: The yellow system light stays on. The chime feature still works. However, I can't set the system to ...
  A: I'm glad to hear that the "re-boot" of your system cleared the trouble. I've re-evaluated my ...
PC1555RKZ Keypad12/17/2011
  Q: The yellow system light stays on. The chime feature still works. However, I can't set the system to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. This is an unusual problem, since the *2 diagnostic function doesn't show ...
Replacing a kep pad12/15/2011
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me find a key pad that I could replace ours with. We had an adt ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Although the keypad is labeled with ADT, it's made by a different ...
DSC PC1500 keypad beeping in the middle of the night12/15/2011
  Q: My house and the DSC PC1500 is 19 years old. Every night, around 4:00 am the DSC PC1500 keypad keep ...
  A: Depending on how your system was initially set up by the installer, you may not be able to turn off ...
DSC PC1500 keypad beeping in the middle of the night12/14/2011
  Q: My house and the DSC PC1500 is 19 years old. Every night, around 4:00 am the DSC PC1500 keypad keep ...
  A: and thanks for writing. "Failure to communicate" means that your control has attempted to pass ...
motion sensor12/13/2011
  Q: Yesterday we had a power outage in our neighborhood and power has been restored. This morning I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Sounds like you're talking about a motion-activated outdoor light. Two ...
DSC 832 Trouble12/8/2011
  Q: When the alarm is off the trouble light is on. When I turn the alarm on the bypass light comes on. I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You've noted three separate problems, and I'll address each. First, your ...
caddx 860012/5/2011
  Q: how can i change the time of how long the siren must go of , when alarm is triggerd. want to make it ...
  A: and thanks for your question. To change the timeout for the siren, you'll need to enter the ...
keypad11/28/2011
  Q: I have a keypad for my home alarm system that a key is not working. The model # Ademco M6673 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's usually easier to find compatible keypads for older systems by ...
Trouble light on and beeping11/24/2011
  Q: My system is doing the same as the last guys. a fast double beep accompanied by yellow trouble ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You didn't mention what kind of alarm system you have, but the *2 ...
Remove cover11/22/2011
  Q: On January 11, 2011, Ms. Ann asked your assistance to turn the alarm system beeping off. Your ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I think you've misunderstood; the main control panel is separate from the ...
seco-larm SH532L11/21/2011
  Q: How do you wire the NAPCO GEM-P800 security system to the SECO-LARM SH532L siren. the Napco has 3 ...
  A: I'm confused by your description that"the Napco has 3 wires from the panel that are white,yellow,and ...
beeping alarm system11/18/2011
  Q: I have a Vista 10 alarm system, no monitoring. the cable co installed a home phone, and that same ...
  A: .. I'm going in revers order from your post... I don't think you need to recover the Installer's ...
FIREX Smoke alarm 120-1072811/18/2011
  Q: the alarm was beeping. I changed the battery (9volt) and plugged it back into the ceiling fixture. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. While you have that detector down, please look at the manufacture ...
false alarm11/17/2011
  Q: Our home and our DSC PC1500 is 19 years old. We have always used our alarm system and have never had ...
  A: Intermittent? Absolutely! In alarm parlance, it's called a "swinger" because of its propensity to ...
false alarm11/17/2011
  Q: Our home and our DSC PC1500 is 19 years old. We have always used our alarm system and have never had ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'm assuming that the five windows are protected by magnetic ...
beeping alarm system11/16/2011
  Q: I have a Vista 10 alarm system, no monitoring. the cable co installed a home phone, and that same ...
  A: .. You mentioned that the cable tech unplugged the adapter (transformer), and now there are two ...
MORSE KEYPAD11/16/2011
  Q: I need to replace my keypad. The numbers no longer work. I know this is very old and the company is ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You may not be able to locate a direct replacement for your keypad. ...
Alarm disarmed and beeping!!11/15/2011
  Q: Several years ago we bought a house with an alarm system we are not currently using. All of a ...
  A: This panel doesn't have on-board diagnostics that can be accessed with a keyboard command, so in the ...
Alarm disarmed and beeping!!11/14/2011
  Q: Several years ago we bought a house with an alarm system we are not currently using. All of a ...
  A: .. Well,if the issue is a low battery, consider that unplugging the battery won't make a ...
beeping alarm system11/10/2011
  Q: I have a Vista 10 alarm system, no monitoring. the cable co installed a home phone, and that same ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The code "OC" indicates that the control isn't communicating with ...
FBI Model XL-31 not working after power failure11/3/2011
  Q: I have a FBI XL-31 with a XL 4612SM keypad taht is approximately 10 years old. After a prolonged ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The first thing I'd check is the backup battery fuse. This is located in ...
Alarm disarmed and beeping!!11/3/2011
  Q: Several years ago we bought a house with an alarm system we are not currently using. All of a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, you can drill the lock if you'd like to. Cutting wires outside of the ...
FIREX Smoke Detector FADC model10/30/2011
  Q: Please help! One of my smoke alarms chirps only every 2-3 hours. By the time I get to a detector ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Do this: First, clean your detectors... At any office supply store, buy a ...
Problems with Z1100 Alarm10/29/2011
  Q: Have a Z1100 alarm which would not dis-engage. When hitting the keypad there was no sound when ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There could be a few things going on. First, I wouldn't eliminate power as ...
Finding the right security company10/26/2011
  Q: Dave, I hope you can help me. I have a "Safewatch Pro 2000" wireless fire & security system from ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. Let's see if we can get things sorted out for you. First, I can't ...
Smoke Detector 'chirps' w/o Battery10/12/2011
  Q: One of our smoke detectors started chirping on Saturday. My husband disconnected and removed the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Although it may seem that the wiring is chirping, rest assured that ...
access codes10/12/2011
  Q: bought this house a year ago. need code to use the key pad for my own use. don't know how old the ...
  A: I'm afraid I don't have good news for you. Your panel is Brinks Home Security (BHS#. Brinks has ...
Westar Security System10/10/2011
  Q: I have a 12 yr old Westar Security systme (home) It is blinking trouble. How do I reset and how can ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Most Westar panels were manufactured by a company called DSC, and ...
access codes10/8/2011
  Q: bought this house a year ago. need code to use the key pad for my own use. don't know how old the ...
  A: there are a lot of different systems out there, and they don't all work the same way... can you tell ...
fa215 batteries10/6/2011
  Q: Dave, we have a fa215 keypad on our security system and need to replace the battery. It is a 12 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Battery replacement is pretty easy... here's an excerpt from an ...
American ranger pc155510/2/2011
  Q: Dave I have an American Ranger pc1555 with LED keypad The battery is about 4 years old. The ...
  A: I doubt it's a battery issue. The battery is supervised separately, and you'd have the system ...
American ranger pc155510/2/2011
  Q: Dave I have an American Ranger pc1555 with LED keypad The battery is about 4 years old. The ...
  A: and thanks for your question. What you describe is a "swinger" -- a connection that intermittently ...
key fob9/25/2011
  Q: I need to purchase new key fobs for my powermax system by visonic. Do these have to be programmed to ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I've never worked with Visonic equipment, but if they adhere to ...
norton fire alarm9/24/2011
  Q: Our house was purchased in 2003 and came with an installed Norton AC8W fire alarm hooked up to the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors have a useful life expectancy of about ten years. As they ...
Home Security9/24/2011
  Q: We have just moved into a townhouse and I would like to upgrade the security. I'm considering four ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Given your upgrades, here's what I suggest. First, focus on the ...
ZONE TRIGGERS CHIME INTERMITTENTLY9/10/2011
  Q: I HAVE A RANGER AMERICAN INSTALLATION OF A DSC PC1555 alarm. When the LED keypad is set to "Chime" ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a lot of variables here, but I'll give you a generic procedure to ...
System Light9/3/2011
  Q: On DSC 1555, the system light stays on and when I press *2 it fails to display "ANY" trouble code. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. First, I don't think you have a battery problem, as that is (as you ...
Home Alarm system beeping9/2/2011
  Q: I recently purchased a new property which has a security alarm. I wanted to try and change the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm going to have to make a guess here, since I don't know the make or ...
Trouble light on the PC 1500 Alarm system9/1/2011
  Q: We have an American Ranger PC1500 alarm system. The other evening it started to beep and the trouble ...
  A: Good morning Paul, and thanks for your question. The PC 1500 has a bit of a built-in diagnostic ...
FBI alarms8/20/2011
  Q: I own a home with a FBI alarm installation model XL-1. I had rented the home for a couple of years ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You know, I'm not sure that the FBII XL-1 has a "chime" feature ...
magnum alert 10088/18/2011
  Q: I had a motion sensor that was blinking very fast. I had this happen one time before and I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. This could be really easy, or really bad. Since the control seems to ...
fbii xl-18/14/2011
  Q: my alarm system was installed 3 yrs ago second hand. Over the past two weeks ac/lb was flashing then ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The FBII XL-1 dates back to the early 1990's, and I don't have an ...
alarm sounded8/11/2011
  Q: Our alarm sounded around 3 in the morning. It went off very briefly, stopped and then a few minutes ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Most smoke alarm problems are related to the units not being cleaned. ...
DSC pc1550 alarm battery8/5/2011
  Q: A few nights ago, our alarm started beeping in the middle of the night about every 10 seconds. I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You can safely use a larger capacity (Ah) battery in your alarm ...
DSC 1500 home alarm7/1/2011
  Q: We had low battery for some time. Got around to replacing the battery after the keyboard went ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's no code for this, as this seems to be a hardware issue. Try this: ...
New house existing alarm system6/30/2011
  Q: I just bought a new house that was three years old. It has as First Alert system with a FA215 on ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Most of the time, the panel can be "defaulted" back to its factory-new ...
one unit working6/27/2011
  Q: We had a power outage last week and when the power was restored, the alarm system began beeping and ...
  A: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you! It's hard to say from here, but there may be an ...
first alert model fa145c home alarm system6/25/2011
  Q: I have an old first alert security system. Never had a problem until last week. We lost power. When ...
  A: I'm still not positive on the ID of your panel, but please see here: ...
first alert model fa145c home alarm system6/23/2011
  Q: I have an old first alert security system. Never had a problem until last week. We lost power. When ...
  A: James. I didn't mean to over-simplify my recommendations in the previous post -- but I can't know ...
DSC3000 - Killing the Chirp when no telephone line detected6/23/2011
  Q: I have a DSC PC3000. I have LCD 600 Security Stations for my keypads. I currently do not have ...
  A: .. I can't tell with certainty from your reply whether you do or do not have the Installer's ...
DSC3000 - Killing the Chirp when no telephone line detected6/22/2011
  Q: I have a DSC PC3000. I have LCD 600 Security Stations for my keypads. I currently do not have ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Do you have the Installer's code for the system? If you do, then I ...
first alert model fa145c home alarm system6/21/2011
  Q: I have an old first alert security system. Never had a problem until last week. We lost power. When ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are only a few things to verify... and you've already done the right ...
FBI Legend Series 1006/21/2011
  Q: Dave, we have a FBI Legend Series 100 security system that was installed in the house in 1992. We ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's usually possible to resurrect old systems that have been ...
"open ckt" on the display, can't clear6/16/2011
  Q: We had a power outage last week and when the power was restored, the alarm system began beeping and ...
  A: and thanks for your question. With the power outage, it looks like your keypad address was lost. ...
dsc pc 1555mx alarm system6/14/2011
  Q: Keypad beeped so we thought it was the battery since its never been changed in 7 yrs. Put new ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There's a procedure for your panel to determine the cause of the ...
door chime stop working after power outage6/9/2011
  Q: Good evening, I have the FBI XL-2 model system. Recently we experience a power outage and had to ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, it's very common that older batteries fail during extended power ...
magnum 850 problrm after power outage6/6/2011
  Q: I have a magnum 850 witch is 22 years old, we had a power outage of 9 hours , now the 8 on the key ...
  A: and thanks for the follow-up. I'm glad you have a meter; I didn't know that before. The AC voltage ...
magnum 850 problrm after power outage6/5/2011
  Q: I have a magnum 850 witch is 22 years old, we had a power outage of 9 hours , now the 8 on the key ...
  A: In older alarm systems, the control is powered by the battery, with the AC transformer keeping the ...
magnum 850 problrm after power outage6/5/2011
  Q: I have a magnum 850 witch is 22 years old, we had a power outage of 9 hours , now the 8 on the key ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If the standby battery is old -- 5 years or older -- it has probably ...
home security6/4/2011
  Q: Dave, I have a older alarm system by Eico electromic intrument co model Fc-100 I installed several ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There's no way that I see to connect wireless devices to your FC-100. ...
FBI XL2 home security system6/1/2011
  Q: I recently replaced my front door. When the door was removed (and temporarily replaced with ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It would be very unusual for your front door not to be protected for two ...
moving detector instalation5/28/2011
  Q: Hey! I tried to move one of my detectors from a place to another but when i plugged everything back ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If all you did was relocate a detector, you probably short-circuited the ...
magnum alert 8005/26/2011
  Q: my alarm system is over 25 yrs old Recently when setting the alarm it sounds the bypass tone that ...
  A: Karen. Well, the battery is certainly dead if it won't support the system when you unplug the ...
FA147C trouble codes5/25/2011
  Q: I recently purchased a home which already had a First Alert (FA147C) wired in, no manual or alarm ...
  A: I'd say it'd be an uphill battle to reprogram that one yourself. The 147c was manufactured by ADEMCO ...
FA147C trouble codes5/24/2011
  Q: I recently purchased a home which already had a First Alert (FA147C) wired in, no manual or alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The Dl code means the system is disabled. I take it that when you ...
magnum alert 8005/24/2011
  Q: my alarm system is over 25 yrs old Recently when setting the alarm it sounds the bypass tone that ...
  A: and thanks for writing. With a system that old, it could be an issue with the keypad. I'd try to ...
Reset Ademco Vista20se5/23/2011
  Q: Dave, I have now had two separate smoke alarm detections with my system in the last few months, and ...
  A: Randy. Here's an excerpt from an article I wrote on the topic: At any office supply store, buy a ...
Reset Ademco Vista20se5/22/2011
  Q: Dave, I have now had two separate smoke alarm detections with my system in the last few months, and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Fire alarms are held in memory on the Vista 20se. When an alarm occurs, ...
wiring on smoke alarms5/21/2011
  Q: I have had a similar problem to Geoff whom you replied to on 6/10/2006. Interconnected smoke and ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Although I'm in the United States and the color codes for electrical ...
fire and co2 alarms5/19/2011
  Q: both alarms went of fire and co2 alarms we called the fire department . they came. found nothing ...
  A: Yes there is... here's the information: ...
fire and co2 alarms5/19/2011
  Q: both alarms went of fire and co2 alarms we called the fire department . they came. found nothing ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Normally I don't recommend specific brands, but given the ...
Home Alarm System5/16/2011
  Q: The shock sensor that is attached to our kitchen skylite became unglued after 15 years . It is ...
  A: and thanks for your question. On original installations where shock sensors are mounted on flat ...
First Alert FA110C Security System5/15/2011
  Q: I moved a keypad a door conteact and a motin detector. Now I get a green light and ready indication ...
  A: Since none of the protective zones are causing the control to annunciate an alarm, this is starting ...
First Alert FA110C Security System5/14/2011
  Q: I moved a keypad a door conteact and a motin detector. Now I get a green light and ready indication ...
  A: and thanks for your message. I'm puzzled by the fact that the door apparently operates the chime ...
security alarm beeping (Cont.)5/11/2011
  Q: Dave, About a year ago you answered Elena's question about an alarm that continues to beep after ...
  A: and thanks for your question, Since you're disabling the system, there's no harm in disconnecting ...
DSC Power 832 Gen sys trouble5/4/2011
  Q: I have DSC 832 panel with PC510 for last 10 years. I have also PC5921 intercom system. I have had ...
  A: Yes, you may be wrong -- but on the other hand you may be right. The intercom system works through ...
Smoke alarm batteries5/1/2011
  Q: I have a Lifesaver Ionization Smoke Alarm model 1275. I went to replace the batteries and it still ...
  A: and thanks for your question. In many cases, any household 9-volt battery will do. However, when a ...
Emergency Network EN1550 system keypad replacement4/30/2011
  Q: I have an Emergency Network EN1550 alarm system in the house. The original keypad still works, but ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your panel is actually manufactured by DSC, and just labeled for ...
FBI XL-31 troubles4/26/2011
  Q: I installed my FBI XL-31 about 7 years ago when we built our house. We never got it working right. I ...
  A: Good deal, and thanks for the kind words. I'm still curious about the chime not working on two zones ...
FBI XL-31 troubles4/25/2011
  Q: I installed my FBI XL-31 about 7 years ago when we built our house. We never got it working right. I ...
  A: Glad you were able to clear the troubles! On the chime issue, your description matches what I would ...
FBI XL-31 troubles4/25/2011
  Q: I installed my FBI XL-31 about 7 years ago when we built our house. We never got it working right. I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Both troubles have the same root cause. The Phone Failure is because the ...
wireless glass break detector compatible with First Alert FA2154/15/2011
  Q: Can you help? What kind of wireless glass break detector is compatible with a First Alert ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I can't give a direct answer because I don't know enough about the system ...
First Alert FA2604/14/2011
  Q: I've been searching high and low on the internet but can not locatge a user manual for this alarm ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The FA 260 is the keypad; the instructions for using your system (of ...
ADT Safewatch Plus RF4/11/2011
  Q: During online search for information on this unit (Safewatch Plus RF), stumbled across this site and ...
  A: Most panels can be returned to their factory-new state by defaulting the programming. The ITI 2000 ...
ADT Safewatch Plus RF4/11/2011
  Q: During online search for information on this unit (Safewatch Plus RF), stumbled across this site and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. "Safewatch" is a "branding name" for ADT; their controls are manufactered ...
DSC PC1555RKZ Alarm system4/9/2011
  Q: Purchased a house with this alarm system. Had a power outage and the alarm system now is going off ...
  A: There are two steps to shutting the system down, because there are two sources of power. First, ...
DSC832 Master Code4/7/2011
  Q: Dave: I have a DSC 832 and was told by the former owner what the master code was (the default ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, you can reset the installer's code to 1234 (the factory default#, but ...
PC1500/PC15504/6/2011
  Q: Our house has this system installed (hardwired) in 1997. A few days ago, two trouble lights came up: ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Alarm transformers are typically designed to plug into a standard ...
fire alarm panel trouble4/6/2011
  Q: good day dave, im alex at industry innovations LLc located at Dammam saudi arabia, i want to ask a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm not going to be of great help here, but perhaps we can make some ...
low battery, alarm chirping on ADT system4/5/2011
  Q: I recently purchased a home that had been "flipped"..and has an ADT alarm system installed. We are ...
  A: and thanks for writing. No problem! You can easily disable the system. You'll need to remove all ...
XR100 Security Command Keypad3/15/2011
  Q: We have a Model XR100 (DMP Manufactured), using the programing guide LT-0896 1.04, connected to a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm not going to be of much help here, but let's see what we can do. ...
Firex smoke alarm & Kidde Firex Smoke and CO alarm compatablity3/15/2011
  Q: I' remodeling and the building inspector requires a combo smoke & CO detector. I have 7 hardwired ...
  A: and thanks for writing. This is a bit of a tough issue right now, since Kidde acquired Firex and is ...
ADT PC18323/14/2011
  Q: I bought a house with a adt alarm and the old owners did not give me the master code. I do however ...
  A: .. look at page 9 in the installation guide you downloaded. It gives you the procedure for getting ...
ADT PC18323/14/2011
  Q: I bought a house with a adt alarm and the old owners did not give me the master code. I do however ...
  A: and thanks for writing. With the Installer's Code, you're in luck. First, go here and download the ...
dsc pc1500/1550 malfunction3/12/2011
  Q: My battery recently went dead and I I took a few weeks to replace it,in the mean time yesterday we ...
  A: and thanks for writing. In addition to the trouble light, the *2 command should cause one of the ...
Smoke Alarm (follow up)3/10/2011
  Q: I have looked through the questions from other people and haven't found my situation so I'm hoping ...
  A: Model FADC isn't compatible to be hooked up to a security system, so the smoke detectors, while ...
Smoke Alarm3/9/2011
  Q: I have looked through the questions from other people and haven't found my situation so I'm hoping ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The first think I'd like to ascertain is whether your smoke detectors ...
NAPCO Class 2 Transformer3/7/2011
  Q: Dave: i read with great interest the information exchange you had with Alina starting on 2/19/10 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, the transformer replacement in the previous post would be fine. But ...
radio shack model 49- 0485 manufacture safe house3/5/2011
  Q: Dave, Installed new battery as you suggested. The new battery worked. Now the Panic Zone 8 LED light ...
  A: .. Look at the hookup diagram on the inside of the cover of the control. It'll show the circuits, ...
radio shack model 49- 0485 manufacture safe house3/3/2011
  Q: I cannot arm the system. I have followed the manual very carefully. The "E" buttons sound the siren ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It appears you have two separate issues. The first is the battery, and ...
Alarm chirping3/1/2011
  Q: I have a Paradox alarm, however I do not know the installer as it was put in by a previous owner. ...
  A: Gillian. Let's see if we can figure this out... First, I'm assuming that you were able to restore ...
Alarm chirping3/1/2011
  Q: I have a Paradox alarm, however I do not know the installer as it was put in by a previous owner. ...
  A: Here's a link to the user's manual that shows how to interpret the trouble: ...
outdoor security cameras2/28/2011
  Q: I have had outdoor security cameras and they just don't do the job. They weren't very expensive so I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, it's hard to get a useful solution that's inexpensive and does the ...
Surveillance System2/27/2011
  Q: I see that you help with alarm systems. I wasn't sure if you could help with this, though I saw ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You've done a lot of research, and found some reasonably priced equipment. ...
First Alert security system FA2602/25/2011
  Q: System is not monitored. System would beep/chirp when a door/sliding glass door would be opened. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. That's the "chime" feature for your system. If you look at your keypad, ...
alarm sistems2/18/2011
  Q: before of any thing , thanks for your time I really appreciate. Now I totally confuse about to which ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's difficult to pick one provider over another; many times the ...
Security system smoke detector replacement2/16/2011
  Q: I have a DSC PC2550 security system with System Sensor 4 wire Mod# 2001LWRI smoke detectors that ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm guessing the RRS-MOD relay is giving you trouble. Please download this ...
dsc vs ge2/16/2011
  Q: Dave, I'm trying to decide between two systems for a hybrid alarm system for my house and shop. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'd be more inclined to go with the reliability of the provider rather than ...
Aging system: what should I replace?2/14/2011
  Q: We bought a house recently in which the security system was installed by the original builder in ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your system is about 23 years old. So what ages? Well, for sure ...
FireX Model 120-1182 (2005 Installation)2/13/2011
  Q: Beth asked a question, you responded saying "you do not have a replacement" for that alarm system. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It's my understanding from research that the 120-1182 is model FADC. ...
Smoke Detectors on FBII XL312/11/2011
  Q: Dave, I am helping some friends who moved in to a home with an XL31 panel. The security system was ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I've actually not programmed the FBII line, but if I had to hazard a ...
MPC-32D2/10/2011
  Q: We are discontinuing our monitoring, but still want the house armed. We do not want the devise to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You would need to have the control programmed as a Local System, meaning ...
Alarm system phone connection.2/9/2011
  Q: Our alarm system is the DSC PC3000. It is monitored and connects to the monitoring company via our ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I think the key question here is WHY your system isn't able to make a ...
Security pro 4000 system2/8/2011
  Q: I have the above security system. It had a message saying battery needed to be replaced. We have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I've had questions on the Security Pro 4000 before, but have never worked ...
battery replacement2/4/2011
  Q: Where is the best place to buy a replacement battery for our FBI XL-2T system? Thanks!
  A: and thanks for your question. I don't endorse any vendors, so telling you the BEST place to get a ...
First Alert/BRK 1920b Smoke Detectors2/3/2011
  Q: We are experiencing problems with our First Alert model 1920b detectors. They are on a hardwired ...
  A: It sounds like you're doing the right things. Let's try resetting everything to see if that solves ...
FBii XL312/2/2011
  Q: We have a FBii XL31 alarm system. Our alarm went off saying, "low battery." We replaced the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are a few things that can be going on, and some of these you ...
First Alert/BRK 1920b Smoke Detectors2/2/2011
  Q: We are experiencing problems with our First Alert model 1920b detectors. They are on a hardwired ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The flashing green LED (on for 2 seconds, then off for 2 seconds) is the ...
XL2T FBII2/1/2011
  Q: Last night i heard the box beep several times then it stopped. I went to set it later on and i enter ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You may be right about the battery. Here's a link to the User's manual for ...
alarm delay2/1/2011
  Q: I need to change the delay time between the arm time ,pressing the command 1 ,and when the alarm ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Alarm panels of that era (yours dates back to the late 1980's)often ...
FBII xl311/31/2011
  Q: I have an FBII XL31 and & xk7lc key pads... I've been getting 6 beeps once or twice a day Ive ...
  A: Debbie, if the alarm company sent a technician to troubleshoot the system, then I'd be inclined to ...
high pitch squeal. how to detect source1/30/2011
  Q: I can't find the source of high pitch whistle/squeal sound that keeps us up at night. be patient ...
  A: I have no experience where wireless transmitters have created any audible noise of any kind. If you ...
high pitch squeal. how to detect source1/30/2011
  Q: I can't find the source of high pitch whistle/squeal sound that keeps us up at night. be patient ...
  A: and thanks for writing. My expertise is alarm systems. If you have one, please follow these steps ...
Monitoring myself1/30/2011
  Q: I have a hard wired system and security company monitoring. The system is fine but the monitoring ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, most every alarm system can be configured to call a person's ...
Alarm system1/28/2011
  Q: We have a omegalarm D6112 alarm system. Every day at around 3:30pm it start beeping. We turn it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It sounds like you have a system trouble that needs to be tended to. Here's ...
Morse mpc-32D1/27/2011
  Q: I just purchased a home with a Morse mpc-32D alarm system installed. However the guy I purchased ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yeah, your panel is upwards of twenty years old, and finding the ...
Keypad replacement1/25/2011
  Q: My alarm system was installed in 1993 by Ranger American. It is a DCS 1500 system. I am trying to ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's a link to an online vendor that can help: ...
adt1/25/2011
  Q: saw ur help on an online forum. wondering if u could help me. i also have a adt safewatch pro 2000 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's not much you can do besides replace the keypad; I don't know of any ...
Alarm / Key Pad Keeps Beeping1/23/2011
  Q: I have a Ranger American system in the home I bought back in 2004. Occasionally (ie phone line ...
  A: Ah... the plot thickens... The uncontrollable "chiming" would be indicative of what's called a ...
Alarm / Key Pad Keeps Beeping1/23/2011
  Q: I have a Ranger American system in the home I bought back in 2004. Occasionally (ie phone line ...
  A: Well, it could be a faulty connection, but please understand that the zone indicator lights on the ...
Alarm / Key Pad Keeps Beeping1/23/2011
  Q: I have a Ranger American system in the home I bought back in 2004. Occasionally (ie phone line ...
  A: Hell David, and thanks for writing. It may in fact be a bad battery, and it's no problem to get a ...
FBII XL21/22/2011
  Q: I have an FBII XL2 alarm and the AC light and bleep associated with this keeps going off. In ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From your report, I'm assuming that you measured the battery with the AC ...
Paradox security system1/21/2011
  Q: I bought a home with a paradox magellan mg32lcd security system. The home was empty and I bought ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's usually a way to reset an alarm control back to its factory ...
keypad chirping1/20/2011
  Q: I live in Panama and had a local guy install a DSC security system. He has since disappeared from ...
  A: Sharon. For the zones that are faulted, you'll have to discover why they're faulted and then ...
moose z11001/20/2011
  Q: have 2 keypads. want to replace one. after replacing does the new keypad to be reprogramed. thank ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The programming information is not stored in the keypads; it's stored ...
keypad chirping1/18/2011
  Q: I live in Panama and had a local guy install a DSC security system. He has since disappeared from ...
  A: Sharon. The Zone Fault information just refers to open zones on the system, and does not reflect ...
keypad chirping1/18/2011
  Q: I live in Panama and had a local guy install a DSC security system. He has since disappeared from ...
  A: and thanks for your question... and greetings to Panama; my wife and I visited there on vacation ...
Ameritech Security Link1/16/2011
  Q: We moved into a house with a expensive security system. However the book that was left behind is ...
  A: and thanks for your question. In general there are two manuals for each system; the User's Manual ...
FBII xl311/16/2011
  Q: I have an FBII XL31 and & xk7lc key pads... I've been getting 6 beeps once or twice a day Ive ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I didn't recognize that symptom in the XL 31 control, so I did some ...
how to upgrade motion detector1/14/2011
  Q: I have the NAPCO GEM-P800 security system. the motion detector is terrible!I have one and it is in ...
  A: No problem, Peter. The issue isn't the system; it's just the detector. Here's an example of a basic ...
replacement keypad for dcs pc1500RK1/13/2011
  Q: Would you be able to give me the name of a replacement keypad that would be compatible to the dcs ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Have you tried here: ...
dsc pc1500/15501/12/2011
  Q: I have a chirping from the alarm control panel. I have changed the battery (checked the voltage of ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I have to admit -- you have me on this one. Seems like you've covered all ...
