| Subject | Date Asked |
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| old 60s smoke alarm or detctor | 11/19/2009 |
Q: we have rented the house from hell and the smoke alarm wont stop making noise other problem the ...
A: I presume that it's a hardwired detector system wired somewhere into your circuit box. You really ...
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| carbon monoxide detector chirps during the night | 11/15/2009 |
Q: i am on my third carbon monoxide detector in three days, all supplied by my landlord, all are models ...
A: Obviously the detectors are made in England, rather than Scotland, which makes them rather suspect ...
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| smoke detectors | 11/2/2009 |
Q: I have hard wired smoke detectors in my home. One of them has started beeping intermittently ...
A: I get at least one or two questions every week just like this, and that makes me wonder why codes ...
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| FA260 dl Not Ready | 10/31/2009 |
Q: I experienced a power outage after which I cannot arm my First Alert FA260. It displays a dl Not ...
A: As my profile states, I know virtually nothing about any particular alarm. So try this Web site: ...
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| FireX5000 Smoke Alarms Random Chirping | 10/27/2009 |
Q: My husband and I purchased our home 13 years ago. The builder installed seven interconnected ...
A: Well, I must admit I was afraid that the city would require that. I don't understand it myself. They ...
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| FireX5000 Smoke Alarms Random Chirping | 10/26/2009 |
Q: My husband and I purchased our home 13 years ago. The builder installed seven interconnected ...
A: The very first thing you must do is contact your local municipality and find out if their code ...
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| Keypad mount cover removal | 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: All Experts is telling me I did not respond to this question, but I did. If you did not receive a ...
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| Wall unit top cover removal | 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: The only thing I can suggest is that you go here: http://hralarms.com/DSC_User_Manuals.html Scroll ...
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| FBI XL-2 HOME SECURITY SYSTEM | 10/24/2009 |
Q: How do I program the system to have a door alert when it is unarmed? Recently by backup battery ...
A: As my profile states, I am not well versed in alarm systems, more in how to not need an alarm ...
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| smoke detectors | 9/23/2009 |
Q: the past 2 nights my somke detectors have went off randomly, for @30 seconds then just stop. I do ...
A: Unfortunately, you aren't telling me much. I presume they are hardwired detectors, or they just ...
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| first alert fire alarm model # sa86b | 9/16/2009 |
Q: We have rented our home now for 10 months and have this particular fire alarm hard wired into the ...
A: First, go here: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/466.html. This is the definitive guide to CO ...
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| first alert fire alarm model # sa86b | 9/16/2009 |
Q: We have rented our home now for 10 months and have this particular fire alarm hard wired into the ...
A: God I hate hardwired alarms. The first thing to do is go to google and type in First Alert SA86b, ...
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| GE Simon XT | 8/22/2009 |
Q: Will the window/door wireless module 5816 work with the GE Simon XT system?
A: I am afraid you have gotten a little too technical for me, since I'm not up on alarm systems, as ...
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| HOME ALARM SYSTEM | 8/20/2009 |
Q: there is a constant beeping sound coming from the keypad. It sounds like a battery needs ...
A: You will need to go here: http://www.dsc.com/. It is a DSC system, and the site (or customer ...
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| Chirping smoke detector | 8/18/2009 |
Q: Battery powered smoke detector chirps randomly - 3 very loud chirps with no discernable reason. ...
A: Someday I hope someone will send me an easy question. :) First thing is to determine what kind of ...
|
| Kidde Nighthawk P19000 | 8/15/2009 |
Q: One night the smoke detector started alarming in 1 second tones 3 times in about 5 second intervals. ...
A: FirstIs it a hardwired alarm? Second, does your municipality require hardwired alarms? It sounds as ...
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| Firex Model FX 1218 Problem | 8/14/2009 |
Q: There are 7 FX 1218 smoke alarms installed in my home. They were installed when the house was built ...
A: Absolutely. Kidde makes a very, very good combination smoke/CO detector that runs about $50 and ...
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| Firex Model FX 1218 Problem | 8/14/2009 |
Q: There are 7 FX 1218 smoke alarms installed in my home. They were installed when the house was built ...
A: First, check your city code to be absolutely sure that hardwired alarms are mandated for your ...
|
| help | 8/10/2009 |
Q: I am in charge of safety in a stored located in a mall here in Caracas, Venezuela. The warehouse of ...
A: Hola, I can understand your not wanting to use a camera since it's no good if no one is monitoring ...
