Security & Fire Protection Systems - Protecting your Home and Family - Parenting/Family

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About Dave Neuweiler
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
The design and application of burglary and fire systems for homes and businesses. Helping alarm owners understand how their system works. Helping to troubleshoot false alarm problems. Questions about monitoring issues.

Experience
Over a quarter century in the industry. Experience in installation, service, and monitoring centers. Training manager for a national protective services company; director of education and training for a national trade organization for for alarm dealers.

Education/Credentials
..........

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Protecting your Home and Family > Security & Fire Protection Systems

Questions Answered By Expert Dave Neuweiler
In Category Security & Fire Protection Systems

Subject	Date Asked

smoke detectors	11/21/2009
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 CODE	11/21/2009
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 detectors	11/20/2009
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 CODE	11/20/2009
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 tone	11/19/2009
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 tone	11/18/2009
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 alarms	11/18/2009
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 line	11/16/2009
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 code	11/15/2009
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 Reset	11/14/2009
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 System	11/14/2009
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 Z1100st	11/13/2009
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 System	11/11/2009
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 relocation	11/11/2009
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 ...
scared	11/10/2009
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 alarm	11/9/2009
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 alarm	11/3/2009
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 alarm	11/3/2009
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 battery	11/3/2009
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 Cable	11/2/2009
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 alarm	11/1/2009
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 alarm	11/1/2009
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 Ready	10/31/2009
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 alarm	10/31/2009
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 replacement	10/28/2009
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 keypad	10/27/2009
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 pad	10/26/2009
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 message	10/25/2009
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 pad	10/25/2009
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 cover	10/24/2009
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 System	10/24/2009
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 alarms	10/22/2009
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" trouble	10/21/2009
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 PC1555MX	10/21/2009
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 FADC	10/20/2009
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 Detector	10/20/2009
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 PC1500	10/17/2009
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 System	10/17/2009
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 Power832	10/16/2009
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 hours	10/15/2009
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 System	10/15/2009
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 keypad	10/13/2009
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 1550	10/13/2009
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 Chime	10/12/2009
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 Chime	10/12/2009
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 1218	10/11/2009
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 keypad	10/11/2009
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 Question	10/8/2009
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 code	10/8/2009
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 Mode	10/7/2009
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 1276	10/7/2009
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 tone	10/4/2009
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 tone	10/3/2009
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 120-1072c	10/1/2009
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 SYS	9/28/2009
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 alarm	9/27/2009
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 alarm	9/27/2009
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 alarm	9/26/2009
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 alarm	9/24/2009
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 D6112	9/22/2009
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 alarm	9/21/2009
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 problem	9/18/2009
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 call	9/17/2009
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 Z1100	9/16/2009
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 call	9/15/2009
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 PM	9/14/2009
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 chirps	9/12/2009
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 & napco	9/12/2009
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 System	9/10/2009
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 System	9/10/2009
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 alarm	9/9/2009
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 alarm	9/8/2009
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 Battery	8/26/2009
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 chirping	8/26/2009
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 XL2	8/25/2009
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 XL2	8/25/2009
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 DSC1616	8/23/2009
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 #4	8/22/2009
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 off	8/21/2009
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 trouble	8/20/2009
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 1275	8/19/2009
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 Wiring	8/18/2009
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 Wiring	8/18/2009
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 house	8/17/2009
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 chirping	8/16/2009
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 contacts	8/15/2009
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 chime	8/13/2009
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 chime	8/12/2009
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 chime	8/11/2009
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 RP2000LCD	8/10/2009
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 system	8/7/2009
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 Units	8/6/2009
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 included	8/3/2009
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 battery	7/31/2009
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 1000	7/31/2009
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 replacements	7/30/2009
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 surveillance	7/29/2009
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/Sensor	7/29/2009
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 Providers	7/28/2009
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 type	7/27/2009
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 Keyboard	7/27/2009
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 beeping	7/25/2009
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 Passcode	7/24/2009
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 beeping	7/24/2009
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 3000	7/23/2009
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 condition	7/22/2009
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 reset	7/22/2009
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 System	7/21/2009
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-400	7/21/2009
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 siren	7/20/2009
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 Issue	7/19/2009
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 dialing	7/17/2009
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 Monitoring	7/16/2009
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 Alarm	7/15/2009
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 Alarm	7/15/2009
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 detectors	7/14/2009
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 Password	7/13/2009
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 alarm	7/13/2009
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 FADC	7/11/2009
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 system	7/11/2009
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-COe	7/10/2009
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 alarm	7/9/2009
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 alarm	7/9/2009
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 sensors	7/8/2009
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 Question	7/8/2009
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 alarm	7/7/2009
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 alarms	7/4/2009
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 832	6/30/2009
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 dead	6/30/2009
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 FX1020	6/29/2009
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 system	6/29/2009
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 Code	6/28/2009
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 pad	6/26/2009
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 SE	6/26/2009
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 System	6/25/2009
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 Chime	6/25/2009
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 pad	6/24/2009
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#ac8w1	6/23/2009
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 PC1555MX	6/23/2009
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 ...
chirping	6/22/2009
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 alarm	6/20/2009
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 fault	6/18/2009
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 smokes	6/18/2009
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 1550	6/15/2009
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 Life	6/13/2009
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 reset	6/7/2009
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 alarm	6/4/2009
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 problem	6/3/2009
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 daily	6/2/2009
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 PANEL	6/2/2009
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 detector	6/1/2009
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 code	5/29/2009
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 station	5/28/2009
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 panel	5/21/2009
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 alarming	5/21/2009
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 Panel	5/19/2009
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 alarm	5/19/2009
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 night	5/18/2009
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 disconnected	5/16/2009
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 System	5/16/2009
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 832	5/15/2009
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 850	5/14/2009
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 10se	5/1/2009
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 Bypass	4/30/2009
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 alarms	4/30/2009
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 FA260	4/27/2009
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 D6112	4/24/2009
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, ...
keypad	4/21/2009
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 off	4/20/2009
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 code	4/20/2009
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 alarm	4/19/2009
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 alarm	4/19/2009
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 RT1640	4/18/2009
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 1275	4/16/2009
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 Arming	4/16/2009
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 problem	4/15/2009
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 message	4/13/2009
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 Arming	4/7/2009
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 System	4/6/2009
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 system	4/6/2009
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 4110	4/5/2009
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 system	4/4/2009
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 Chriping	4/4/2009
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 constuction	4/2/2009
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 On	3/31/2009
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 ...
Chirping	3/29/2009
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 alarming	3/28/2009
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 beeps	3/28/2009
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 detector	3/27/2009
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 detector	3/26/2009
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 Problems	3/25/2009
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 chirping	3/24/2009
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 Problems	3/24/2009
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 Problems	3/21/2009
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 detached	3/21/2009
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 detectors	3/19/2009
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 system	3/18/2009
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 System	3/18/2009
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 panel	3/16/2009
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 12v	3/15/2009
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 12v	3/14/2009
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 directions	3/14/2009
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 alarm	3/13/2009
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. EN1550R	3/12/2009
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 alarm	3/12/2009
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 system	3/11/2009
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 4800R	3/10/2009
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 beeping	3/8/2009
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 sputtering	3/7/2009
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 detectors	3/5/2009
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 frames	3/5/2009
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 832	3/3/2009
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 alarms	3/3/2009
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 alarm	3/1/2009
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/horns	2/27/2009
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 system	2/26/2009
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 system	2/26/2009
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 detector	2/24/2009
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 system	2/23/2009
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 ...
Keypads	2/23/2009
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 2112	2/22/2009
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 blank	2/21/2009
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 120-1072c	2/21/2009
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 question	2/20/2009
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 blank	2/20/2009
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 ST6000	2/18/2009
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 battery	2/17/2009
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 sticks	2/17/2009
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 signal	2/16/2009
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?'s	2/15/2009
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?'s	2/15/2009
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 Issues	2/14/2009
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/zx210	2/13/2009
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 FA260	2/13/2009
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 resistors	2/11/2009
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 Alarm	2/11/2009
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 Alarm	2/10/2009
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 system	2/10/2009
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 system	2/9/2009
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 camera	2/8/2009
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 security	2/4/2009
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 Alarms	2/4/2009
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 config	2/3/2009
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 Protection	1/31/2009
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 detector	1/30/2009
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 Alarm	1/29/2009
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 Alarm	1/28/2009
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" Zone	1/26/2009
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 System	1/26/2009
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 System	1/25/2009
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 off	1/25/2009
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 system	1/24/2009
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 alarms	1/23/2009
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 off	1/23/2009
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 Question	1/22/2009
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 Alarm	1/20/2009
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 replacement	1/19/2009
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 Power832	1/18/2009
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 1500	1/17/2009
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 1020	1/15/2009
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 system	1/12/2009
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-set	1/11/2009
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 Z1100E	1/10/2009
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 Lost	1/10/2009
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 Dectector	1/9/2009
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 120-1072c	1/8/2009
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 Failure	1/6/2009
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 D6112	1/3/2009
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 PC1832	1/2/2009
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 function	1/2/2009
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 chirping	1/1/2009
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 battery	1/1/2009
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 ...
EN1550R	12/31/2008
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-32D	12/31/2008
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 system	12/29/2008
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 manual	12/26/2008
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 detectors	12/24/2008
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 sensors	12/23/2008
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 Camera	12/23/2008
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 Keypad	12/22/2008
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 detector	12/21/2008
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 problems	12/21/2008
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 system	12/20/2008
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 20se	12/19/2008
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 outage	12/18/2008
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 Detector	12/18/2008
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 outage	12/17/2008
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 ...
alarm	12/16/2008
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 device	12/16/2008
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 armed	12/15/2008
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 code	12/14/2008
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 detector	12/11/2008
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 Detectors	12/11/2008
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 alarm	12/10/2008
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 Failure	12/9/2008
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 Failure	12/9/2008
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 Failure	12/8/2008
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 PC2550	12/7/2008
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 PC2550	12/6/2008
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 Chime	12/5/2008
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 noise	12/3/2008
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 battery	12/3/2008
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 #FADCQ	12/2/2008
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 detectors	12/2/2008
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 ...
radionics	11/28/2008
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 panels	11/26/2008
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 PC5010	11/25/2008
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 testing	11/24/2008
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 1500	11/22/2008
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 detectors	11/21/2008
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 alarms	11/21/2008
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 protection	11/20/2008
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 protection	11/20/2008
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 System	11/19/2008
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 SA86b	11/19/2008
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 PC2500	11/17/2008
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 Chime	11/16/2008
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 - PC1500RK	11/16/2008
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 1275	11/15/2008
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 system	11/14/2008
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 Codes	11/13/2008
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 system	11/13/2008
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 system	11/12/2008
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 vcr	11/12/2008
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 120-1072C	11/11/2008
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 Alarm	11/11/2008
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 unit	11/10/2008
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 unit	11/10/2008
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 unit	11/9/2008
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 unit	11/9/2008
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 system	11/7/2008
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 system	11/5/2008
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 system	11/4/2008
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 detector	11/3/2008
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 detector	11/1/2008
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 ...