Power Outage causing Security Alarm to beep constantly1/11/2011
  Q: During a 3.5 power outage, our security alarm kept beeping (2 key pads) every 1 - 2 minutes during ...
  A: Ann. If you'd like to try replacing the battery, here's an article I wrote on the subject. Please ...
dsc pc25501/11/2011
  Q: the unit is showing trouble with battery. i purchased new battery and installed over two weeks ago ...
  A: Just a few things to check... First, are the connectors fot the battery wires clean and tight ...
Power Outage causing Security Alarm to beep constantly1/10/2011
  Q: During a 3.5 power outage, our security alarm kept beeping (2 key pads) every 1 - 2 minutes during ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The 60-820 is the model number of the keypad which can be used with several ...
BRK 49191/9/2011
  Q: Dave Our home is 10 years old installed with BRK 4919. In the living room, the sensor beeps every ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are two things to consider. First, the estimated useful life of ...
motion detector GEM-P8001/7/2011
  Q: The system i have is made by NAPCO(GEM-P800).After having the system for 6 years i decided to try ...
  A: and thanks for writing. NAPCO systems can be armed two ways; the first is to arm all of the ...
trouble light low system battery1/7/2011
  Q: I got a low system battery trouble light. I took out the old battery and installed a new one about a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. When a system battery is replaced, and it reaches its normal charge, the ...
First Alert Professional FA2151/6/2011
  Q: Greetings Dave, I have been living in my home for 2yrs now and never subscribed to the alarm ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You didn't include the make and model of your control, but your ...
Keypad Beeping1/5/2011
  Q: I bought a house with a Protection One alarm system installed in it. I have not set up services for ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Protection One alarm controls were manufactured by ADEMCO as a ...
Ranger American PC155RKZ1/4/2011
  Q: Can you give me the link for the instruction manual for the above mentioned security system? We ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The number you referenced is actually just the keypad, and it can be ...
dsc power series 832 how to clear trouble light1/3/2011
  Q: i got a trouble light on and chirping and scrolled menu to find battery low on my motion sensor in ...
  A: and thanks for your question. On the DSC 832, the trouble light is supposed to go off as soon as ...
alarm system fault1/2/2011
  Q: I'm researching a system fault on a PC1555 also. I found your link to the user guide below, but ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Sorry you had trouble with the hyperlink; I don't know what the trouble is. ...
Battery Location1/2/2011
  Q: I have a wireless security system. The Keypad indicates one of my transmitters has a low battery. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I've not seen that model detector, and can't locate a manual online, ...
Key Pad1/1/2011
  Q: Dave: I have a First Alert Professional FA260 system in my home and I have a problem with the pad ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First Alert equipment is actually manufactured by Ademco/Honeywell. I ...
DSC power 832(LED model) No System lights (Armed/Ready/Trouble) are on12/31/2010
  Q: Good day Dave I have spent hours reading through manuals on what the problem may be with all 3 ...
  A: .. please try this: Disconnect the AC power from the control, then unplug the battery and wait a ...
Norton Tr8w12/30/2010
  Q: I have an old house with a Norton TR8W smoke alarm which beeps for no reason all night and since ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors have a useful life of about ten years, after which they ...
DSC 155012/29/2010
  Q: Today I decided to get the house alarm working in a house. I bought a new battery and it will run ...
  A: and thanks for your question. On the 1550, there is a fuse to protect the control from battery from ...
BHS300A with standard keyboard12/28/2010
  Q: Happy Holiday to you and yours. I was reading your answer to Jennifer from back in July 2010 as ...
  A: Happy holidays to you as well, Tom. The keypads aren't the restricting factor; passwords are stored ...
Lifesaver Fire Alarm.12/27/2010
  Q: My fire alarms are going off regulary and dont turn off.(no smoke) I have to remove battery to stop ...
  A: and thanks for your question. False alarms in smoke detectors are usually (but not always) caused ...
Radionics D2112 Communication12/24/2010
  Q: Assuming no phone/communication line changes, what could cause a Radionics D2112 to stop ...
  A: .. In terms of equipment failure, it could be the D2112 motherboard. Remember that this particular ...
Radionics D2112 Communication12/23/2010
  Q: Assuming no phone/communication line changes, what could cause a Radionics D2112 to stop ...
  A: Ah... now VOIP is a horse of a different color. That ground-start module isn't even in play now; ...
Radionics D2112 Communication12/22/2010
  Q: Assuming no phone/communication line changes, what could cause a Radionics D2112 to stop ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The D133 Relay is associated with your panel making outgoing calls. It's a ...
alarm (pc1555rkz) model12/22/2010
  Q: On my system the system light is on, an it gives short blips an the alarm goes off ,with out any ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The part number you gave is a keypad that's used on several different ...
ITI Security Pro 400012/21/2010
  Q: My security system, which is not monitored, has begun beeping in the middle of the night. I turn it ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'm not familiar with that particular control, and research for the ...
DSC Power832 Security System fault12/20/2010
  Q: I have a DSC Power832 Security System in my house and I remodeled recently and I had to remove one ...
  A: Assuming that you have reconnected the wires as they were before, the problem would likely be the ...
Alarm Every Morning @ 6:3012/19/2010
  Q: One of my four detectors goes off each morning precisely at 6:30. Kidde Model KN-COSM-1 Combination ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You didn't mention whether it's a CO alarm or a smoke alarm that's ...
DSC PC1500 SECURITY SYSTEM12/16/2010
  Q: WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT CONTROL BOARD. CHANGED THE BATTERY BUT THE KEYPAD ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't know whether you can get an exact replacement for the 1500, but you ...
How to disable a feature12/13/2010
  Q: I have an old Morse MDC-16C security system that was installed by the previous owners of my house. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You can eliminate the motion sensors by powering them down. It's probably a ...
Slomin security keypad command12/10/2010
  Q: I am hoping you can help me solve this problem. Our keypad shows blinking E08 plus system trouble ...
  A: Code E08 means that there is a telephone line failure. This means that the control no longer ...
Looking for Cause of Alarms12/10/2010
  Q: Dave, I have a small company that does office cleaning. At one of our customers, we've been getting ...
  A: Yes, that's really not enough information to really dig into it. It's sort of like going to an auto ...
trouble light on dcs83212/9/2010
  Q: I have a dcs832 system with a lc5500z keypad. My system is not monitored. I have the installer ...
  A: .. yeah, the FTC is cause the alarm control is looking for a handshake form the receiving equipment ...
Slomin security keypad command12/8/2010
  Q: I am hoping you can help me solve this problem. Our keypad shows blinking E08 plus system trouble ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I really can't answer your question with the available information. Slomin ...
NAPCO Magnum Alert 85012/6/2010
  Q: I inadvertantly pressed code 7 - fault find and now my motion detector goes off - How do I get it ...
  A: Well, as a last resort you could try a hard reboot. To do this, you need to first disconnect the ...
NAPCO Magnum Alert 85012/6/2010
  Q: I inadvertantly pressed code 7 - fault find and now my motion detector goes off - How do I get it ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Press and hold the #9 key until you hear a beep, then release it. ...
Looking for Cause of Alarms12/5/2010
  Q: Dave, I have a small company that does office cleaning. At one of our customers, we've been getting ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's not enough information to answer your question directly. Instead, ...
Battery location12/3/2010
  Q: I have an XL-2T security system that is about 10 years old. I have a low battery indicator light on ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The system backup battery is locate in the main control box. This is ...
No status indicator light on Radionics D420 command center11/28/2010
  Q: I recently awakened our security system that was tucked to sleep several years ago --AC power and ...
  A: If you want to take a shot at reviving the system, here's what I'd do. First, inspect the ...
Magnum Alert alarm 1008e shut off sound11/25/2010
  Q: Dave, We have a Magnum Alert Alarm 1008e, unmonitored, installed by the previous owner of our house ...
  A: and Happy Thanksgiving. If you can't find the transformer, you can interrupt the power from inside ...
Alarm going off same time every day11/21/2010
  Q: My alarm has for the past 5 days gone off at 6:23 every morning. Yesterday I bought a new battery ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Before I can form an opinion, some additional information, please... ...
FBII Xl-111/20/2010
  Q: is it possible to find the installation code and installation manual for FBII XL-1. i did the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yeah, it's hard to find manuals for the older systems... I have one for the ...
Home security system11/20/2010
  Q: I have a First Alert 260 key pad which is showing a low battery signal. I Have my manual, but it ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's an excerpt from an article I wrote on changing alarm ...
Nortron Smoke Alarm model TR8W11/18/2010
  Q: I have a 25 year old house with a 25 year old smoke alarm (Nortron TR8W.) It is a "wired in" model. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't of anyone who has a user's manual for a Norton TR8W, so don't feel ...
FBI XL2 problem11/15/2010
  Q: FBI XL2 system.Power light flashing and tone woke us up in middle of night.Pulled transformer from ...
  A: I can't really tell what's happening with your system from your description. But given the choice ...
Firex Repalcement11/13/2010
  Q: Dave, Back on 03/17/2010 you answered a question on replacing a firex 1020. Could you please ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you intend to replace all four Firex 1020 detectors with combination ...
Chirping panel and trouble light11/7/2010
  Q: I have a PC5508Z ranger american power series alarm. Last night it started chirping and the ...
  A: Okay! At last we know your control model! Here's a link to your model's user manual: ...
DSC PC1500rk keypad failing11/7/2010
  Q: My DSC PC1500rk alarm keypad is failing (buttons working intermittently). Can't find exact ...
  A: .. I don't know offhand what the replacement keypad is, but here are links to a couple of vendors ...
Changed 2 carbon monoxides on a adt system..11/6/2010
  Q: I replaced the first one fine with no problems, Its when I removed the second one the alarm went off ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Sounds like the carbon monoxide detectors are powered by the control's ...
DSC PC1555 Alarm11/5/2010
  Q: I installed a new battery in my box yesterday and the system light is still yellow. When I hit *2, ...
  A: .. There are a couple of things you can check. First, feel the transformer. If it's warm to the ...
Chirping panel and trouble light11/4/2010
  Q: I have a PC5508Z ranger american power series alarm. Last night it started chirping and the ...
  A: Hmmm. The transformer should be connected to the main control panel. Then there should be four ...
DSC PC1555 Alarm11/4/2010
  Q: I installed a new battery in my box yesterday and the system light is still yellow. When I hit *2, ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I don't think you have a bad transformer. The transformer keeps the ...
How to disconnect alarm11/4/2010
  Q: I have a DSC Classic PC1555 installed. I recently discontinued the monitoring service as well as my ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Most likely the chirping is in response to the control detecting no ...
Chirping panel and trouble light11/3/2010
  Q: I have a PC5508Z ranger american power series alarm. Last night it started chirping and the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Somewhere near your keypad, there's a control panel. This is usually ...
home burglary alarm system11/3/2010
  Q: I have an old teamgard system and need to find where i can purchase or get repair on one of the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a few different kinds of sensors that are typically used to ...
DSC Power 83210/31/2010
  Q: Motion Detector flashes constantly. The control panel lights up # 8 motion detector. Called company ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are many manufacturers of infrared motion detectors, and many ...
FIREX FX1020 keeps chirping10/28/2010
  Q: My smoke alarm is chirping like it needs new batteries. The type of smoke detector I have does NOT ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm pretty sure that it's not the smoke detector that's chirping. After ...
wiring of the PC1555RKZ LED Keypad unit10/26/2010
  Q: My alarm system started screaming when I was away and to shut it off my Father-in-Law finally pulled ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I wasn't able to find an instruction sheet showing the hookup for the ...
alarm system says low battery but battery has been changed twice10/25/2010
  Q: I have a security system (Securitylink by Ameritech) and it started beeping and telling me "Low ...
  A: and thanks for writing. When a panel lists a low battery AND a zone number, it's indicative of a ...
BRK 4120810/21/2010
  Q: A battery corroded in one of my detectors, and I would like to replace it without doing all of them. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The 4120B is discontinued. (The last character in the model number is ...
FBI legend 100 alarm system10/19/2010
  Q: My system shows that the incoming power is not present. I checked with a meter and indeed I have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The only place that you might be able to get a schematic would be the ...
new house with alarm10/19/2010
  Q: Dave, I just bought a home with an Magnum Alert alarm 8001lkdl. The previous owner never used ...
  A: and I apologize for not being timely in my response. I think you're out of luck with this one. The ...
XL-2 ORIGINAL USER CODE10/16/2010
  Q: I don't know what it is and I need to set a new alerm code. Thanx.
  A: and thanks for writing. The system's default code -- the one that came with the panel when it was ...
Security System Access10/15/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if this is a question you can answer, but I'll give it a shot.  My wife and I have ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I can't speak for ADT's policies, but having managed a few monitoring ...
fbii xl2 ac/lb keeps beeping!10/12/2010
  Q: I have read online that this intermittant beeping is probbly because of a faulty battery, but how ...
  A: and thanks for writing. On your keypad, a low battery is indicated by the AC/LO BAT light pulsing. ...
Ademco tem replace motion detector10/12/2010
  Q: I have an old model ademco home security system. I have removed 3 wired motion detectors while home ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You can use the "end-of-line" resistor to bypass those zones without having ...
FA 260 First Alert10/10/2010
  Q: How do I power down turn off or disconnect?
  A: and thanks for your question. To power down your system, locate the main control panel and open it. ...
wired fire detectors10/9/2010
  Q: We have a number of fire detectors (BRK 41208) in our condo. They condo and detectors are about 10 ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. Many manufacturers state that the useful life of a smoke detector is ...
iti security pro 400010/9/2010
  Q: We have a iti security pro 4000 wireless system. The service tech advises that memory chip in master ...
  A: and thanks for writing. This ITI line is one for which I've never been able to find manuals for. ...
FA21510/2/2010
  Q: I changed the battery of the system after the battery sign appeared. After which, the system says ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Changing the battery should not have had an effect on the operation of the ...
DSC power 832(LED model) trouble light is on10/1/2010
  Q: After 5-hr electricity power down, alarm system "trouble" light is always on with 2 beeps every 10 ...
  A: To change system programming, you'll need the Installer's Password. Now the default password is ...
DSC power 832(LED model) trouble light is on10/1/2010
  Q: After 5-hr electricity power down, alarm system "trouble" light is always on with 2 beeps every 10 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Light #4 indicates a failure of the control to communicate with the ...
radionics alarm system9/27/2010
  Q: I just bought a house that has a 8 year old radionics system. the old owner did not give me the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Most alarm panels can be returned to their factory-new state, ...
Safewatch Pro 2000 Wireless Montion Sensor9/26/2010
  Q: I didn't sign up for ADT's monitoring service. I do like that the system chimes when doors/windows ...
  A: You got the model number right on the PIR, but I wasn't able to find the installation manual for it ...
Safewatch Pro 2000 Wireless Montion Sensor9/26/2010
  Q: I didn't sign up for ADT's monitoring service. I do like that the system chimes when doors/windows ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'd think it's either power or the tamper.Does the unit blink when you walk ...
en1550 secutity9/25/2010
  Q: I had stand alone EN1550 (no monitor station) I armed every day one morning I disarmed but system ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Carefully check the keypad to see if any of the buttons are stuck down. ...
firex120-1072c smoke detector chirping9/22/2010
  Q: My smoke detector was chirping so i changed the battery. It continued to chirp. I silenced it and it ...
  A: Since you've replaced the battery and reset the detector by removing all power and holding the test ...
Add Auto Dialer to PC5010 DSC 832 Security System9/21/2010
  Q: Because of budget constraints, we have had to discontinue the monthly monitoring of our system. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. A couple of questions... first, when you got Comcast, did you change the ...
Brinks Keypad commands9/20/2010
  Q: My contract has since expired and i choose to cancel the monitoring from them. Prior to doing so i ...
  A: No, Brinks has, like I said, proprietary firmware built into the panel. Without their installer ...
Ranger American PC1555RKZ Pad9/20/2010
  Q: We had a power failure and the system start a periodic beeping. I press *2 which in the past ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There’s no easy shortcut to “resetting” user codes when the original codes ...
Brinks Keypad commands9/18/2010
  Q: My contract has since expired and i choose to cancel the monitoring from them. Prior to doing so i ...
  A: Hey there... did you try some local companies? How'd you make out? Dave
Brinks Keypad commands9/18/2010
  Q: My contract has since expired and i choose to cancel the monitoring from them. Prior to doing so i ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, the CP trouble stands for "Communications Problem," meaning that the ...
Questions9/7/2010
  Q: Our house has a DSC Power 832 security system and a question I have is when we have it set on the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The Power 832 goes into stay mode only if the alarm is turned on and ...
Replace smoke and heat detectors8/31/2010
  Q: Dave I have an Ademco Vista-20SE. I bought my home about a year ago with this system already in ...
  A: Any 12-volt, 4-wire smoke detector should do fine; brand name isn't particularly important either, ...
Z1100 Keypad8/31/2010
  Q: We recently had a lightning strike which fried one of my keypads. The Security Company says I need ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your equipment dates back to the mid-90's, and it is hard to find ...
dsc home security system8/28/2010
  Q: My system was installed by previous homeowner so I do not have a master code. I used the chime ...
  A: Ah... my mistake. On the early DSC panels, the master code is required to activate the Chime ...
false alarm on main hardwired unit - 2 nights now8/28/2010
  Q: We live in an apt. building & main hardwired unit goes off with a series of 4-6 loud beeps ONLY in ...
  A: A lot depends on the make and model of the detector, its age, and whether it's interconnected with ...
dsc home security system8/28/2010
  Q: My system was installed by previous homeowner so I do not have a master code. I used the chime ...
  A: and thanks for writing. On DSC panels, the Chime Feature is toggled on or off by pressing *6 on the ...
False Alarm8/26/2010
  Q: We currently own a Napco Magnum Alert 2600 with two RP2000LCD keypads. The alarm system was ...
  A: Okay, let's check a few things... if you trip the panic alarm from the keypad by using a code or ...
Omegalarm D6112 activates daily8/26/2010
  Q: The alarm sounds daily around 6 PM. We stop it by pressing Command 4 every time. Do you think ...
  A: The transformer is generally plugged into a wall out that's powered 24 hours a day (unswitched), and ...
Omegalarm D6112 activates daily8/26/2010
  Q: The alarm sounds daily around 6 PM. We stop it by pressing Command 4 every time. Do you think ...
  A: and thanks for writing. No, I don't think the battery is at issue here; you'd get more warnings ...
False Alarm8/26/2010
  Q: We currently own a Napco Magnum Alert 2600 with two RP2000LCD keypads. The alarm system was ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Alarm systems, under some circumstances, properly go off, even when not ...
Lifesaver 1275 chirping8/25/2010
  Q: I recently bought a house that had Lifesaver 1275 smoke alarms installed. The alarms started ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If the AC power was disconnected when you removed the battery and ...
PC2550 alarm reset8/24/2010
  Q: We have purchased a home and do not have master codes. The alarm went off one day and didn't what to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. For early DSC panels, you need the Master Code to turn off the Chime ...
alarm codes8/23/2010
  Q: I don't what brand my alarm system is. i need to reset some codes: the bypass code and the main ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Without knowing the make and model of the control, I cannot help. Many ...
Napco Express XP-6008/22/2010
  Q: In 2000 I built a home and had the above system installed. Recently I had a power outage for over 8 ...
  A: .. No, I don't think the outage damaged the system. Damage of that sort is limited to the battery. ...
Campsite Motion Detector-Large Animal Alarm8/22/2010
  Q: I'd like to inquire about some ideas on how to assemble a wireless solar or battery powered outdoor ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Interesting problem. IR detectors are generally designed to be mounted 8-9 ...
replacing alarm system transformer8/21/2010
  Q: I am replacing a Universal class 2 transformer in the attic. The new one does not have a screw in ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Sounds like the installer was using an electrical ground to ground the ...
Napco Express XP-6008/21/2010
  Q: In 2000 I built a home and had the above system installed. Recently I had a power outage for over 8 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. All alarm systems have a backup battery, and the industry standard is to ...
Ranger American 1555 model8/18/2010
  Q: We have this security system installed but not activated with a security monitoring company. ...
  A: If you look at page 11 in the manual, you'll see a command: *2 This shows system troubles (most of ...
Power 832 Trouble Light #48/18/2010
  Q: Our system registers a "failure to communicate" (trip light #4) trouble light that won't reset. The ...
  A: and thanks for your question. To reset the trouble light, press the # key. While this exits the ...
alarm siren "chirping"8/17/2010
  Q: I have a DSC PC1500RK alarm installed by SecurityLink by the previous owner. This morning keypad was ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's most likely a failed backup battery, but here's what to do to be ...
Smoke Detector Replacement8/16/2010
  Q: I have a Radionics #D6112 alarm/fire panel with three Detection Systems #DS200HD smoke/heat ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You'll need replacement detectors with two criteria; 4-wire and 12 volt. ...
Battery Replacement in Ademco Fire Alarm8/15/2010
  Q: We bought a older house that is wired with an Ademco Alarm and Fire detection system. We do not have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I can't help you -- yet. I'll need to know the make and model of the smoke ...
System answering phone8/15/2010
  Q: Why does my alarm system answer incoming calls and can I do anything to rectify this? I have a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I've been unable to locate the installation manual for your system, so I ...
Ranger American 1555 model8/12/2010
  Q: We have this security system installed but not activated with a security monitoring company. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's a link to the owner's manual for your system (it's actually ...
Smoke alarm8/9/2010
  Q: We have Lifesaver Snoke Alarms in our house. (about 13 years old)Model #1235. In the last few weeks ...
  A: Roger. There are many places to get replacement detectors. You can stop by a Home Depot or Lowe's ...
False Alarms on Building Alarm System8/9/2010
  Q: I live in a condo complex that is required by the city to have a central fire alarm system. The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Lightning can cause false alarms when the alarm system is not correctly ...
First Alert Pro FA2158/8/2010
  Q: I have a system in the house I just move to and I would like to know how do you get a system to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The easiest way to do this is to hire a local alarm tech to come in and ...
Question On Alram & Monitoring System8/8/2010
  Q: 1- I need to know the advantages and disadvantages of using electronic monitoring devices to secure ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. The advantage of using detection devices on the perimeter of a ...
FBII8/7/2010
  Q: I have an FBII XL-1 keypad and the system acts normal for a day or two then all the lights on the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm just guessing here... if memory serves, the keypad is backlit so that ...
FBI XL2 alarm without calling central station8/5/2010
  Q: I have a XL2 alarm system at home and recently I purchased a SD1+ autodialler. I installed it and it ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I think the better way to disable the internal dialer is to look at ...
ADT Safewatch Pro 20008/5/2010
  Q: I had this alarm hooked up new from ADT years ago. I discontinued the monitoring service a few ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The Safewatch Pro 2000 was manufactured by ADEMCO as the Vista 20se. There ...
Disconnecting DSC Power8328/2/2010
  Q: We have just purchased the house next door from friends for my parents. Our friends paid for and own ...
  A: And so it goes... I think the "sensitive information" they're mentioning is the phone number for ...
Disconnecting DSC Power8328/2/2010
  Q: We have just purchased the house next door from friends for my parents. Our friends paid for and own ...
  A: You can disable the system on your own. This is done in two steps. First, you'll need to locate the ...
Disconnecting DSC Power8328/2/2010
  Q: We have just purchased the house next door from friends for my parents. Our friends paid for and own ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I get the background from your message... but what do you want to do? ...
First Alert Pro FA2158/1/2010
  Q: I came across an old post about an intermittent chirping with "BATTERY" showing on the keypads. ...
  A: .. the 142 C was manufactured by ADEMCO as the Vista-15 SE (special edition). The battery is 12 ...
First Alert Pro FA2158/1/2010
  Q: I came across an old post about an intermittent chirping with "BATTERY" showing on the keypads. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It'd be good to get a manual for your system; to do this, you'll need ...
FBI XL3 alarm panel7/31/2010
  Q: Do you know where I can buy a (New or Used) FBI XL3 alarm panel? I just took a power hit that blew ...
  A: and thanks for your question. For panels that old, you could try e-Bay. But I have to just ask... ...
Lost master/installer code for security system7/31/2010
  Q: We bought a house some time ago with a security system that functions but we did not receive any ...
  A: and thanks for writing. In most cases, an alarm technician can easily recover the installer's code ...
DSC 1616 programming7/27/2010
  Q: Installer didn't set the entry delay correctly for my garage door, zone 5. I need to increase the ...
  A: The best advice that I can give you is this: *** Make sure you're looking at the right paragraphs ...
ranger american pc 15507/26/2010
  Q: Dave, We have a Ranger American PC 1550 which was installed in 1993. We just moved in to this house ...
  A: Tom, the default installer's code is 1500. If that works, you can program new user codes. If not, ...
error code7/23/2010
  Q: I have a ADEMCO VISTA 40 system- 2 days ago the 3 entry keypad systems started beeping every 10 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. For ADEMCO panels, the "Open CKT" message means that the keypad has lost ...
DSC 1616 programming7/22/2010
  Q: Installer didn't set the entry delay correctly for my garage door, zone 5. I need to increase the ...
  A: Well Dean, I am as confused as you are. I can't make any sense of the data reported for the zone ...
ranger american pc 15507/22/2010
  Q: Dave, We have a Ranger American PC 1550 which was installed in 1993. We just moved in to this house ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The yellow light indicates a system trouble. In your user's manual (that's ...
FBII XL-1 reset and master code7/21/2010
  Q: I inherited an FBII XL-1 system (with 8 zones and 2 keypads) when I purchased my new home. How do I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. This control was popular around 1990-1992. It was manufactured by Ademco ...
Contact ID reporting format - EN1550 Not Compatible7/18/2010
  Q: I have an EN15550 security monitoring system (a.k.a. DSC1550) that was installed in our home some ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I had never heard of the Abbra system before, so I had to do a little ...
CONTANT KEYPAD BEEP7/16/2010
  Q: Please help. My keypad is going off in my bedroom, since 4am. It is not battery operated. System ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Systems of that era don't have much in the way of self-diagnostics that can ...
security system7/15/2010
  Q: we moved into our new house which already has a security system installed which is called 'sl150' ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your control is actually a Vista 20, manufactured by ADEMCO, and ...
low battery chime7/14/2010
  Q: I have a system backup low battery on my Ademco Vista alarm. I've ordered a new battery but the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The only way to silence that alert until you get the replacement ...
Napco Magnum Alert MA1000e blinking green light7/13/2010
  Q: Dave, We bought our home 2 years ago. The previous owners had installed a Napco Magnum Alert 1000e ...
  A: The blinking green light indicates a faulted zone. Here's a link to the user's manual: ...
Owner's Manual7/13/2010
  Q: I have just moved in to a new house and there is a Ranger American alarm. I do not have any ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link where you can likely download your user's manual: ...
PC1555-50 Ranger American System7/11/2010
  Q: Someone set off the back door alarm by accident and I entered the correct code to override it. ...
  A: .. If you pressed *2 and the zone 2 light came on, that's the trouble condition for loss of AC ...
PC1555-50 Ranger American System7/11/2010
  Q: Someone set off the back door alarm by accident and I entered the correct code to override it. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The presence of the yellow light indicates a system trouble. Here's a link ...
BHS 3000A CP error7/8/2010
  Q: I have a Brinks 3000A system installed in my home ( I own the equipment by the way). It was ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Brinks equipment is "proprietary," meaning that the manufacturer ...
dsc power832 random bleeping7/7/2010
  Q: My home previously had a dsc power 832 installed, and we don't use it. However, recently there was a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Because of the way the keypad is acting, it sounds like there's no AC power ...
Napco Magnum Alert MA1000e blinking green light7/7/2010
  Q: Dave, We bought our home 2 years ago. The previous owners had installed a Napco Magnum Alert 1000e ...
  A: Here's an article I wrote on battery replacement; you may find it helpful. Best Regards, Dave ...
Napco Magnum Alert MA1000e blinking green light7/6/2010
  Q: Dave, We bought our home 2 years ago. The previous owners had installed a Napco Magnum Alert 1000e ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, I don't think you've lost any programming. Magnum Alert panels of ...
No Company installer code on Morse MDC-16C7/4/2010
  Q: Dave - We purchased a house that has a Morse MDC-16C Alarm system. We have the primary passcode for ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your equipment is a bit on the old side, dating from the late 1980s. And ...
DSC PC1500 Chirping7/1/2010
  Q: My DSC PC1500 keypad is "chirping" every 60 seconds for the past 12 hours. There are no alarm ...
  A: Steve, sorry that I misread your original message. One other thing to look at; sometimes something ...
lifesaver 1235 giving intermittent beeping7/1/2010
  Q: i have a hardwired smoke alarm (lifesaver 1235 model), and it does intermittent beeping (every 30 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I see two possibilities. First, the 1235 is NOT doing the chirping, ...
DSC Power 832 Security System6/30/2010
  Q: I moved into my house 2 years ago and there is a security system in it but has been totally ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It's hard to say how difficult it will be to resurrect a system after two ...
DSC PC1500 Chirping6/29/2010
  Q: My DSC PC1500 keypad is "chirping" every 60 seconds for the past 12 hours. There are no alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Have you tried the keyboard command *2? This is designed to display certain ...
alarm beeping6/28/2010
  Q: We recently turned off our phone service. Now our alarm beeps about every 10 seconds. I'm assuming ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, the telephone line is monitored by the alarm system, and the system is ...
Motion Detector DS9241 shows low battery6/26/2010
  Q: Question I have a wireless Detection Systems Inc. DS9241 Motion Detector. My system says that the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I had a similar question a couple of years ago on this model. I was never ...