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| brinks alarm | 7/30/2009 |
Q: I too have a chirp/beep and the panel says "low battery", yet, my battery is connected to electric ...
A: This is only an educated guess, but even rechargable batteries will last just so long before they ...
|
| Camera surveillance | 7/29/2009 |
Q: I'd like to install surveillance cameras inside my home looking at the front/driveway through a ...
A: First, what you want the system to do is no problem. You can set up the cameras inside your home, ...
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| Lighting | 7/28/2009 |
Q: I hope you can help as I'm a bit confused. I'm attempting to install an external sensor light. I ...
A: Much to my regret, this is not a question I would try to answer. I'm fine on the lighting part, but ...
|
| Smoke alarm and power outage | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I have a 10 year old home with hard wired smoke alarms. Every time we lose power in the house my ...
A: The very first thing to do is call city hall and find out if your area's housing code calls for ...
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| smoke/fire detectors high humidity | 7/9/2009 |
Q: I need a smoke/fire detector to work reliably under underground, 100% RH conditions. What will do ...
A: I need to know more. Tell me the use for it, where it will be located, why the 100% RH, why ...
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| Smoke Alarms going off when NO smoke present | 7/8/2009 |
Q: We have BRK 7010B smoke alarms that go off randomly. Las night they went off twice for a period of ...
A: First thing to find out is to contact the municipality you live in and determine if code requires ...
|
| security shutters | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I have a vacation home that has been burglarized. I have an alarm system and have done many of the ...
A: Okay, one thing at a time. First, the door lock. The second deadbolt won't do you any good unless ...
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| Discontinued hardwired smoke alarm | 6/21/2009 |
Q: I have a Firex 4580 that chirps regardless of new batteries or being sprayed out with a blast of ...
A: Finally an alarm question I can answer! :) Go here: ...
|
| smoke detector | 6/20/2009 |
Q: i have a first alert smoke detector and it just goes off and won't shut off unless you put a fan up ...
A: First, is it hardwired or stand-alone battery powered? Not every city requires hardwired alarms. If ...
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| Smoke Detectors | 6/12/2009 |
Q: We moved into a 2-story house that has 11 or 12 hard wired smoke detectors with battery backup. The ...
A: Oh yes, there is definitely a solution, but you may not like it. There are two problems here: the ...
|
| Motion sensor light | 6/2/2009 |
Q: Is it possible to have two separate sensors to activate a single light. I am working with a long and ...
A: Yes, it is absolutely possible. But I cannot begin to explain it in technical terms. I leave that to ...
|
| decorative window guards | 6/2/2009 |
Q: Hey Fred. Hope you can help: I am trying to locate inexpensive ($50=/-) ready-made decorative ...
A: Sorry then that I cannot help you further. I thought the two sites I gave you were rather ...
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| decorative window guards | 6/1/2009 |
Q: Hey Fred. Hope you can help: I am trying to locate inexpensive ($50=/-) ready-made decorative ...
A: I don't know about inexpensive, but google "window security guards" and you will find they carry ...
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| usi combination smoke/co detector | 5/29/2009 |
Q: im an electrician and a friend of mine called me to help with the following problem: His 1 smoke/co ...
A: I would still go with a battery-powered alarm as I said earlier. However, now that I know what you ...
|
| usi combination smoke/co detector | 5/29/2009 |
Q: im an electrician and a friend of mine called me to help with the following problem: His 1 smoke/co ...
A: There seems to be a contradiction here. You're an electrician, but you say this is a wireless ...
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| False Alarm on Smoke Detector - then others sound hours after the first. | 5/8/2009 |
Q: Last night we had the smoke detector in our hall way go off. I searched for smoke and found none. I ...
A: Not being an electrician, I can only surmise that whatever set off the first alarm ultimately ...
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| Monitored Fire/co alarms | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I am looking at installing a monitored system, but I am confused. Several people have told me ...
A: We will come back later as to why you want to install a monitored system. But let's answer the ...
|
| motion detector lights | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I had 3 motion detector lights on the same circuit outside of my home when I moved in and only one ...
A: Sorry that I did not get your question in my e-mail box, but just found it now for some reason. ...
|
| Follow up on previousquestion | 4/27/2009 |
Q: . another expert provided me the link to the user manual for my unit, which is not connected to a ...
A: WHERE did you ever get the idea that I was "sales-oriented?" I was trying to keep you from needing ...
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| Follow up on previousquestion | 4/27/2009 |
Q: . another expert provided me the link to the user manual for my unit, which is not connected to a ...