DSC3000	11/1/2008
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 light	10/30/2008
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 seconds	10/30/2008
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 panel	10/29/2008
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 system	10/28/2008
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 keypad	10/27/2008
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 keypad	10/27/2008
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 detector	10/25/2008
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 Panel	10/25/2008
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 keypad	10/24/2008
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 1275	10/23/2008
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 Alarm	10/21/2008
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 system	10/21/2008
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 Chirping	10/17/2008
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 - Backlight	10/16/2008
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 Chirping	10/15/2008
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 - Backlight	10/15/2008
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 - Backlight	10/14/2008
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 system	10/13/2008
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 detectors	10/12/2008
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 beeping	10/10/2008
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 ...
PC1500/1550	10/10/2008
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 system	10/9/2008
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 security	10/8/2008
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 security	10/8/2008
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 alarms	10/2/2008
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 battery	9/20/2008
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 battery	9/18/2008
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 computer	9/18/2008
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 light	9/17/2008
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 3208gld	9/16/2008
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 4120B	9/15/2008
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 4120B	9/15/2008
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 beeping	9/14/2008
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 code	9/13/2008
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 1550	9/11/2008
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 1550	9/9/2008
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 System	9/9/2008
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 SC70101BV	9/7/2008
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 ...
Installation	9/6/2008
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 Definition	9/5/2008
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 ...
Error	9/3/2008
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 system	9/2/2008
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 Beeping	9/1/2008
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 chirping	8/31/2008
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 pressure	8/28/2008
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 Problem	8/28/2008
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 ...
Trouble	8/26/2008
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 alarms	8/24/2008
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 Detector	8/24/2008
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 alarms	8/23/2008
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 Alarms	8/22/2008
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 Function	8/22/2008
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 1616	8/19/2008
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 installation	8/14/2008
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 Trouble	8/13/2008
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 working	8/13/2008
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 Trouble	8/12/2008
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 Trouble	8/12/2008
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 alarms	8/11/2008
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 Chirping	8/10/2008
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 open	8/9/2008
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 system	8/8/2008
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 working	8/7/2008
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 open	8/6/2008
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 alarms	8/5/2008
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 alert	8/2/2008
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 5000	8/1/2008
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 SA302	7/30/2008
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 alarm	7/29/2008
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 alarms	7/28/2008
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 alarms	7/28/2008
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 FADC	7/25/2008
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 Exit	7/20/2008
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 Light	7/18/2008
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 Light	7/16/2008
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 mdc16	7/15/2008
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 C	7/14/2008
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 1275	7/13/2008
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 unit	7/11/2008
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 Frynetics	7/9/2008
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 automatically	7/7/2008
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 FA215	7/7/2008
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 system	7/6/2008
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 system	7/6/2008
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 alarming	7/4/2008
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 FA215	7/4/2008
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 - Lightning	7/2/2008
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 #2	7/1/2008
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 #2	7/1/2008
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 night	6/30/2008
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 night	6/30/2008
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 power	6/29/2008
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 location	6/27/2008
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 chirping	6/25/2008
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 chirping	6/24/2008
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 system	6/23/2008
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 Water	6/22/2008
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 light	6/22/2008
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 battery	6/20/2008
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 Detectors	6/16/2008
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 Detectors	6/14/2008
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 Detectors	6/14/2008
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 detectors	6/13/2008
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 other	6/9/2008
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 other	6/9/2008
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 PC1500	6/6/2008
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 1500	6/4/2008
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 detector	6/1/2008
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 detector	5/25/2008
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 expansion	5/23/2008
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 system	5/22/2008
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 question	5/21/2008
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 system	5/21/2008
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 question	5/20/2008
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 reset	5/18/2008
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 pc1555	5/18/2008
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 pc1555	5/17/2008
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 alarms	5/16/2008
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 4618	5/16/2008
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 shutters	5/15/2008
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 day	5/14/2008
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 system	5/14/2008
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 Off	5/12/2008
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: ...
DSC1500	5/8/2008
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 ...
DSC1500	5/7/2008
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 on	5/6/2008
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 beeping	5/2/2008
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 beeping	5/1/2008
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 sensor	5/1/2008
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 reason	4/29/2008
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 intermittently	4/28/2008
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 system	4/25/2008
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 alarm	4/24/2008
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 Zones	4/24/2008
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 detector	4/23/2008
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 error	4/22/2008
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 sounds	4/21/2008
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 1000	4/20/2008
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 sounds	4/20/2008
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 button	4/16/2008
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/FA120C	4/14/2008
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 Zone	4/13/2008
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 Zone	4/12/2008
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 FC	4/12/2008
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 keypad	4/11/2008
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 M6674	4/9/2008
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 alarms	4/7/2008
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 detector	4/7/2008
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 beeps	4/6/2008
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 code	4/6/2008
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 code	4/4/2008
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 Alarma	4/3/2008
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 1500	3/27/2008
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 Chirping	3/27/2008
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 beeping	3/25/2008
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 DSC	3/24/2008
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/PC5010	3/21/2008
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 PC5010	3/16/2008
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 beeping	3/16/2008
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/PC5010	3/15/2008
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 4125	3/15/2008
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 FA110c	3/14/2008
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 ...
pc2500	3/13/2008
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 3000	3/13/2008
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 American	3/10/2008
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 opens	3/8/2008
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 - Item5000	3/8/2008
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 detector	3/7/2008
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 brands	3/3/2008
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-16C	3/2/2008
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 system	3/1/2008
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 brands	3/1/2008
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 Chirping	2/29/2008
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 Reset	2/29/2008
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 Reset	2/28/2008
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 system	2/27/2008
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 Alarm	2/25/2008
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 pads	2/25/2008
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 pads	2/23/2008
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 code	2/21/2008
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, ...
4110XM	2/18/2008
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 manual	2/16/2008
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 stop	2/14/2008
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 Alam	2/13/2008
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 chirping	2/12/2008
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 2500	2/10/2008
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 sensors	2/8/2008
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 Off	2/8/2008
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 code	2/7/2008
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 832	2/7/2008
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 classic	2/5/2008
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 system	2/4/2008
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 ...
Reliability	2/3/2008
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 ...
Reliability	2/2/2008
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/d2412ue	2/2/2008
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 detectors	1/31/2008
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/d2412ue	1/30/2008
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 alarms	1/28/2008
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 Alarm	1/27/2008
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 detector	1/27/2008
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 System	1/26/2008
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 problems	1/26/2008
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 Detector	1/25/2008
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 programming	1/22/2008
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 sensor	1/22/2008
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 sensor	1/21/2008
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 alarms	1/19/2008
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 Alert	1/18/2008
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-20HWse	1/17/2008
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 alarm	1/16/2008
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 problems	1/15/2008
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 system	1/15/2008
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 system	1/14/2008
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 detectors	1/14/2008
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 detectors	1/11/2008
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 error	1/10/2008
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 out	1/9/2008
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 DSC2550	1/7/2008
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 system	1/7/2008
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 alarms	1/3/2008
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 off	1/3/2008
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 needlessly	1/2/2008
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 needlessly	1/2/2008
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 System	1/1/2008
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 system	12/31/2007
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 issue	12/30/2007
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 awake	12/30/2007
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 beeping	12/28/2007
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 832	12/28/2007
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 Alarm	12/25/2007
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 off	12/24/2007
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 PC5010	12/24/2007
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 PC1555	12/23/2007
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 Trouble	12/22/2007
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 alarm	12/19/2007
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 night	12/19/2007
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 alarm	12/16/2007
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 alarm	12/15/2007
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 reason	12/15/2007
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 chirping	12/11/2007
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 ...
dsc1500	12/10/2007
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 battery	12/10/2007
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 code	12/8/2007
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 2530	12/6/2007
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 1275	12/4/2007
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 alarms	12/3/2007
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 detector	12/2/2007
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 beeps	11/29/2007
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 code	11/27/2007
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 PC5010	11/25/2007
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 PC5010	11/24/2007
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 alarms	11/24/2007
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 PC1555	11/20/2007
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 sensor	11/15/2007
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 sensor	11/14/2007
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 1616	11/13/2007
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 detectors	11/13/2007
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 series	11/11/2007
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 Panel	11/11/2007
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 Detector	11/10/2007
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 1616	11/9/2007
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 Detector	11/7/2007
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 detector	11/5/2007
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 720c	11/2/2007
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 ...
8980e	11/1/2007
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 alams	10/31/2007
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 Intermittently	10/29/2007
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 1275	10/27/2007
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 alarm	10/26/2007
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 FA260	10/26/2007
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 alarm	10/25/2007
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 day	10/24/2007
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 ...
PC2550	10/24/2007
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 problems	10/22/2007
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 dector	7/17/2007
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 PC2550	7/16/2007
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 handleset	7/16/2007
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 chirping	7/14/2007
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 battery	7/14/2007
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 PC5010	4/12/2007
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 working	4/9/2007
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 - FIREX	4/8/2007
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 trouble	4/8/2007
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 detector	4/7/2007
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 wiring	4/5/2007
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 Replacement	4/3/2007
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 - chirping	4/3/2007
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 system	4/1/2007
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 display	3/31/2007
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 Alarm	3/30/2007
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 chirping	3/29/2007
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 on	3/27/2007
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 alarm	3/26/2007
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 alarm	3/26/2007
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: chirping	3/25/2007
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 alarm	3/23/2007
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 working	3/21/2007
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 system	3/8/2007
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 system	3/8/2007
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 ...
fire alarm trouble signals	3/4/2007
Q: I have always been curious about the electronics on fire alarm systems, and I was curious on how ... A: and thanks for your question. The answer is a bit technical, and I don't know how much about ...
Smoke Dector	2/12/2007
Q: I was wokr up this morning @ 5:30 with the smoke dector going off, I have three electric dectors and ... A: and thanks for writing. Most detector alarms happen because the detectors are dirty and need to be ...
Direct Wired Smoke Alarms	2/12/2007
Q: I recently replaced a Firex FX1020 with a Kidde 1275 EH Direct Wire-In Smoke Alarm. Its ... A: and thanks for writing. Compatibility is never assured when mixing different brands of smoke ...
Smoke detectors	2/10/2007
Q: Whose responsibility is it to install and maintain smoke detectors in apartment buildings the ... A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors probably have to be in place in order to get a Certificate ...