Troubleshoot AC/DC smoke detector false alarms6/25/2010
  Q: Our home is eleven years old and is equipped with very typical AC powered smoke detectors in each ...
  A: Well, you didn't provide a model number, but for many years it has been a requirement that when one ...
Troubleshoot AC/DC smoke detector false alarms6/25/2010
  Q: Our home is eleven years old and is equipped with very typical AC powered smoke detectors in each ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Most false alarms in smoke detectors are caused by dust and dirt, and ...
How To handle such Situation !!6/24/2010
  Q: There has been an accident with a gas cooker in the office canteen kitchen and a number of kitchen ...
  A: and thanks for writing. This scenario has no relevance to fire and security system, but rather ...
Honeywell security system - error6/23/2010
  Q: I have an 18 year old Honeywell System 600 home security system. I have tested everything and it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm not familiar with the Honeywell 600, and could not find any supporting ...
door bypass switch6/22/2010
  Q: Two of my doors have a switch that bypasses the alarm. By each door I have a like a plate with a ...
  A: Lewis. I looked at the photos you provided; here's the closest thing that I could find: ...
Smoke detectors and lightening6/20/2010
  Q: Today lightening struck very near the house causing our smoke detector to go off. Is this a problem ...
  A: and thanks for writing. When lightning strikes near, it can set off all manner of alarms, including ...
door bypass switch6/19/2010
  Q: Two of my doors have a switch that bypasses the alarm. By each door I have a like a plate with a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Is there any writing on the bulb? If not, you'd have to find out the ...
FBII XL-1 Security Alarm6/18/2010
  Q: I have an FBII XL-1 security alarm and recently installed new windows. The replacement windows ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, you can physically bypass the zone or zones that are affected by ...
Smoke Detector6/18/2010
  Q: My HOA is requiring all units have a hardwired smoke detector installed. Can I remove my door bell ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Trying to use the wiring for the door bell chime for a smoke detector is ...
FA148C6/17/2010
  Q: Have two questions: 1) Where can I purchase a FA148C keypad? Looked all over ebay, etc. and cannot ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't think that keypad is in production any more. The First Alert brand ...
Transformer for DSC pc1550 alarm system6/17/2010
  Q: My transformer for my alarm fell out of the wall socket and the four wires to the transformer came ...
  A: Sounds like there's an extra module in the box. I've attached a diagram; find the colors that are ...
Intermittent beeping6/16/2010
  Q: Dave, I have a DSC PC1500/1550 security system. My green ready light is on as it should be, however ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the owner's manual for your system: ...
Transformer for DSC pc1550 alarm system6/16/2010
  Q: My transformer for my alarm fell out of the wall socket and the four wires to the transformer came ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's what to do... Find the control box (not the keypad#, and open ...
FBI XL-2T audible alarm and chirping6/14/2010
  Q: My FBI XL-2% alarm goes off and chirps randomly. I am able to get it to stop by entering code on ...
  A: While it's not a common practice, sometimes household smoke detectors are connected to a security ...
FBI XL-2T audible alarm and chirping6/13/2010
  Q: My FBI XL-2% alarm goes off and chirps randomly. I am able to get it to stop by entering code on ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the user's manual for your system: ...
USI 1204 smoke detectors chirping6/11/2010
  Q: I have several USI 1204 alarms installed in my home. The builder assured us that they are all ...
  A: and thanks for your question. First off, even though the detectors are interconnected, the feature ...
smoke alarm6/10/2010
  Q: One of my interconnected Kidde smoke alarms is flashing red light about 3-4x/min, and green LED is ...
  A: I noticed your note in the AllExperts "Question Pool." I think your detector is operating ...
FIREX FADC6/9/2010
  Q: I have a series of 8 interconnected smoke detectors. One is busted and needs replacement. I found ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. Kidde acquired the Firex brand, and they have been consolidating the ...
kidde 1276 chirping6/9/2010
  Q: There are 5 of these in our home hard wired. One of them stated to chirp so we replaced battery; ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If the detector can't be reset as you've done, it should be replaced. ...
DSC 832 Residential Alarm (Fire)6/8/2010
  Q: Does DSC make or have available a wireless heat detector that is compatible with the RF5132433 WL ...
  A: here's a link to a wireless combination smoke and heat detector. (I don't know of a wireless ...
FA145C6/7/2010
  Q: I have a FA145C alarm panel which keeps my home phones from working. There was a thunderstorm that ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Alarm systems are connected to the telephone network via a modular ...
Replacement unit for Firex 120-1072C6/6/2010
  Q: I replaced a couple of my Firex 120-1072C smoke detectors with Firex 120-1056F units. I need to use ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Firex as a brand was acquired by another company (Kidde) recently, and ...
4140xm6/6/2010
  Q: I have an Ademco 4140xm. I connect a Telguard digital TG4 for GSM phone connection. I have the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you perform a Google search on "DIY Alarm Parts" you'll find several ...
checking the AC power to the panel6/3/2010
  Q: Dave, I read your response to Carrie's question and I have the same problem she does. I'm getting a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. To restore the AC, you'll need to find what the problem is... here's how. ...
Error message won't go away6/2/2010
  Q: A 2003 GE Interlogix Concord Express security system was installed in my house in 2005. It works ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm not familiar with that particular control, but I located a resource ...
Protection One - K3734 M68296/2/2010
  Q: My alarm system has the words "check 14" on its screen. I think this means one of the detectors ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The numbers you provided are for a keypad that can be used with a few ...
DSC PC 1500 RK (1992)6/1/2010
  Q: We inherited this system and have no master code. I am trying to find the transformer to unplug and ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's best to find and unplug the transformer so you don't end up with ...
FireX FADC 120-1182B 7 on single circuit5/28/2010
  Q: Dave Neuweiler, I am visiting a friend and I was asked to look at what may be causing their smoke ...
  A: Interesting that you found a detector in the attic, since that's a location that manufacturers ask ...
FireX FADC 120-1182B 7 on single circuit5/28/2010
  Q: Dave Neuweiler, I am visiting a friend and I was asked to look at what may be causing their smoke ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Sounds to me that one or more of the detectors has its AC feed cross-wired ...
DCS15555/27/2010
  Q: We have a ranger american alarm system in our home that we recently moved into however we do not ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There is a way to recover the installer's password, which is what you'd ...
False Alarms5/27/2010
  Q: Last night our smoke alarms (5) for the house went off and rang for about 2 seconds. One hour and 9 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors have a useful life of about ten years, so yours are nearing ...
removing alarm system control box5/26/2010
  Q: I have a non operating napco magnum alert 1000 system. I had it deactivated by the security ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Aside for the battery you discovered, there's a low-voltage ...
FBII XL-45/25/2010
  Q: The system transmits this to our central monitoring station and follows that up with random check ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I wasn't able to find an installation and programming manual for the ...
ADT Safewatch Pro 2000 - Beeping but no msg5/25/2010
  Q: I bought my current house about 2-yrs ago. The ADT SP 2000 was already installed as an original ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't know of any cause that would have the keypad beeping without ...
First Aid FA215 Alarm Pad5/24/2010
  Q: I have a First Aid FA215 pad and will like to change the code. I have the four digit code that is ...
  A: Interesting... I didn't make it clear earlier, but the control box is separate from the keypad. Did ...
First Aid FA215 Alarm Pad5/21/2010
  Q: I have a First Aid FA215 pad and will like to change the code. I have the four digit code that is ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The FA215 keypad operates a variety of Ademco controls (Ademco manufactures ...
Ranger 15505/17/2010
  Q: Yellow trouble light is on, after arming the system the zone 4 redlight turns on, 'fail to ...
  A: The installer's code is not the same as your user's code; it has additional privileges that are used ...
Ranger 15505/17/2010
  Q: Yellow trouble light is on, after arming the system the zone 4 redlight turns on, 'fail to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your control has attempted to contact the monitoring center, and was ...
Radionics alarm "chirping"5/14/2010
  Q: I have a Radionics security panel. There is no ID or style number on the panel or in the User's ...
  A: and thanks for your question. My first guess is that the backup battery needs to be replaced. But ...
EL-100 Motion detector5/12/2010
  Q: I realise the answer below is several years old. However, I also have inherited a house with EL-100 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I was unable to find the manual for the EL-100 anywhere online. However, I ...
FA140 Master reset5/9/2010
  Q: I need to enter a new user, and can't remember my master and did not write it down (it's been many ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First Alert panels are manufactured by Ademco, and you likely have one of ...
DSC 8325/8/2010
  Q: We have discovered the zone 2 light illuminated on our DSC Power 832 panel. The system was ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Unless you've had some remodeling work going on, and if I had to guess, ...
home alarm system5/8/2010
  Q: our key pad and housing were relocated on a wall, consequently our personal code no longer works. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Disconnecting a keypad does not cause your code to be lost. That's ...
FA260 Batt AC indcation5/3/2010
  Q: I have a FA260 security system. The control panel indicates “AC” in the upper right and “BAT” lower ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The BAT message indeed refers to the main backup battery in the ...
fire sprinker cover plate4/29/2010
  Q: Fire sprinkler white cover plate fell down. I tried to use putty.But it again fell down. it is made ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I know what those cosmetic covers are, but they are unrelated to my ...
Omegalarm D41124/27/2010
  Q: I have a question about this alarm system. If there was a fire going when the alarm was set would it ...
  A: The alarm could have been armed after the fire was started under three scenarios. First, if the ...
Omegalarm D41124/26/2010
  Q: I have a question about this alarm system. If there was a fire going when the alarm was set would it ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'm not sure I understand your question, but I'll give you some ...
home alarm question4/21/2010
  Q: There is a door in my house the central monitor does not detect it opening or closing. Therefore, ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are three possible causes why a contacted door won't trip the ...
ADT Safewatch 2000 - Stop Exit Beeping4/20/2010
  Q: Is it possible to stop the exit warning beeping for the ADT Safewatch 2000? I understand that ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, that 10-second warning at the end of the exit delay can be turned off. ...
Moose z1100 low battery alarm4/20/2010
  Q: I have not used my system in years and don't rmemeber the codes. Battery has an '02 date on it and I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. To disable the system, unplug the battery, and then disconnect the AC ...
smoke detector4/18/2010
  Q: I saw your answer in regards to the BRK 4919 model being replaced by the 9120. Does it matter which ...
  A: That's a tough question to answer, Becky. Manufacturers have gotten better at making the bases and ...
Factory code 1234 was removed4/17/2010
  Q: I have a GE NX-540E Opertor home alarm that it was accidently removed the fatory code 1234 and now i ...
  A: Bao! The Caddx line is one of the few that I never had the opportunity with which to work. However, ...
First Alert FA2154/17/2010
  Q: We are opening a new office and it has the FA215 system. No book or instructions and no one knows ...
  A: and thanks for your question. First Alert panels are manufactured by Ademco, and there's a generic ...
Interconnect Smoke Detector4/16/2010
  Q: My upstairs smoke detector ( which is hardwired) was "chirping" I replaced battery. Chirping ...
  A: and thanks for writing. For detectors that continue to chirp after replacing the battery, you can ...
Factory code 1234 was removed4/16/2010
  Q: I have a GE NX-540E Opertor home alarm that it was accidently removed the fatory code 1234 and now i ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I was not familiar with the equipment you mentioned, but when I ...
Ranger Ameican Home Alarm4/15/2010
  Q: We've been in our home for almost 5 yrs now and it was a new construction home. It came with a ...
  A: The transformer isn't one you'll typically find at Home Depot or Lowes. If you need to replace it, ...
fa120c First Alert4/14/2010
  Q: I have an fa120c alarm system installed in my residence and am having an issue with a code 75. It ...
  A: Well, IR's are pretty stable, and in my experience when they failed, they didn't just die. They ...
Ranger Ameican Home Alarm4/14/2010
  Q: We've been in our home for almost 5 yrs now and it was a new construction home. It came with a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. A system that just goes dead is usually indicative of a total power ...
fa120c First Alert4/10/2010
  Q: I have an fa120c alarm system installed in my residence and am having an issue with a code 75. It ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the installation manual for your system. It has ...
Unresponsive Napco Keypad4/9/2010
  Q: I have a Napco 900 system and presently the keypads ( 3 ) are unresponsive. I changed the backup ...
  A: That's a hard one to answer... If the light is just above terminals 27 and 28, then it's an ...
Unresponsive Napco Keypad4/8/2010
  Q: I have a Napco 900 system and presently the keypads ( 3 ) are unresponsive. I changed the backup ...
  A: I went back and looked at your previous question. Since you've replaced the battery, I think it's ...
Kidde 1235 has been alarming intermittently4/8/2010
  Q: For the past two nights, my no-battery Kidde 1235 alarms have gone off intermittently. I find there ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the user's manual for your detectors: ...
lost alarm master code4/6/2010
  Q: I have a new home with no manual and no alarm code. Is there a way to reset the master code from ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the user's manual for your system: ...
dsc 832 panel connections4/4/2010
  Q: Recently cancelled monitoring service contract. they have locked out the system board (dsc 5010) on ...
  A: and thanks for writing. No, do not connect your bell output directly to the Skylink. A "dry" ...
Radionics D21124/1/2010
  Q: I have a radionics D2112/D202 alarm with a D220W touch pad. My alarm company recently went out of ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The communication failure is because your system unsuccessfully ...
EN15503/30/2010
  Q: I disconnected it from power for a few years, then re-connected, replaced the battery. I'm getting ...
  A: and thanks for your question. With your meter, take a reading on terminals 3 and 4 (that's negative ...
re-assign bypass zone numbers3/29/2010
  Q: I have an old DSC 1500 and the keypad has become unresponsive to certain numbers. I cleaned it and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't think there's a programming option to solve your issue. If you're ...
ADT system, Safewatch pro 20003/29/2010
  Q: Dave I have a Adt system that I have replaced in my home with Brinks system. Thats not my problem. I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. To get rid of the phone line trouble report, you'll need to access the ...
Alarm System Mystery3/28/2010
  Q: I just purchased a new home that came equiped with an alarm system. Previous owners left no ...
  A: The FA215 keypad can be used with several different controls. If you open the main control panel, ...
Emergency Networks EN2003/27/2010
  Q: I too have inherited a Emergency Networks EN200 with an install date of 4/1989 marked in control ...
  A: Is it possible that a current-day keypad will work with the old system? I don't know. I do know that ...
security code3/26/2010
  Q: I would like to remove a code from the system, but have lost my manual..It is Ranger American Model ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the user's manual for your system. The instructions for ...
Beeping Hardwired Smoke Alarm3/24/2010
  Q: I have an unmonitored Brinks 3000 security system. I moved in about a month ago and noticed that ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Fire protection cannot be bypassed with a keyboard command in the ...
PC1500 alarm system3/23/2010
  Q: Can you advise the number/type of fuse needed for PC1500 alarm system and where I can buy them?. ...
  A: You're welcome, Marcia. Your system operates at 12 volts, so there's no danger of a shock hazard in ...
DSC 1500 alarm problem3/23/2010
  Q: Hey Dave, We have an old DSC PK1500 here in the house, and previously I've had problems with the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The zone lights on your keypad do double duty. First, they indicate faulted ...
PC1500 alarm system3/22/2010
  Q: Can you advise the number/type of fuse needed for PC1500 alarm system and where I can buy them?. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are three cartridge type fuses in your panel. If one or more of ...
Emergency Networks EN2003/22/2010
  Q: I too have inherited a Emergency Networks EN200 with an install date of 4/1989 marked in control ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Given the age of your system, and the uncertainty of whether there ...
Smoke detector too sensitive to smoke?3/21/2010
  Q: I live in a two family apartment building. Our smoke alarms - hard-wired, First Alert, smoke and CO ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I think there's an element of truth to the electrician's explanation, ...
westar master code3/20/2010
  Q: We moved into our home 2 yrs ago. We never used the system since we never got the master code. It is ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your control is probably a DSC 5010, but it may have been customized ...
siemens fire panel3/20/2010
  Q: Please tell me whether Siemens MXL & MXL-IQ is addressable panel or conventional
  A: and thanks for your question. Both the MXL and MXL-IQ are addressable panels. For the MXL-IQ, ...
Replacing Firex FX1020 AC alarm3/17/2010
  Q: I have a condo unit with a single FX1020 fire/smoke detector. The plate on the back is stamped with ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, in most cases the connectors won't match, but all this means is ...
Chirping/Beeping from Above the Ceiling3/17/2010
  Q: My FireX 4610 smoke detector has been chirping once every 30 second. The alarm is hard wired into ...
  A: If you have an APC backup battery system for your computer, then yes, it can make warning noises. I ...
Flase fire alarm3/16/2010
  Q: Dave I have an Ademco Vista-20SE. I bought my home about a year ago with this system already in ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Even though the fire alarm reports as a single zone on your alarm control, ...
Chirping/Beeping from Above the Ceiling3/16/2010
  Q: My FireX 4610 smoke detector has been chirping once every 30 second. The alarm is hard wired into ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Since you've disabled both the smoke alarm and the burglar alarm, the ...
chirping BRK smoke detector3/13/2010
  Q: Dave, I read the question and response re the BRK smoke alarm. You advised 'unplugging' the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Most smoke detectors come with a wiring harness, which is just a nylon ...
Brinks BSH-4000A panel3/12/2010
  Q: I have purchased a home with this brinks panel installed and it is not usable in local mode. How ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Brinks uses proprietary hardware and firmware in their control sets. This ...
No code3/10/2010
  Q: I moved into a rental and there is an alarm system installed. When the power reset it went off so I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. For most systems, there is a procedure for recovering at least the ...
DSC 864 Error Code3/8/2010
  Q: I'm really at a loss what is cause the low battery warning... I'd certainly appreciate any help you ...
  A: Voltage readings while a control is powered by AC can be misleading. The true test of a battery is ...
DSC 864 Error Code3/8/2010
  Q: I'm really at a loss what is cause the low battery warning... I'd certainly appreciate any help you ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your alarm system has a rechargeable backup battery that keeps it running ...
FBI Legend 100 alarm system3/6/2010
  Q: In 1990 we had a prof security system company install an FBI Legend 100. We have 3 keypads that say ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If all the equipment is functioning well, then you should be able to ...
Zone Alarms (Area Sensors)3/5/2010
  Q: Dave, I've been trying to research zone alarms, but it's difficult to get much information. 1) I'd ...
  A: and thanks for writing. For what you're describing, I think you should look at X-10 equipment. This ...
Break-In3/4/2010
  Q: I have an Alarm system in my home. Most of my family also have systems. Recently My Daughter had a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I see three options to close the gap. In alarm parlance, a contact ...
speaker ATW3/4/2010
  Q: Does the atw MS-32 have a small motherboard inside this unit or does it only have a speaker and ...
  A: I think you asked this question a few days ago. I really don't know whether there's a board inside ...
Napco Magnam 900 security system3/2/2010
  Q: I am having a problem with my keypad, I cannot perform any of the functions on it and the window ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It's hard to diagnose your "grab-bag" of symptoms over the Internet. But ...
Emergency Networks DSC 15502/28/2010
  Q: Old system not being monitored. Power surge and disconnection of transformer plug occurred. When ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's a link to the user's manual for your system: ...
Alarm zone keeps chirping2/28/2010
  Q: Dave, The alarm zone that senses our upstairs and garage windows periodically rings as though a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You have what's called a "swinger" on the zone. This means that some sort ...
security alarm beeping2/27/2010
  Q: We have a security alarm system that is no longer monitored. Every so often (and lately more often ...
  A: I couldn't identify the exact model of your control, but just knowing the manufacturer was helpful. ...
security alarm beeping2/27/2010
  Q: We have a security alarm system that is no longer monitored. Every so often (and lately more often ...
  A: Do you want to just disable the system so that it's not an annoyance? If so, there's a ...
security alarm beeping2/27/2010
  Q: We have a security alarm system that is no longer monitored. Every so often (and lately more often ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your alarm control is programmed to communicate with a monitoring ...
NT9010 reset to default2/24/2010
  Q: I´m electronic engineer and I´m trying to help my brother-in-law to re-install a NT9010 (DSC) alarm. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Since the installer's lockout has been enabled, you cannot perform a ...
Napco Alarm System keeps chirping at panel2/23/2010
  Q: I have a Napco Magnum 900 alarm system. The panel in my bedroom chirps every 2 minutes or so. I ...
  A: Okay, here's where we are... you have removed the keypad from the bedroom and put it in the garage ...
Napco Alarm System keeps chirping at panel2/22/2010
  Q: I have a Napco Magnum 900 alarm system. The panel in my bedroom chirps every 2 minutes or so. I ...
  A: Okay... both keypads are disconnected, and you're sure the chirping is coming from the keypad in the ...
Napco Alarm System keeps chirping at panel2/21/2010
  Q: I have a Napco Magnum 900 alarm system. The panel in my bedroom chirps every 2 minutes or so. I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If you've disconnected both the transformer and the backup battery ...
AC-AC transformer for home security system2/19/2010
  Q: We have a home security system. The transformer appears to have failed - according to the blinking ...
  A: it was perfect (the model is Magnum Alert 850). Your system does indeed use a 16 volt transformer, ...
Smoke Alarm Burning2/18/2010
  Q: I have a First Alert Smoke Alarm Model SA86B that went off at 11:50pm last night. I smelt plastic ...
  A: That's good news, Dennis, and thanks for letting me know. As I think about it, I have one ...
Smoke Alarm Burning2/17/2010
  Q: I have a First Alert Smoke Alarm Model SA86B that went off at 11:50pm last night. I smelt plastic ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors have a useful life of about ten years, so I'd recommend ...
no cellular service2/16/2010
  Q: I have a Ranger American security system. The trouble light is lit on the keypad. In the control box ...
  A: and thanks for your question. To reset the "no cellular service" trouble, you must restore the ...
Installing a burglar alarm system2/16/2010
  Q: My husband is a do it yourselfer. He had put in an alarm system before, now its time to put in ...
  A: Helo Sallie, and thanks for writing. Here's the leading wholesale distributor of alarm parts and ...
regarding study material2/15/2010
  Q: sir, i have done graduation in electronics and communication . I am doing my specialization in ...
  A: Here is the link to the online courses: ...
PC1500RK keypad tone shutoff2/15/2010
  Q: I would like to disable the tones emitted from the PC1500RK keypads in our house. I'm not talking ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The only configurable option I know of for the keypad sounder is the ...
regarding study material2/14/2010
  Q: sir, i have done graduation in electronics and communication . I am doing my specialization in ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You can try the Electronic Security Association at www.alarm.org. Look for ...
GE 240-COe Replacement Recommendation2/13/2010
  Q: I have a 240-COe Carbon Monoxide Detector that is at the end of its sensor life. Since I believe ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your old detector had three features that I looked at; form "C" ...
Ranger American pc 15502/10/2010
  Q: We have moved into a house that has a Ranger American pc 1550 house alarm. The trouble light of ...
  A: Yes. At the end of those two wires is the transformer. If the transformer isn't easily found, try to ...
FA 120C Security System2/10/2010
  Q: How do I reset a master code on the FA 120C keypad? I understand that the master code can be changed ...
  A: Mark, youll need two things. First, youll need the installer's code, which you probably don't have. ...
brinks bhs3000c power outage2/9/2010
  Q: I dave, I have a brinks bhs 3000c system I've been using simply for the alarm. I had a power outage ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Brinks uses proprietary equipment manufactured to their private ...
Ranger American pc 15502/9/2010
  Q: We have moved into a house that has a Ranger American pc 1550 house alarm. The trouble light of ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your system has two sources of power; the backup battery is a secondary ...
alarm2/7/2010
  Q: My Moose Products Inc Z1100R after 20 years now goes off at the same time every day until I enter ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's not enough information in you message to give you a definitive ...
fire detector alarm2/6/2010
  Q: we have power 832 (dsc) system in house couple days ago we try to finish basement and disconnect ...
  A: Ah... Well, something is obviously amiss. And without being able to put some test equipment on your ...
troubleshooting alarm problem2/6/2010
  Q: I have a DSC Power 832 security system installed in my home. It was installed by a previous home ...
  A: and thanks for writing. This may be a "good news/bad news" kind of answer. If your panel is ...
NX4 Alarm trouble2/6/2010
  Q: We have an NX4 system that's about 5 yrs old. We haven't had monitoring for the past 3 years. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the user's manual for the NX4: ...
constant high pitch noise2/5/2010
  Q: I am at wits end. I live in an apartment complex. Since last October there has been a very high ...
  A: and thanks for your question. No, I know of no instance where the wiring for a fire alarm horn as ...
Motion sensor beeps2/4/2010
  Q: I have a Radionics model D2412U alarm system and the motion sensors beep when we walk through the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yours is an obsolete panel, and literature on the Internet is lacking (as ...
alarm2/3/2010
  Q: I have a dsc pcs 1555 alarm. It used to be monitored but I didn't want a landline anymore so I cut ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You've inadvertently caused two system troubles by eliminating the ...
BAT and alarm2/2/2010
  Q: Dave, You address this question regularly but what if BAT with no zone number is displayed on the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't know whether you tested your battery under load... so here's how to ...
testing a siren2/2/2010
  Q: Dave..I tested my siren and got no ohms reading or continutity reading at all. I tested anothe siren ...
  A: .. Sirens are polarized devices, so whether you see anything on an ohmmeter would depend on how you ...
system battery failure2/1/2010
  Q: I have a Pro 4000 home security system, i believe it is made by ITI. I am getting audible system ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, locate the main control panel, which will usually be located near to ...
almost inaudible door/alarm/chime tone2/1/2010
  Q: Two Ranger American Powerseries keypads in house, one fine, the other developed an almost inaudible ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm guessing that these are DSC keypads; Ranger American is an installing ...
FIRST ALERT PROFESSIONAL FA2511/31/2010
  Q: i REPLACED THE HARDWIRE FIRE ALARM AND TESTED THE SYSTEM. ALL ZONES WORKK EXCEPT ONE (WHICH GOES TO ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Do you think that zone 2 failed as a result of your work on the fire ...
Smoke detector mystery1/30/2010
  Q: last night at about 3am every smoke detector in the house went off at the same time (10-12 units) - ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I think it's unlikely that there's a connection between your furnace issues ...
Kiddie Combo CO and Smoke Alarm (KN-COSM-IB)1/29/2010
  Q: I purchased three of these combo smoke/CO alarms for my home in 2006. These replaced three existing ...
  A: and thanks for writing. No, the wiring isn't going to have any effect on the the chirping. And ...
Moose z1001/29/2010
  Q: Dave! I have an auto shop with a Moose Z1100 system that I installed in 1986. I have a problem. The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. One would hope that all of our appliances that are operated around the ...
security camera switcher1/28/2010
  Q: I have a SVAT Q1000 4 camera system When powering up, the power lite comes on, the zoom lite comes ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm not familiar with this equipment, but I looked at the documentation ...
instant mode on adt alarm system1/28/2010
  Q: I recently updated my home security system with ADT and the new keypad has more options. One is the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You didn't mention the make and model of your system, and ADT uses ...
False alarm query1/27/2010
  Q: I have a DSC Power Series (PC1808 v4.2) unit with Optex outdoor beams on my entire property. The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You should open the beams and inspect for insects, as these often cause ...
Monitoring to mobile phone1/26/2010
  Q: We have a DSC pc2550 alarm system, we are self monitored back to our mobile phone. Unfortunately I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Perhaps you downloaded the user's manual as opposed to the installation and ...
RP2000LCD Keypad1/25/2010
  Q: I have a Napco security system where one keypad no longer works. If I purchase a new keypad, can I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I no longer have installation paperwork on these... but working from ...
infra red lightbulb1/24/2010
  Q: I am looking for an infrared light bulb (not heating lamps etc) to illuminate the surroundings for ...
  A: and thanks for writing. This is outside of my expertise. However, after a bit of reading, I don't ...
Interconnected systems1/24/2010
  Q: I am doing a remodel of a garage to make it a bedroom and was told I need a direct wire smoke ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, codes throughout the US often mandate that smoke detectors be ...
adding wireless to existing ademco1/23/2010
  Q: I moved into a house that has an existing prewired system that previous owner never used. I have 2 ...
  A: .. Here's a link to the installation manual for the Vista 15 P. It does support wireless, but ...
adding wireless to existing ademco1/23/2010
  Q: I moved into a house that has an existing prewired system that previous owner never used. I have 2 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Ademco makes several families of alarm controls, and some of these ...
ADT Safewatch RF1/22/2010
  Q: I hope you can help me. We have an ADT Safewatch Plus RF. It is wired. I usually do everything ...
  A: and thanks for writing. And here's hoping your husband finds the perfect job really soon. Now, to ...
keypad goes to "sleep"1/20/2010
  Q: I have a DSC 5508 on a PC832 system.One of my 3 keypads blanks after 30 seconds. I turned the ...
  A: That's an interesting problem, Todd. Here's why. The programming option (016 #3# is set in the ...
Kidde smoke alarm problem1/20/2010
  Q: I currently own a 3.5 year old house which I am selling due to a transfer. This house is fitted with ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't have enough information to give you a definitive answer, but I'll ...
Brinks BHS-4000A1/19/2010
  Q: Our contract with Brinks expired and we chose not to renew. We chose to have our local Police ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's the deal with Brinks (now Broadview). They do not sell ...