A: I cannot specifically tell you what to do with the unit you have, especially since I do not know ...
|
| DSC Alarm system -trouble light is lit and green light gone | 4/24/2009 |
Q: Couple of days ago, the trouble light was lit on our alarm system and yesterday it started beeping. ...
A: Google in "batteries" (no quotes needed for one word), and the first three listings plus one a ...
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| DSC Alarm system -trouble light is lit and green light gone | 4/24/2009 |
Q: Couple of days ago, the trouble light was lit on our alarm system and yesterday it started beeping. ...
A: It does sound like the battery, but I cannot tell you where it is without knowing more. So this is ...
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| Radionics 6112 | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I moved into a home in 1-2008 that I rented which had a Radionics 6112 installed however the system ...
A: First thing you should do is visit this site: ...
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| Z11003 security system | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I read a post by Dave Neuweiler (see below) ...
A: At this point, I think you are beyond where I can help. Theoretically, if you have disconnected the ...
|
| Caddx Networx Secuirty command system | 4/16/2009 |
Q: I have accidentally armed my security system that has never been armed and now I cannot get it to ...
A: Well, as you know from my profile, I know very little about alarms. I try to keep people from ...
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| Home Smoke and C/O Detectors | 4/15/2009 |
Q: I am installing a hard wired smoke detector and c/o detector in an apartment. Do the new units ...
A: First, why are you installing a hard wired detector? I would strongly recommend against that. As you ...
|
| Napco Magnum Alert MA1000e | 4/4/2009 |
Q: The alarm mentioned in the subject above is hooked up to a central monitoring system through the ...
A: Well, I'm not terribly proficient in alarm systems, as noted in my profile. But I can suggest a few ...
|
| manual | 3/23/2009 |
Q: was wondering if you could direct me to a dsc alarm manual.we have moved into a rental property and ...
A: Yes, there is a way to change it. That's the good news. The rather not as good news is that I don't ...
|
| First Alert Smoke Detectors | 3/6/2009 |
Q: I have 5 First Alert hardwired smoke detectors (with backup battery) in my 1300 sq foot one year old ...
A: Remember just a couple of things. If you turn off the power, please remember to tape over the ...
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| fReconnecting battery problem in DSC PC1500 Alarm | 3/2/2009 |
Q: I had to shut off my alarm siren the other day and disconnected the positive terminal(which didn:t ...
A: As you can see in my profile, alarms are just not my thing. I try my best, but my expertise lies in ...
|
| smoke detector | 2/24/2009 |
Q: I have a hard wired smoke detector system and in a 2nd floor bedroom, the light blinks, no beeping. ...
A: Lord, I hate hardwired alarms/detectors for just this reason. Your alarm is made by Kidde and is not ...
|
| Mercury Vapor Light | 2/24/2009 |
Q: We have a mercury vapor light on the side of our garage to light up our driveway. We've had it about ...
A: NO!!!! Those mercury vapor lights (I have one on the side of my garage between the garage and house ...
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| DSC security system trouble | 2/23/2009 |
Q: We have a DSC Power 832 security system. The trouble light is on. I diagnosed through the keypad, ...
A: First thing you should do is visit this Web site: ...
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| Kiddie Alarm Question | 2/22/2009 |
Q: My Kiddie KN-COSM-IB Combo Smoke/CO Alarm Keeps beeping and saying the Battery is Low even after I ...
A: First, here's the tech details on your alarm: ...
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| Legend 70 80 | 2/12/2009 |
Q: I lost power in my home for "2 hours." When restored the LED display on the security system key pad ...
A: Sadly, I cannot help you. I don't know enough about alarms like this to determine what the problem ...
|
| nortron ac12w | 2/3/2009 |
Q: I have 3 nortron ac12w installed in mid nineties. For no reason, they do one short beep from time to ...
A: Yes. But unless your state code mandates hardwired alarms, cut off the power to these puppies, tape ...
|
| Deleting a window contact | 2/1/2009 |
Q: I have a hard wired (from 1979) security system on all my windows and doors. Recently I had all my ...
A: I knew the day would come when someone "got me." This is an electrical question that I cannot touch. ...
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| Smoke detectors | 1/31/2009 |
Q: I am trying to find a smoke alarm system that is wired in sequence so that when one alarm in an area ...
A: This site, though a bit off in its advice, tells you how to do what you ask: ...
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| 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: Your only solution is to remove the detectors from the dish washer room. In NO way should a smoke ...