PC2550 DSC Alarm System Trouble Light	2/7/2007
Q: Trouble Display indicates a Defective Stand-by Battery. Where is this located? In the keypads, or ... A: and thanks for your question. The standby battery is located in the main control panel. It looks ...
DSC 832 General Service Required	2/6/2007
Q: I installed a DSC 832 just using a Motion Detector in a Trailor. I keep receiving a General System ... A: and thanks for writing. I'm not up on programming DSC controls, so the installation paperwork is ...
Firex 1072B -	2/5/2007
Q: Just moments ago, my wife reported that all of our fire alarms in our home started going off at ... A: and thanks for writing. You're right -- it's not a low battery signal. This is an alarm signal. ...
Home Security System	2/5/2007
Q: We have just purchased our 1st home and are in the market for a home security system. The problem is ... A: Congratulations on buying your first home! Ill talk a bit about systems in general, and you can ...
Fire alarm chirps	2/1/2007
Q: We have proved that it is the fire detector, I didn't say that before. Also we've replaced one of ... A: You've exhausted the list of things you can do with the troubled detector. The next step is to ...
chirping smoke detector	1/31/2007
Q: did you ever get your answer on chirping smoke detector, i have the same problem, just 1 in ... A: and thanks for writing. I don't recall whether you wrote before. The best general advice is to ...
No AC power but battery power does work...	1/29/2007
Q: Dave: I recently moved in to a house that had an alarm installed I think around 1988. A Nutech 2900 ... A: and thanks for your question. 1988? I think I still had hair back then. Here's my guess -- and ...
Fire alarm chirps	1/28/2007
Q: My daughter lives in a duplex about 6 months ago. There are two fire alarms one upstairs and one ... A: and thanks for your question. There are two things for you to try. First, make sure that it's the ...
Apartment security systems -- possible?	1/22/2007
Q: I live alone in an apartment and would like to install a security system. The problem is that, since ... A: and thanks for your question. I recently answered a question about systems that are useful in ...
Firex smoke/fire alarms	1/20/2007
Q: I purchased a new home about four years ago. It came with a network of 6 Firex 120-1182 smoke ... A: and thanks for writing. As far as I know, all Firex smoke detectors are compatible with one ...
mrose 16-c	1/20/2007
Q: Dave, We recently purchased a home with a morse 16c security system. The owner who rarely used the ... A: and thanks for writing. I'm not familiar with the system you mentioned, but I did do some research, ...
false alarms from smoke detector	1/18/2007
Q: I bought my house brand new 1 1/2 yrs ago and I have had no problems until today. My smoke ... A: and thanks for writing. I'm glad that you found which detector is causing the trouble. Since it's ...
Chirping Firex ADC/FADC	1/15/2007
Q: I have a 10 year old house with 8 originally Firex ADC and now FADC smoke detectors. Every 4 months ... A: Jim. Firex is wearing me out! Now that I have THAT out of my system... Two points. First, if the ...
firex smoke detector FADCmodel 120-1182	1/14/2007
Q: I also experience multiple room simultaneous chirping on these alarms. I moved my room air cleaners ... A: and thanks for writing. I've never been able to find a manual for the 120-1182. There's a website ...
smke detectors, AC shutoff,bldg alert system	1/11/2007
Q: In the beginning all working well in our condo..5 working smoke detectors, wiring that would shut ... A: and thanks for your question. The system you describe -- including shutting down the HVAC system to ...
Alarm Arms Itself.....	1/10/2007
Q: The alarm system is not being used but I do have the Master Code. At 6:00 every morning I hear a ... A: and thanks for writing. I don't know why the system would are itself, but there's an easy solution, ...
Fire alarms chrip all the time	1/8/2007
Q: We have five fire alarms that chirp all the time. They are wired in and have battery backup. All of ... A: and thanks for writing. Try this: Have you replaced your battery and your alarm still chirps? If ...
Fire alarm false one resolutions	1/7/2007
Q: Not really a question, more of a statement.. After 2 hours at 3am trying to find out why my smoke ... A: Warren. Insects sometimes cause false alarms in burglary systems when they get into motion ...
smoke detectors alarm @power interruption	1/6/2007
Q: Dave, Thanks for this great service. Our 6 year old home has hard wired (5) Firex 120-1056C smoke ... A: and thanks for writing. I agree that it's important not to have the fire department responding to ...
Smoke-Alarm-Chirps-Four	1/6/2007
Q: The system is Ranger American, and I am not sure where to look for the model number. I have two ... A: Jay. Ranger American isn't an alarm control brand; it's an installing company. What happens is that ...
Smoke-Alarm-Chirps-Four	1/5/2007
Q: I was reading http://experts.about.com/q/Security-Fire-Protection-2247/Smoke-Alarm-Chirps-Four.htm, ... A: and thanks for writing. I'm glad that you eliminated the smoke detectors; that makes things a bit ...
home security system	1/4/2007
Q: First of all thanks for your time. I bought a home this past summer 2006, it came with a home ... A: and thanks for writing. Some things we can do over the Internet, others require an expert visual ...
false alarms - smoke detectors	1/3/2007
Q: Flipped the breaker and received a peaceful nights sleep for my trouble. However, not one to trust ... A: Personally, I'd bite the bullet and replace both units. If you want to continue to troubleshoot, ...
Recommendations for Firex or another brand?	1/3/2007
Q: I was planning to buy a Firex 12000 smoke/CO alarm and 5 Firex 4580s (photoelectric smoke alarm) for ... A: and thanks for your question. I make it a point not to endorse any particular product, ...
First Alert Master Code	1/3/2007
Q: Dave, I just bought a house that was in foreclosure. It has a First Alert FA130CP security system, ... A: and thanks for writing. These cases usually need a technician to get into the system's programming. ...
Firex 120-1072B	1/3/2007
Q: I have Firex Smoke Detectors. Model # 120-1072B. They are hard-wired into my house with battery ... A: and thanks for writing. I get a lot of Firex questions about chirping. One thing you can try is to ...
false alarms - smoke detectors	1/1/2007
Q: The brand: Firex, Model: 4480 http://www.icca.invensys.com/support/results_rsf.asp I have a co2 ... A: I've not heard of electrical noise being a cause of false signals -- but why not? Are you willing ...
Cerberus Detection Systems	1/1/2007
Q: Should a detection system's panel be triggering "trouble" alarms on a daily basis, sometimes 3-5 ... A: and thanks for writing. Trouble alarms should not be a daily occurrence with any fire or ...
Firex Smoke Detector 120-1072B	1/1/2007
Q: I was looking on the internet for new Firex detectors to replace my randomly chirping detectors when ... A: and thanks for writing. I can't say whether the connectors are compatible with one another. Here's ...
false alarms - smoke detectors	12/31/2006
Q: History: Alarms (8) are photovoltaic, just over a year old - hard wired w/bat backup. Recently the ... A: and thanks for writing. If the detectors are consistent in sounding the pattern you describe, ...
security 4 beeps	12/31/2006
Q: the electricians all were focused on the smoke detectors because we recently had them all relaced ... A: Pam. First, if the beeping is related to your air conditioner or its wiring, then I can't be of ...
security 4 beeps	12/31/2006
Q: my security system in my condo, first alert , has been beeping 4 beeps randomly...in the middle of ... A: and thanks for writing. It's always easier to troubleshoot a problem in person than via the ...
Constant chirpping of smoke detector.	12/31/2006
Q: I have the Kidde Ionization Smoke Alarm Model 1275. Yesterday the one installed in my bedroom ... A: and thanks for writing. I suspect you have a carbon monoxide detector that's chirping. Since you ...
False alarms	12/31/2006
Q: We have a DSC PC2550 professionally-installed alarm system. Occasionally, we hear the alarm go off ... A: and thanks for writing. I wish I had a simple answer for you -- but you describe multiple problems. ...
DSC Power 832 alarm	12/30/2006
Q: When I try to set my alarm, it indicates that one of my doors is open when in fact it is shut. I ... A: and thanks for your question. Sensor replacement is pretty straightforward, if you can find the ...
False alarms	12/30/2006
Q: I have 2 Firex 120 volt alarms interconnected in my house. They were both replaced in '99 with ... A: and thanks for writing. There are a few things you can try. First, have the detectors been ...
hard wired Kidde model 1285	12/30/2006
Q: I have 3 hard wired smoke detectors in my single story condo. They have all been installed within ... A: and thanks for writing. I cringe whenever there's a false alarm problem associated with mixed makes ...
Security System Installation	12/29/2006
Q: Just so I can get things straight in my head, The #5 RLY & #6 NC should go back to a zone on the ... A: .. If you want to monitor whether the cover on the motion detector is in place, use the tamper ...
Security System Installation	12/29/2006
Q: I hope you can help me. My new home came pre-wired for a FutureSmart home security system. I ... A: and thanks for your question. First, in case you don't have it, here is the installation paperwork ...
Professional rehookup of smoke detector	12/18/2006
Q: Does an already installed smoke detector that the connector is disconnected, does it have to be ... A: and thanks for writing. If the connection you're referring to is a nylon plug, then it's okay to ...
Nortron Model ac8w won't shut off	12/18/2006
Q: I own a house built approx 16 yrs ago has built-in Nortron fire detector Model ac8w. There was no ... A: and thanks for writing. Over the years, I've only had a couple of questions relating to Nortron ...
Smoke Detectors Going Off	12/18/2006
Q: Dave, Our home is 2 years old and has 6 hardwired/battery backup smoke detectors installed (1 ... A: and thanks for your question. Cleaning your detectors would be the first and best course of action. ...
Another chirping Firex smoke alarm system	12/17/2006
Q: Just moved into a new home. We have experienced similar to what seems like a multitude of previous ... A: and thanks for the detailed information. I get a lot of Firex questions and comments; more so than ...
Beeping "new" smoke detectors	12/16/2006
Q: I have 8 hard weird firex smoke alarms and one chirps 4 times randomly throughout the day and ... A: I don't know of any significance of that pattern of chirps. Try, this, though. Take the single ...
Firex Smoke Detector Going Off	12/15/2006
Q: I have Firex smoke detectors installed throughout my house - they are hard wired into the electrical ... A: and thanks for writing. Smoke detectors detect visible smoke, or course, but invisible particles of ...
FireX constant chirping	12/14/2006
Q: First, thank you for your response, second, the problem with taking it down is that it is wired to ... A: I am not a FireX employee, nor do I have any affiliation with them. I'm just a volunteer in this ...
Firex CO2 Alarm goes off	12/14/2006
Q: We have a Firex system hard-wired into the house. For awhile we were having numerous 4-5 am false ... A: and thanks for writing. I don't have any practical experience with CO detectors (having an ...
firex smoke alarm	12/14/2006
Q: Our master bedroom smoke alarm began chirping about 2 weeks ago. We replaced the battery. Didn't ... A: and thanks for your question. It seems apparent that something other than the smoke detector is ...