False Alarms from Hall Motion Detector1/19/2010
  Q: For the past month and a half we've had false alarms from the motion detector in our hallway every ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are two reasons why a detector goes off: something in the ...
D61121/17/2010
  Q: I have a 20+ year D6112 radionics alarm system. Every once in while, the alarm activates, almost ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I think you may have trouble finding a direct replacement for the ...
smoke detector replacement1/16/2010
  Q: The label on the back of the alarm reads 330L IONIZATION TYPE , RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL(0.9 microcuries ...
  A: Ron, every once in a while I get a question about a brand that I've never heard of. You sent one of ...
Alarms1/16/2010
  Q: I have an FBI 12 zone alarm in my house. When the alarm is tripped the siren located in the roof ...
  A: Okay! That's a great piece of troubleshooting by substitution. What's next? Since the sirens did ...
Alarms1/15/2010
  Q: I have an FBI 12 zone alarm in my house. When the alarm is tripped the siren located in the roof ...
  A: OK... that's a good test of the battery. That leaves two more things to look at. First, let's make ...
Alarms1/15/2010
  Q: I have an FBI 12 zone alarm in my house. When the alarm is tripped the siren located in the roof ...
  A: and thanks for your question. No, I don't think the transformer is the problem. It's just a pair of ...
Home Alarm Question1/12/2010
  Q: I have an Ademco 4110XM system installed. I recently replaced the transformer. Im getting a Not ...
  A: and thanks for your question. "Not Ready" means that a piece of protection is open. The 09 refers ...
Cellular Communications with Central Station1/12/2010
  Q: Customer of ours has done away with his analog telephone line and went with digital phone with local ...
  A: That's a tough situation, Jim. I assume that it's DSC equipment you're working with. There are a ...
Smoke Detector Trouble Signal1/11/2010
  Q: A fire alarm subcontractor mounted intelligent photoelectric duct smoke detectors that clearly state ...
  A: Stephen, that would be a question for the manufacturer of the duct detector to answer. Just an ...
Smoke Detector false alarm1/10/2010
  Q: The smoke detector nearest the kitchen seems to go off when my wife is heating up the stove while ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors become more sensitive as they accumulate dust and the ...
Smoke Detector False Alarms1/10/2010
  Q: My wired in smoke detector has kept me up all night. Chirping, sometimes for a few seconds, a few ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Most manufacturers recommend replacing smoke detectors at ten years, as ...
FA215 first alert1/9/2010
  Q: Our keypad on the fa215 model is beeping and indicating that a battery needs to be changed, I think ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The model number you supplied is for the system's keypad, and this ...
resetting alarm1/8/2010
  Q: I bought a condo equipped with an ITI Security Pro 4000 but have no instruction manual and the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. ITI is a brand name of GE Interlogix. Here's a link to the residential ...
Continuous Soft Siren1/7/2010
  Q: I have the same situation as described by James in a question posted on 20 July 2009. My alarm siren ...
  A: That's interesting information, Dane. Could you tell me the make and model number of the siren? I'd ...
ranger american alarm door chime1/7/2010
  Q: We recently moved into a previously owned home with a Ranger American PC1550 alarm system. We do ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I don't know of any other keypad interventions other than those ...
XL-2 LED Stays on code doesn't respond1/7/2010
  Q: My fire alarm went off the key pad did not shut it off we disconnected power and after powering up ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There is no code to turn the fire alarm off; the smoke detector must be ...
Cannot find Panel Box1/6/2010
  Q: My home security keypad is RADIONIC D223A (2 keypad - one in the 1st floor - one in the second ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It would be unusual to install a control panel in an attic, where ...
Continuous Soft Siren1/5/2010
  Q: I have the same situation as described by James in a question posted on 20 July 2009. My alarm siren ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I reviewed that old post you mentioned, and really have no additional ...
Ameritech AM 100- Reprogram "FC" Alert1/5/2010
  Q: My husband and I recently bought a house with a (estimated) 12 year old Ameritech Security Link ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your system, even though it's branded as Ameritech, is manufactured ...
DSC 1616 Error !1/4/2010
  Q: ! I got a problem with a DSC 1616 Alarm. I have been instaled a alarm one year ago and it was work ...
  A: Mario, thanks for the new information. There is no need to check the wiring, since it is a wireless ...
DSC 1616 Error !1/4/2010
  Q: ! I got a problem with a DSC 1616 Alarm. I have been instaled a alarm one year ago and it was work ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You have a problem with a zone for a door. There are two possibilities that ...
entry beep12/8/2009
  Q: How do I get my Honeywell alarm system to stop beeping evrytime I open any door in my house? The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Honeywell makes many systems, and you didn't provide the model number, so ...
master code on alarm12/8/2009
  Q: moved into home with american ranger security system no manual, downloaded manual, but i dont know ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The best option is to ask the seller for the code. If you don't have ...
home security alarm12/6/2009
  Q: good morning i installed i new panel for alarm PC 1832 i can not disarm telephone line we did not ...
  A: I've never heard of an alarm system responding with "Google Option." I suggest that you hire a ...
resetting access codes12/5/2009
  Q: I am purchasing a foreclosed home with an installed GE Simon 3 alarm system. I have downloaded the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Depending on the original programming, you may be able to default the ...
Cellular Communications12/3/2009
  Q: I bought a home w/ an ADT system recently and I reactivated it w/o a land-line, using their ...
  A: That's correct. The trouble function on the system works the same whether the system is armed or ...
Moose 110012/3/2009
  Q: We have had a Moose 1100 hard wired system in our house for the past 22 years. It worked fine until ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The Z1100 panel uses hard-wired zones only. There's no optional module to ...
Cellular Communications12/2/2009
  Q: I bought a home w/ an ADT system recently and I reactivated it w/o a land-line, using their ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are many ways cellular alarm communication may be set up, and ...
DSC-FSA-410B 4-wire Photoelectric Smoke Detector11/30/2009
  Q: You helped me in the past with my PC 2550 DSC Security Alarm System. I am replacing my old smoke ...
  A: Manny. I can't tell you which color wire goes where, because I don't know what color code the ...
Radionics Omega Alarm D411211/29/2009
  Q: How do I disconnect the power source to this alarm? We have not used the system for years. The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Since the battery is already disconnected, all you have to do is locate and ...
First Alert FA21511/27/2009
  Q: I just purchased a home with a First Alert FA215 Security System. I need a manual but can't find a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I believe the FA215 is the keypad; you'll have to get the model ...
ADT Alarm that only works on certain settings11/26/2009
  Q: I found out the hard way that when I set my alarm to "Stay" or "Instant" I can open the doors and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You didn't mention the make and model of your system, and ADT uses several ...
busy signal11/23/2009
  Q: I put a new battery in my alarm system and my phone is not working i have the dsc pc2500 can you ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you're calling your land line from a cell phone and are getting a busy ...
FBI XL-2 and no dial tone11/22/2009
  Q: We had an electrician come out to re-wire some electrical switches and in the process he disabled ...
  A: Well, Ady... I think we've done all that we can via e-mail. I'm sure that if I were there in person, ...
Radionics D4112 Battery Replacement11/22/2009
  Q: My alarm battery is dying and I'm trying to find out how to replace it. It keeps sending a low ...
  A: No worries, Ted -- you can do it yourself. Just unplug the red and black leads from the old ...
smoke detectors11/21/2009
  Q: I have a Firex model fx-1020 that I think is going out; It made a short, loud horn sound(not chirp). ...
  A: .. You can tell whether the detectors are interconnected by the number of connecting wires attached ...
NOT READY CODE11/21/2009
  Q: I'VE BEEN LIVING IN MY HOME FOR 2YRS,IT CAME WITH A BRINKS BHS 3000 ALARM SYSTEM. I DONT HAVE IT ...
  A: .. The CP means that there's a communication problem where the control cannot communicate with the ...
smoke detectors11/20/2009
  Q: I have a Firex model fx-1020 that I think is going out; It made a short, loud horn sound(not chirp). ...
  A: and thanks for your question. To silence the detector, remove it from its base and disconnect the ...
NOT READY CODE11/20/2009
  Q: I'VE BEEN LIVING IN MY HOME FOR 2YRS,IT CAME WITH A BRINKS BHS 3000 ALARM SYSTEM. I DONT HAVE IT ...
  A: and thanks for writing. "Not Ready" means that there's a piece of protection that's not secure. If ...
FBI XL-2 and no dial tone11/19/2009
  Q: We had an electrician come out to re-wire some electrical switches and in the process he disabled ...
  A: .. Here's a link with some photos of the jack you're lookng for... just in case you overlooked it: ...
FBI XL-2 and no dial tone11/18/2009
  Q: We had an electrician come out to re-wire some electrical switches and in the process he disabled ...
  A: and thanks for your question... and thanks for sending the photo. The phone line connection in the ...
window contacts for alarms11/18/2009
  Q: I have just replace my wood frame windows with vynal frame windows,the old windows had ahole drilled ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are several types of contacts that are used to protect windows. From ...
Help, stop the chirping!11/17/2009
  Q: It's an ADEMCO M6674/N5976V1. I am loosing my mind. I have tried pressing the # key, I've tried ...
  A: and thnaks for writing. The model number you gave is for the keypad, which can be used on a number ...
Home Security System with no phone line11/16/2009
  Q: I have a First Alert FA147C Security System that came with the house I purchased. Unfortunately, I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The FA147C is a proprietary control, meaning that it is modified from the ...
FA120C - dead?11/15/2009
  Q: I have old FA120C security system at my house. The AC was disconnected for several years. I ...
  A: Adam. One of the challenges in participating in this forum is figuring out what the questioner ...
First Alert FA148C code11/15/2009
  Q: We purchased a home that has a First Alert FA148C alarm system, but we never recieved the 4 digit ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm amazed at how many folks buy properties with alarm systems without ...
DSC PC5516Z TROUBLE light Reset11/14/2009
  Q: Randomly the TROUBLE indicator and beeping (every 10 sec) went off in the night on our system. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The model number you provided is for the keypad, which can be used on ...
Townhouse Alarm System11/14/2009
  Q: I have a GEM-RP3DGTL or a model very similar. My system randomly flashes a 1 or 2 when I am home. I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From your description, zones 1 and 2 are faulted. Unless these's a written ...
Replacing the battery on Z1100st11/13/2009
  Q: my alarm pad beeps and reads low battery or bad fuse. How do I locate the battery and/or fuses? I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, you can replace the battery yourself. Here's how to go about it... ...
Moose Z 1100 Alarm System11/11/2009
  Q: I have a Moose Z 1100 Alarm System that we have had since 1991. Never had problems with it. Always ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Let's see if I understand your description correctly... you can set ...
Keypad relocation11/11/2009
  Q: I bought a house with an old alarm system VISTA 10SE. I wanted to change the location of the keypad ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's hard to say from here what you may have done wrong (if ...
scared11/10/2009
  Q: I have a old ranger American alarm system it was working with the prior owners of the house. I have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's a difference between an "alarm" and a "trouble," and I can't tell ...
Chirping alarm11/9/2009
  Q: I have a DSC home alarm system. (I am not currently under contract with any monitoring service.) ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. Your phones are fine. Your alarm control is trying to pass some sort ...
chirping alarm11/3/2009
  Q: i have a DSCPC1555 alarm. it has been chirping every 10 seconds for 3 days and I am going mad from ...
  A: Happy to help... The battery in your control should be a 12 volt, 4 ampere hour, sealed-lead acid ...
chirping alarm11/3/2009
  Q: i have a DSCPC1555 alarm. it has been chirping every 10 seconds for 3 days and I am going mad from ...
  A: and thanks for writing. To disable the alarm, you have to disconnect both the AC power and the ...
DSC 2550 Stand-by battery11/3/2009
  Q: I have a DSC 2550 system that was previously installed in the home that I bought, it is not hooked ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The low battery trouble should clear automatically with a new, good ...
ADT CO Detector / Phone Switched to TW Cable11/2/2009
  Q: I have an ADT system installed. I discontinued their monitoring service, and then switched the phone ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Well, there's no correlation between monitoring services and whether the CO ...
DSC PC2550, False alarm11/1/2009
  Q: I've had my system for 12yrs and have had no problems until lately. The problem that I am having is ...
  A: Manny. Here's a link to one (of many) compatible smoke detectors: ...
home alarm11/1/2009
  Q: My ademco home alarm sys will show when set (doors open or closed), it will allow for our code to be ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm assuming that you just moved in and the alarm never worked... is that ...
First Alert FA260 dl Not Ready10/31/2009
  Q: I experienced a power outage and when power was restored I got the dl Not Ready on the display. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. That's a new error message for me, so I did some research. Here's a ...
DSC PC2550, False alarm10/31/2009
  Q: I've had my system for 12yrs and have had no problems until lately. The problem that I am having is ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You didn't mention what kind of fire protection you have, but it's most ...
smoke alarm replacement10/28/2009
  Q: I am replacing my Firex FX 1020 smoke alarms. They have a 3-wire electric connector. Can I replace ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Firex was recently acquired by Kidde, and they are consolidating the ...
remote keypad10/27/2009
  Q: Brinks just installed a Ademco BHS 4000 unit. I would like to be able to use my Ademco 5827BD ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Brinks is a company that buys so many control panels that they're "private ...
Key pad10/26/2009
  Q: RAdionics D4112 On the Keypad the #2 light stays on. Which is the garage door and master ...
  A: I think you have (had) two separate problems. Let's look at the telephone issue first. That jack ...
DSC Power832 PC5010 v2.0 error message10/25/2009
  Q: I have a DSC Power832 PC5010 v2.0 installed in my home. Unfortunately, I set off the "roach bombs" ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Normally I'd expect to see an alarm rather than a trouble (zone fault: ...
Key pad10/25/2009
  Q: RAdionics D4112 On the Keypad the #2 light stays on. Which is the garage door and master ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From what you wrote, I'm not quite sure how to respond. Perhaps there are a ...
keypad cover10/24/2009
  Q: I have a door entry keypad control hooked-up next to my main door entry...I simply want to remove ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You're on the right track. That little hole you stuck the screwdriver in is ...
FBI XL-2 Home Security System10/24/2009
  Q: I have a FBI XL-2 system installed in our home. How do I program it to make a chime when a door is ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. As I've previously written in this forum, #6 seems to work ...
interconnected smoke alarms10/22/2009
  Q: 3 new smoke detectors with battery backup, hardwired ac and interconnected. I replace all the smoke ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You didn't mention the make and model of your new smoke detectors, so this ...
dsc 832 "gen sys sup" trouble10/21/2009
  Q: I have a dsc 832 with a 5010, I switched from wired telephone line to a phone line from the cable ...
  A: General System Supervisory trouble indicates a loss of communication between the control and any ...
Manual for Ranger American PC1555MX10/21/2009
  Q: Dave, I recently purchased a home with a existing security system Model Ranger American PC1555MX. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The Ranger American panel is manufactured by a company called DSC. ...
Firex FADC10/20/2009
  Q: We had a false alarm this evening - waking our 7 month old and 5 year old! We were able to silence ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I agree with you -- the pattern of the flashing LED is troublesome. I ...
Firex Smoke Detector10/20/2009
  Q: I have Firex hard-wired ionization smoke detectors with 9V battery backup. First of all, they are ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The National Fire Protection Association says, "Replace all smoke ...
Smoke detector vs Alarm system PC150010/17/2009
  Q: I have a DCS PC1500 and since my smoke detector is sensible, I would like to take it of the alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Before you remove a life-safety feature of your system, you should try to ...
Trouble with Security System10/17/2009
  Q: We purchased our house with a Regency 4720 security system. It was previously monitored by a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I never serviced the Regency 4720, so I can't give you anything beyond ...
Disarm Smoke Alarm for DSC Power83210/16/2009
  Q: I have a DSC Power832 PC5010 v2.0 installed in my home. I want to disarm the smoke alarm before I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are a couple of ways you can do this. But first, if your system ...
ADT alarm keept going off every 8ish hours10/15/2009
  Q: We have an ADT alarm that was already in the house when we moved in 5 years ago. We never had it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It's hard to say what brand and model of control that you have (ADT uses ...
Napco RP1009 Alarm System10/15/2009
  Q: We cannot reset our alarm system since power was out. Initially, when power restored, the green ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I believe that the RP 1009 is the keypad for your system. In order to find ...
Napco RPC2000 LCD keypad10/13/2009
  Q: I finally picked up a new keypad to install and am running into a problem. I have three keypads in ...
  A: Ken, here's a link to the installation manual. On page 8 it shows the jumper arrangements for ...
DSC 155010/13/2009
  Q: Moved into house w/o codes or master. battery new. 2 out of 3 panels are buzzing. All lights except ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the user's manual for your system: ...
FBI XL-2 Door Chime10/12/2009
  Q: I have a XL-2 system at home with two XL4600 RM keypads. Although the XL-2 is old, it's still ...
  A: If all the equipment is functioning normally, then it makes no difference at which keypad you enter ...
FBI XL-2 Door Chime10/12/2009
  Q: I have a XL-2 system at home with two XL4600 RM keypads. Although the XL-2 is old, it's still ...
  A: an thanks for writing. #6 is the only command I know of for toggling the chime feature on FBI ...
Home Alarm System FBI XL 121810/11/2009
  Q: A relative has a constant and or intermittent beep in their home alarm system, FBI XL 1218. The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From your description, it's a system trouble. There are amber LEDs on the ...
Napco RPC2000 LCD keypad10/11/2009
  Q: I finally picked up a new keypad to install and am running into a problem. I have three keypads in ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Sounds like the control isn't recognizing the new keypad. If you ...
NAPCO Magnum 850 Programing Question10/8/2009
  Q: I have one of these old alarm systems that lost power (battery was bad during power outage) and luck ...
  A: and my apologies for not answering your question in a timely manner. Every once in a while a ...
DSC PC1555RKZ - Don't have code10/8/2009
  Q: I moved into a home that is controlled with the DSC PC1555RKZ key pad. Unfortunately I was unable ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The best place to start in finding your code is with the realtors -- ...
System goes into Alarm Mode10/7/2009
  Q: we recently moved into a new home that has this system. The previous owners had no clue on how it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You can power-down the system without outside assistance. Your system has ...
Kidde model 127610/7/2009
  Q: Last night we had all alarms go off at the same time. You know, the high pitched 3 beep wail. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the owner's manual for your detectors: ...
DSC PC1550 Fast Blink Ready Light, no dial tone10/4/2009
  Q: Great site! Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. Our system was monitored using our ...
  A: Jim. The additional information helps. Let's try to clear up a few things. First, did the alarm ...
DSC PC1550 Fast Blink Ready Light, no dial tone10/3/2009
  Q: Great site! Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. Our system was monitored using our ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's incumbent on the installing company to run functional checks on ...
Security Link Ameritech Alarm beeping!10/2/2009
  Q: We bought our house a few months ago and it had an alarm system (I think installed by ADT). We chose ...
  A: No, this system has a main control. I've attached a photo; the large beige box in the center is what ...
Firex 120-1072c10/1/2009
  Q: Trying to find replacement for 120-1072c. one site shows the Firex 4618 as a replacement for 1072b ...
  A: Kidde recently acquired Firex, and a lot of things are changing, and many models are being ...
Security Link Ameritech Alarm beeping!10/1/2009
  Q: We bought our house a few months ago and it had an alarm system (I think installed by ADT). We chose ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The beeping you hear is the result of a system trouble: Low Battery. This ...
FA260 ALARM SYS9/28/2009
  Q: I should've added this to my previous question, 'I moved in a new home and the last owners didn't ...
  A: Ed. There are a couple of things to try. First, try to contact the seller and ask for the master ...
First Alert security alarm9/27/2009
  Q: I just recently moved into a new house which has a First Alert FA260 security system installed, ...
  A: .. Here's a link to the installation and programming manual: ...
beeping alarm9/27/2009
  Q: i have a ranger american system in my house. it began beeping every 10 seconds and since we bought ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Ranger American isn't a control brand name; it's the name of an installing ...
First Alert security alarm9/26/2009
  Q: I just recently moved into a new house which has a First Alert FA260 security system installed, ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The FA 260 is just the keypad; it can operate a number of different control ...
Beeping alarm9/24/2009
  Q: Please help. I do not know much about alarms! The battery in home alarm needs changing and it keeps ...
  A: .. You can disable the alarm by disconnecting one or both of the wires (inside the control panel) ...
Radionic Omegalarm D61129/22/2009
  Q: I replace the battery in my D6112,it made a spark, a circuit breaker started started snapping I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Sounds to me like you reversed polarity when you connected the battery. If ...
ademco alarm9/21/2009
  Q: I have an Ademco 4110dl/4110xm alarm and I believe a 6137 keypad. A few numbers are worn out and I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. "Worn out" can mean a few different things, and I can't say whether ...
non dedicated phone line problem9/18/2009
  Q: alarm is shared with fax and credit card machine in the past never a problem with this non dedicated ...
  A: and thanks for writing. When an alarm system shares a line with phones/fax/etc., it must be first, ...
Alarm set off when receiving phone call9/17/2009
  Q: I have a DSC Power 1832 alarm system that trips on incoming phone calls while armed. The alarm shows ...
  A: Well, the absence of the RJ-31-X is technically wrong; it's a required element so as to be able to ...
Decommision Smoke Detectors for Moose Z11009/16/2009
  Q: I am selling a house in which the previous owners installed a moose z1100 security system. The town ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. To see if a dust cover is available for your detector, take one down ...
Alarm set off when receiving phone call9/15/2009
  Q: I have a DSC Power 1832 alarm system that trips on incoming phone calls while armed. The alarm shows ...
  A: Hell Dustin, and thanks for writing. Incoming calls will not affect your alarm system unless ...
Smoke Detector False Alarms in late PM9/14/2009
  Q: Dave, I encountered a response from you stating: "Detectors are not recommended for garages ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The reason that smoke detectors should not be installed in garages or ...
Smoke alarm chirps9/12/2009
  Q: I had much of my house redone after a hurricane 4 years ago. This included the smoke alarms. There ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the manual for your detector: ...
interconnection firex & napco9/12/2009
  Q: I have been looking for something that does not seem to exist. To wit a way to connect a firex ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are two kinds of smoke detectors; one, like Firex and other ...
DSC 832 Home Security System9/10/2009
  Q: DSC 832 Security System This system was placed in our new construction house 7 years ago. There ...
  A: .. from what you describe, all you have to do is twist the copper portions of the green and yellow ...
DSC 832 Home Security System9/10/2009
  Q: DSC 832 Security System This system was placed in our new construction house 7 years ago. There ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, you can bypass the door contact, either in the control or at the door. ...
Emergency button install?9/9/2009
  Q: I live in southern Louisiana. I have a DSC unit that was installed many years in our home. We had an ...
  A: John. Without knowing what zone the panic button should be associated with, it's impossible to ...
Beeping alarm9/9/2009
  Q: Please help. I do not know much about alarms! The battery in home alarm needs changing and it keeps ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, you can disable the system in two steps. First, you need to ...
re smoke alarm9/8/2009
  Q: hi i have trouble with my smoke alarm it is hard wired to my house alarm which is a networx series ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The most common cause of false alarms in smoke detectors is dust. As it ...
Emergency button install?9/8/2009
  Q: I live in southern Louisiana. I have a DSC unit that was installed many years in our home. We had an ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a lot of possibilities here, so I have a few questions for you. ...
Changing motion detector Battery8/26/2009
  Q: I have a wireless Detection Systems Inc. DS9241 Motion Detector. My system says it is not working, ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Look at the top, bottom, and sides of the detector for a narrow groove into ...
Smoke Detectors more than chirping8/26/2009
  Q: we have 6 Kidde 1275 interconnected smoke alarms. Every few months one of them goes off, usually in ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's a link to the user's manual for your detectors: ...
Trouble with FBI XL28/25/2009
  Q: The alarm sounds and the XL 4600SM keypad 6 zone LEDs flash on and off constantly and then I can't ...
  A: With all the zone lights flashing, I'd suspect either a power issue (the backup battery), or a ...
Trouble with FBI XL28/25/2009
  Q: The alarm sounds and the XL 4600SM keypad 6 zone LEDs flash on and off constantly and then I can't ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Entering your user code should silence the alarm (the fast blinking ...
RANGER AMERICAN DSC16168/23/2009
  Q: I HAVE THIS ALARM SYSTEM FOR 11 YEARS, SAME CODE NOT MONITORED I HAD TO CHANGE THE BATTERY BECAUSE ...
  A: First, here's a link to a page where both the user and installation manuals can be downloaded: ...
DSC 1550/55 Trouble light #48/22/2009
  Q: I just bought a house with DSC alarm system. I have been getting trouble beeps that go off every now ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You cannot bypass or rerset this condition. If you're not going to have a ...
electric alarm going off8/21/2009
  Q: this morning I woke to my ELECTRIC alarm going off. at first just a few seconds stop and on again. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The most common cause of false alarms is that the detectors have not been ...
interconnected smoke alarms trouble8/20/2009
  Q: My question is similiar to one you answered on 12-7-05. I have 7 interconnected smoke detectors AC ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The most common cause (in my experience) is that the circuitry in the ...
lifesaver model 12758/19/2009
  Q: we live in a house that is 3 years old. we've been here for 18mo. one of the smoke detectors started ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the manual for your detectors: ...
Ademco 4110XM Wiring8/18/2009
  Q: I am trying to install an Ademco 4110XM, and have 4 zones wired - when we test them they show ready ...
  A: Jeff. YES -- the description you gave is correct, and the resistor will be in series with the ...
Ademco 4110XM Wiring8/18/2009
  Q: I am trying to install an Ademco 4110XM, and have 4 zones wired - when we test them they show ready ...
  A: Here's the deal on the resistor... it needs to be in series with the contact. By your description, ...
Security monitoring at night while in house8/17/2009
  Q: I have a Ranger 8980E security system in my home that is about 10 years old and do not usually put ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't think your system has a regular "stay" feature. What you need to ...
FireX constant chirping8/16/2009
  Q: Dave, In reference to your response to Lisa in this post: ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You're absolutely correct - the capacitor can keep things going for a bit. ...
glass breaks vs. window contacts8/15/2009
  Q: We live in a lovely, safe neighborhood, but we would like to have an alarm system installed. We ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Glass-breaks and contacts serve different purposes, and either one, or BOTH ...
Turn off chime8/13/2009
  Q: I bought a house and it has an ademco n8743-3 alarm system. Much like a question earlier you ...
  A: Ah! That's a horse of a different color! Here's what to do... find the transformer that's plugged ...
Turn off chime8/12/2009
  Q: I bought a house and it has an ademco n8743-3 alarm system. Much like a question earlier you ...
  A: Without the Installer's Code, your options are limited. The Installer's Code can be reset to its ...
Turn off chime8/11/2009
  Q: I bought a house and it has an ademco n8743-3 alarm system. Much like a question earlier you ...
  A: and thanks for writing. That model number is a keypad, I think... but it's probably controlling on ...
Napco Magnum RP2000LCD8/10/2009
  Q: One of my 3 keypad panels has started to beep. No code on the window. Will no respond to system ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If the other two keypads are operating normally, then I'd say the control ...
alarm system8/7/2009
  Q: When we came back from vacation our magnum alert system display read **out of system* and we can not ...
  A: and thanks for writing. By the time I got to this the technician has probably already come, gone, ...
False CO Alarms in Networked Firex Combo Units8/6/2009
  Q: My home was built in 2003 and it was equipped with 5 Firex model FADC smoke alarms and 7 Firex model ...
  A: and thanks for writing. And apologies for not getting back to you sooner. Here's a link to the ...
FX 1020, hardwired, 4 units, attic and basement included8/3/2009
  Q: Dave: I have been learning much from reading your answers to other questions. We have the same unit ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The answer to both your questions is, "yes." However, I must point out ...
Alarm low battery7/31/2009
  Q: I have a Z100e alarm system. Everyday now it begins beeping telling me my battery is low. I went ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's a company that sells used and obsolete alarm equipment. They ...
napco-Myalarm magnum alert computerized security system series 10007/31/2009
  Q: I forgot to turn my alarm off and opened the door and set off my alarm system. I entered the code to ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You've inadvertently activated your system's "chime mode," where ...
smoke alarm replacements7/30/2009
  Q: I purchased my home just over six years ago. The smoke alarms that came with the house are hardwired ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. Kidde recently acquired Firex and the two companies have been ...
Camera surveillance7/29/2009
  Q: I'd like to install surveilance cameras inside my home looking at the front/driveway through a glass ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You have a lot of options with today's video surveillance equipment. I've ...
Motion Detector/Sensor7/29/2009
  Q: I did order the motion detector from the DIY alarm-vanguard on yesterday, however, I failed to ask ...
  A: Good luck with the project, Lisa. Keep in mind that the cause of the false alarms could be anywhere ...
Switching Providers7/28/2009
  Q: Got a question about switching providers. I currently have Vonage running my Brinks system but I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. VOIP does present some issues for alarm monitoring, and as you noticed, ...
DSC 1500 motion sensor-wired type7/27/2009
  Q: Is there any where I can purchase a motion sensor for my dsc 1500 wired home burglar alarmed system?
  A: and thanks for your question. There are many online dealers from which to choose by doing a Google ...
Frozen Keyboard7/27/2009
  Q: I have an old model RP1054 D Napco system. I have 2 keyboards in the house and both of them are ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The model number you referenced is a Napco keypad, likely the control is a ...