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| Can I run my alarm system on AC power only? | 1/27/2009 |
Q: I have a low battery that keeps beeping, so I've unplugged the A/C until the battery drains. What I ...
A: Ah...the joys of hardwired alarms. First, the answer to your question is "yes." The battery is there ...
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| BRK SC9120B combo detector | 1/26/2009 |
Q: I am an electrical contractor who finished wiring a new home. this house is a cape style with brk ...
A: If that's the case, then I would go with what you actually suggested. However, the state really is ...
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| BRK SC9120B combo detector | 1/25/2009 |
Q: I am an electrical contractor who finished wiring a new home. this house is a cape style with brk ...
A: I wish you had asked me before you wired up all this stuff. I would have told you to use ...
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| OLD hardwired smoke detectors | 1/21/2009 |
Q: I recently moved into my first house - and on the walls are OLD (the house was built in the 60's) ...
A: It's a bit hard to tell you how to remove them since I don't know what they are precisely. My guess, ...
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| security | 1/13/2009 |
Q: what is the average cost of security doors
A: That depends entirely on what kind of door you want. If you're talking about exterior doors outside ...
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| Smoke Detectors | 1/9/2009 |
Q: Hey Fred, I have a relatively new home, 3 years old. The smoke detectors in the house are electric ...
A: To answer your question simply, you can use another power line, and if it goes off the others will ...
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| smoke alarms | 12/28/2008 |
Q: I know they have a small amount of radioactive material in them, are they like CFLs wrap them up in ...
A: Oh heck no. Hardwired alarms are actually quite rare. I bet I couldn't find more than 2-3 in my ...
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| smoke alarms | 12/27/2008 |
Q: I know they have a small amount of radioactive material in them, are they like CFLs wrap them up in ...
A: Well, that's what I would do, but I'm probably not as environmentally concious as most people want ...
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| Life of Smoke Detectors | 12/27/2008 |
Q: We have 8 Firex Model 120-1072B Smoke Detectors in stalled 1998. What is their life expectancy? ...
A: Seems I can't get away even when on vacation. All Experts did not get my vacation request, it ...
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| smoke detector | 12/24/2008 |
Q: I know very little about my security system and quite frankly hardly ever use it, but I installed it ...
A: I'm not going to be able to help you much because this simply isn't an area that I'm real familiar ...
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| smoke detector false alarms | 12/18/2008 |
Q: There is no cooking or anything suspect going on at the time and we have lived in this house for 4 ...
A: It never ceases to amaze me why builders want to put hardwired detectors into homes. It's a horrible ...
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| Beeping | 12/16/2008 |
Q: I am the second owner of an 8 year old home which was foreclosed on and a lot of drywall work was ...
A: This answer comes very a VERY longtime, experienced security professional who I've known for nearly ...
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| False Alarms on Smoke Detectors | 12/12/2008 |
Q: Like a previous question, we have 3 hard-wired smoke alarms in a 1-year od home, all of which make ...
A: They key is the word you use in your follow-up: "would." I didn't intend to give you the impression ...
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| False Alarms on Smoke Detectors | 12/12/2008 |
Q: Like a previous question, we have 3 hard-wired smoke alarms in a 1-year od home, all of which make ...
A: Sure I have a suggestion: Some idiot put in a hardwired smoke alarm system in your home, which is ...
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| DSC PC1500 replacement | 12/5/2008 |
Q: My DSC PC 1500 board has become flaky (verified). What replacement will work with the EXISTING ...
A: As you can see in my profile, I know very little about alarms, but concentrate mostly on helping ...
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| Electronic security door | 11/21/2008 |
Q: Is keeping an electronic door open for an extended period of time bad for the door or for the ...
A: This is from my VERY good door guy: The term "electric door" could apply to a wide variety of ...
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| fire-ex smoke alarm | 11/16/2008 |
Q: My smoke alarms are hardwired & have a battery backup. I have changed the battery & the 1 smoke ...
A: Let's see...you'd should be about the 178th person to ask me a similar question, so I'll give you ...
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| DSC Magnetic Switch | 11/12/2008 |
Q: I just bought a house this week. The trouble light in zone 6 on the DSC control panel is lit and it ...
A: I'm terribly afraid that I cannot help you very much. Alarms are not at all my strong point. What I ...
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| carbon dioxide alarm | 11/10/2008 |
Q: I have a Carbon Monoxide Propane and Methane Detector plugged into my wall in my double wide ...
A: Your alarm is a good one. I did a bit of research on it, and indeed it covers CO, methane and ...