FireX constant chirping	12/14/2006
Q: I tried your suggestion of disconnecting the electrical harness, removing the battery and 20 seconds ... A: and thanks for writing. With the battery out and the power off.. the detector cannot chirp. ...
No power/DSC Power 832	12/12/2006
Q: My backup battery was needing replacement (low battery warning). After about 2 weeks, I returned ... A: and thanks for writing. A seemingly dead system and a warm transformer doesn't sound promising. The ...
RE: First Alert FA260	12/11/2006
Q: For some time now we have been getting the following message: 15 check chime. Today the system ... A: and thanks for writing. I think there are two parts to the message you describe. First, I think ...
Firex 120-1182	12/11/2006
Q: On 8-17-06, Shawn wrote to tell you that his Firex alarms keep chirping even with fresh batteries. ... A: and thanks for writing. The one thing you (may have) missed is to disconnect the AC power AND the ...
Firex smoke alarm	12/10/2006
Q: i have a Firex 230v Ionisation Detector with batery back up smoke alarma, and revntly it has starte ... A: and thanks for your question. The useful life-span of smoke detectors is estimated at about ten ...
Monitored System*	12/7/2006
Q: Can you recommend the best monitored system for my 2nd home which is in a condo complex, that I only ... A: and thanks for your question. I don't endorse any product, company, or service in this forum, but ...
chirping fire alarm	12/5/2006
Q: Ok. I did take it off the base and didn't find any battery compartments. I just want to clarify ... A: Since you have a hard-wired detector, it gets primary power from your 120 volt house current. The ...
chirping fire alarm	12/5/2006
Q: The fire alarm in the master bedroom starting chirping. It is hard-wired. I am assuming that it has ... A: and thanks for your question. Chirping is caused by weak batteries. Most smoke detectors have to ...
All firex alarms went off	12/5/2006
Q: I have 7 firex 120-538c fire alarms in my home - for about 9 years. All went off for no apparent ... A: and thanks for writing. While it could be something else, the likelihood is that cleaning the ...
Firex 120-1182	12/4/2006
Q: We are without our manual for the Firex 120-1182. We have 4 smoke detectors in our house and they ... A: and thanks for your question. I found no direct replacement for that model number -- but that ...
Home false alarms	12/4/2006
Q: MY house alarm works fine during the day but at night it goes off about 3 to 4 hours into my sleep . ... A: and thanks for writing. Battery backup in alarm systems are rechargeable batteries, and are ...
FireX FADC Smoke Detector	12/4/2006
Q: After a power outage one of our six alarms started chirping randomly about every 5 to 30 seconds. I ... A: and thanks for your question. You didn't mention whether you replaced the battery with a fresh one, ...
Trouble Signal.	12/3/2006
Q: An alarm system was installed in my apartment after extensive renovations were done. The alarm ... A: Murray. Your issue is now clear -- I didn't understand that it was a condominium. So my ...
Smoke Detector false alarm	12/3/2006
Q: Help! We've had our current smoke detectors for 3 years and have never had any problems. Last ... A: and thanks for writing. Let's start by trying to find which detector is acting up. You didn't ...
magnum alert alarm	12/2/2006
Q: My zone 5 is not secure and requires bypass. How do i check windows and doors for a problem? I ... A: and thanks for writing. For a non-technician, one way to try to find a fault is the "shakedown." ...
Firex 12000 alarm	12/1/2006
Q: I have a replace battery beep every min, with the small green light flash at the same time. I have ... A: and thanks for writing. Try this: remove the detector from its base, and unplug the electric ...
getting into the trade	11/29/2006
Q: Dave, is it possible for someone in the building trades to get into the alarm business? You guys ... A: and thanks for your question. Of course tradespeople can get into the alarm industry. It's a matter ...
Old home smoke detectors	11/29/2006
Q: I have a very old home that has dark wood ceilings and walls and I would like to install a couple ... A: and thanks for writing. I've never seen or heard of smoke or CO detectors being available in ...
Alarms going off	11/28/2006
Q: Dave Recently all our Firex model 120-1182 smoke alarms have been going off for apparently no ... A: and thanks for your question. If the detectors have been in service since 2003, they probably need ...
Security Alarm System	11/28/2006
Q: I have a Morse MDC-16C Security & Fire protection System installed in my home. There are motion ... A: and thanks for writing. There can be many issues in play here, and the need to get a technician ...
smoke alarm Nortron Model #AC12W	11/28/2006
Q: I'm wondering if you can get me in the right direction as to how to get my hands on a copy of an ... A: and thanks for writing. I too have been unable to find any information on Nortron beyond that it ...
alarm with battery backup	11/27/2006
Q: I am looking for a very simple alarm system for my brother. I need to find one that is hard wired to ... A: and thanks for writing. There are hundreds of simple alarm systems from which to choose. If you ...
Firex Smoke Detector Alarm	11/25/2006
Q: I live in a condo (first time owner) which has one Firex Smoke Detector mounted to the ceiling (9' ... A: and thanks for your question. Chirping about once per minute is the standard weak battery ...
PC DSC 1555	11/21/2006
Q: Dave, I just purchased a new board (DSC PC1555) for my home system and also picked up 2 fairly new ... A: and thanks for writing. The one thing that comes to mind is whether your system is programmed to ...
Nortron detector ModelNo.AC8W	11/20/2006
Q: This detector is equiped with 3 leads one white,black,yellow. The black lead goes on the live ... A: and thanks for your question. The short answer is, "I don't know." This is a question better ...
chirping smoke detector	11/19/2006
Q: Greetings, Will a chirping low battery alert on a smoke alarm stop chirping when the battery is ... A: and thanks for writing. I don't know whether the chirping will ever stop. It depends on whether the ...
fire and smoke detectors that beep upon power outtage	11/17/2006
Q: Just wanted to clarify that the power outtage is an area wide power outtage not just this house. ... A: Ah! Good point, and thanks for the clarification. Still call the electrician, yes. Electricians are ...
DSC Power 832 Security System	11/17/2006
Q: I found that Zone 8 is one of my bedrooms where the security system's control panel is installed. ... A: Frank. If you know that zone 8 is that bedroom, then you need to check two things. First, is the ...
fire and smoke detectors that beep upon power outtage	11/16/2006
Q: My daughter has at least 8 Brinks smoke and co2 detectors in her home that were installed when they ... A: and thanks for your question. Batteries usually last for about a year in smoke and carbon monoxide ...
smoke alarm	11/16/2006
Q: I have a chirp above a smoke detector. The chirp has been present for about one month and occurs ... A: An electrician can easily troubleshoot the problem for you. But before you call one, please try an ...
electric harness	11/15/2006
Q: What is an electric harness on a fire alarm? A: and thanks for your question. I'm assuming when you say "fire alarm," you mean a smoke detector. ...
chirping fire alarm	11/15/2006
Q: We have a brand new home, and suddenly our one electric with battery backup fire alarm is chirping ... A: One chirp every three minutes isn't the norm for low battery. That's usually once every minute. If ...
Firex 5000 smoke alarms chirping	11/14/2006
Q: Dave, Two of my Firex smoke alarms (I think they're model 5000) have recently begun chirping when I ... A: and thanks for your question. Most manufacturers advise moving detectors away from sources of ...
Smoke alarm chirps randomly at night	11/13/2006
Q: I have learned a couple of other things... I was using the wrong term. Between 12:00 AM and 6:00 ... A: and thanks for the detailed new information. This may be one of the problems that just can't be ...
DSC Power 832 Security System	11/12/2006
Q: The home I recently purchased has a DSC Power 832 PC 5015 version 2.2 home security system ... A: and thanks for writing. You already have all the information that's available. The trouble is on ...
Home Fire Sprinkler- Inspector Valve	11/12/2006
Q: I live in a house that is equipped with a fire sprinkler system. At the back of the house, there is ... A: and thanks for your question. You can likely find a handle at a store that handles plumbing ...
false alarm	11/12/2006
Q: I am a building inspector in Ft. Worth, TX. I have recently come across new houses that experience ... A: and thanks for writing. If the smoke detectors were installed before construction was completed -- ...
Smoke alarm chirps randomly at night	11/10/2006
Q: I have learned a little more. The detectors are firex 5000, they are hard wired. The LEDs in the ... A: Jamie. The green LED should be illuminated (meaning that AC power is on) all the time. If it's off ...
Smoke alarm chirps randomly at night	11/9/2006
Q: I live in an apartment complex. Unfortuantely I don't know the model of our smoke alarm as I can ... A: and thanks for your question. In my experience, I've never heard nor seen of an instance where cold ...
home alarm	11/9/2006
Q: First of all, we have a home security system which was in place when we bought our house, but we ... A: and thanks for writing. Here's one way to deal with the issue... your security system is powered by ...
chirping smoke alarm	11/9/2006
Q: Dave, This morning one of nine hard wired smoke alarms began chirping for no apparent reason. I ... A: and thanks for your question. Ordinarily I'd say it's a low battery signal, but this doesn't seem ...
Smoke detector chirping	11/5/2006
Q: Dave, I had 3 BRK(#4919) detectors(10 yrs old) that were AC hard wired and I was getting an ... A: and thanks for writing. Good job on replacing your detectors. After ten years, they should be ...
Hard-wired smoke alarm system reliability	11/5/2006
Q: Dave! To answer your questions: 1. We live in the continental US; South Carolina 2. The house was ... A: Susan. Gas-fired appliances are pretty clean-burning, so I'm not as concerned that your heating ...
Hard-wired smoke alarm system reliability	11/5/2006
Q: I wish this were a hypothetical question, but it is not. We live in a rather typical small, ... A: and thanks for writing. I don't think you're crazy at all. I have a few questions, though: Tell ...
SMOKE DETECTOR GOING OFF	11/4/2006
Q: I have 6 Firex Smoke Detectors. Model # 120-1072B. I replaced batteries after 3 years after they ... A: and thanks for writing. Let me make sure I'm understanding the situation... Firex sent you new ...
smoke detectors going off - AGAIN	11/4/2006
Q: Dave, Twice today our smoke detectors (hard wired) all went off for no reason. The first time the ... A: and thanks for writing. It sounds like you have smoke detectors connected to your monitored home ...
Smoke detectors	11/3/2006
Q: I have 9 smoke detectors in my home that are AC wired with battery backups. They're not connected ... A: Smoke detectors these days are interconnected, so that when one senses smoke, all of them sound the ...
False Smoke Alarm	11/1/2006
Q: We have a First Alert system model# FA145C. At around 5 this morning the system went off and gave ... A: and thanks for writing. Your system has one or more smoke or heat detectors connected to it. It is ...
alarm system	11/1/2006
Q: What would be the difference between all different manufacuters ADT, Brooks, etc... I am having a ... A: and thanks for your question. Most companies that install and service alarms do not manufacture ...