ADT System NOT powered, but beeping7/25/2009
  Q: We recently moved into a new house that had an ADT security system installed (version 3?). The ...
  A: .. There's nothing that I know of that would be installed inside a wall that would chirp. If you ...
Resetting the Passcode7/24/2009
  Q: I just purchased a home that has an existing Radionics 6112 8 zone system. It was not used by the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's possible to reset the system to program it as your own, but... ...
ADT System NOT powered, but beeping7/24/2009
  Q: We recently moved into a new house that had an ADT security system installed (version 3?). The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I agree with ADT. Once the battery and AC power have been removed, the ...
Alarm and BAT on the panel of ADT 30007/23/2009
  Q: When I got home this evening, I had an alarm and BAT identify on the panel of ADT Security Manager ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The battery will have to be replaced if it does not charge on its own ...
PC1555 trouble condition7/22/2009
  Q: My PC1555 system has a steady yellow trouble light on - pressing *2 produces a "1" -- pressing key ...
  A: and thanks for writing. After pressing *2, you had the zone 1 LED come on. The 1555 documentation ...
Master alarm reset7/22/2009
  Q: I have purchased a second hand alarm system NetworkX NX-4 which I have installed successfully ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I never worked much with CADDX equipment. However, here's a link to the ...
DSC 832 Security System7/21/2009
  Q: I was reading your response to another question regarding turning off a 'DSC 832 Security System' by ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The memory chip that holds the system programming and passwords is ...
CP-4007/21/2009
  Q: Do U have sheets on this panel ??
  A: and thanks for writing. No, I do not have paperwork on the CP-400. It is available here though: ...
DSC Power 832 System - continuous quiet siren7/20/2009
  Q: In my office/warehouse I have the DSC Power 832 system partitioned. I have a problem with the alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. In my experience, I recall only one other instance that is close to what ...
DSC 832*7/19/2009
  Q: My system's yellow trouble light comes on & the the beeping starts, I followed the instructions in ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Trouble for zone 1 means that the backup battery, located in the main ...
Alarm Battery/Fuse Issue7/19/2009
  Q: I have an ADT system and thought the battery had died. I replaced the battery and found that my ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't know offhand the specifications for the fuse for your panel, so ...
Admeco 4110XM keeps on dialing7/17/2009
  Q: Whenever the alarm calls out for anything, an actual alarm or a weekly test, it dials the primary ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The reason that your control is dialing the primary and secondary numbers ...
DSC PC 2550 Monitoring7/16/2009
  Q: I turned off my phone service and want to stop the trouble light and chirping caused by the phone ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the installation manual and programming guide for your ...
Fire Alarm7/15/2009
  Q: Our fire alarms keep going off every 20 minutes since yesterday. All of them have been wired into ...
  A: Stefanie, if you can look at the LEDs on the detectors when they go off, one of them will be ...
Fire Alarm7/15/2009
  Q: Our fire alarms keep going off every 20 minutes since yesterday. All of them have been wired into ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Smoke detectors do not alarm because of low batteries. It looks to me ...
testing smoke detectors7/14/2009
  Q: I am told just pushing the test button does not actually test the smoke alarms corecctly. Where do I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You can purchase artificial smoke in a spray can, such as here: ...
Master Password7/13/2009
  Q: Our alarm was used only for a short period of time and we discontinued using it. No it is beeping ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Most modern panels can be "defaulted" to their original factory ...
Help! Chirping alarm7/13/2009
  Q: We had a power outage last night and now our fire alarm in our foyer (unreachable without ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors chirp once every 45 - 60 seconds when their backup battery ...
Firex old model FADC7/11/2009
  Q: How is it possible that several of these alarms could continue to chirp after being disconnected ...
  A: Sorry you didn't find this answer helpful. Please let me know what you eventually find, as this will ...
Replacing old alarm system7/11/2009
  Q: Dave, I have an existing FBII XL-4 alarm system, currently unmonitored. Supposedly, the "dialer" ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. You are correct in your assumption that you can replace the control ...
Ademco Vista 20se replacing a 240-COe7/10/2009
  Q: I had an old 240-COe carbon monoxide detector that was end of life. I purchased a new exact ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's no good reason why a DIRECT replacement, with the wires connected ...
existing hardwired fire alarms with new DSC alarm7/9/2009
  Q: I have a house with hardwired fire alarms (one goes off they all go off). The type of wire ...
  A: Hmmm... possibly, but I would not recommend it. I'd be wary of a couple of things. First, 14 gauge ...
existing hardwired fire alarms with new DSC alarm7/9/2009
  Q: I have a house with hardwired fire alarms (one goes off they all go off). The type of wire ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Household smoke detectors like the ones you describe are not designed ...
DSC Power 832 - no lights on keypads or sensors7/8/2009
  Q: The trouble light on my system recently came on. I let it stay on for several days and the system ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Even if the transformer and outlet are fine, it's the presence of AC power ...
Magnum Alert 1000 Series Question7/8/2009
  Q: The subject security system which I have is currently inoperable. The problem began with a false ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm afraid Ihave more questions than answers. But I can tell you that for ...
wireless house alarm7/7/2009
  Q: my micro mark wireless house alarm is brand new with brand new batteries installed. my pir's pick ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I have to admit that I'd never heard of Micromark until you wrote. ...
chirping smoke alarms7/4/2009
  Q: put new smoke alarms in entire house. chirping won't stop. all brand new and new batteries. green ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The likely problem is not with the smoke detectors. It's probably a plug-in ...
DSC Power 8326/30/2009
  Q: My alarm has been disconnected for some time. I have connected it now and changed the battery but ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a lot of unknowns here, and to me the greatest one is the reason ...
Ranger American Alarm is dead6/30/2009
  Q: about 2 weeks ago my ranger american alarm panel "Danger" light was on for a few days and chirping ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Most alarm systems will continue to run with a dead battery, as long ...
Replacement for Firex FX10206/29/2009
  Q: Attempted to replace one Firex FX1020 (over 20yrs old) with a Kidde i12020. When connected, all ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The short answer is yes, for two reasons. First, it's rarely a good ...
disconnecting an alarm system6/29/2009
  Q: We bought our house about eight years ago. It has an FBI XL 3 alarm in it that was in it when we ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's not a common problem, but it is one that's caused by ...
Master Code6/28/2009
  Q: I have an EN1550 (by Digital Security Controls DSC) and I like to change the master code. Recently ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the user manual for your system: ...
Replacing new key pad6/26/2009
  Q: Is it possible to replace a keypad by myself on a home alarm system and where would i be able to ...
  A: Jay. I think you'll have a hard time finding the exact model number replacement keypad... but I ...
Ademco Vista 10 SE6/26/2009
  Q: I have an ademco vista 10 SE Nightly the key pad beeps that there is a low battery. We have lived ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The system battery is located in the main control box (not the ...
Morse MDC 8C Alarm System6/25/2009
  Q: I have the system identified in the Subject area. Do you know a potential source for a keypad for ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I never worked much with Morse equipment, and the line as far as I know, ...
Door Chime6/25/2009
  Q: The chime that rings everytime a door opens has gotten very annoying and I would like to turn it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Try this on your keypad: #6 This should toggle the chime feature on or off ...
Replacing new key pad6/24/2009
  Q: Is it possible to replace a keypad by myself on a home alarm system and where would i be able to ...
  A: and greetings from South Florida in the USA. If you're competent with small hand tools, I see no ...
nortron smoke alarm model#ac8w16/23/2009
  Q: just recently the alarm gives off a low moaning sound about 4 times a day is this normal just bought ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I've never been able to locate any product information on Norton smoke ...
DSC 632 PC1555MX6/23/2009
  Q: My zone 2 (door contact) gave me a false alarm for the second time. I have the system for almost 3 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The battery is supervised separately, and will show as a trouble on ...
chirping6/22/2009
  Q: I have a lifesaver 1225 smoke detector hardwired with no battery backup that keeps chirping....what ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The 1225 is not listed among Kidde's smoke alarms, and I have not ...
Disable CO detector on DSC 832?6/21/2009
  Q: my house has a DSC PC5010 Power832 alarm system. There is a GE 240-COe carbon monoxide detector ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If you disconnect your CO detector, you'll likely have a trouble ...
Kidde 1276 smoke alarm6/20/2009
  Q: I have a new home that is 2 years old with a total of 5 smoke alarms. One night all of them went off ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The most common cause of false alarms is dust and dirt. Smoke ...
DSC PC1500 Alarm system fault6/18/2009
  Q: How do I stop my control panel emitting regular bleeps when not armed?
  A: and thanks for your question. There's some sort of system fault that's causing the beeping. You'll ...
trouble/falsing smokes6/18/2009
  Q: im working on a DSC power 832. there are 7 smokes and 1 heat. i have checked my wire, power, ...
  A: Hell Alexander. Sounds like you're a tech... what company? From you're description, it sounds like ...
Completely disconnect Moose Z1100 System 1?6/16/2009
  Q: My condo came with a Moose Z1100 System 1. I've already had to replace the battery once, and the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You shouldn't need an electrician to disable the system. You need to do ...
DSC 15506/15/2009
  Q: Michael
  A: and thanks for writing. Sounds like you bought the house with the alarm system powered down. It was ...
Nortron Smoke Detector - Finite Life6/13/2009
  Q: We have a couple of hardwired smoke detectors in our basement that are still problem free for 10 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. In terms of the useful life of smoke detectors, there's no difference ...
Re: "Dead" house alarm goes into panic mode!6/11/2009
  Q: My house alarm has been out of service (no lights on ant panel or motion sensors)for over 5 yrs. At ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you're not using the system, the best course is to completely power it ...
fire alarm reset6/7/2009
  Q: I have a Security Command Executive Series control keypad that runs my security and fire alarm ...
  A: I'm not conversant in that series of alarm controls. However, many systems have latching smoke ...
chirping will drive us all insane!6/6/2009
  Q: We moved into our 15 yr old house about 4 years ago. There was a Caddis Ranger 8980e security ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Let's see if we can sort this out. First, no chirping should come from the ...
Moose daily low battery alarm6/4/2009
  Q: How can I shut-off this every 24-hour low battery alarm. A new battery does not do the trick. This ...
  A: and thanks for your question. We're probably not going to have a happy outcome here, but let's try. ...
BRK AC IOn Smoke Detector problem6/3/2009
  Q: Dave, I have Multiple BRK AC powered ionization smoke detector ( model 1839N or 1839WN) and all of a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I was unable to find the model numbers you listed. Please have a look ...
Z1100 Siren goes off daily6/2/2009
  Q: I have an older home with an older z1100 system. I cannot access the "main box". The siren goes off ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The way to completely disarm the system is to power it down -- and ...
FBI STAR XL 4800 EZ ALARM PANEL6/2/2009
  Q: Can you tell me where I can obtain an installation manual for the above mention panel. I removed the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Sometimes it's tough to track down documents for "antique" systems. ...
Firex CO detector6/1/2009
  Q: My home has hard-wired Firex smoke alarms in the upper level. I am in the process of finishing my ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Kidde recently acquired Maple Chase, the manufacturer of the Firex line. ...
How to reset alarm security code5/29/2009
  Q: We have an Ademco Vista model 4130 (about 20 years old) and would like to change the master security ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Well, you can't change the master code with the master code; you need ...
Removing a station5/28/2009
  Q: I have a sensor that seems to have gone bad. How do I remove it, or program it off my system ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I can't give you good advice without knowing the model number of your ...
fa160c alarm panel5/21/2009
  Q: dave i am very familier with the ademco vista family of products and understand they are similiar to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's the closest I could find: ...
Security System not alarming5/21/2009
  Q: I have a Security Command XR20 system. My backup battery went bad and when I replaced it my system ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Just my opinion, but the monitoring company should have tested the ...
CP-400 Fire Alarm Panel5/19/2009
  Q: Dave, I am a Buyer at a nuclear facility (translates: nukes do not upgrade or modify systems w/o ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Pyrotronics was part of Borg-Warner back in the late 90's, and was a ...
Chirping fire alarm5/19/2009
  Q: Dave, I have dusted, replaced batteries and now the detectors, and it is still chirping. It ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The chirping is coming from either the smoke detectors or something else, ...
false alarm during the night5/18/2009
  Q: I have a DSC PC1555. Been having trouble with false alarms during the night, at varies times. The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From what you wrote, I can't tell whether you have a single problem or two ...
en/dcs 1550 chirping even after power disconnected5/16/2009
  Q: I have an en 1550 alarm system for which I discontinued monitoring last summer since I was not using ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Alarm systems have but two sources of power -- the AC transformer and the ...
DSC 832 Security System5/16/2009
  Q: Dave, I have an DSC Power 832 Security System but I never received the master code from the previous ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There is a procedure to default the control back to its factory state, thus ...
DSC Power 8325/15/2009
  Q: model 5508(z), 8 zone LED. Trouble light is on; *2 indicates "8" code, which translates to "loss of ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Those are the correct instructions; did you press the * key followed by ...
Magnum Alert 8505/14/2009
  Q: We had a power outage two days ago, and today the alarm telephone dialer seems to be malfunctioning, ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Alarm systems that are connected by telephone to a monitoring center ...
Ademco Vista 10se5/1/2009
  Q: I have been living in my house for over a year and a half and have never obtained the master code ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you can't obtain either the installer's code from the installing ...
Ademco 4140XM Phone Bypass4/30/2009
  Q: I have an Ademco 4140XM security system that is not used or monitored and I’d like to bypass ...
  A: and thanks for your question. This should be easier than you think. Don't disconnect any wires in ...
False alarms4/30/2009
  Q: We have 12, electrically connected smoke alarms in our house. Randomly, one of the alarms triggers, ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't recommend disconnecting detectors since doing that reduces your ...
First Alert FA2604/27/2009
  Q: We have a first Alert FA260 unit which is not activated and was already installed when we purchased ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The cause of the beeping is likely a system fault, such as low ...
Radionics Omegalarm D61124/24/2009
  Q: I am going to change monitoring service and the new service needs the installer code for my D6112 by ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If the installer code was changed from the default, and is not available, ...
keypad4/21/2009
  Q: I have lost my manual and i need it because my keypad says fire but i ashore you that there is not ...
  A: Here's a link to the user's guide for your system: http://www.masterburglaralarm.com/pc5010user.pdf ...
DSC trouble light won't go off4/20/2009
  Q: I have a DSC PC1555MX systen with an LCD keypad. A few months ago we got a trouble signal. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Zone 7 after pressing *2 does indicate a low battery on that sensor. ...
DSC Power 832 lost master code4/20/2009
  Q: I bought my home 3 years ago and had no interest in the alarm system until today. I have the DSC ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, you can default the panel back to its factory state and the default ...
false alarm4/19/2009
  Q: I came home the other day to find a beep on my fire alarm. Usually replacing the batteries in the 3 ...
  A: As I suspected, the smoke detectors are not designed to be interconnected with a fire or burglar ...
false alarm4/19/2009
  Q: I came home the other day to find a beep on my fire alarm. Usually replacing the batteries in the 3 ...
  A: .. you're going to have to give me a little help here. When you mentioned in your first question ...
Connection of RT16404/18/2009
  Q: The wiring to my transformer (RT 1640) came disconnected when I moved it to reset the outlet. Can ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Transformers produce an alternating current output; because of this, ...
Lifesaver Model 12754/16/2009
  Q: I have Lifesaver Model 1275 and even though I put in a fresh battery (I tried it with different ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Sometimes smoke detectors remember the low battery condition, even ...
DSC Power832 Stay & Away Arming4/16/2009
  Q: My key pad is continuously chirping approximately every 10seconds. Troubleshooting from the key pad ...
  A: Pavin. There's not much to the keypads and their connections; it's just a 4-wire circuit from the ...
Caddx 8980E alarm system problem4/15/2009
  Q: I live in a house that has a Caddx Ranger 8980E alarm system. The system was installed in 1994 and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your clear description of the events provides two clues: the storm, and the ...
fire, smoke trouble message4/13/2009
  Q: I have a STAR XL 4800 EZ system made by FBII and installed in 1992. We came back from vacation to a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'll try to clear up a few things for you. Fire circuits are ...
DSC Power832 Stay & Away Arming4/7/2009
  Q: My key pad is continuously chirping approximately every 10seconds. Troubleshooting from the key pad ...
  A: Pravin, my apologies for not responding sooner. I did not initially see your follow-up in my queue. ...
FA260 adding devices?4/7/2009
  Q: We purchased a house that has an existing wireless alarm system that is being monitored by an alarm ...
  A: and thanks for your question. To add wireless devices to your system, you'll need the installer's ...
Vista 10SE Security System4/6/2009
  Q: I moved into a house where Vista 10SE Security system was already installed. We have been using it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Well, I can help you make it be quiet, but reactivation will probably ...
pre-wired system4/6/2009
  Q: The house we bought came with a pre-wired Ademco system. We do not have service and were never ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, you can disconnect the system yourself by powering it down. ...
OC Trouble Code on Ademco 41104/5/2009
  Q: I woke up one morning with the security keypads beeping and displaying "OC". This was a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your diagnosis is correct; no communication between the keypads and ...
system trouble on my DCS 1555 system4/4/2009
  Q: The system trouble light is on and it chirps every 10 seconds, I downloaded a manual off the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you followed the instructions on page 12 and pressed *2, you should have ...
DSC Power832 Chriping4/4/2009
  Q: My key pad is continuously chirping approximately every 10seconds. Troubleshooting from the key pad ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The failure to communicate with the central station indicates some sort of ...
firealarm residential new constuction4/2/2009
  Q: fire alarm activated 3 times in the last 3 weeks it only happens in early morning they are kidde ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Since this is new residential construction, I'm assuming all the detectors ...
PC 1550 Trouble Light Stays On3/31/2009
  Q: I just replaced the battery in my Ranger American model PC 1550 and the trouble light stays on. When ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your control is actually manufactured by DSC, and private labeled for ...
Chirping3/29/2009
  Q: About a month ago my heat sensors in my garage began to chirp. Ive tried everything to stop them ...
  A: and thanks for writing. A couple of thoughts... first, I don't know of any heat detectors (aside ...
Interconnected smoke alarms won't stop alarming3/28/2009
  Q: We are finishing our basement and installed 2 new BRK First Alert SC9120B smoke alarms. There was ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From your description of the wiring you made, I see no error. However you ...
Radionics 6112 key pad beeps3/28/2009
  Q: I have a Radionics Omega Alarm 6112. Everyday at 9:19 am and 9:19 pm the key pads beep. I reset it ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You can check the battery yourself... what you can do is open the ...
chirping smoke detector3/27/2009
  Q: Our home is 20 years old and we have the original hard-wired smoke detectors. They are First Alert ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If in fact your smoke detectors are 20 years old, then yes, I'd recommend ...
smoke detector3/26/2009
  Q: If a smoke detector is either ripped or knocked off the wall, will it affect electrical service to ...
  A: and thanks for your question. With so many variables, it's impossible to say... but I'll give you a ...
Ademco 4110 Zone Problems3/25/2009
  Q: I have an Ademco ADT 4110 system that sets ok most of the time. I would estimate the system is 10 ...
  A: About the resistor... That's what's called the "EOL" or "end-of-line" resistor. It should be at the ...
Smoke detector chirping3/24/2009
  Q: I have an apartment that is about 8 years old and has 7 USI type smoke detectors. After a power ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I have a couple of thoughts for you. First, the useful life of smoke ...
Ademco 4110 Zone Problems3/24/2009
  Q: I have an Ademco ADT 4110 system that sets ok most of the time. I would estimate the system is 10 ...
  A: George. The "ready" light cycling on and off as the motion detector trips is normal. Ordinarily, ...
Ademco 4110 Zone Problems3/21/2009
  Q: I have an Ademco ADT 4110 system that sets ok most of the time. I would estimate the system is 10 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I don't think there's a problem with the control panel; what you ...
chirping smoke detector base even when detached3/21/2009
  Q: We've been up since 3:15 a.m. trying to get our smoke detector to stop chirping, so we can all ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Please look in the vicinity of the smoke detector for either a plug-in ...
firex 120-1072b smoke detectors3/19/2009
  Q: DETECTORS STARTED SLOW RAMDON BEEP. CHANGED BATTERIES AND VACUMED. . STILL BEEPS. DATE ON UNITS JAN ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, check to make sure it's the smoke detector that's beeping. Sometimes ...
westar home security system3/18/2009
  Q: Please help. I have had a Westar security system in my home for approx. ten years w/no problems ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I never worked on Westar equipment, but I think I recognize what's ...
DSC Power 832 Security System3/18/2009
  Q: We have just leased a home with the above security system. The owner does not have any knowledge of ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If you do not have the master code and can not find out what it is ...
Dial rules for DSC panel3/16/2009
  Q: I have a pre-installed alarm (DSC1616). I installed voip and have a dial tone at the panel tested ...
  A: I see this question was submitted about a month ago. It wasn't directed to me, but I came across it ...
ademco 1023 and 5241 digital keypad,both 12v3/15/2009
  Q: I have a 1023 and a 5241,i know the alarm code,no problem there.If I trip the alarm,I dont ...
  A: Well, you'll be pleased to know that Ademco (even after the inevitable corporate acquisitions) is ...
ademco 1023 and 5241 digital keypad,both 12v3/14/2009
  Q: I have a 1023 and a 5241,i know the alarm code,no problem there.If I trip the alarm,I dont ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Normally, the zone LEDs would not blink, except when a piece of ...
New house-No codes-No directions3/14/2009
  Q: I purchased a house where the owner had died and there are no codes or instructions for the alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The Radionics systems are somewhat different than most that are on the ...
Ademco Vista alarm3/13/2009
  Q: I have had this self contained alarm system for about 12 years. Recently the screen began to read ...
  A: Cherie. I suspect that your system is the Vista-10 (there is a control box that is separate from the ...
Emergency Net. Inc. EN1550R3/12/2009
  Q: I have this system that is old,just like me. It works good.I need to know how to get the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link where you can download the installation manual. Scroll down a ...
Ademco Vista alarm3/12/2009
  Q: I have had this self contained alarm system for about 12 years. Recently the screen began to read ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are many varieties in the Vista series; if you can provide the model ...
DSC Power 832 security system3/11/2009
  Q: PC5508 LEd keypad. Zone one is my entry and exit zones. The door from the garage works fine. It has ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If I understand your description, the garage door, front door, and back ...
Lifesaver model 4800R3/10/2009
  Q: we have a Lifesaver 4800R with rechargable battery installed in our home, and last night it just ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I was unable to locate the instruction manual for your detector, but ...
Wireless Systems?3/8/2009
  Q: I’m looking at 2 different alarm systems. Both are wireless and both are through the internet. Is ...
  A: Alarm dialers use the switched telephone network (STN)to transmit alarm signals. The dialer is ...
fire alarm keeps beeping3/8/2009
  Q: I have hardwired smoke alarms. It was chirping so i replaced the battery now that i have and put it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Sometimes the low battery indication becomes "stuck" in the memory of the ...
Wireless Systems?3/7/2009
  Q: I’m looking at 2 different alarm systems. Both are wireless and both are through the internet. Is ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Wireless technology has come a long way since the 80's, and you need ...
smoke alarm sputtering3/7/2009
  Q: I cannot figure out how to change the battery or disarm the alarm until my electrician can come out. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I looked on the BRK web site here ...
dsc 832 smoke detectors3/5/2009
  Q: my fire alarm keeps going off. I had one smoke (unlit) replaced but it still goes off. Some of the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Before I can offer any advice, I need to know something. "DSC 832" refers ...
hard-wired alarm contacts not sticking to metal window frames3/5/2009
  Q: We purchased an alarm system through our builder. The alarm company sent a man out to pre-wire ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Without seeing the nature of the problem you described, it's hard to ...
DSC Power 8323/3/2009
  Q: I have a DSC Power 832 system with a PC5010 display and 7 smoke detectors throughout my house. How ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a few ways to check. If you open the main control panel, look at ...
smoke alarms3/3/2009
  Q: I'm writing to you from Ontario, Canada and my question is I have 3 hard-wired smoke alarms in my ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'll try to answer your questions in turn. The original hard-wired ...
tate fire alarm3/1/2009
  Q: put when i set alarm the bell continually goes of i am at a Witt's end to find problem it is a tate ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm unfamiliar with Tate Fire Alarms, it being a UK product and me being in ...
Vista 4110XM alarm sys. external sirens/horns2/27/2009
  Q: My external sirens/horns are not working for my Vista 4110xm alarm system. What type of trouble ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The things that you can troubleshoot on your own depend on whether ...
Networx NX-4 system2/26/2009
  Q: I have a networx NX-4 system by GE. It is unmonitored and started going off when I pushed one of the ...
  A: Alex. You're in a tough spot without having the access codes. Just a suggestion... call your ...
Networx NX-4 system2/26/2009
  Q: I have a networx NX-4 system by GE. It is unmonitored and started going off when I pushed one of the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the owner's manual for your system for future reference: ...
smoke detector2/24/2009
  Q: In a second floor bedroom apt. of a building that I own, my office on the first floor, the hard ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The blinking light may be perfectly normal. Every manufacturer has ...
Ameritech/Ademco home alarm system2/23/2009
  Q: It was in the house when I bought it 5yrs ago. Never did anything with it. Have no codes! Don't want ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From what you describe, you have a system that was disabled before you ...
Keypads2/23/2009
  Q: I have a DSC PC1550. What keypads can I use for this system?
  A: and thanks for your question. The only keypad I know for sure that's compatible is the PC1500RK, ...
Radionics 21122/22/2009
  Q: I didn't use the system for few years. Now I just replaced the new battery and tried to reset the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'm not too familiar with the Radionics line, and don't have access ...
screen on brinks alarm just went blank2/21/2009
  Q: I have an unmonitored Brinks BHS-3000C that came with the home I purchased a few months ago. ...
  A: Anna. I'll give you some information on your options. First, you could choose to sign-on with ...
firex 120-1072c2/21/2009
  Q: i have a house with these devices in all rooms that code requires and they are tied together on the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. First, there's no reason that false alarms always seem to happen in ...
moose Z1100 alarm reset question2/20/2009
  Q: Dave, I am unable to get our Moose Z1100 alarm to reset. I have powered down the system, hit the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First here's a link where you can download a copy of the user's manual for ...
screen on brinks alarm just went blank2/20/2009
  Q: I have an unmonitored Brinks BHS-3000C that came with the home I purchased a few months ago. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Brinks operates a little differently from other alarm providers. First, ...
Melcom ST60002/18/2009
  Q: We just bought a house where we have that alarm installed (Melcom St6000). The house have been ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I had never heard of the Melcom panel until you wrote. A quick bit of ...
wireless battery2/17/2009
  Q: I had an alarm system installed recently and have had problems with the wireless battery already. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's hard to troubleshoot something like this remotely, but I'll give ...
key pad that sticks2/17/2009
  Q: I have an ademco m6674 key pad that needs to be replaced. I am trying to look on line to purchase ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It's likely that your keypad is discontinued. Here's what you should do: go ...
How do I turn alarm off?2/16/2009
  Q: I have a newer home with a DSC PC1555RKZ. The main Ranger-American, now Guardian box is hard wired ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's what to do since you couldn't locate the transformer... Open ...
VISTA -20SE low battery signal2/16/2009
  Q: My VISTA-20SE 2 partitioned security system went off one night with bursts of rapid beeps.I came to ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. Yes, you can replace your 7.2 Ampere hour battery with either a 7 AH ...
ADEMCO HARDWIRED CO2 DETECTOR PROBLEM?'s2/15/2009
  Q: I had ADT install a smoke,co2 and alarm system installed back in 2002. What is happen is this. I ...
  A: Scott. Yes, the detectors should be replaced. Since ADT did the original installation, I suggest ...
ADEMCO HARDWIRED CO2 DETECTOR PROBLEM?'s2/15/2009
  Q: I had ADT install a smoke,co2 and alarm system installed back in 2002. What is happen is this. I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I don't know which model CO detector you have, but here's an excerpt ...
Alarm Beeping Issues2/14/2009
  Q: Hey Dave, I have a First Alert home alarm system that was professionally installed approx. 9 years ...
  A: and thanks for your question. First, here's a link where you can download the User's Manual for ...
New Home No master code!!2/14/2009
  Q: Dave, Thanks for being here to help everyone with Questions about Security! My question is we just ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm afraid you've already answered the question -- yes, in order to regain ...
moose zx200/zx2102/13/2009
  Q: my alarm system is working fine but i dont have any codes for it, as the people before dint leave ...
  A: Here is a link for your user's manual: ...
door chime FA2602/13/2009
  Q: We just replaced our battery in our FA260 home security system and can not figure out how to turn ...
  A: and thanks for your question. To enable the chime mode, enter you password into the keypad and ...
Dual guard alarm system with moose key pad.2/12/2009
  Q: my alarm system is working fine but i dont have any codes for it, as the people before dint leave ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you v=can find the make and model number of your control panel, I'll try ...
PC2550 resistors2/11/2009
  Q: I replaced a door jamb and broke a resistor. I found replacements with same color bands from Radio ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's a low-voltage system, and the current is really very low on the ...
Burglar/Fire Alarm2/11/2009
  Q: I need to know if the DSC Powerseries PC1832 has fire alarm capabilities? I am considering to ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The 1832 does have fire alarm capabilities. Here's a link where you ...
False Alarm2/10/2009
  Q: Dave, this is in follow-up to your response to Kristy regarding fire alarms activating when the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The Firex 4618 smoke detectors are not designed to be connected to a ...