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| carbon dioxide alarm | 11/10/2008 |
Q: I have a Carbon Monoxide Propane and Methane Detector plugged into my wall in my double wide ...
A: Probably not. If you are still alive and reading this, then there is no danger of leaking carbon ...
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| Interconnected Smoke Detectors | 11/9/2008 |
Q: The smoke detector in my daughters room keeps chirping. I replaced the battery and it still chirps. ...
A: I can unconfuse you the same way I have done so for about 200 people so far this year who have ...
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| pc1550 | 11/7/2008 |
Q: Does the PC1550 have Fire Alarm capability? If it does, can it monitor Smoke detectors? Tim
A: As my profile indicates, I have little familiarity with alarm systems. This is what I suggest. ...
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| smoke detector | 11/3/2008 |
Q: Should shower steam set off our smoke detector or is it defective? It is located just outside the ...
A: You sure have been listening to the wrong people. Shower steam will ALWAYS set off a smoke detector. ...
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| Best Way to Secure Sliding Glass Patio Door | 11/2/2008 |
Q: Just purchased a home which has a sliding glass patio door. Both sides slide open. I'm concerned ...
A: Lifting out of the track is rather difficult, so I would focus on two aspects. First, measure the ...
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| Interconnecting combo alarm | 10/30/2008 |
Q: Not sure if this is too specific.... I have an existing 2004-Firex FADCQ- smoke and carbon monoxide ...
A: It probably will not matter, but do NOT take my word for it. That is something only an electrician ...
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| ESL1500 GE SECURITY SYSTEM | 10/28/2008 |
Q: I know you do not specialized in this alarm system but it is my hopoe you could refer me to someone.
A: Here's the best suggestion I can make. Go to google.com and type in the name above, just as you ...
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| Smoke Detector | 10/2/2008 |
Q: I read your advice about hardwired smoke detectors, and have taken it in, but my question is one of ...
A: Dump the hardwired alarm, given its location, and absolutely replace it with a (AA) battery-powered ...
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| Firex #4618 blinking red LED | 9/20/2008 |
Q: Greetings from sunny Arizona! We purchased a 12y/0 home that had FX1218 smoke detectors and we ...
A: First, even though the two CO/Smoke detectors (Kidde) cost about $50 each at a big-box store, they ...
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| Firex #4618 blinking red LED | 9/20/2008 |
Q: Greetings from sunny Arizona! We purchased a 12y/0 home that had FX1218 smoke detectors and we ...
A: All I can tell you is what I have told more than 200 people so far this year: Get rid of the stupid ...
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| smoke alarms | 9/13/2008 |
Q: My BRK smoke alarms with battery back up will go off spurratically at any time of the day. They all ...
A: I would talk with an electrician about that...and certainly NOT the one who wired it the way it is ...
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| smoke alarms | 9/13/2008 |
Q: My BRK smoke alarms with battery back up will go off spurratically at any time of the day. They all ...
A: What's wrong is simple: You have hardwired detectors, which are virtually worthless for several ...
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| Ranger American ( PC 1550/5O | 8/24/2008 |
Q: Our house was built and completed 1996 with the Security system Ranger American. The panel says ...
A: As you have seen in my profile, I know virtually nothing about alarm systems, just everything else. ...
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| pc2550 trouble light still on after battery replaced | 8/23/2008 |
Q: what else could cause it to remain on, I'm not totally sure if replacement battery is good or not ...
A: As noted in my profile, alarms are not my category, so you have to do the homework. However, if you ...
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| a/c powered smoke detectors | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I am purchasing a home that is missing all but one smoke detector off the ceilings. I still have the ...
A: DON'T DO IT! The simple answer is this: You do NOT want hardwired alarms in your house. I have ...
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| Hard-Wired First Alert BRK 7010 B all misfire and go off at night | 8/8/2008 |
Q: These things are making me insane. They fire-off at full bore (randomly) about once a month for a ...
A: Now you know why I have told more than 200 people on this site in the past 6 months to DUMP your ...
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| Smoke Detector | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I have hardwired smoke detectors to a breaker. I have one detector that randomly beeps in the ...
A: I will tell you what I have told more than 100 inquirers in the past 6 months: Dump the hardwired ...
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| Firex Smoke Alarm | 7/28/2008 |
Q: Can you please tell me how I can get this smoke alarm to stop beeping? I changed the battery and it ...