Hard wired smoke detectors	10/31/2006
Q: Dave: We have hard wired smoke detectors with a battery backup. We are changing the batteries in ... A: and thanks for your question. You didn't mention what make or model your detectors are, so in ...
Kidde Interconnected Always beeping	10/29/2006
Q: Let me clear up a little. Starting point, both detectors are disconnected. I connect one of them, ... A: John. Since the detectors go off when connected to the wiring harness, my guess is that the red ...
Kidde 1275H chirping	10/29/2006
Q: I recently replaced my smoke alarms(5) in my manufactured home because the originals started ... A: .. try this tip found on the Internet: Have you replaced your battery and your alarm still chirps? ...
Kidde Interconnected Always beeping	10/29/2006
Q: I have 120 volt AC interconnected smoke alarm setup for two smoke alarms. I decided to replace the ... A: and thanks for writing. On the face of it, it appears you have an "out-of-the-box" failure. You ...
DSC PC1550	10/28/2006
Q: I need to change the dialing method of Digital Security Controls Ltd PC1550 form Dial Pulse to Touch ... A: and thanks for writing. Programming instructions will be found in the installation manual, and ...
Smoke Detecters keep going off	10/28/2006
Q: They aren't near anything they shouldn't be. One is downstairs in the living room, the others are ... A: and thanks for writing. It's probably a case of your detectors needing to be cleaned. Check your ...
firex model GC smoke detector	10/28/2006
Q: last night my hard wired detector that is in my upstairs storage area beeped about 4 times and ... A: and thanks for your question. Most (if not all!) instructions for smoke detectors ask that attics ...
Yet another chirping alarm	10/26/2006
Q: Like many folks, we're having problems with an interconnected smoke detector system (builder ... A: I've found a few Firex manuals, but not your model. I am wondering if you've found all the ...
smoke alarm beeping	10/22/2006
Q: .. We have a hard wired smoke alarm (lifesafer) and it is beeping or more like chirping every 10-20 ... A: and thanks for writing. It's hard to say what's wrong with your detector other than it's not ...
DSC pc1550 master alarm code reset	10/20/2006
Q: I just purchased a home with the above system installed. It worked great at inspection time. The ... A: and thanks for your question. I can't be of much help here; you'll need to contact either the ...
ademco alarm sys. vista-10se	10/20/2006
Q: My alarm keypad has no power...I have checked the fuse in the system circuit board and it checks ... A: and thanks for writing. You can check a couple of things. First, check connections for the wire run ...
Smoke detectors went off for no apparent reason	10/16/2006
Q: We bought a house last year, it is now 4 years old. There are 5 smoke detectors upstairs, one down. ... A: and thanks for your questions. You've described a puzzling set of circumstances. Please tell me the ...
Firex model FADC smoke detector problems	10/10/2006
Q: When one of our hardwired Firex detectors (7 total) began chirping (once/minute), we decided to go ... A: and thanks for writing. No green light means no AC power -- so let's prove whether the detector is ...
Smoke Detector False Alarm	10/10/2006
Q: Manufacturer: Kidde Fyrnetics Ionization Smoke Alarm Model 1275 We experienced the typical ... A: and thanks for writing. It's not uncommon for a detector to sound off when power is applied, but it ...
Random Smoke Alarm Chirping	10/7/2006
Q: I have 7 Lifesaver model 1275 with "hush" mode smoke alarms with battery backups in my house. They ... A: and thanks for your question. Aside from cleaning and maintaining fresh batteries, there's little ...
choosing alarm system	10/7/2006
Q: i am a new homeowner and we are planning on getting an alarm system. what are the services that is ... A: and thanks for writing. First, let me remind you that I do not endorse products or companies. I ...
firex alarm chirping follow-up	10/5/2006
Q: Dave, I read and followed your advice regarding the chirping Firex smoke alarm. I have replaced ... A: and thanks for writing. I really wish I had better advice for you -- you can see that there are ...
Firex 120-1072B	9/29/2006
Q: I too looked for an owner's manual, but couldn't find one. They do recommend replacing them every 10 ... A: Glad to be of some help, Jane. One more suggestion: after you do your Internet research, take a ...
Firex 120-1072B	9/27/2006
Q: I have three Firex 120-1072B fire alarms which are connected via hard wiring (basement, 1st floor, ... A: and thanks for your question. I don't have (and have not been able to locate online) the owner's ...
Disabling an Alarm System	9/25/2006
Q: I moved into a house recently with an ITI Systems commander series alarm system. The system does ... A: There are two sources of power for an alarm system, and you'll have to address both. The first is ...
Ademco alarm system	9/22/2006
Q: Dave, Dave, The model is an Ademco (Vista SE). Is it possible to utilize the alarm by using just ... A: Here's the way it works... the installer code is programmed at the factory. When the installation is ...
Firex Smoke Alarm - model 4580	9/19/2006
Q: I have 7 hardwired Firex smoke alarms model 4580 (photoelectric.) Problem is the whole system goes ... A: and thanks for your question. If the two detectors alarm and stay in alarm when you apply power, ...
Firex 120-1182 Smoke Detectors and Chirping	9/18/2006
Q: I live in a two-story townhome and with smoke detector on both floors. I recently had to correct ... A: and thanks for writing. Since you've disabled your smoke detectors, the chirping cannot be from ...
firex 120-1070B	9/2/2006
Q: We have 3 hardwired/9v backup smoke detectors. The alarm started going off on one of them and the ... A: and thanks for your question. I doubt that it's a wiring issue -- after all, it did at one time ...
Firex smoke detectors	9/2/2006
Q: HELP!After a lengthy power outage, my smoke detector began to chirp. I figured that the backup ... A: and thanks for your question. If you have additional detectors, please try the same procedure with ...
First Alert System	9/2/2006
Q: Dave, I installed a First Alert FA160C pannel and FA550KP key pad. I hooked up all the wiring per ... A: and thanks for your question. I don't have much information to work with, but here goes... First, ...
Home security and fire protection.	9/1/2006
Q: Sorry, I did this wrong the first time. The smoke/fire detectors are $149 each including ... A: Carolyn. Here's my opinion, for what it's worth. I think the price is out of line. ...
Hard-wired smoke detectors	8/31/2006
Q: We have hard-wired smoke detectors that are about 15 months old. Last night, one of the detectors ... A: and thanks for your question. Smoke detectors are interconnected so that one goes off, they all ...
Home security and fire protection.	8/31/2006
Q: We want to have a security system installed in our home as we will be absent 6 months of the year. ... A: and thanks for writing. The quote you mention (and thanks for not mentioning the alarm company) is ...
ADT vs DSC	8/30/2006
Q: I installed the DSC NT9010 wireless system but then had problems with it and have now installed the ... A: and thanks for writing. DSC is an equipment manufacturer; ADT is huge installation, service, and ...
Napco Magnum Alert	8/29/2006
Q: I have a Napco Magnum Alert system with three keypads. I think that it is the 3000 LCDE. One of ... A: and thanks for writing. Since the kepad displays status, I think the problem is likely one or more ...
Home security	8/29/2006
Q: Whats better wireless or wired home security systems and whats better a small or big company. A: and thanks for your questions. Wireless v. wired? All in all, there's no difference in operation or ...
Security System	8/28/2006
Q: I do not have a monitoring company. Woke up this morning to intermittent chirping of system. Tried ... A: and thanks for your question. With all the variables you describe, it'll take a hands-on look at ...
Firex Smoke Detector Model FADC	8/26/2006
Q: I didn't realize I could come back here to ask another question so there is also a similar one in ... A: The "wiring harness" consists of a plastic receptacle on the base of the detector, and a plug that ...
Firex Smoke Detector Model FADC	8/26/2006
Q: Your website has a question posed by "Fabian" on 4/14/06 regarding chirping of his detector even ... A: and thanks for writing. I don't recall Fabian's particular case, but I did recently find a "quick ...
6 connected fire detectors	8/26/2006
Q: I just moved into a new house. One dectector was chirping, so I replaced the battery and it stopped ... A: and thanks for writing. It seems like you have a lot of things going on: -- 3 fire detectors ...
interconnected a/c powered detectors	8/25/2006
Q: We're having recurring problems with false alarms from our smoke detectors. The recommendations are ... A: and thanks for your question. I agree with you. The alarms should not stop when you turn the ...
Phone Troubles with Security System	8/25/2006
Q: I moved into a home with an ADT system installed. I chose not to have them monitor the system but I ... A: and thanks for your question. I'm guessing that your service plan with the phone company does not ...
Another 4-chirper	8/22/2006
Q: Dave - Been reading the four-chirp posts and I've got another one. We are the second owners of ... A: and thanks for writing. I wish I were smarter than the folks at Kidde. I don't know if you saw two ...
No horn or allarm sounding	8/21/2006
Q: My allarm is going off but the horn dosn't sound. What are some posible solutions. dose that small ... A: and thanks for writing. There are many possible causes for the horn not to sound: Horn is ...
Intermittent Chirping from hardwired detector	8/20/2006
Q: I have BRK Model 7010B smoke detectors in my home all hardwired. One the detectors has intermittent ... A: and thanks for your question. I've had several similar questions, and in trying to solve them, came ...
Re-entering my master code	8/20/2006
Q: Help Please... I am not hooked up to a central monitoring sytem and not associated with any alarm ... A: and thanks for your question. I'm not familiar with First Alet panels. Most alarm panels come from ...
Key Pad Magnum Alert285	8/18/2006
Q: Have two key pads /One works ok the other was working periodicaly / At the moment it is stuck in a ... A: and thanks for writing. 20 years is a long service life for any alarm component. If everything else ...
Chirping from hard wired fire detector system	8/18/2006
Q: Dave, We have a 3 level home with a smoke detector on each level. Last night the upper level ... A: and thanks for your question. My guess is that there's another detector. I've had a few questions ...
Pyrotronics CP-400 Alarm Panel	8/17/2006
Q: How do you set up a zone using 2 wire smoke detectors. A: 2-wire smoke detector circuits typically use an end-of-line device to provide the required ...
Troubleshoot new Kiddie 1285	8/17/2006
Q: Another idea, we were educating ourselves on the photoelectric/ ion based alarms. Kidde claims in ... A: I'm also happy that you're educating yourselves on your options, and putting a comprehensive plan ...
firex 120-1182 chirping (no manual)	8/17/2006
Q: Dave, Great advice! Thanks a ton the chirping stopped after I disconected it and held the hush ... A: The only thing I can suggest is to make sure that the new battery is really new (I guess when you're ...