First Alert security/fire system2/10/2009
  Q: I discontinued by Guardian service and they deactivated my system via phone. Since I own the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There's no short answer to your question; it depends on the equipment ...
Using Vonage with an alarm system2/9/2009
  Q: I have a Vista 15 alarm system witha 4286 phone module. Will this system work correctly if I change ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are tradeoffs to consider when using VoIp for alarm signal ...
Security camera2/8/2009
  Q: Dave, Have a vacation home (with Power) that we go to on the weekends. It has a security system, ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are several low-cost or do-it-yourself type products that allow users ...
ADEMCO security2/4/2009
  Q: 1992 ADEMCO Vista alarm was activated by mistake - could not get it to stop sounding. Keypad code ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Although your battery has been in service for 6 years, and the ...
Power Outage - Smoke Alarms2/4/2009
  Q: I purchased a home with a home security system and smoke detectors in each room. The smoke detectors ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. From your description, I doesn't sound like the smoke detectors are ...
DSC PC2500 config2/3/2009
  Q: My home is equipted with a DSC PC2500 alarm system (I'm the original owner). I have lost the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The first thing I'd check is the health of the backup battery (power issues ...
Security & Fire Protection1/31/2009
  Q: Dave, My wife and are a gone from home a lot. We would like to be able to log on our computers at ...
  A: and thanks for writing. That's quite a list; you didn't say whether you're looking for a contractor ...
How to avoid False Alarm of smoke detector1/30/2009
  Q: We have an issue of False Alarm of smoke detector . The scenario is 3 Smoke Detectors are installed ...
  A: and thanks for your question. As you've seen, there's a limit to how much humidity smoke detectors ...
Smoke Alarm1/29/2009
  Q: I have a BRK Electronics model #41208 smoke detectors. The smoke detectors starting alarming with ...
  A: Ah, I misunderstood the issue. I'd check two things (before calling an electrician). First, make ...
Smoke Alarm1/28/2009
  Q: I have a BRK Electronics model #41208 smoke detectors. The smoke detectors starting alarming with ...
  A: and thanks for your question. From your description, it looks like detector number two has failed ...
Troublshooting "Open" Zone1/26/2009
  Q: I cannot arm my system as one of the zones is showing "open". I know there are 3 windows (each with ...
  A: and thanks for writing. That's probably not a coincidence that the alarm problem occurred after ...
Home Alarm System1/26/2009
  Q: I have a FBII XL 31 (not maintained) It has not been turned up for a few years and when I try to ...
  A: Sorry you're not having any luck with the Ademco site. Okay, let me get some additional information ...
Home Alarm System1/25/2009
  Q: I have a FBII XL 31 (not maintained) It has not been turned up for a few years and when I try to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From your description, it sounds like a power issue. You said you replaced ...
DSC1500/1550 off1/25/2009
  Q: I have two DSC1500 (or 1550 model) keypads and one motion sensor attached to alarm system which are ...
  A: If the board is getting power and it's not charging the battery, I'd say the board is gone. There ...
home security system1/24/2009
  Q: I have pre-wired security system installed (ADT). I am planning to stop the monitoring service and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a couple of issues here. First, you need to check your contract ...
Wiring smoke and fire alarms1/23/2009
  Q: I have an old church that I am changing to residential. City requires 7 smoke and fire detectors be ...
  A: and thanks for your question. 22 gauge wire is too thin for powering smoke detectors; it would be ...
DSC1500/1550 off1/23/2009
  Q: I have two DSC1500 (or 1550 model) keypads and one motion sensor attached to alarm system which are ...
  A: and thanks for writing. What you describe is a total power failure to your system. This means that ...
DSC PC2550 Alarm Question1/22/2009
  Q: Our DSC PC2550 alarm, for some reason cannot be disarmed. Everytime we open the door or window, the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Unless you've had some system programming done just before the problem ...
Brinks Alarm1/20/2009
  Q: I decided to stop monitoring my home due to sudden job loss and not enough money. After I cancelled ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There is a code to restore your system, but that has to come from ...
battery replacement1/19/2009
  Q: i have a wall mounted ademco keypad controlling my alarm system---the display now shows "BATT" i'd ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The battery you need to replace is not in the keypad... it's in the ...
DSC Power8321/18/2009
  Q: I have a screen with 3 keypads. I installed and programmed the system myself about 6 years ago. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. This sounds like a power issue. Do you have any trouble conditions showing ...
dsc pc 15001/17/2009
  Q: My system will only work for as long as the battery backup lasts, usually about 12 hours. I have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Sounds like the charging circuit on the main board isn't working. If you ...
Firex FX 10201/15/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you can tell me if the hardwired FX 1020 has battery back up. We have lived here ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I was not able to locate the original specifications for the FX 1020 ...
Night Hawk 2500 carbon monoxide detection system1/12/2009
  Q: We have a Night Hawk 2500 carbon monoxide detection system in the house for about 10 to 15 years (we ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The useful life of CO detectors seems to run between 2 to 7 years, ...
Ademco 20HWse master re-set1/11/2009
  Q: A smoke event triggered the detectors in my new house and the alarm went off. After stopping it, ...
  A: and thanks writing. Yes, you can restore the panel to its factory defaults. But the fact of the ...
moose Z1100E1/10/2009
  Q: i have this system installed in a condo and since i have been here it dose not work that i know of ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't think you'll need an alarm technician for this; any handyman can ...
Security Command Code Lost1/10/2009
  Q: We have a Security Command Executive Series XR20. A while back the back-up battery went out and when ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Please access this link: ...
Smoke Dectector1/9/2009
  Q: Hey Dave, I have a relatively new home, 3 years old. The smoke detectors in the house are electric ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. In order for your smoke detectors to operate correctly, they must ...
firex 120-1072c1/8/2009
  Q: I've been reviewing all the threads on this particular smoke detector and see that others have had ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. I'll answer them in turn... You do not have to disconnect the smoke ...
Smoke Detector Failure1/6/2009
  Q: After trying to locate the source of what was causing my smoke detector system to alarm, I was able ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. That's an interesting find that you've made. I've not heard of ...
Alarm Keeps Going off? Battery Problem?1/5/2009
  Q: I am having some issues with my home security system and I've done a few searches but am not finding ...
  A: Without knowing the model number of your control, it's impossible to give you good advice... so ...
Radionics Omegalarm D61121/3/2009
  Q: What filter type should I add to this system?
  A: .. I'm assuming you're asking about a filter for the phone line... here you are: ...
DSC PC18321/2/2009
  Q: I'm currently learning how to install a basic home security system that uses a DSC PC 1832 Control ...
  A: and thanks for writing. That's a difficult scenario... The PC 1832 allows for four partitions; if ...
DSC 832 PC5010 v2 - dialer function1/2/2009
  Q: I have the subject system up and running but I can't get the dialer function to work. I have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't have any experience in this particular reporting option, but you ...
KIDDIE smoke alarm chirping1/1/2009
  Q: My Ionization Smoke Alarm Modle 1275 started chirping and will not stop. I replaced the 9v battery ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Do two things. First make sure it's the smoke detector that's chirping. ...
Chirping smoke alarm w/ new battery1/1/2009
  Q: I have the BRK 4120b models (6) interconnected and hardwired in my house. I have just replaced ...
  A: and thanks for writing. What you can try is to take the two chirping detectors down (disconnecting ...
EN1550R12/31/2008
  Q: I've had the EN1550 for some 14 years and it has provided me with great service. My monitoring ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The likelihood is that your control is not proprietary; it should be able ...
Morse system MPC-32D12/31/2008
  Q: Obviously we have an ancient system. We recently had some electric work done on the house and then ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Any competent technician can take a look at your old system and match ...
Resetting interconnected Firex system12/29/2008
  Q: Dave, you seem extremely helpful. We have a ten-year-old house with seven interconnected Firex 5000 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If I understand correctly, you still have a 3-beep pattern with the ...
FBI User and Programming manual12/26/2008
  Q: Can you maybe steer me in the right direction on where I can find a FBI Legend Series 90 user and ...
  A: and thanks for your question. FBI equipment was actually manufactured by ADEMCO, and private ...
smoke detectors12/24/2008
  Q: I have house powered/ battery backed up smokes throughout my house. If one specific smoke begins to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. One thing about smoke detectors is that they seem to develop an internal ...
How do i find out security code?12/24/2008
  Q: I just bought a house with a securitylink by Ameritech security system already installed.The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Ameritech used Ademco alarm panels that were re-labeled or "private ...
Door sensors12/23/2008
  Q: I'm getting ready to have an alarm installed in my home. I'm pretty sure I want to go with a wired ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If I understand the gist of the conversation, the installer was ...
Security Camera12/23/2008
  Q: I bought a wireless security camera. I have an electrical outlet outside, but the AC Adapter that ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I think the easiest thing to do would be to go to a Home Depot or Lowes, ...
PC2500 Keypad12/22/2008
  Q: I have a DSC PC 2500 system with two keypads. Both keypads have buttons which do not work ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I think your best bet will be to look for newer, compatible keypads. There ...
False alarms firex xmoke detector12/21/2008
  Q: I have been my new home for 4 years. I have been dealing with false alarms with my Firex Model FADC ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's likely that only one of the detectors is acting up. Try ...
newly installed system causing phone line problems12/21/2008
  Q: i recently had a system installed at my small business. We started noticing the phone ringing once ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If the alarm system is causing the interruption of incoming phone ...
home alarm system12/20/2008
  Q: Back in July you answered a question for someone named Lilly about her alarm system with a "bat" ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You'll probably have a difficult time acquiring a cabinet key for the ...
DSC PC1500- alarm shut off?12/20/2008
  Q: My alarm is setting off on its own and i need to know how to completely shut it off. Yesterday we ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you want to permanently disable your system, it's a two-step process. ...
Vista 20se12/19/2008
  Q: Dave is it possiable to retrieve the master or installer code from my system. I have had this system ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Look in the index of the installation manual that you downloaded. ...
ADT Alarm system and power outage12/18/2008
  Q: Dave: A recent power failure for a few days disrupted the alarm system. I noticed that when the ...
  A: Mark. Programming information is stored in a EEPROM, which is non-volatile, meaning that it won't ...
Chirping Smoke Detector12/18/2008
  Q: A couple of nights ago there was strong winds which made the electricity go out several times for a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, if you can find the make and model of your detectors, I'll try to ...
ADT Alarm system and power outage12/17/2008
  Q: Dave: A recent power failure for a few days disrupted the alarm system. I noticed that when the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a few things you can look into before incurring the cost of a ...
Smoke Alarm won't stop beeping.12/17/2008
  Q: I live in an apartment that has a Kidde combination smoke/CO2 detector (sorry, I can't tell what ...
  A: and thanks for your question. First, check to make sure some other device isn't beeping. Typical ...
alarm12/16/2008
  Q: vacant home next door has alarm that has been going off for 24 hrs. police cant help.. should i set ...
  A: Mike -- I can sympathize with you, but burning the house down will only cause more noise from the ...
connecting smoke alarms to Ademco security device12/16/2008
  Q: I have just installed new smoke alarms throughout my house. They are hardwired and interconnected. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The problem is that household detectors such as those you installed ...
Smoke alarm malfunctions??12/15/2008
  Q: I am desperate for answers! I have a new home, 3years old, with 7 hardwired/ battery back up smoke ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If I understand the issue correctly, all the units are working except the ...
DSC Power832 alarm going off when not armed12/15/2008
  Q: For the past couple of days, my alarm has been going off randomly when it is not armed while I'm ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Tamper alarms protect the alarm system itself from compromise. And ...
Changing all previous codes and master code12/14/2008
  Q: How do I change my master code, so that I may be able to change/delete other temporary codes that ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Every manufacturer has different procedures for changing access ...
Is this good security system(planing on DIY)12/14/2008
  Q: I am planing on installing wireless home security in my house and would like to get an opinion on ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your equipment list is certainly enough for a basic system. But I ...
Best option for a prewired house.12/12/2008
  Q: I purchased a Centex home that is pre-wired for a home security system. What is the best option for ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You have a few options. First the lowest cost is to do it yourself. ...
Kidde model 1225 smoke detector12/11/2008
  Q: I have (3) Kidde model 1225 smoke detectors (hardwired), one keeps chirping, can a newer model ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If the detectors are getting old (say 7 to 10 years), I'd suggest ...
Integrated Residential Smoke Detectors12/11/2008
  Q: This involves an integrated smoke detector system in a residence with an attached in-law unit. The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. On the face of it, I'd say the detector in the in-law unit is not working ...
False alarm12/10/2008
  Q: This evening all ten of our smoke detectors went off at the same time. We ran around in a panic ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Smoke detectors act on "particles of combustion" which can be ...
Napco 850 AC Power Failure12/9/2008
  Q: I have a Napco Magnum Alert 850 security the system. My system is indicating an AC power failure as ...
  A: Ah, I was afraid of that. Now the issue is less certain, and you may have to make a decision. ...
Napco 850 AC Power Failure12/9/2008
  Q: I have a Napco Magnum Alert 850 security the system. My system is indicating an AC power failure as ...
  A: Ed. It's probably not a bad transformer; they're only a couple of coils of wire, and when they ...
Napco 850 AC Power Failure12/8/2008
  Q: I have a Napco Magnum Alert 850 security the system. My system is indicating an AC power failure as ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If power is confirmed at the receptacle, then there are only a few ...
loud tone from PC255012/7/2008
  Q: I have had my DSC PC2550 for 12 years now with out a problem, till now. Once in a while after it is ...
  A: Is it possible that the continuous tone is coming from the siren? I ask because I know of no other ...
loud tone from PC255012/6/2008
  Q: I have had my DSC PC2550 for 12 years now with out a problem, till now. Once in a while after it is ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Please try this to discover what the issue might be: The PC2550 ...
FBI XL 4600 Door Chime12/5/2008
  Q: Dave, Opposite of the FBI XL 4600 Door Chime question from 11/16/2008. We moved into a house ...
  A: and thanks for writing. As you can see from the previous qustion and answer, this is something that ...
beeping noise12/3/2008
  Q: Will any smoke alarms beep forever when the battery is low or will they all stop beeping when the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. To answer your first question, AC powered smoke detectors with battery ...
Replacing 12V battery12/3/2008
  Q: I believe my security system is an Ademco 10se. I received the low battery warning, and replaced ...
  A: The Vista 10 and variants like the SE date back to the early 1990's. Because of the age of these ...
Firex Combo Smoke/CO alarm model #FADCQ12/2/2008
  Q: I read your reply to a similar problem--it was extraordinarily helpful. We have purchased a ...
  A: and thanks for your question and comments. I don't recall the specific post you mentioned, but I do ...
hardwired smoke co2 detectors12/2/2008
  Q: We recently installed new hardwired smoke & carbon monoxide detectors in a 30+ year old house. I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm assuming this is First Alert Model SCO7CN, the voice model. If this is ...
radionics11/28/2008
  Q: i have a d2112 the key pad ok light keeps blinking,book says to call for service.
  A: It's just a guess, but the system's backup battery is probably failing. The backup battery has a ...
Radionics keypad panels11/26/2008
  Q: I have a radionics security alarm system with two keypad panels. One by the garage door and another ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Absolutely, you can exchange the keypads, and the task is not difficult. ...
Master Code DSC PC501011/25/2008
  Q: I bought a bank owned home with a DSC PC5010 alarm system. There is no monitoring company and the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If the installers code has not been changed, you can use that to ...
Smoke Detector testing11/24/2008
  Q: Ours is a Fire Fighting equipment manufacturing and trading company. We are looking for a setup in ...
  A: Girish. This is way beyond my expertise. My experience is with detectors and controls that have ...
dsc 150011/22/2008
  Q: i was getting a trouble light and beeping for low battery i changed out the battery and now the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Given the age of the panel, the main board may have failed. However, there ...
smoke detectors11/21/2008
  Q: My smoke detectors are hard wired. They began chirpping, not at once, and I changed the battery. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It may be that your detectors are on their last legs; most manufacturers ...
false alarms11/21/2008
  Q: I have 5 hard wired firex smoke detectors in my house. For 2 days now the alarms have been going ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It's likely only one of your detectors is initiating the alarm, but because ...
Casement windows protection11/20/2008
  Q: Neuweiler: I am installing a new alarm system in my home. I have Marvin casement windows that are ...
  A: Glad to have been able to help, John. Regarding your search for motion detectors, I think your ...
Casement windows protection11/20/2008
  Q: Neuweiler: I am installing a new alarm system in my home. I have Marvin casement windows that are ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From an electronic security viewpoint, whether windows are difficult to ...
Fire Alarm System11/19/2008
  Q: I know that a conventional smoke detector system only shows the zone as location if a fire occurs. ...
  A: From a practical standpoint, it's easier to consider that signals from a detector to the control can ...
First Alert SA86b11/19/2008
  Q: I interconnected 5 SA86B detectors. About 2 minutes after the heat came on they all went off as they ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't see a question though, so I'm not certain how to respond. But I do ...
Home Security - DSC PC250011/17/2008
  Q: My home security shows Trouble flashing on the panel and keeps beeping and I can not alarm the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. While you may not have any smoke detectors connected to the system, there ...
FBI XL 4600 Door Chime11/16/2008
  Q: Dave, We moved into a house with an existing alarm system w/a FBI 4600 RM keypad. I am using the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I checked the instructions for the FBI XL 4600 control. The chime feature ...
DSC Problem - PC1500RK11/16/2008
  Q: I have a DSC PC1500 (6 zone) security system. A little while ago, my trouble light came on - ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The PC 1500 has been around since 1992, so you have an aged-system. ...
smoke detector mofel 127511/15/2008
  Q: we have model 1275 smoke detector and need the manual. We cannont stop the chirping even tho the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Disconnect the electric harness and remove the battery. Then press and hold ...
Moose Alarm system11/14/2008
  Q: I have a Moose z800 security system, it came with the house we bought and has been trouble free ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here are two links. The first is for the user's manual for your ...
Sprinkler Pipe Codes11/13/2008
  Q: I live in a condo and this past weekend while installing new moulding, I punctured a sprinkler pipe ...
  A: .. and sorry to hear about your mis-adventure. The best source for this information would be your ...
Radio Shack security/fire alarm system11/13/2008
  Q: Dave, you answered a question back in July about a replacement smoke detector for Radio Shack model ...
  A: Glad to have been able to help, Jim. Yes, 10 years seems to be pretty consistent across different ...
Radio Shack security/fire alarm system11/12/2008
  Q: Dave, you answered a question back in July about a replacement smoke detector for Radio Shack model ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I normally don't recommend any particular vendor or product. ...
security camera hooked to vcr11/12/2008
  Q: I recently hooked up a swann outdoor nite hawk security camera through my vcr to the tv . Everything ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I have to admit that some "do-it-yourself" security solutions are outside ...
Firex 120-1072C11/11/2008
  Q: Dave My home is wired with a bunch of these smoke alarms and one keeps chirping about once a ...
  A: and thanks for writing. When you removed the battery and pressed the test button, had you also ...
Home Security Alarm11/11/2008
  Q: I have a Caddx Ranger 8980E home security system. One of the zone lights (room has a motion ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You've already tried the only available user's way to reset the ...
reset switch location, 7450-xlt aes alarm unit11/10/2008
  Q: Can you help us to find the reset switch for our unit? We have a low battery alarm and have ...
  A: Well, a couple of thoughts... First, in looking at the manual for the XR 20, I didn't see an option ...
reset switch location, 7450-xlt aes alarm unit11/10/2008
  Q: Can you help us to find the reset switch for our unit? We have a low battery alarm and have ...
  A: Karen... I think we're getting closer to the solution, and I'm getting a clearer picture of your ...
reset switch location, 7450-xlt aes alarm unit11/9/2008
  Q: Can you help us to find the reset switch for our unit? We have a low battery alarm and have ...
  A: Karen. Okay... the low battery is not in the radio transmitter (although it does have its own ...
reset switch location, 7450-xlt aes alarm unit11/9/2008
  Q: Can you help us to find the reset switch for our unit? We have a low battery alarm and have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm not personally familiar with this piece of equipment; it is a radio ...
alarm system11/7/2008
  Q: my alarm system died after a rainstorm. the keypad says something like-"communication not ...
  A: Susan. From what you wrote, it seems likely that your control panel is one of ADEMCO's Vista series. ...
Napco Magnum Alert MA 1000e security system11/5/2008
  Q: Dave, i have the same symptoms as Hank from 1/2/08. i too have an old system (circa 1994) i ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I never heard from Hank whether he replaced the battery or found ...
DCS 1500 Home security system11/4/2008
  Q: The panel chirps (twice) every 8 seconds. I can't figure out why this is happening. I can't find any ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's the answer from the user's manual for your control: The ...
Lifesaver 1225 smoke detector11/3/2008
  Q: One of my smoke detectors started to beep every 30 seconds. Opened it & found that it is hard wired ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The Lifesaver 1225 is an older Kidde model, and I've never been able ...
Smoke detector11/1/2008
  Q: I rent a (smal) condo with a hardwired smoke detector. It the past week this thing has been driving ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I have three points for you... First, disabling a smoke detector because ...
DSC300011/1/2008
  Q: I had to relocate a smoke alarm and siren to another room. I disconnected the power at the panel ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Assuming that you correctly reconnected everything after the move, the ...
DSC Power 832 trouble light10/30/2008
  Q: I have a problem with a trouble light on my DSC Power 832/PC5015 system. I followed the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The true test of a backup battery is its ability to perform under load. As ...
Detector beeps every 37 seconds10/30/2008
  Q: Beeping started about 3 days ago. I replaced the Battery but the beeping continued. I cleaned the ...
  A: Hell Richard, and thanks for your question. There should be no correlation between temperature and ...
morse panel10/29/2008
  Q: i am dealing with a morse panel the panel tested ok at first then upon retesting the panel the panel ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Morse is one of the brands that I did not work with. But pulling the chip ...
Disconnecting alarm system10/28/2008
  Q: Dave. I bought a house that has a Moose Z1100e security system. The back-up batter has died, so the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You can disable your system by powering it down. Here's how. ...
security system keypad10/27/2008
  Q: My security system used to beep when someone opened a door, now it does not, not since I lost power ...
  A: Without the master code, you're pretty well stuck. The master code is initially programmed by the ...
security system keypad10/27/2008
  Q: My security system used to beep when someone opened a door, now it does not, not since I lost power ...
  A: Kay -- the information does help. Here are the directions for enabling the Chime Feature: Door ...
My alarm system.10/26/2008
  Q: Neuweiler I have a couple of Questions about my alarm system for you. The first question is : I had ...
  A: .. Here's a link where you can download the user's manual for your system: ...
My alarm system.10/26/2008
  Q: Neuweiler I have a couple of Questions about my alarm system for you. The first question is : I had ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. You didn't mention the brand and model of your security control, so ...
hard wired carbon monoxide detector10/25/2008
  Q: We have the Brinks security system that includes the hard wired carbon monoxide detector. It ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The method of disconnecting a hard-wired detector depends on a few ...
MPC-2000 Faraday Fire Panel10/25/2008
  Q: This fire panel has a yellow trouble alarm reading "Signal Circuit Open". At first, it only ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Nomenclature varies between manufacturers, so "signal circuit" indicates ...
security system keypad10/24/2008
  Q: My security system used to beep when someone opened a door, now it does not, not since I lost power ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Over the years, ADT has used dozens of different control panels from ...
Ionization Smoke Alarm Model 127510/23/2008
  Q: Last night one of my alarms started beeping like crazy. We have several in the house and just the ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. First off, here's a link where you can download a manual for your ...
Master code reset?10/22/2008
  Q: Our nanny entered the house and entered the wrong code. She paniced and played with the "programing ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Unless the Nanny had access to either the Installer's Code or the Master ...
PC 2550 Alarm10/21/2008
  Q: The #4 light came on the other night around 1 am, of course in the early morning, and I thought a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Unless you pressed [*] [2] on the keypad to enable you to view system ...
chirping Firex FADC system10/21/2008
  Q: We have a 2003 modular, not HUD code, home outfitted with 6 interconnected Firex Model FADC smoke ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your grounding system looks to be more than adequate; I see no problem ...
DSC PC1555 - Failure to clear trouble condition (LED)10/19/2008
  Q: ....Service required. Call your installation company for service.- Says the manual. First some ...
  A: John. Zone light 1 is battery supervision. This is the large battery in the control panel. The ...
Smoke Alarm Firex Model FADC Chirping10/17/2008
  Q: We have three Firex Model FADC which are interconnected. Chirping started a week ago and we ...
  A: Well, I've seen several cases where it turned out the smoke detectors weren't chirping at all; there ...
DSC PC1555 - Backlight10/16/2008
  Q: How do I toggle the keypad backlighting option off? The previous owner programmed the unit; I'm ...
  A: Ah, that's too bad, John. You could default the panel to restore the installer's code to 5555, but ...
Smoke Alarm Firex Model FADC Chirping10/15/2008
  Q: We have three Firex Model FADC which are interconnected. Chirping started a week ago and we ...
  A: here's what you can try. Turn the power off to the smoke detectors. Then remove all of the ...
DSC PC1555 - Backlight10/15/2008
  Q: How do I toggle the keypad backlighting option off? The previous owner programmed the unit; I'm ...
  A: and thanks for that link. That's a variation that I did not know about. Just goes to show that I ...
DSC PC1555 - Backlight10/14/2008
  Q: How do I toggle the keypad backlighting option off? The previous owner programmed the unit; I'm ...
  A: and thanks for your question. As far as I know, there is no option for toggling the backlight on ...
home security system10/13/2008
  Q: I have hard wired ADT home security system and monitoring service (right now not under contract). I ...
  A: The X-10 system that's on the web page is a complete and separate system. If you intend to replace ...
USI 1204 smoke detectors10/12/2008
  Q: Approximately 1 month ago, my USI smoke detectors started chirping (always the one in the MBr and 4x ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Let me get this straight... the only detector that's chirping was in the ...
"FC" and "BAT" readout with rapid beeping10/10/2008
  Q: Today our Ademco system (either via-30psa or vista-10se - don't know which it is) started a rapid ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The BAT message refers to "low battery" for the system back-up ...
PC1500/155010/10/2008
  Q: We live in Alberta, Canada. We purchased a home with a PC1500/1550 which we are not having ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I need a little more information in order to help. First, does your keypad ...
en1550 alarm system10/9/2008
  Q: My system show no lights or response from the keypads. I disconected the battery and it notified ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Some things can be figured out be the exchange of e-mail, but some ...
Camera security10/8/2008
  Q: I would like to buy the motion wireless camera that will record any motion into computer Hard drive. ...
  A: Here are a few more sources you can review; but please note -- I do not endorse or recommend any ...
Camera security10/8/2008
  Q: I would like to buy the motion wireless camera that will record any motion into computer Hard drive. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a source that you may find interesting: ...
disconnect security, but keep fire alarms10/2/2008
  Q: We recently purchased a house with a 10 yr old, security system with no directions or information. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. No, you can't use the smoke detectors without the system, since the ...
Similar to recent question -- chirping even with new battery9/20/2008
  Q: FireX 120-1072B single/multiple station alarm. Bi annual replacement of 9 volt battery (Duracell ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Try this: disconnect both the AC and battery and hold the test button down ...
beeping alarm, even with new battery9/18/2008
  Q: Howdy! We lost power for several days from lovely Hurricane IKE, and the ranger american alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Ranger American is an installing company that uses equipment that is ...
PC1555 link to my computer9/18/2008
  Q: How can I obtain the parts and software to connect my system to a computer? Are there Linux ...
  A: and thanks for writing. DSC panels, as far as I know, have no useful means of connectiong to a home ...
DSC PC1550 shows trouble light9/17/2008
  Q: I have the DSC PC1550 system in our house. I use it but it is not monitored. Recently I switched ...
  A: and thanks for your question. That's not exactly a case of no dial tone -- but the loss of dial ...
Electronics Link Summit 3208gld9/16/2008
  Q: I own a property in a none English speaking country and it has a Electronics Link Summit 3208GLD ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Every once in a while, somebody asks me a question about a piece of ...
BRK Alarm Model 4120B9/15/2008
  Q: Has there been any recall on this model of alarm? The alarm started chirping, it seemed as if the ...
  A: I don't know that reporting the issue to the BBB will do much good; this issue is a few years old, ...
BRK Alarm Model 4120B9/15/2008
  Q: Has there been any recall on this model of alarm? The alarm started chirping, it seemed as if the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The answer is "yes." Here are a few links with more information. I ...
House alarm will not stop beeping9/14/2008
  Q: We have had a power outage because of the hurricane. All power is restored, but not matter what I do ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You can power-down your system to stop the beeping. To do this, you'll need ...
security code9/13/2008
  Q: I purchased a new condo last year with the FA260 Kepad. I never used the system and never recieved ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's a common one. The short answer is that you cannot recover the ...
DSC PC 15509/11/2008
  Q: We were involved with Hurricane Gustav. We lost electrical power for 4 days. When power restored, I ...
  A: John, and I'm glad you're back up and running. By the way, I'm in South Florida and when we lost ...
DSC PC 15509/9/2008
  Q: We were involved with Hurricane Gustav. We lost electrical power for 4 days. When power restored, I ...
  A: Pressing *2 should display the trouble code, but again, there's nothing that I know of that would ...