Troubleshoot new Kiddie 1285	8/16/2006
Q: Bought new Kiddie 1285 to replace a broken ac smoke alarm. Existing 2 ac smoke alarms are Firex ... A: and thanks for writing. Unless the instructions tell you that one brand of smoke detector is ...
firex 120-1182 chirping (no manual)	8/14/2006
Q: Dave, I have 6 firex 120-1182 smoke detectors in my house. Earlyer today one of the detectors ... A: and thanks for your question. I could not locate a manual for the Firex 120-1182, so I'm limited to ...
Fire alarms beeping	8/13/2006
Q: Oops, meant to include that. They are Firex ADC. They have been in use for about 4 - 5 years. ... A: Heather. There are only a couple of things you can do short of replacing the detector. First, ...
Smoke dectors going off	8/13/2006
Q: I have nine BRK smoke detectors that go off, three alarms signals, and then they go off. At first I ... A: and thanks for your question. Disconnecting the orange wire will help isolate the detector that is ...
Local monitoring	8/10/2006
Q: Dave, We just moved and are trying to get our Cadxx/ Ranger 8980E up and running. It was installed ... A: http://www.alarmcommunity.com/manuals/caddx/8980EUF98.pdf ...
hardwired smoke detector intermittent beeps	8/10/2006
Q: We live in a twenty-five-year-old apt complex and the hardwired smoke detector is on the ceiling ... A: and thanks for writing. Without knowing the make and model of the detector, I can't give exact ...
Fire Alarms	8/10/2006
Q: This is my second one...sorry. I have smoke alarms also and I have the alarm system DSC1550...are ... A: http://www.alarmcommunity.com/manuals/DSC/pc1500-1550_um_us_en_29000078_r008.pdf (The link I forgot ...
Alarm System	8/10/2006
Q: I have a model DSC1550 sytem and the previous owner did not leave a code and it appears that I would ... A: and thanks for writing. Here's a link to the manual for your alarm control. I'm sure this will be ...
Kiddie model 1235	8/6/2006
Q: My alarms all started going off this morning, (three quick beeps) I looked all over my two story ... A: and thanks for your question. Ionization smoke detectors such as yours detect particles of ...
Need new battery?	8/6/2006
Q: Hopefully you can answer this (again) for me. My alarm is making a sound about every 30 seconds. ... A: and thanks for writing. Before you spend money on replacing the battery in the box in the closet, ...
Napco Magnum Alert	8/3/2006
Q: A follow up Dave, I can purchase a panel myself and am pretty able, is this something a non ... A: Michael. Here's my opinion. If you are pretty handy with hand tools, and can interpret the wiring ...
Napco Magnum Alert	8/3/2006
Q: We lost some telephones televisions etc. My question is that the alarm system keypads are lit. The ... A: and thanks for writing. If the syptoms you describe correspond to the lightning strike, then I'd ...
Abnormal chimes from key pad	7/31/2006
Q: I have NAPCO MAGNUM 1008 system with a RP1054D keypad. In the past few weeks the key pad chime has ... A: and thanks for your question. Sometimes, the symptons are so random, and the information so ...
AC Smoke Detector Chirping	7/29/2006
Q: I have an AC smoke detector that is chirping intermittently. The alarm even chirps when I disconnect ... A: and thanks for writing. There's not much information with which to work, but I'll make an ...
Lifesaver Model 1225 hard wired Detector	7/26/2006
Q: The detector downstairs has been chirping. I can't seem to open it to replace the battery (wish I ... A: and thanks for writing. Some of these detectors can be like a puzzle box to get open so you can ...
BRK Smoke Detectors	7/24/2006
Q: I have 7 interconnected smoke detectors. They are 120V hard wired with battery backup. In the last ... A: and thanks for writing. If you think a single detector is causing the trouble (not a bad ...
window alarms	7/24/2006
Q: I am gettign an alarm system put in- wireless with a motion detector. do you recomend putting a ... A: and thanks for your question. Is motion detection important? Sure. Consider this: a window contact ...
Still chirping	7/21/2006
Q: It's obvious we're not the only ones with this problem but I have to ask, how do we stop the ... A: and thanks for your question... and you're right, there are a lot of instances where smoke detectors ...
Firex Model AD-120 Alarms when connected to power	7/20/2006
Q: Dave, Any help would be appreciated. I have 3 Firex Model AD-120 (Electrical with 9 Volt battery) ... A: and thanks for writing. Thats a tough question. You've already done the troubleshooting that I ...
ADEMCO Burglar Alarm Problem	7/20/2006
Q: Here's my followup. The model # of my ADEMCO system is VISTA-20. All that the owner's manual says ... A: Derrill. Since your keypad is able to display the trouble code, I assume that the control is ...
ADEMCO Burglar Alarm Problem	7/19/2006
Q: We had a bad thunderstorm and my power was out for 13 hours. When the power came back on I got an OC ... A: and thanks for your question. Here are my thoughts. Open Circuit does not sound like a ...
Kidde AC-wired Smoke Detector Issue	7/18/2006
Q: I have a Kidde Lifesaver model 1235 smoke detector and started hearing a constant high-pitched tone ... A: and thanks for writing. Check one thing for me -- do you have a carbon monoxide detector that may ...
Firex Smoke Alarm 120-1182	7/18/2006
Q: This fire alarm is one out of 5 interconnected Firex Smoke Alarms that has been chirping. It started ... A: and thanks for writing. I've not heard of the symptoms you describe. If th red light is blinking ...
Alarm system backup for wireless system	7/12/2006
Q: It is manufactured by WINLAND Electronics. Thanks DavidHi Dave, Thanks for the quick response. I ... A: I've been unable to find a 230 volt equivalent. I suppose you could contact a local who works in ...
Legality of monitored owner-installed systems	7/8/2006
Q: In today's paper in Little Rock, Arkansas, an article on home alarm systems said that it is illegal ... A: I agree with you, and the plumber's analogy is a good one -- to a point. But consider that when ...
Home Alarm System	7/8/2006
Q: I have an older home alarm system called MicroPulse 4000, made by Modern Electronics Inc. This ... A: and thanks for writing. I searched my sources and found only a single reference to the MicroPulse ...
Legality of monitored owner-installed systems	7/8/2006
Q: In today's paper in Little Rock, Arkansas, an article on home alarm systems said that it is illegal ... A: and thanks for your question. First, let me say I'm not a lawyer. I read the article in the ...
brinks trouble codes	7/7/2006
Q: when i terminated the service, brinks gave me the choice of having them come and take back the ... A: Here's what I think. Since Brinks agreed to sell you the equipment, and since Brinks understands the ...
brinks trouble codes	7/6/2006
Q: i have a brinks system installed in my home. i no longer subscribe to the service but i like to use ... A: The CP code is "Communications Problem." This is to be expected since you have a system that was ...
smoke detector 4 chirps	7/6/2006
Q: The smoke detectors are BRK first alerts, and model number is 9120B - do you have any ideas! Please ... A: Tonya, there's nothing in the literature for the 9120B that indicates a series of four chirps. If ...
ADT Home Alarm System - no lights - dead	7/3/2006
Q: However, a strange thing just happened after I opened one of the doors - like several minutes ... A: As a technician, I could persue a few lines of investigation. As a homeowner, I think you've reached ...
ADT Home Alarm System - no lights - dead	7/3/2006
Q: Our Home Alarm System started beeping regularly yesterday morning. In the aft. I pressed the reset ... A: and thanks for writing. First, since you have an alarm provider (ADT), you should let them know you ...
Smoke Alarm Chirps	7/2/2006
Q: Dave: I have 2 new Kidde mdl 0976 battery-operated smoke detectors. Both will, every few days, ... A: Bob. I read the paperwork on your Kidde smoke alarms, and see nothing that would shed light on the ...
Smoke detector going off	6/27/2006
Q: I saw that you helped many people with a problem similar to mine, so here I go. I have 3 ... A: and thanks for writing. It's a shame no documentation can be had on your detectors. I have no ...
fire safe location	6/24/2006
Q: How do you determine the best location to install a fire safe? Basement? Attic? Do you put it ... A: and thanks for writing. Fire safes are outside my area of expertise. I think a source of good ...
Fire Alarm System Design	6/13/2006
Q: I am an inexperienced Fire Alarm Designer that is having a hard time understanding when and where ... A: and thanks for your question. What you ask is to tutor you through what is normally taught in ...
BRK 4120B smoke detector	6/10/2006
Q: I have a new house. I have 7 of these smoke detectors wired together. A few nights ago the alarms ... A: and thanks for your question. You mentioned you have a new house; I'm assuming it is NOT new ...
false alarms on smoke detector system	6/9/2006
Q: I have BRK Electronics Model #4120B smoke detectors. I've changed all the batteries, and vacuumed ... A: and thanks for your question. There are a couple of things you can look at. First, here's a link to ...
EN200 Model PC 2530	6/8/2006
Q: We moved into our current home over a year ago. The previous owners left an alarm system ... A: and thanks for writing. The best solution for the problem you describe is to "power down" your ...
Home alarm system	6/7/2006
Q: I have a First Alert Home security system, model FA110C. The "BAT" is displayed on the Keypad along ... A: and thanks for your question. Before you decide to replace the battery, it's important to verify ...
DSC 1500 chirping noise from an alarm system	6/6/2006
Q: Dave, I have a question about a chirping noise that is occuring from a DSC 1500 in 30 second ... A: and thanks for writing. The wires to the battery unplug from the battery, not the box itself. It's ...
hard wired smoke alarms	6/5/2006
Q: We have had several instances of our hard wired smoke detectors going off for no reason at night. We ... A: and thanks for your question. First, all 5 detectors sound at the same time because fire codes ...
Smoke alarm and exploding batteries	6/3/2006
Q: I have owned my house since new, 1999, and the smoke alarms came with the house. The six smoke ... A: and thanks fro writing. It looks like the issue you reported has already been identified and ...
fire alarm nac	5/31/2006
Q: My question concerns Fire alarm NAC's. How would I do the Calculations to determine how many Nac's ... A: and thanks for your question. I think you have your question reversed -- a single NAC (Notification ...
Smoke Alarm	5/29/2006
Q: We have a Coleman AC hardwired smoke alarm. Can't remember when we bought it - maybe 10-15 yrs ago. ... A: and thanks for your question. Most hardwired smoke detectors also have a back-up battery. ...
Persistent Smoke Alarm when electricity	5/28/2006
Q: We have a new 2nd home we built (on solar) - it is very rural. The hardwired smoke alarm system has ... A: and thanks for your question. If the only time you experience the false alarms is when you turn on ...