Restarting Old DSC PC2550 System9/9/2008
  Q: I purchased an older home that had a PC2550 alarm system installed. The previous owner had not used ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Since you are able to clear all the zone issues by bypassing them, the ...
Cannot arm - 832 (5015)9/8/2008
  Q: My alarm is an 832 (5015 v2.28) with a 5501 keypad. Two days ago it came on with the trouble light ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, removing all power caused you to have to reset the clock. But ...
First Alert SC70101BV9/7/2008
  Q: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Security-Fire-Protection-2247/2008/7/Nuisance-alarms-1.htm We are also ...
  A: Units as new as yours are probably not in need of cleaning, unless you've done drywall work or the ...
Installation9/6/2008
  Q: When installing the Power 832 system, after all items have been connected, what is connected last AC ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You can connect in either order. I always preferred to connect the ...
Zone Definition9/5/2008
  Q: I have a basic question, An Ademco Vista 20P advertizes 48 zones total. Is a zone defined as X ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There's no limit to the number of detection devices that can be ...
1500 system door chime (keepwatch 6?)9/4/2008
  Q: I have a system labeled 'keepwatch 6' from VSN, but it looks like a PC1500 or DSC1500 or 1550 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. As far as I know, the basic keyboard commands on DSC controls are pretty ...
Error9/3/2008
  Q: I have a ATA on my alarm which uses broadband to communicate with the security system. It is not ...
  A: Liz. There could be a number of issues in play here, and I trust that the security folks have ...
impossible battery access on hard wired fire alarm system9/2/2008
  Q: I have a hard wired fire alarm system. It chirps when the back up battery is supposed to be ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It's pretty common to have to remove the detector from its base to change ...
Kidde Alarm Power Loss Beeping9/1/2008
  Q: I'm purchasing a repo'd home that has a kidde smoke alarm system. It is wired through ac. When I ...
  A: It's not uncommon for unpowered systems to "go nuts" when power is restored. Usually, this last but ...
ADEMCO 4110 chirping8/31/2008
  Q: We recently bought a 5 year old house, with ADEMCO 4110XM installed, but not hooked up to a service ...
  A: To completely disable the system, you need to do two things. First, disconnect the AC power. That's ...
Smoke Detector alarming with positive pressure8/28/2008
  Q: I have a problem with my smoke detectors sounding when a window is open in my house on breezy / ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I doubt that air pressure is the cause; more likely air movement. Here's ...
Bell/Siren Problem8/28/2008
  Q: I have a DSC832/PC5010 based system. The bell circuit terminals have constant voltage applied ...
  A: .. They're correct. The PC5204 is a power supply module, not a control. It's sometimes used to ...
Trouble8/26/2008
  Q: I live in Newfoundland, Canada and have an 8 year old home. During its construction, I had a DSC ...
  A: Greg. There are a few things you can check. The first is to ensure that the connections you made ...
PC1550 Control semi-false alarms8/24/2008
  Q: Dave, We have a PC1550 control. Several times per week, we wake up or return to the house and the ...
  A: Ah... programmed as silent... of course the horn won't sound. Change it to audible, and you'll be ...
Resetting Smoke Detector8/24/2008
  Q: I've looked up a few different methods for resetting them, but mine, while its hooked up to the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Greetings from Royal Palm Beach. I've not much information to go on to ...
PC1550 Control semi-false alarms8/23/2008
  Q: Dave, We have a PC1550 control. Several times per week, we wake up or return to the house and the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Two thoughts come to mind. First, a more functional test would be to ...
Interconnected Smoke Alarms8/22/2008
  Q: I have AC powered/battery backup smoke alarms with the same annoying habit of "announcing their ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The red wire is the one that interconnects all the smoke detectors, with ...
DSC832 / PC5010 Stay Function8/22/2008
  Q: Due to recent events I'm setting up the stay feature on my existing 832 / PC5010 with LCD keypads. ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. I can't think of a way to set the alarm in stay mode without the ...
dsc 16168/19/2008
  Q: i recently installed a dsc 1616, but i either accidentally deleted the master combination, enterred ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I think you can use the installer code (default 5555) or the master ...
recent fire alarm installation8/14/2008
  Q: i recently had a professional installation completed of a fire alarm system with detections and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From a fire alarm point of view, there's nothing wrong with surface-mounted ...
DSC Alarm System showing Trouble8/13/2008
  Q: I've read through all the other questions and I can't find the answer I'm looking for. I'm hoping ...
  A: Sure thing, Sarah. Open the alarm panel and you'll see the battery in the bottom of the enclosure. ...
DSC 832 Bell not working8/13/2008
  Q: My alarm system works great except one thing. The alarm bell has recently stopped working. There ...
  A: Well, I'd guess it's the bell, but I can't be sure. The way to tell would be to apply 12 volts ...
DSC Alarm System showing Trouble8/12/2008
  Q: I've read through all the other questions and I can't find the answer I'm looking for. I'm hoping ...
  A: Excellent! Here's a link where you can download the User's Manual for your system: ...
DCS Alarm System showing Trouble8/12/2008
  Q: I've read through all the other questions and I can't find the answer I'm looking for. I'm hoping ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'd never heard of DCS as an equipment type, so a couple of questions ...
Kidde 1275 smoke alarms8/11/2008
  Q: This morning, one of my six units started to chirp. I proceeded to remove the battery and replace ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If the red LED is flashing once every 30-40 seconds, that indicates normal ...
BRK Smoke Detector Chirping8/10/2008
  Q: I have just changed all the batteries in my hard wired smoke detectors and all of them are taking ...
  A: You didn't mention the make and model of your detector, so this is generic advice... Most smoke ...
motion sensor zone stays open8/9/2008
  Q: My wife was painting the living room where the motion sensor was and had to remove it fromthe wall. ...
  A: Well, that is truly depressing. Since closing the circuit independently of the motion detector ...
Radionics security system8/8/2008
  Q: Dave, This alarm was installed in 1999 and never activated. we are renting the house now and it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If your intent is to disable the system, then I can help. You'll need to ...
DSC 832 Bell not working8/7/2008
  Q: My alarm system works great except one thing. The alarm bell has recently stopped working. There ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The bell circuit on your panel is supervised, so a wiring fault ...
motion sensor zone stays open8/6/2008
  Q: My wife was painting the living room where the motion sensor was and had to remove it fromthe wall. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Most alarm devices use a "Form C" contact, which has three terminals: C for ...
false alarms8/5/2008
  Q: Kidde Fyrnetics model 1275 - we have several and most have been going off by themselves. They are ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Let's take those questions in turn. If memory serves, the operating range ...
magnum alert8/2/2008
  Q: I bought a house with a Magnum Alert 1008 (keypad RP1054D). How can I reset the code so that I can ...
  A: The Magnum Alert 1008 is an obsolete control from the late 1980's. Elsewhere in this forum I've ...
False Alarms - Firex 50008/1/2008
  Q: A couple of years ago, my smoke detectors went off in the middle of the night (it was and continues ...
  A: First, here's a link (at the bottom of the page)to download the manual for your detectors: ...
first alert SA3027/30/2008
  Q: I have had this first alert Model SA302 for 6months and it started chirping so i replaced battery. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are two things for you to do. First, check that it's actually the ...
Ademco security alarm beeps/battery?7/30/2008
  Q: About one week ago, our 7 year old alarms started spontaneously beeping (not the loud panic alarm, ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here are the possibilities. The main control panel (not the keypad) has a ...
false alarm7/29/2008
  Q: Apex Advantage system, over 10 yrs old...getting a "kitchen window open" every once in a while. If ...
  A: Hell Jim, and thanks for your question. It's not possible to troubleshoot this over the Internet, ...
Nuisance alarms7/28/2008
  Q: It's 4a.m. and I'm writing because our hard wired fire alarm system is sounding (it's only six ...
  A: Patricia. Here's where you can download manuals for (almost) everything on your list: ...
Nuisance alarms7/28/2008
  Q: It's 4a.m. and I'm writing because our hard wired fire alarm system is sounding (it's only six ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If you can tell me the make and model number of your detectors, I can give ...
Keeps Chirping!7/27/2008
  Q: I was woken out of a sound sleep at 3am to my two alarms (Lifesaver Model 1275) going back in forth ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link where you can download a copy of the manual for your ...
how can I tell if I have interconnected fire alarms?7/26/2008
  Q: I recently bought a house that was built in 1999 or 2000 in Jacksonville, FL. I'd like to replace ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Given the date your house was built, I'd be surprised if the smoke ...
Firex model FADC7/25/2008
  Q: I bought 5 Firex smoke alarms Model FADC item # 46186 for my new house. I wired them in series and ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Firex had a voluntary recall on some combination smoke/carbon ...
Audible Beep on Exit7/20/2008
  Q: How do I remove the audible beep on exit? I have a Moose Z1100, System I. It used to work fine and ...
  A: and thanks for your question. That'd be a programming option for the beep on exit. You'll need the ...
DSC Power 832 No Green Light7/18/2008
  Q: The other night the power went off while our security system was armed. The alarm went off and when ...
  A: Okay... you've narrowed the problem to a glass-break detector in the dining room. There are several ...
DSC Power 832 No Green Light7/16/2008
  Q: The other night the power went off while our security system was armed. The alarm went off and when ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are numerous reasons why systems cannot be armed. The most likely ...
morse mdc167/15/2008
  Q: I am locked out of programming on a Morse mdc 16c security panel and optex wont support it. I know ...
  A: I don't know this line of equipment, so I can't answer your question. You can get a copy of the ...
First Alert Security system FA 120 C7/14/2008
  Q: inherited this system from the previous owner/ all zones works and I do not have the code to reset ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The installation manual for your system is available here, for a fee: ...
model 12757/13/2008
  Q: v r facing this problem since 4days continiously every night at 2.00 am our alarm beeps but not ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Your detectors probably need to be cleaned. This should be done on at least ...
Replacement central smoke alarm unit7/11/2008
  Q: Several years ago I installed a RS central burg alarm system and added their smoke/fire unit. I ...
  A: Steve. I was able to locate some documentation on the system here: ...
"Cellular" backup failed in bad weather...7/11/2008
  Q: If I was a burglar I'd come to the house on a cloudy, or even better - on a day with thunderstorms ...
  A: John, thanks for the additional information. I am familiar with that DSC product. A couple of ...
Kidde Frynetics7/9/2008
  Q: Dave, I found your answer to an earlier question on the Fyrnetics smoke detector model 1275, here: ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's the information on the green LED: "The green LED is located ...
Power issue?7/8/2008
  Q: We have a security system which isn't currently monitored. It came with the house we just purchased. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link through which you can download the user manual for ...
Fire panel getting reset automatically7/7/2008
  Q: what will be the response of fire panel incase of low battery other than the indiaction in panel?
  A: and thanks for your question. If your fire panel is monitored by a central station, then in ...
first alert pro FA2157/7/2008
  Q: I inherited a First Alert FA215 home alarm system from a previous owner three years ago. I've never ...
  A: Lilly. It looks like you have a couple of things going on. First, you've had alarms on zones 4 and ...
Ghost in alarm system7/6/2008
  Q: Ever since I first had smoke detectors installed (1991), I have had trouble with the one closest to ...
  A: Anne. Since the problem detector is at the top of a stairwell, consider that smoke and particles of ...
Ghost in alarm system7/6/2008
  Q: Ever since I first had smoke detectors installed (1991), I have had trouble with the one closest to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. When one detector in a group of detectors is always the only one to go off ...
Firex Model 5000 chirping and alarming7/4/2008
  Q: I have five interconnected firex model 5000s. One has been replaced three times. The last two ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I doubt that either the AC power or interconnect connections are the ...
first alert pro FA2157/4/2008
  Q: I inherited a First Alert FA215 home alarm system from a previous owner three years ago. I've never ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I can't even guess what the trouble might be. Each time the keypad ...
Cerberus Pyrotronics - Lightning7/2/2008
  Q: I have a Cerberus Pyrotronic panel (10 years old), that during a lightning storm, I can almost ...
  A: Well, Mike, I'm afraid I won't be much help on this one. Pyrotronics was part of Wells Fargo Alarm ...
DSC power 832 trouble light is on #27/1/2008
  Q: my power 832 trouble light #2 is on, i have checked the AC power, it is good. can anyone please tell ...
  A: Well, the battery is a separate trouble light (7). Bell circuit trouble would be a broken or cut ...
DSC power 832 trouble light is on #27/1/2008
  Q: my power 832 trouble light #2 is on, i have checked the AC power, it is good. can anyone please tell ...
  A: Here's a description of the 832 trouble lights: A description of the various troubles are as ...
Fire alarm going off in the middle of the night6/30/2008
  Q: I was up at 3am reading up all answers regarding smoke alarms going off at night without apparent ...
  A: Ah! You've already founfd the instructions for cleaning... that's all there is to it, really. Use ...
Fire alarm going off in the middle of the night6/30/2008
  Q: I was up at 3am reading up all answers regarding smoke alarms going off at night without apparent ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. First, I'm happy that you found the probable cause of the false ...
Loss of power6/29/2008
  Q: System has no power. Replaced battery, just in case, but still have no power.
  A: There are two sources of power for an alarm system. The first, primary source is AC power, supplied ...
DSC Power 832 system trouble light (code #4)6/28/2008
  Q: I had my system monitored. I canceled my monitoring. Everything good for last year or so. My power ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The situation you describe can be fixed through the control's programming. ...
smoke detector location6/27/2008
  Q: I am building a gambrel barn style home with a loft and am curious about smoke detector location. ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. In smoke detection there are many variables to consider. It's also a ...
BRK Smoke Detector chirping6/25/2008
  Q: I have a two and one half year old condo that has been not lived in for 6 months. I have renters ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There is one more thing you can try. Do this for each detector that's ...
BRK SC9120B and BRK carbon monoxide detectors wont stop chirping6/24/2008
  Q: We just bought a brand new home with roughly 9 smoke alarms, some are combo carbon monoxide/smoke. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's a link to the manual for the combination smoke/CO detector: ...
Lightening Strike and Alarm system6/23/2008
  Q: Dave, I read a previous post of yours on a lightening strike. I have a Honeywell XL-4 7105 system. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. That's a near-impossible question to evaluate over the Internet. I ...
Smart Water6/22/2008
  Q: Is the Smart Water system worth all the hype? It seems like a great idea. It can be set up as part ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I had not heard of this product until your note. Apparently it's been ...
blinking led light6/22/2008
  Q: Last night my smoke alarm went off for no reason.(Kidde combo smoke and carbon monoxide talking ...
  A: Rosalie. Let's look at what the LED indicators should be showing. First, the green indicator ...
Random chirping on smoke alarms - always in the middle of the night!6/20/2008
  Q: I have 4 hard-wired smoke detectors (KIDDE Model i2020CA). I am getting random "chirps" in the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. A once-a-month occurrence is a pretty daunting thing to troubleshoot. Now, ...
replaced battery6/20/2008
  Q: I replaced my alarm battery and the alarm in one of the keypads keeps beeping. I goes beep, beep, ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The fading "beeps" is indicative of a power problem. If you've ...
Firex 5000 - two sets of four beeps (when I walk under it)!6/19/2008
  Q: I didn't see anything exactly like it in searching the site. We have two Firex 5000 hardwired smoke ...
  A: Very interesting, Brian. I've never heard of the like. If you want to conduct a few experiments, I ...
False Alarm from Smoke Detectors6/16/2008
  Q: During a heavy rain storm with a lot of wind and a distant thunder storm, our smoke detectors went ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Lighting is a frequent contributor to false alarms for all kinds of ...
Smoke Detectors6/14/2008
  Q: New house wired with 120v kiddie 1276 smokes in 99% of the house, however, the first smoke in the ...
  A: Lori... I'll try to answer your questions in turn: Why would a security company set up a monitoring ...
Smoke Detectors6/14/2008
  Q: New house wired with 120v kiddie 1276 smokes in 99% of the house, however, the first smoke in the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a hyperlink to the owner's manual for your Kidde smoke ...
Interconnected smoke detectors6/13/2008
  Q: Dave, I read in your answer to another question that interconnected smoke detectors are currently ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I don't recall the year when interconnected smoke detectors were ...
Firex heat and smoke alarms - interconnected but not setting off each other6/9/2008
  Q: We just purchased a foreclosure 3 family with hard wired, 6 interconnected, compatible Firex heat ...
  A: I couldn't say whether the installation of the house meter has anything to do with it; I would think ...
Firex heat and smoke alarms - interconnected but not setting off each other6/9/2008
  Q: We just purchased a foreclosure 3 family with hard wired, 6 interconnected, compatible Firex heat ...
  A: and thanks for the information. The two types are compatible with one another, which was my initial ...
Low battery DCS PC15006/6/2008
  Q: We have recently purchased a house with this alarm in it. Yesterday, the alarm would go off for ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, it's time to replace the battery. I recently replaced the ...
dsc 15006/4/2008
  Q: i have a dsc1500 that has been out of operation for a while but when i powered it up the key pad is ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It could be the main system board, but I'd double check the wiring ...
adding a smoke detector6/1/2008
  Q: Dave, I have recently finished my unfinished basement. I ran wire from the one smoke detector ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I could not find compatibility information for the current FIREX ...
Smoke alarm (Firex)5/28/2008
  Q: i have a hard wired smoke detector system in my home and removed one of the detectors about a week ...
  A: Chris, it's normal for a detector to sound for a second or two when it's powered up. And since the ...
Smoke alarm (Firex)5/28/2008
  Q: i have a hard wired smoke detector system in my home and removed one of the detectors about a week ...
  A: Sounds like the new detector you bought is not compatible with the old ones. What you need to do is ...
smoke detector5/25/2008
  Q: I have the BRK model 4919 hard wired smoke detectors in my home. One has broken and when looking to ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's a good one. Most specification sheets will list the devices with ...
Brinks home system expansion5/23/2008
  Q: Dave: I have a current Brinks deluxe home system and I want to add a wireless keyfob, smoke and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Brinks does not sell their systems to customers.. they LEASE only. They ...
dead system5/22/2008
  Q: Dave, My ademco vista-20HWse system is totally dead. The fuse isn't blown and I have voltage at the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Well, you can check the standby battery. Look for corroded terminals. ...
Alarm window contacts question5/21/2008
  Q: I contacted you before to see if it was possible to replace a faulty window contact/sensor on our ...
  A: Janet, you're the best! You should have no issues. I didn't realize it was a surface-mount contact, ...
Short siren events for no reason from unarmed system5/21/2008
  Q: I have an unarmed PC-1555 system that occasionally sounds the main siren for a very short time (less ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are only a few instances where the siren can sound without a ...
Alarm window contacts question5/20/2008
  Q: I contacted you before to see if it was possible to replace a faulty window contact/sensor on our ...
  A: "Mucking it up" is a tongue-in-check technical term... and I think I can help you avoid that. ...
Master code reset5/18/2008
  Q: I just moved into a home with a security system but I don't know the master code (1234) doesn't ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Most modern alarm panels have a means to reset the master code, however ...
dsc classic pc15555/18/2008
  Q: my dsc went off twice in two weeks late in the night it showed a zone 2 perimiter breech but was a ...
  A: John. Here's a link to the user manual for the DSC1555: http://nassausecurity.com/p1224.htm Look ...
dsc classic pc15555/17/2008
  Q: my dsc went off twice in two weeks late in the night it showed a zone 2 perimiter breech but was a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The battery is past its useful life of about five years and should be ...
wireless home security alarms5/16/2008
  Q: I'm looking for a home security alarm system and maybe you can narrow down to few systems that ...
  A: and thanks for your question. That's a pretty tight budget for the features that you're looking ...
Firex 120-1070B- replaced with 46185/16/2008
  Q: A couple of our alarms sounded several days ago. We pinpointed which we believed to be the problem. ...
  A: Once a minute or so chirp? Not a wiring issue. It's just a guess, but check your wall outlets for a ...
Door release for fire shutters5/15/2008
  Q: Will a shutter protecting an opening in a rated wall need to drop on a general alarm in the building ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I think you'll find code information in the same section that covers ...
smoke detector chirps same time each day5/14/2008
  Q: I have a hard wired smoke detector upstairs in our home. For the past four mornings the smoke ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Since smoke detectors don't know the time of day, I'd look elswhere. Try ...
Firex smoke alarm system5/14/2008
  Q: We bought a new built house 1 year ago. We decided to change batteries in smoke alarms last night. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. First, here's a link to a site where you can download a copy of the ...
Smoke Detector Alarm Won't Turn Off5/12/2008
  Q: Sorry - I had already sent in my question regarding our situation with our smoke detectors not ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the manual for your detectors: ...
DSC15005/8/2008
  Q: Q1. trouble light is ON. Per manual I searched online, it said press *, then 2 to display trouble ...
  A: First, you'll need a replacement battery. The useful life is about 5 years, and you're well past ...
DSC15005/7/2008
  Q: Q1. trouble light is ON. Per manual I searched online, it said press *, then 2 to display trouble ...
  A: and thanks for your question. A couple of points; first, this is a low-voltage system. The AC power ...
DCS 1500 alarm system zone lights on5/6/2008
  Q: I did a hardware reset using the instruction from the installer manual. After the reset all of the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Some issues are simply too complex to be able to handle by e-mail. This is ...
intermitant beeping5/2/2008
  Q: One of my six smoke detectors (wired in during construction) started beeping about once every 30 ...
  A: Carol. You got the make, but the serial number doesn't help to identify the model number. Please go ...
intermitant beeping5/1/2008
  Q: One of my six smoke detectors (wired in during construction) started beeping about once every 30 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Various smoke detectors have different interpretations for LEDs and ...
DSC PC1500 sensor5/1/2008
  Q: Hope you can help: Last night in the wee hours our alarm went off. Turns out it is a sensor on a ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If you've aligned the magnetic part with the switch part, and the ...
Alarms going off for not reason4/29/2008
  Q: we just moved into a new home. The fire/smoke alarms are all going off at once. We cut the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You can disable the alarms by removing the battery from each detector ...
Alarm beeping intermittently4/28/2008
  Q: I have a First Alert 145c which I read is similar to the Vista 10se. My Key pad has been beeping ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's no way I can tell what the installers disconnected in your panel, ...
DSC 1500 alarm wired type system4/25/2008
  Q: Sir, I am getting a zone 1 fault code on my DSC 1500 which indicates a low battery fault. What type ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The battery is located in the main control panel (separate from the ...
Night chirping smoke alarm4/24/2008
  Q: We have one of 8 or 9 First Alert smoke alarms in the house that chirps in the morning before the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There shouldn't be any correlation between temperature (or hour of ...
Motion Sensor Zones4/24/2008
  Q: Dave, Can you please help me pick a zone for the motion sensors. I have looked over the manual again ...
  A: .. You have me mightily confused, but I'll take a shot at it... First, when you say you can't find ...
smoke detector4/23/2008
  Q: I wrote you earlier and just reviewed my question. I need to add that I turned off the breaker to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Please go to this link on the Internet. It's the manufacturer for your ...
Ademco 20p Panel - Code Encryptor II & low batt error4/22/2008
  Q: Finally you are not "maxxed" out on questions! I have been enjoying reading your expert answers and ...
  A: and thanks for writing. On the panic zone, that's a programming choice per zone. (The zone is told ...
Unit will not alarm.4/22/2008
  Q: I have a DSC 832 System in my home with two keypads model #LCD5500. One at the front door and one at ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From your description, you have two issues. First, the protection in the ...
DSC PC1500 Keyboard sounds4/21/2008
  Q: We have a DSC PC1500, and when alarming the system at night, the keypad goes through a series of ...
  A: Wonderful! Here's what to do, and what you will see and hear as you do it. This should take you ...
Napco Magnum 10004/20/2008
  Q: I own a home with a Magnum 1000 where the system recently sounded (the fire portion I believe), but ...
  A: and thanks for writing. NAPCO is one of the few brands I never serviced while working in the field. ...
DSC PC1500 Keyboard sounds4/20/2008
  Q: We have a DSC PC1500, and when alarming the system at night, the keypad goes through a series of ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, the audible signals during the exit delay can be turned off, but ...
Moose Z1100E speaker/siren?4/19/2008
  Q: I just moved into a home that has a Moose Z1100E system. The system seems to work (I can ...
  A: .. looks like you were one step ahead of me. Okay, the next obvious thing to do is to open the ...
Moose Z1100E speaker/siren?4/18/2008
  Q: I just moved into a home that has a Moose Z1100E system. The system seems to work (I can ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The Z1100 is a pretty old control, and I'm guessing that it's been in the ...
Arm Exterior with Stay button4/16/2008
  Q: I recently purchased a home with a DSC Power 832 PC 5010 security system. When I press the Stay ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, it is a programming issue. The zone for the motion detectors has ...
First Alert FA110C/FA120C4/14/2008
  Q: Can you PLEASE tell me if we are are away and the alarm goes off by accident, is this model designed ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I can't speak for your particular model, but... I don't know of a ...
Open Zone4/13/2008
  Q: It is a PC 1555. The keypad does not show ready. When I push the (#) key it blinks with at 6. I have ...
  A: Okay... there are a few different ways to protect windows. Most likely yours are protected with ...
Open Zone4/12/2008
  Q: It is a PC 1555. The keypad does not show ready. When I push the (#) key it blinks with at 6. I have ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Not much information to go on, so far. Can you tell me about zone 6? ...
DSC Power832 flashing FC4/12/2008
  Q: I justmoved into a home with a Dsc Power832(pc5010)v.2 system. It is currently flashing FC on the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm not familiar with the "FC" message and I didn't see it in the ...
Brinks Premium keypad4/11/2008
  Q: Is the last time that the system was armed stored in memory? If so how do I retrieve it?
  A: and thanks for your question. I do not believe that arm/disarm data is stored in memory at the ...
Ademco M66744/9/2008
  Q: We have an ademco alarm system in our home. we are no longer have the service that monitors the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'll have to answer in generic terms, sine the model number you ...
DSC PC-1500 false alarms4/7/2008
  Q: We have been getting false alarms on a particular zone (#6) for a year now. Always between certain ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The first step is to eliminate the control as the problem. The best ...
Kidde Model 1276 smoke detector4/7/2008
  Q: I have these smoke detectors and they have been going off all night, about 10-15 seconds then stops. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Aside from changing the batteries, the best thing you can do is clean the ...
Alarm beeps4/6/2008
  Q: I have the ADEMCO VIA_30PSE, VISTA-10SE, and every so often it beeps. When looking at the system ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You've found the battery -- but removing it isn't going to help. The ...
Master code4/6/2008
  Q: I recently bought a home that was owned by the bank. I was sitting vacant for almost a year. Inside ...
  A: Troy. I found some information. First, here's a link to the User's Manual for your system: ...
Master code4/4/2008
  Q: I recently bought a home that was owned by the bank. I was sitting vacant for almost a year. Inside ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I don't yet have enough information to give you an answer. If you ...
Trouble with my BRK Model 41208 Smoke Alarma4/3/2008
  Q: Hey- dave- These (BRK Electronics model 41208's) alarms keep on beeping at different times. I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Please visit these links. The first is BRK's troubleshooting page, ...
DSC 15003/27/2008
  Q: Would like to install DSC 1500 on my boat.My brother updated for insurance reasons.He gave me this ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You can download an installation manual here: ...
Firex 4580 Chirping3/27/2008
  Q: Dave, I replaced the battery in one of my detectors only to have it keep chirping. I decided to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Download the user maunal for your detector here: ...
new batteries do not stop hard wired smoke alarms from beeping3/25/2008
  Q: We have several hard wired BRK First Alert (9120B model) installed in our home. We consistently get ...
  A: .. I'm sorry the "quick fix" didn't last. And there's really nothing else to try that I can think ...
Chirping every minute after ...3/25/2008
  Q: I came home to my alarm chirping every 60 seconds. I replaced the batteries in all (5) alarms, ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, here's a link to the user manual for your detector: ...
NT9010 DSC3/24/2008
  Q: Trying to mess with the 2nd phone number option, I have caused a "communication trouble" with Yellow ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the User's Manual for your system. Trouble conditions are ...
DSC832/PC50103/21/2008
  Q: I am trying to discontinue using the standard telephone line to report to the monitoring station. I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. See you should be able to transmit to your monitoring center using ...
Dsc Power 832 PC50103/16/2008
  Q: Recently bought home with the Power 832 PC5010 system. Previous owners didn’t know the code. (I ...
  A: and thanks for writing. DSC commonly uses the model number of their panels as the initial master ...
new batteries do not stop hard wired smoke alarms from beeping3/16/2008
  Q: We have several hard wired BRK First Alert (9120B model) installed in our home. We consistently get ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There is one more thing you can try: Disconnect the electric harness ...
DCS832/PC50103/15/2008
  Q: I recently installed a DSC832/PC5010 system with the windows(20) and doors(5) series wired into ...
  A: and thanks for writing. "Partitions" are logical divisions of the alarm system. In short, if a ...
Kiddie Fyrnetics Ionization Alarm Model 41253/15/2008
  Q: Two of my 5 interconnected alarms have been chirping. I live in an apartment complex and have no ...
  A: http://www.kidde.com/utcfs/Templates/Pages/Template-46/0,8060,pageId%3D794%26siteId%3D384,00.html I ...
First Alert FA110c3/14/2008
  Q: Can you tell me how to open the main box in the basement in order to change the battery? It does not ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'm not familiar with the First Alert line, but I can say that most ...
pc25003/13/2008
  Q: I have pc2500 installed in my household. The alarm system has the trouble light on. I tried to push ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You've done all you can do. The manual says: TROUBLE DISPLAY The PC2550 ...