First Alert Seized Phone Line	5/27/2006
Q: I have a first alert system monitored by ADT. Yesterday My house was struck by lightning while I was ... A: and thanks for writing. After a lightning strike, simply trying to reset a system by powering down ...
disabling chime on first alert alarm system	5/17/2006
Q: I purchased a house from a previous owner about 6 years ago. Unfortunately, the previous owner gave ... A: and thanks for your question. Your best bet is to locate the control box, which is separate from ...
Chirping Carbob Monoxide detector	5/13/2006
Q: The management company of my building installed Kidde Carbon Monoxide detectors in all of the ... A: and thanks for your question. I would follow the same steps that you have, given the events you ...
Burgular Alarm	5/11/2006
Q: A would be prepared to dabble in electronics and would like to tell you that the alarm is sometimes ... A: Please go to this web site: ...
Interconnected smoke detectors	5/11/2006
Q: I have an interconnected system of 10 smoke detectors. I recently have had two "false" alarms on ... A: and thanks for your question. I can give you some general advice now, but if you can learn the make ...
Burgular Alarm	5/9/2006
Q: I was wondering if a panic alarm type feature or a way of setting the entire system off with a ... A: and thanks for writing. I did some research on the PA400, as I was not familiar with it. It seems ...
Chirping Alarm	5/3/2006
Q: I am a first time homeowner and I'm having trouble with a chirping alarm. The device is located on ... A: and thanks for your question. First, since it's on the ceiling, it's a smoke alarm. Carbon Monoxide ...
2 Qs: Napco products; self-installation/monitoring	5/3/2006
Q: Dave - First, a dealer is trying to sell me on Napco products (wired). In researching them, they ... A: and thanks for writing. You have a couple of questions revolving around a couple of issues. I'll ...
Interconnected smoke alarms that don't alarm together	4/30/2006
Q: I just wanted to let you know what I discovered about my smoke alarm problem. I tried the batteries ... A: Patty, thank you very much for writing again with the solution for your problem. I'll add that bit ...
False Alarm	4/27/2006
Q: I am trying to troubleshoot a false alarm. The alarm went off for no apparent reason. The police ... A: and thank you for your question. I'm glad that you're taking action after a single false alarm. ...
Interconnected smoke alarms that don't alarm together	4/25/2006
Q: On each unit, all the wires are spliced to same color wires from the wall. I checked under the wire ... A: and thanks once again for the new information. The black and white wires carry 120 volts from your ...
Interconnected smoke alarms that don't alarm together	4/25/2006
Q: The model # is 4120B. If it is a wiring problem, I assume this means we will have to go into the ... A: There should be a plug-in connector in each detector that has a black, a white, and an orange wire. ...
smoke alarm chirps	4/23/2006
Q: I noticed you've had several inquiries regarding smoke alarms that chirp about 4 times once every ... A: and thanks for writing. I have noticed quite a few smoke detector questions of late. I have no idea ...
Home Alarm 'chirping'	4/20/2006
Q: We bought a house 4 years ago & it had a "nonworking" EN1550R (Emergency Networks - I can't find ... A: and thanks for writing. I did some research and I think your panel is actually a DSC 1550. (DSC is ...
Creating a new master code	4/15/2006
Q: I have bought a home with a Ranger 8980E Caddx system. I don't have the master code. I am unable to ... A: and thanks for your question. The short answer is "no." However, you can try the factory default ...
Firex Smoke Detector Model FADC	4/14/2006
Q: Dave: I've been in my towhome for about 5 years and have been switching batteries of my smoke ... A: and thanks for writing. I think you've taken prudent steps to solve the problem. I just want to ...
home alarm	4/12/2006
Q: I have a house wired alarm. The controller has 1 green light and 1 red light. Usually when all doors ... A: and thanks for your question. What you describe sounds like the "system test" LED. When it's green, ...
firex 120-10728	4/12/2006
Q: Dave, first thanks for doing this! The night before last at 4:00a.m., my wife, dog and I were ... A: and thanks for writing. First, the reason all the alarms sounded is that they are interconnected. ...
DSC 1550 "countdown" beeping	3/28/2006
Q: Hey, Dave, thanks for taking my question. I moved into an existing home with a Ranger American/DSC ... A: and thanks for writing. I'm not "hands-on" familiar with that particular control. However, I do ...
Coleman Firex Model AD - interconnected	3/24/2006
Q: At about 6pm CST one or more of our alarms but not all of our smoke detectors is going off for about ... A: and thanks for your question. Smoke detectors react to particles of combustion, which do not have ...
Smoke alarms going off	3/12/2006
Q: My home is only 2 years old. Every now and then my smoke detectors start sounding off. It's few a ... A: and thanks for your question. The most likely culprit is dirt. Smoke detectors need to be cleaned ...
Steel Door Contacts.	3/10/2006
Q: My parents home was flooded in a suburd of New Orleans. The doors have been replaced. There is a ... A: and thanks for your question. There are many different magnetic contacts, and without seeing the ...
Hard Wired Smoke Alarm Chirps With New Battery	2/28/2006
Q: We have a hard-wired smoke alarm system in a five-year-old home; each unit has a battery back-up of ... A: and thanks for your questions. In general, chirping about once a minute indicates a battery that ...
Smoke Alarm Chirps Four Times at 3 am	2/26/2006
Q: The troubleshooting section says nothing about this condition. The new models I installed are Firex ... A: The green LED indicates AC power, and the red LED blinks about once a minute -- indicating normal ...
Smoke Alarm Chirps Four Times at 3 am	2/26/2006
Q: I've noticed several inquiries in this forum about smoke alarms that chirp at night for no apparent ... A: and welcome to the growing number of folks reporting similar issues with their smoke detectors. I ...
Firex 120-10728	2/24/2006
Q: Dave, After reading some of your responses to other questions I have determined that I need to ... A: Mark, I was unable to unravel the Firex website either in identifying your problem detector or in ...
smoke detector alarms	2/22/2006
Q: my smoke detectors (hardwired and battery w/back-up) started sounding in the middle of the night for ... A: and thanks for your question. Smoke detectors require a little bit of maintenance; changing the ...
Smoke detector	2/20/2006
Q: I'm sure you've probably heard this problem before but as a new home owner, I'm at a loss. My home ... A: and thanks for your question. In all likelihood, the detector needs to be cleaned. If you can find ...
Smoke Alarm False Activation	2/20/2006
Q: -I have determined that this lasts exactly 8 hours. Both nights 11:30pm to exactly 7:30pm. Nothing ... A: Jeff. I think it's a wise decision to get an electrician in to have a "hands-on" look. Sometimes ...
Smoke Alarm False Activation	2/20/2006
Q: My house was built in 2002 (new york) and we have 7 interconnected, hard-wired detectors that don't ... A: and thanks for your question. Based on your description, I'd take a hard look at what changes ...
Burglar Alarm	2/18/2006
Q: I have a Microtec 2000 alarm system - no problems for years but today I went to cut off power at the ... A: Patrick. Are you located in the UK? From your description of events, I think you have an external ...
Burglar Alarm	2/17/2006
Q: I have a Microtec 2000 alarm system - no problems for years but today I went to cut off power at the ... A: and thanks for your question. There are many things that could be going on here, so I need to ask ...
Smoke alarms	2/15/2006
Q: My smoke alarms are constantly beeping intermittenly. Then, about once a day they go off like on a ... A: and thanks for the additional information. I think you misread the model number; the nearest match ...
Smoke alarms	2/14/2006
Q: My smoke alarms are constantly beeping intermittenly. Then, about once a day they go off like on a ... A: and thanks for writing. I don't yet have enough information to make a suggestion for you. Can you ...
firex 120-10728	2/12/2006
Q: alarm beeped replaced battery red light lights every minute beeps occasionally A: and thanks for writing. If you have more than one of these smoke detectors, they will be ...
false signals	2/10/2006
Q: Have a wired smoke detection system in my home with a detector in the basement, one on the main ... A: and thanks for your question. Based on your description, I too am baffled. I'm thinking that ...
False Alarm	2/10/2006
Q: Every day around the same time, our alarm goes off. It has happened three days at approx. 0850 in ... A: and thanks for your question. Here are some things to consider (and I'm sure your service ...
window contact wiring code?	1/29/2006
Q: Besides good wiring practices are there electrical codes that must be followed when running wires in ... A: and thanks for writing. I know of no code requirements specifically for the application you ...
DSC PC1500 Alarm system	1/21/2006
Q: I have an alarm system in my home that I've never really activated since I've lived here (we were ... A: and thanks for your question. I'm not familiar with that particular control, and I was unable to ...
Home Safes	1/17/2006
Q: I was at Menards looking at different home safes. One in particular had about 1.2 cubic feet of ... A: and thanks for your question. I'm not a safe expert, so please take my comments in that light. ...
key pad	12/29/2005
Q: Sorry Bill, i thought that i could add a question by going that way. My question is, is it hard to ... A: Eddy. How difficult it is to change out and/or reprogram a keypad depends on the make and model. ...
alarm key pad	12/29/2005
Q: Sometimes when I punch in the code, the key will stick and the alarm goes off. Is their some way ... A: and thanks for your question. Trying to clean a keypad to cure a sticky key is a hit-or-miss (and ...
Ademco Burglar Alarm	12/15/2005
Q: Yes, I am a dummy when it comes to electrical things. But I can learn. And I am delighted that you ... A: Ben, and thanks for the additional information. You may call yourself an "electrical dummy," but ...
Ademco Burglar Alarm	12/7/2005
Q: I have an Ademco 1023 (also called Interstate) alarm system with magnets in the doors and windows. ... A: and thanks for your question. I wish there were such a tool that could diagnose a contact like you ...
troubleshooting interconnected smoke detectors	12/7/2005
Q: I have 9 interconnected smoke detectors that are AC wired with battery backup. Last evening they ... A: and thanks for your question. Current codes do require that when one smoke detector sounds, all ...
gate	12/4/2005
Q: i would like to install some sort of warning system on the gate to my property (about 1/10 mile from ... A: and thanks for writing. There are a couple of ways to monitor whether a person or vehicle has come ...
Trouble Codes	10/6/2005
Q: I got your recent reply to this question. In the hurry, it is now lost. I was talking with you about ... A: The Internet, yes. If I remember the spec from the installation manual, that's a 16 volt 40 VA ...
Trouble Code	10/6/2005
Q: I live in a suburb of New Orleans. The Home Security System is the DSC PC1550. We recetnly went ... A: and thanks for your question. Code 1 is low battery, and code 2 is AC Power Failure. The plug-in ...
Security system	9/24/2005
Q: Dave, Power was the issue. I had the AC repair guy here and he knocked it out of the plug. Didn't ... A: Glad to hear it was only an unplugged transformer. Sorry to hear to had to unplug the alarm to ...
Security system	9/24/2005
Q: Hey Dave, I have a Safeguard Security system in my house. It is not monitored, but it's used to ... A: and thanks for your question. What you describe looks like a power issue. The first step in finding ...
home security	8/5/2005
Q: I have a question of whether a wireless home security system is better or worse that the system, ... A: and thanks for your question. The decision to choose between wired and wireless is more decided on ...
smoke alamrm that keeps going off	8/3/2005
Q: BRK Electronics model 4120b... I live in a 3 story town house, 2 alarms per floor, The one in the ... A: and thanks for your question. Smoke detectors don't belong in any area where products of combustion ...
Battery back-up	7/10/2005
Q: I have an alarm with a battery back-up. I am prepairing for a hurricane. I would like to hook up my ... A: and thanks for your question. To keep your alarm system powered by a portable generator, you'll ...
Garage Door Security Devices	6/1/2005
Q: Do you know of any garage door security devices A: and thanks for your question. Garage or "overhead doors" are typically protected with a magnetic ...
Troubleshooting home security system	5/4/2005
Q: of course I have to have them monitor it. There was an exsiting system already in the home when I ... A: and thanks for your question. Yes, there are tools that can help a person locate a wiring flaw in a ...
Security	4/26/2005
Q: I am in need of a security company that will hold keys on a yearly basis for the times when my alarm ... A: Key service comes at an increased price, and not all alarm companies offer it. When shopping around, ...
Security	4/25/2005
Q: Do you work side by side with a keyholding company? if so are they worth using as I am in need of ... A: and thanks for writing. I'm afraid I need to better understand your question, though. I'm nort sure ...
Burglar alarm	4/19/2005
Q: The flashing red zone light stays on regardless if the door is open or closed. But the yellow ... A: Kevin. If we're going to try to troubleshoot your system, I'll need some exact information from ...
Security alarm	4/9/2005
Q: We bought a house a couple of years ago that had an alarm system. We never got monitoring but liked ... A: and thanks for your question. You will need the master code to program the chime feature. You ...
Security Alarm System	2/7/2005
Q: We just purchased a house with a security alarm system that was once on a monitored program. The ... A: and thanks for your question. The best way to find out your options is to call the alarm company ...
------------------------- ...	12/30/2004
Q: You answered me: "You asked about microcameras. They are pretty small and can by built into just ... A: .. you wrote: I mean where the camera can be built? (The camera can be built into anything larger ...
Security-Alarms	12/27/2004
Q: I am a licensed acupuncturist who will be starting a practice this Summer in a commercially zoned 2 ... A: and thanks for your question. First, let's consider whether you need an alarm at all. Sounds like ...
Smoke alarms	12/27/2004
Q: You have been very helpful in the past and I have a question for you. The manual that came with my ... A: and thanks for the kind comment. AC powered, interconnected smoke detectors need to be on the same ...
You answered me: "You asked...	12/27/2004
Q: You answered me: "You asked about microcameras. They are pretty small and can by built into just ... A: The smallest camera that I know about is smaller than a United Staes dime. Of course, there may be ...
If you don't know the answers...	12/24/2004
Q: If you don't know the answers of all the q's answer only those you know. What I ask is may be in ... A: Most are outside of my expertise, so I'll answer what I know. Infrared cameras don't detect heat. ...
Residential Smoke Detectors	12/19/2004
Q: Just wondering if you could help me with this problem. I currently have seven interconnected (three ... A: and thanks for your question. First, let me tell you that I've not used either Firex or First Alert ...
resetting code	11/18/2004
Q: recently there was a power cut in my area for 4 hours.eventually when the power was ... A: and thanks for your question. I've been on the road, else I'd have answered sooner. We don't have ...
Residential Smoke Alarms	11/15/2004
Q: I noticed on some "foggers" (for killing bugs in homes) say to disconnect smoke alarms before using. ... A: and thanks for your question. Since we don't know the exact model of smoke detector that you have, ...
Wired Contacts vs. Wireless Motion Sensor	10/28/2004
Q: I am a do it yourselfer, would like to install my own home alarm system, especially since the last ... A: and thanks for your questions. I'll take them in turn. First, you ask about using motion detectors ...
Cut off power to alarm, now doesnt work	10/19/2004
Q: We have a Ranger American DSC Classic pc 1555. We recently started a monitoring service. For ... A: and thanks for your question. I'm not familiar with the 1555 control that you have. Because of ...
Vacation home security camera system	10/18/2004
Q: My vacation home on Lake Superior is VERY remote (off grid, no utilties) and we are not there for ... A: and thanks for the additional information. Also, sorry for the delay in responding -- things are a ...
Vacation home security camera system	10/17/2004
Q: My vacation home on Lake Superior is VERY remote (off grid, no utilties) and we are not there for ... A: and thanks for your question. I'll be glad to help you sort out the kinds of recording and ...
CO2 alarm info needed	10/1/2004
Q: Dave, I work on boats for a living and I have a customer who wants a 12 volt operated CO2 detector/s ... A: and thanks for your question. I checked around and found several marine CO2 detectors -- but the ...
home security	9/29/2004
Q: .I RECENTLY HAD A WIRED SECURITY SYS. INSTALLED IN MY NEW HOME. IT HAS SENSORS ON ALLTHE DOWNSTAIRS ... A: and thanks for your questions. Both revolve around the same issue -- must the detection of burglar ...
Alarm Line Monitor Problems	9/29/2004
Q: I have an alarm with a primary and secondary line attached. The primary is a dedicated line. The ... A: and thanks for your question. I'm not familiar with "Adtran" or a "66 block" but I'm happy to give ...
Window protection in our home	9/29/2004
Q: ------------------------- Hello Dave, Thank you for the reply and please don't worry about the ... A: Here's my opinion of window contacts and "special" warrantied windows. There are contacts (and ...
Window protection in our home	9/25/2004
Q: We are building a home an would like to install protection for the windows on the first floor of our ... A: and thanks for your question. Firt, sorry for the delay in responding. I'm in West Palm Beach, and ...
DSC 1500 security system	8/20/2004
Q: This might seem like an odd question, but I recently purchased a house, and the previous owner ... A: and thanks for your question. The best thing to do is to call the previous owners and ask for the ...
i have a first alert system. the...	7/29/2004
Q: i have a first alert system. the external horns are sounding and there are no code or faults on the ... A: and thanks for your question. I don't have enough information to hazard even a guess at what's ...
Home Security Sytem	7/29/2004
Q: I am looking for a home security system. I found one that does almost everything I want: Visonic ... A: and thanks for your question. I'm afraid that the axiom "You get what you pay for" applies to alarm ...
Home security systems	7/22/2004
Q: I'm interested in a security system for my home. Brinks is offering to install a basic system for ... A: and thanks for your question. I'll address your last question first. I think it's always a good ...
Alarm wired to electrical system	7/22/2004
Q: Why does my alarm (wired to home electrical systrem) constantly go off? It is about 10 years old, ... A: and thanks for your question. You didn't mention, so I'm guessing that the alarm you're having ...
Internal clock	6/28/2004
Q: My trouble light recently came on and stayed on. I used the owner's manual as described, and ... A: and thanks for your question. The clock is likely an IC chip on the circuit board, and if you can't ...
Trouble shooting false alarm	6/19/2004
Q: I keep getting a false alarm on my back sliding door sensor. I deactivated the alarm and just kept ... A: and thanks for your question. The contact on the slider is but one part of the alarm circuit for ...
Fire detection location and function	4/21/2004
Q: Is a smoke detector in a day care setting ever acceptable if mounted low on the wall? The room is ... A: Flip, and thanks for writing. These are difficult questions that you ask -- and ones that are even ...
Driveway Monitor	4/18/2004
Q: I just had a house built and prior to getting a driveway and lawn, I would like to install a ... A: and thanks for your question. The device you mentioned is an inductance loop. I've know what they ...
Inexpensive monitoring companies	4/9/2004
Q: I am considering switching my alarm monitoring service to an less-expensive company. I currently ... A: and thanks for your question. First though, let me apologize for not responding in a timely manner. ...
ADS home security issue resolved	3/23/2004
Q: I found out that the system was purchased, not leased. Just wanted to let you know, I got a very ... A: and I'm glad you've gotten a resolution to your problem. You asked a question about how long a ...
First Alert Alarm System	3/20/2004
Q: I inherited a First Alert FA260 home alarm system from a previous owner of my home. I've never ... A: and thanks for your question. Here's what you need to do. Call the monitoring service and find out ...
Interconnected Smoke Detectors	3/15/2004
Q: ------------------------- Followup To Dave Question - Thanks Dave for your speedy reply. To ... A: Wally. I read the installation manuals for the Firex ADC, FADC, and GC. The manuals clearly state ...
Interconnected Smoke Detectors	3/13/2004
Q: My inteconnected smoke detectors have stopped communicating with each other. This setup has been ... A: Wally, and thanks for your question. On the face of it, given that you're satisfied that the ...
glass break monitors v. shock sensors	2/24/2004
Q: Here's my question. Do you recommend glass breaks OR shock sensors? I am concerned with adequately ... A: and thanks for your question. You've obviously done quite a bit of research on the topic of ...
heat detector replacement	6/18/2003
Q: I am in a condo with four units to a building. One unit needs a heat detector replaced, due to a ... A: Jay, and thanks for your question. The short answer to your question is "yes." Heat detectors ...
PIR's	3/6/2003
Q: I installed my own system two and a half years ago, it comprises of the main control box and 6 ... A: and thanks for your question. First, I doubt that all the PIR's have failed. Too much of a ...
Alarm system stopped working	2/2/2003
Q: I have a central alarm system that had a problem with the telephone dialing portion of the panel. I ... A: Tim, and thanks for your question. Alarm systems are designed to let the installer monitor whether ...
security	3/8/2002
Q: what affordable home security systems do you recommend? wireless? networks? should i pay to have it ... A: Steph, and thanks for your question. Your question is a bit broad, so I'll answer in broad ...
Feeling unsafe	10/21/2001
Q: that took care of that --- so now I worry - is there a way she can succesfully conceal her phone ... A: Tori, and thanks for your question. You have several questions; I'll answer them in turn. First, ...
troubleshooting home security system	5/7/2001
Q: I recently changed some lights in our home, while doing so I turned off the power at the breaker. ... A: Kevin, and thanks for your question. It's hard to separate the effects you describe from the action ...
CCTV/Front Entry Monitoring	2/25/2001
Q: I live in a downstairs unit of a 6 unit apartment complex. In the last month, someone in this ... A: Cindy, and thanks for your question. I'm sorry to hear that you're the victim of these "pranksters ...
sensors	2/22/2001
Q: is it true that some home motion sensors will not pick up on pets and set off alarms A: Benny, and thanks for your question. There are two answers: "yes," and "no." Let me explain. Motion ...

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