ITI Commander 30003/13/2008
  Q: I recently got a house with an ITI Commander 3000 wireless security system. I have no paperwork and ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The Commander 3000 appears to have been discontinued back in 2003. I ...
PC1555RKZ Ranger American3/10/2008
  Q: Can you give me the link for the instruction manual for the above mentioned security system? We ...
  A: and thanks for writing. And sorry for the delay in responding! You can download a PDF of your ...
No Chimes when door or window opens3/8/2008
  Q: We have an Ademco home security system. We had a battery failure and have replaced the battery, ...
  A: .. you are obviously one step ahead of me! The default master code would be the model number of ...
Firex - Item50003/8/2008
  Q: We have recently encountered a problem with out Firex smoke detectors going off, but there is no ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors become more sensitive and prone to false alarms when they ...
Firex 120-1072B smoke detector3/7/2008
  Q: Dave: I have 6 of the above detectors that are over 10 years old and would like to replace them. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a website that has good information on Firex, past and present. ...
Compatibility between brands3/3/2008
  Q: An electrician installed (hardwired) two US electric smoke detectors with a firex 12000 C02 ...
  A: Bertha. I can only make an educated guess from where I sit, and I'm assuming the detectors you ...
Morse MDC-16C3/2/2008
  Q: I inherited a Morse MDC-16C Security Control Center panel and two MPC-32D keypads, but I don't have ...
  A: and congratulations on inheriting some antique equipment! There are a couple of places online where ...
en1550 alarm system3/1/2008
  Q: I'm hoping you can help me. We moved in to a home with an Emergency Networks EN1550 alarm system. It ...
  A: Glad to be of assistance, Kim. I checked the link to the battery you listed, and it will be fine. ...
Compatibility between brands3/1/2008
  Q: An electrician installed (hardwired) two US electric smoke detectors with a firex 12000 C02 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Unless a manufacturer specifically says a different brand is ...
Kiddie fyrnetic 1275 Chirping2/29/2008
  Q: The alarm starting chirping and continues even though I replaced the battery. Only one of the ...
  A: http://www.kiddeus.com/utcfs/ws-384/Assets/1275H_440381en.pdf And there's one additional thing you ...
Master Code Reset2/29/2008
  Q: I have a EN1550 alarm system in my home & my Master Code does not work anymore. I have owned the ...
  A: Don. Again, if you default the panel, you'll have to reprogram from scratch, so be forewarned. ...
Master Code Reset2/28/2008
  Q: I have a EN1550 alarm system in my home & my Master Code does not work anymore. I have owned the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I see two possibilities. First, you have the correct Master Code, but it ...
en1550 alarm system2/27/2008
  Q: I'm hoping you can help me. We moved in to a home with an Emergency Networks EN1550 alarm system. It ...
  A: and thanks for your question. From what you describe, the system's backup battery has failed. That ...
Ademco Alarm2/25/2008
  Q: My Mother pushed a panic button on my aunts ADEMCO system-it does not appear to be monitored and the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It sounds to me like the system is armed, and every time you open the door, ...
Replacing 8 zoe keypads with 16 zone pads2/25/2008
  Q: Dave - My monitoring company is about to install a wireless zone expansion module in order to ...
  A: .. I'm not in a position to be able to say if any programming will be required for the additional ...
Replacing 8 zoe keypads with 16 zone pads2/23/2008
  Q: Dave - My monitoring company is about to install a wireless zone expansion module in order to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm glad that you've taken some time to think this through. First, I'd ...
master code2/21/2008
  Q: I have recently purchased a home. And have managed to turn on and activate alarm system for local ...
  A: Brad. Brinks is a special case for two reasons. First, their control sets are not standard, ...
4110XM2/18/2008
  Q: Dave, Similar to a previous email question we have a 4110XM that chirps. On the panel it shows the ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Open this link, and you'll find the manual for your control on the ...
moose z1100 installation manual2/16/2008
  Q: I am trying to download a moose z1100 installation manual from diyalarmforum.com but the ...
  A: Sometimes you can find installation (versus user) manuals online and download them for free. ...
Interconnected smoke alarms won't stop2/14/2008
  Q: I just replaced my old BRK 1829 interconnected smoke detectors with the 9120B model. The are all on ...
  A: and thanks for your question. You pose an interesting problem. Here's what I think. First, the BRK ...
First Ranger Alam2/13/2008
  Q: We just moved into a preowned home and it has an alarm already installed but we dont have a manual ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I've never heard of an alarm system brand called "First Ranger," and ...
ADEMCO 4110 chirping2/12/2008
  Q: We recently bought a 5 year old house, with ADEMCO 4110XM installed, but not hooked up to a service ...
  A: .. To change the battery, you need to find three pieces of information, and these you can find on ...
dsc pc 25002/10/2008
  Q: I have an old hardwired security system (non monitered). On the tallest ceiling in my house a round ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm guessing you asked two very similar questions this morning. There may ...
cat friendly motion sensors2/8/2008
  Q: I have a napco magnum alert 1000 with motion detectors in 3 of the zones. The one in the basement ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I can't give you specific advice because there are other elements to take ...
Home Fire Alarms Keep Going Off2/8/2008
  Q: It is a wired system with 3 alarms (basement at foot of stairs, 1st floor outside bedroom and 2nd ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Smoke detectors do some regular maintenance. As the detection chamber ...
reset my master code2/7/2008
  Q: I have an alarm system originally installed by Emergency Networks. My pad is an EN155OR model. I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I can't tell you whether you can reset the master code without ...
DSC 8322/7/2008
  Q: just tonight an alarm went off and on the keypad the lights lit were Memory & Fire. I have been ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the manual for your system. An explanation of the keypad ...
DSC PC1555 classic2/5/2008
  Q: The letter 8 is lit up on my panel and the ready light will not go green. There is no trouble light. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Try this: Trouble [8] - Loss of System Time This trouble occurs when the ...
Chirping hardwired system2/4/2008
  Q: I had a similar problem with chirping. Replaced all smoke detectors and batteries. Still chirps. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Two things to check... First, check to see whether you have a carbon ...
Reliability2/3/2008
  Q: I have owned 2 DSC systems over the last 12 years. They have been trouble free. Looking to upgrade ...
  A: and thanks for the additional information. I think it's very common for an installer or dealer to ...
Reliability2/2/2008
  Q: I have owned 2 DSC systems over the last 12 years. They have been trouble free. Looking to upgrade ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I cannot say whether the expense is justified. I'll try to explain ...
Radionics d2412u/d2412ue2/2/2008
  Q: I have the above alarm system and want to use it but not have it monitored. It works well and arms ...
  A: Well, the 2412 is an obsolete panel, and an Internet search for a programming guide turned up empty. ...
smoke detectors1/31/2008
  Q: Just bought the house a few months back, went to test the smoke alarms and they wouldnt shut off. ...
  A: .. Yes, the test feature should turn off within a second or two when you release the test button. ...
Radionics d2412u/d2412ue1/30/2008
  Q: I have the above alarm system and want to use it but not have it monitored. It works well and arms ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The reason you're getting a "no dial tone" message is that the control is ...
Security System alarm keeps going off!!1/29/2008
  Q: We have an older (probably 10 - 12) security system in our home. It says Teamgarde, and also says ...
  A: and my apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Given the additional information, I need to ...
Security System alarm keeps going off!!1/29/2008
  Q: We have an older (probably 10 - 12) security system in our home. It says Teamgarde, and also says ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's not a lot of information to go on... but here's where I'd start. ...
Smoke alarms1/28/2008
  Q: The smoke detectors in our 2 story home alarm - for no apparent reason. They are wired into the ...
  A: Smoke detectors become more sensitive with age and the accumulation of dust. If your detector(s) ...
Stop the annoying Low Battery Alarm1/27/2008
  Q: We have an Ademco Vista 10SE system that is now 9 years old.. 2 nights ago the panel started ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I don't think there are any user commands to disable the low battery ...
Can't get AC wire plug off of Firex smoke detector1/27/2008
  Q: I sent an earlier question about how to get smoke detector detached from the wall in order to change ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Firex has some "tamper-resistant" features built into their detectors. ...
Recommendation for Security System1/26/2008
  Q: Dave: I bought an X10 camera and motion sensing system a few weeks ago, and having much trouble ...
  A: and thanks for your question. In my opinion, you're not going to be able to get a quality system as ...
Napco Magnum 1008LKDL problems1/26/2008
  Q: .. Im having some problems with my Napco 1008LKDL system and Im not sure what the problem might be. ...
  A: Erik. Rather than powering the system down, can you use your code to turn the system off? Also, ...
Brinks Smoke Detector1/25/2008
  Q: My wife and I bought our house in April of 2006. The previous owner had installed a Brinks security ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Brinks owns the equipment left by the previous owner, and they have (or ...
Find Cause of Zone Fault?1/24/2008
  Q: If I am getting a zone fault (unsecure zone), how can I check each window/door to see if that might ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The problem could be at any of the sensors, OR anywhere in the wiring for ...
ademco 4110 home alarm console programming1/22/2008
  Q: I have this unit since early 1990s, no problems until alarm horn would only sound for about 5-6 secs ...
  A: .. it certainly sounds like a programming error, but you sound pretty competent in your description ...
DSC motion sensor1/22/2008
  Q: My light of the motion sensor "DSC intrusion detection unit 89x0" does not light. I did not find ...
  A: The four-wire hookup tells me that the detector is powered from the control, so if everything else ...
DSC motion sensor1/21/2008
  Q: My light of the motion sensor "DSC intrusion detection unit 89x0" does not light. I did not find ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Before you replace the unit, consider that it's probably a power problem. ...
False house alarms1/19/2008
  Q: We have a basic vanilla alarm system in our home with no zones that includes 3 motion detectors, 3 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. False alarms have many causes, and there's nothing that you described ...
Magnum Alert1/18/2008
  Q: We threw the breaker to change a light fixture in the bathroom and it was the same one our Magnum ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Alarm backup batteries generally have a useful life of about five years ...
Ademco VISTA-20HWse1/17/2008
  Q: We've lived in our house for 10 years and over the last few months the alarm seems to go off 2-3 ...
  A: and thanks for writing. "BAT" means that your system's backup battery is weak, and needs to be ...
Ademco 4110xm alarm1/16/2008
  Q: We had a power outage for 14 hrs. When power came back up, our hard wired alarm key board was dead, ...
  A: and thanks for your question. A 14-hour power failure can put a battery into deep-discharge, but ...
Firex 120-1182 problems1/15/2008
  Q: Did you ever receive any further information regarding a question that was asked about this brand ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I wish my memory were that good, but I don't recall the question to which ...
Ademco Alarm system1/15/2008
  Q: I recently had to replace one of my wireless transmitters on my Ademco Security System (User manual ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I'll not be able to help you directly, since I think the enrollment ...
Do not know how to use system1/14/2008
  Q: We purchased our home two years ago, it has a DSC Power 832 PC 5010 system already installed. We ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I think every major alarm company (including ADT and Brinks) has some sort ...
battery and hardwired smoke detectors1/14/2008
  Q: Conventional wisdom says that a conventional battery somke detector has a lifetime of about 10 ...
  A: The technologies are the same, and the useful lifespan of hardwired and battery-operated detectors ...
battery and hardwired smoke detectors1/11/2008
  Q: Conventional wisdom says that a conventional battery somke detector has a lifetime of about 10 ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. Most smoke detectors have a built-in test button (some use a magnet ...
zone 1 error1/10/2008
  Q: I have four zones in my house and one zone is constantly lite. The other zones operate correctly. It ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You're not going to learn to be an alarm technician from this forum, but ...
alarm system freak out1/9/2008
  Q: I moved into my home approx 4 years ago that had a pre-installed alarm system "first alert" it has ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Yes, those wireless door sensors do have batteries that need to be replaced ...
Disabling the modem support for DSC25501/7/2008
  Q: I have a PC2550 connected in my house. The first two years I had a monitoring system but decided to ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I'm afraid you'll need to hire a technician to handle this one. When you ...
Alarm system1/7/2008
  Q: I have a Napco 850 home alarm system that works well but I have only one keypad at the front door. ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Here's a link to the installation manual: ...
Fire alarm went off twice last night -- hard-wired to all other alarms1/3/2008
  Q: Dave. I have a similar question/possibly the same question as Barbara. One fire alarm in our house ...
  A: and thanks for your question. If you've isolated the one detector that's prone to false alarms, it ...
smoke detectors going off1/3/2008
  Q: I have 6 smoke detectors in my home, and they keep going off for no apparent reason. One will chirp ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a few things to consider. If you've noted that the detectors go ...
alarm going off needlessly1/2/2008
  Q: It is 12:30 am after another night (last night it was all night) of all four of our alarms going off ...
  A: Barbara. Below is an article about that model smoke detector. After reading it, may I suggest that ...
alarm going off needlessly1/2/2008
  Q: It is 12:30 am after another night (last night it was all night) of all four of our alarms going off ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Smoke detectors are interconnected, so that when one detects smoke, ...
NAPCO Magnum Alert 1000 Series(MA1000e)1/1/2008
  Q: My system is a 3 zone hard wired system professionally installed about 10 years ago and was trouble ...
  A: and thanks for your question. MA100e is the part number for your keypad; you need to get the model ...
FA260 System1/1/2008
  Q: I'm getting an "FC" code on the display keypad and don't know what it means or how to clear it. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. FA260 is the model number of your keypad, not the control. You can find ...
Moose Z1100 home alarm system12/31/2007
  Q: I have Moose Z1100 home alarm system with two keypads which originally installed on my home when ...
  A: and thanks for writing. It could very well be another failed keypad. The true test would be to ...
alarm issue12/30/2007
  Q: When my system alarms, it dials the security service and they answer but it keeps on dialing and it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The board you mention is the main system board for the entire alarm system; ...
Smoke alarms chirping and keeping us awake12/30/2007
  Q: Two months ago two explosions occurred in two of our nine interconnected smoke alarms (BRK models ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. Your smoke detectors are not connected in any manner to your ...
smoke detector beeping12/28/2007
  Q: It is 330AM, and we have been fighting a beeping smoke detector. My biggest problem is that the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If the beeping is more like a chirp that occurs about once a minute, then ...
DSC Power 83212/28/2007
  Q: We are having some trouble with our DSC Power 832 system. The main panel is a PC 5010 and it has a ...
  A: Good morning John. Your system has one or more wirless devices, and these are battery operated. The ...
BRK 4120B Going off when cold?12/26/2007
  Q: I'm visiting my parents for the holidays, and they're complaining that there BRK4120B's that were ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Yes, there could be a cause-and-effect relationship between weather ...
chirping - DSC PC1555RKZ Alarm12/25/2007
  Q: Ever since there is a power outage at my home, my DSC PC1555RKZ alarm kepts on chirping every 10sec ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There's not enough information in your message to help you right away, but ...
Fire Alarm - Battery Operated - Keeps going off12/24/2007
  Q: twice now my fire alarm has gone off randomly.. once at 3am and once at 5am on two seperate ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are two possibilities... first, there is a valid reason for ...
DSC 832 PC501012/24/2007
  Q: This system is about 10 years old and the company that installed it is no loger in business. The ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are many things that could be wrong, from a worn keypad to a faulty ...
yellow system light PC155512/23/2007
  Q: My home alarm system is functioning properly. It is a Ranger American PC1555 but I don't have the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link through which you can download a copy of the instruction ...
DSC Bell Trouble12/22/2007
  Q: Darling daughter bought a home that has a DSC Power 832 / PC5010 system installed. The previous ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You have two issues. The first will require the Master Code: Trouble [8] - ...
wiring a fire alarm12/19/2007
  Q: i will be installing a fire alarm system in a hotel in the uk. could you please tell me if i need to ...
  A: and thanks for your questions. I'm in the US, and not conversant in fire codes in the UK. Good ...
Chirping at night12/19/2007
  Q: Last year you answered a question about the chirping of smoke alarms specifically during the night. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Many manufacturers recommend replacing detectors at about 10 years. ...
smoke alarm12/16/2007
  Q: I replaced the back-up battery several days ago in a smoke detector on the 2nd floor and now there ...
  A: Linda. If there's no CO detector, I'm guessing that there is at least one more smoke detector in ...
smoke alarm12/15/2007
  Q: I replaced the back-up battery several days ago in a smoke detector on the 2nd floor and now there ...
  A: Linda. Do you have a carbon monoxide detector in the basement? These often have backup batteries, ...
beeping all the time for no reason12/15/2007
  Q: My home security alarm beeps all the time for no reason, the battery word is on the led panel but ...
  A: If the system is telling you that there's a battery problem, I'd focus on that. Is it a wireless ...
Kidde 1276 chirping12/11/2007
  Q: I'm in a 2 year old home with interconnected Kidde 1276 smoke detectors. A few weeks ago a detector ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I've posted this advice from the Atlanta Supply web page many times. It ...
dsc150012/10/2007
  Q: My system was armed and when I came in I had gloves on and messed up, long story short my alarm went ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I think the last thing you want to do is to reset the panel back to its ...
Service Required low battery12/10/2007
  Q: I have a DSC832 alarm panel. On the keypad I have a trouble light. When I *2 it says "service ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Here's what the manual says: To view trouble conditions: 1. Press [ ] [2]. ...
DSC PC1550 master code12/8/2007
  Q: Follow-up: Thanks for your suggestion. I tried doing a power-off reset. It didn't reset the master ...
  A: Sorry that the re-boot didn't do the trick. You're in not so good a place now, since the only way I ...
DSC 253012/6/2007
  Q: I have an old DSC 253o. I did not know the code so I did a hard reset on the panel. Powered down, ...
  A: and thanks for your question. When you set the panel back to its default condition, you not only ...
Ionaization Smoke Alarm 127512/4/2007
  Q: The detector keeps on ringing every 30/60 sec or so. I twisted it off the ceiling but their are ...
  A: and thanks for writing. If the detector is making a single "chirping" or "beeping" noise every ...
BRK Model 4919 Hard-wired smoke detectors giving false alarms12/3/2007
  Q: Dave, Ever since we moved in our home the BRK Model 4919 hard wired smoke detectors have given us ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I don't have a manual for BRK model 4919 in my collection, so I can't ...
interchangeable smoke detector12/2/2007
  Q: I have recently experienced a bad detector in which I will hove to replace. However, it has been ...
  A: and thanks for an excellent question. The short answer to your question is "yes." However, you'll ...
brk 9120 beeps11/29/2007
  Q: I have a brk 9120 that beeps just once at 3am every morning, we replaced the battery and that didn't ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors don't have an internal clock, so if you're experiencing a ...
DSC PC1500 master code11/27/2007
  Q: This panel was installed 8-9 years ago, and I've used the master code successfully in the past. But ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There is a way to default the panel back to its factory settings, but ...
DSC Power 832 PC501011/25/2007
  Q: My system has worked fine for 7 years, but the other day I changed phone company providers. Now my ...
  A: The filter would be provided by your DSL provider. Every analog telephone in you house would get ...
DSC Power 832 PC501011/24/2007
  Q: My system has worked fine for 7 years, but the other day I changed phone company providers. Now my ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There may be a couple of things at work here... Since the trouble ...
Irregularl false alarms11/24/2007
  Q: 20 year old Moose Z1100. regularly maintained and checked and has always been reliable, recently ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I would suspect the alarm circuit before the panel. There is a simple test ...
DSC PC155511/20/2007
  Q: After setting the clock of the PC1555 back an hour, I have experienced regular keypad alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I've never experienced the symptom you descibe. It does seem related to ...
motion sensor11/15/2007
  Q: My DSC PC1555 system was activated yesterday. After I armed the system and walk pass the motion ...
  A: Here's what I think. Motion detectors need power, and I think your motion detector has lost power. ...
motion sensor11/14/2007
  Q: My DSC PC1555 system was activated yesterday. After I armed the system and walk pass the motion ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I have a couple of questions for you that will help me help you. First, is ...
dsc 161611/13/2007
  Q: Dave, I have a new dsc 1616 installed in new ...
  A: The method on page 24 is the only way I know to reset the panel back to default condidtion. Sorry ...
BRK 4120 Smoke detectors11/13/2007
  Q: I read your message about troubleshooting 4120's with intermittent beeping. I've had a bunch of ...
  A: and thanks for your question. I did a quick search and found that the BRK 4120 is a discontinued ...
interconnect fire alarms not beeping in series11/11/2007
  Q: I have an interconnected fire alarm system (house built in 1999) and I recenty noticed that if one ...
  A: and thanks for writing. ALL the detectors should sound when pressing the test button on any of ...
Blank LED on Control Panel11/11/2007
  Q: A friend of mine was staying at my house and came home one night and had forgotten the disable ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, when you say your friend pulled the panel from the wall, am I ...
Smoke Detector11/10/2007
  Q: Our Kidde/Lifesaver green LED light is blinking, why?
  A: and thanks for your question. The green LED serves two functions. First, when it's on steady, it ...
dsc 161611/9/2007
  Q: Dave, I have a new dsc 1616 installed in new ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Since the system never was operational, it's possible that there's an ...
Beeping Smoke Detector11/7/2007
  Q: I have two Firex smoke detectors (not sure about model number, it says "FADC", but also has the ...
  A: To try to kill the intermittant beeping, you need to remove both the battery and AC power to all the ...
alarms sys and smoke detector11/5/2007
  Q: I really hope you can help. I recently moved into my home 4 months ago and didn't renew the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You're halfway there... I think. You said you disconnected the battery, but ...
stopping the chirp in firex 120 720c11/2/2007
  Q: I'm still unsure about how to get to the battery. Should I pull off the connector plate with the ...
  A: .. Some detectors don't have a backup battery. Not my idea of a good plan, but there are some out ...
8980e11/1/2007
  Q: I'm trying to install a motion sensor to a ranger 8980e system,that is 8 yr. old. motion sensor is ...
  A: and thanks for writing. One thing comes to mind -- did you install the end-of-line resistor in the ...
brk model 41208 fire alams10/31/2007
  Q: I need to replace my fire alarms. They go off when they want and don't work some times. There brk ...
  A: and thanks for writing. No, you don't have to buy the same detectors, but it's not advisable to try ...
Smoke Alarm Beeps Intermittently10/29/2007
  Q: Similar problemn to another post. We have a BKR 86RACE Smoke alarm. 2 alarms interconnected, ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Try this quick fix. Power down the detectors by disconnecting the electric ...
Kiddie Fyrnetics Ionization Smoke Alarm model 127510/27/2007
  Q: Last night 11:30 PM and again at 4:30 am our smoke alarms (we have 5) went off. They are obviously ...
  A: Hekko Janie, and thanks for writing. The detectors are probably dirty and need to be cleaned. How ...
chirp - but not smoke alarm10/26/2007
  Q: have been experiencing a chirp (similar to the sound of the smoke alarm) coming from my junction box ...
  A: Hmmm... I was hoping to get lucky. Well, the first thing I'd do is put a new battery in your smoke ...
First Alert FA26010/26/2007
  Q: How do I turn off the Chime? Thanks
  A: I thing the part number you gave me is for the keypad. You need to find the model number of the ...
chirp - but not smoke alarm10/25/2007
  Q: have been experiencing a chirp (similar to the sound of the smoke alarm) coming from my junction box ...
  A: Not much I can help with, since you've eliminated the smoke detector and alarm system as possible ...
alarm going off at 2:00 am every day10/24/2007
  Q: This is a Brinks security system.We inherited with the house.We do not have Brink's service and they ...
  A: I can't fault Brinks for not providing service to a non-customer. If you don't want to subscribe to ...
PC255010/24/2007
  Q: I have a PC2550 problem. I came home one day to find the alarm off and the entire system inoperable. ...
  A: and thanks for writing. First, I don't think the PC2550 is in production any more. I looked at a ...
Napco Magnum 1008LKDL problems10/22/2007
  Q: .. Im having some problems with my Napco 1008LKDL system and Im not sure what the problem might be. ...
  A: Too soon to say whether you're fried. No modern alarm panel will function correctly without the ...
smoke dector7/17/2007
  Q: Just moved into a rental with 3 smoke detectors. Replaced the batteries on 2, the third did not have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Last year, there were reports of batteries exploding in certain smoke ...
DSC PC25507/16/2007
  Q: ~my computer got frozen when I sent my question a while ago, so if you receive 2 similar questions, ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Based on what you wrote, I can't even guess what's setting off the alarm. ...
DSC door handleset7/16/2007
  Q: I recently bought a house built in 1991/1992 that has a DSC Power 832, PC5010 security system. I ...
  A: and thanks for your question. To my knowledge, there is no connection whatsoever between Titan ...
Smoke alarm chirping7/14/2007
  Q: How do I get the chirping to quit after I have replace the smoke alarm batteries. I awoke to the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. For each detector, disconnect the electric harness and remove the battery. ...
ADT battery7/14/2007
  Q: My alarm system (Ademco VIA-30PSE, VISTA - 10SE) keypad was beeping the other day and the low ...
  A: and thanks for writing. There are a few things you can check before calling in a technician. ...
DSC 832 PC50104/12/2007
  Q: I added a new battery and transformer, now whenever a senor is opened and then closed my Bell/Alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. The behavior you describe isn't normal for a system, and I wonder why you ...
Door Chimes stop working4/9/2007
  Q: I have a ADT DSC 832 system. Two of my door chimes has stop working. I called ADT and they had me ...
  A: and thanks for your question. The "door chime" feature chimes whenever any point of protection is ...
Fire Alarm - FIREX4/8/2007
  Q: we have 6 fire alarm detectors and the ones upstairs are chirping every minute or so. We have ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Do two things. First, ensure that if you have a carbon monoxide detector, ...
Ac trouble4/8/2007
  Q: I had to remove one of my keypads on my DSC Power 832. I shut my AC power and battery before ...
  A: and thanks for writing. I think the AC is okay, but the system clock needs to be reset. Here's a ...
battery failure in Kidde smoke & carbon monoxide detector4/7/2007
  Q: I have a 5 yr old Kidde Nighthawk combo alarm. The original battery in the backup system lasted ...
  A: and thanks for your question. It's hard to say from here whether you need to replace the unit. Your ...
70's style smoke alarm wiring4/5/2007
  Q: Hey Dave, My question is that I replaced the original smoke alarms that were installed back in ...
  A: and thanks for writing. From your description, I'm not sure what configuration you'll be looking ...
Smoke Alarm Manual/Batter9 Replacement4/3/2007
  Q: My smoke alarm began chirping, so I decided to change the battery. I am having trouble removing the ...
  A: and thanks for writing. You should not have to pry the connector loose with a screwdriver; try ...
Firex - chirping4/3/2007
  Q: Dave, I too have a "miracle" Firex. My model 120-1072c chirped twice while I had it disconnected ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Apparently there's a capacitor in the detector that stores enough of a ...
Ademco alarm system4/1/2007
  Q: I have an Ademco alarm istalled in 1998 and had the system programmed to call my cell # when ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Telephone work on a phone line cannot "knock off" the programming on an ...
trouble display3/31/2007
  Q: The EN1550 that was installed in our home by the previous owners but in the last two weeks the alarm ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Reseting the system's time will cure the problem. *6 is the user ...
FIREX Smoke Alarm3/30/2007
  Q: The last three mornings around 6 a.m. two of our six smoke alarms have gone off for no apparent ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Ordinarily, I'd suggest cleaning the detectors to see if that cured the ...
FiesX fire detector chirping3/29/2007
  Q: I have 2 Firex (Model FC1020) smoke detectors installed upstairs and downstairs since we moved in 19 ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Your detectors are about 10 years overdue for replacement. They are ...
DSC PC2550 all Zone lights on3/27/2007
  Q: An elderly neighbor purchased his house 10+ years ago and was not given the codes for his alarm ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Also, kudos for helping out a neighbor. I'm assuming you have the ...
First Alert FA260 alarm3/26/2007
  Q: This morning when I woke up one of the motion dectors in the system was making a chirp about every ...
  A: Great! The CO detector has a backup battery. The chirping means that it's near the end of it's ...
First Alert FA260 alarm3/26/2007
  Q: This morning when I woke up one of the motion dectors in the system was making a chirp about every ...
  A: and thanks for your question. Motion detectors don't chirp, but smoke detectors and carbon monoxide ...
ANOTHER question re: chirping3/25/2007
  Q: I've been reading your forum all morning and I'm stll at a loss. I have 2 hardwired Kidde model ...
  A: and thanks for writing. Try this: take the smoke detector down, and put it outside or in a ...
hardwired fire alarm3/23/2007
  Q: We can't cook toast without opening a window and making the neighbors mad. I would like to move it ...
  A: and thanks for your question. There are many ways the fire alarm system may be configured in a ...
Brinks alarm not working3/21/2007
  Q: We have had a Brinks alarm (basic 2 contact one door panel) for about a year. One day I realized it ...
  A: and thanks for writing. A system that isn't working can mean many things. Can you not set the ...
Security system3/8/2007
  Q: Bob- Thanks for the information. When you talk about entering the master code do you mean the code ...
  A: It could be either. The panel comes with only one code -- the "Installer's Code." The installer ...
Security system3/8/2007
  Q: Dave, I hope you can help me. I have a DSC PC1500/PC1550 keypad that has just started to indicate ...
  A: and thanks for writing. "Loss of time on system clock" means that the internal clock on your panel ...