A: If it's a hardwired alarm, then you have a totally different problem, and one that is not fun. If ...
|
| deadbolt | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I am replacing a kwikset deadbolt. The two screws that must come out have unusual slots; they're ...
A: You might check out Kwikset's DYI help section here: ...
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| Hard Wired Smoke Detectors | 7/14/2008 |
Q: Both of my hard wired smoke detectors are going off tonight. Seems like every ten minutes and then ...
A: I will tell you the same thing I've told everyone else for the past six months--get rid of the ...
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| FBI legend 100 security system | 7/11/2008 |
Q: I bought a house with an FBI Legend 100 security system. I have never actually started service but ...
A: Sorry to take so long to respond, but I had to wait to hear from my alarm expert. His answer: Since ...
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| Brinks home security beeps but battery is charged | 6/22/2008 |
Q: I know you don't consider yourself an expert in this field, but maybe you do know this answer OR ...
A: No, I cannot help you; it truly is not my area. However, send an e-mail to liam@neary.com, TELL HIM ...
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| Home security system "DSC Classic PC1555 | 6/22/2008 |
Q: I turned off the power to my home security system to change the battery while the system was armed. ...
A: You won't like this but you need the security code. So you either find the installer (who will know ...
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| Phantom Smoke Detector | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I've looked at your previous answers regarding smoke detectors, and put off writing you until the ...
A: That is hilarious! I'm glad there was a simple solution! I was still trying to figure out how it ...
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| Phantom Smoke Detector | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I've looked at your previous answers regarding smoke detectors, and put off writing you until the ...
A: I hate to see her have to spend money, but I think either she OR the condo owners need to hire an ...
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| Detector chirps - batteries ok | 6/2/2008 |
Q: I have 3 interconnected smoke detectors in my house, one on each floor. When I turn on the light ...
A: I'm going to tell you the same thing I've told about 60 other folks in the past 3 months. Hardwired ...
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| dsc power 832 | 5/2/2008 |
Q: there is no power to my keypad or power panel. I checked all my plugs and my transformer to main ...
A: From my alarm expert: There is NO Connection with her thermostat and the power supply of the dsc ...
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| Best zone for motion | 4/22/2008 |
Q: Was wondering if you might know the best zone to put my motion sensors on? I want them to have 0 ...
A: From my alarm expert: Yes, he is right, you don't want it to be on a time delay zone. Motions can ...
|
| Lost key, schlage deadbolt | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I have lost my keys to a brand new schlage deadbolt I installed in my camp just last fall. I tried ...
A: Call a locksmith. For God's sake, unless he or she has to drive 200 miles to get to you and charges ...
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| Chirping | 4/5/2008 |
Q: I bought a house that was built 1n 1997 and it has Firex hardwired smoke alarm detectors with no ...
A: Time to call an electrician. Never go by what's written on the box unless you personally know it's ...
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| Chirping | 4/4/2008 |
Q: I bought a house that was built 1n 1997 and it has Firex hardwired smoke alarm detectors with no ...
A: Congratulations! You are now the 50th person who has given me this same story and subsequently gone ...
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| Outdoor overhead security light | 3/30/2008 |
Q: Our house came, 7 years ago, with a security light up on the peak end of the roof that goes on ...
A: The bulbs are basically the same for sodium vapor or mercury vapor lights. It's simply the type of ...
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| Outdoor overhead security light | 3/29/2008 |
Q: Our house came, 7 years ago, with a security light up on the peak end of the roof that goes on ...
A: If the light shines whitish versus the yellowish glow you get from most streetlights today, then ...
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| Kiddie Ionization Smoke Alarm Model 1275 | 3/18/2008 |
Q: I too am having a problem with the Kiddie model 1275 as the writer of the question is. You ...
A: If you go here: ...
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| Confused | 2/23/2008 |
Q: 1. If a fire in a home is now starting, which fabric is better to use to stop it? 2.What would ...
A: Well, I'm a bit confused too. I need more information from you to answer this. What kind of fire, ...
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| smoke detector keeps going off | 2/17/2008 |
Q: I have 4 hard wired smoke detectors in a single level house and the one in the master bedroom (not ...
A: First, get rid of the hardwired smoke detectors. They are virtually worthless. I get several ...
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| Ranger American - Need instructions on how to reset master code | 2/13/2008 |
Q: Fred -- Hopefully, you can help me. I need to reset my Ranger American DSC PC1550 unit and do not ...
A: I can find no info on that particular model, so I offer you two or three choices. You can call their ...
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| Standalone Smoke Detectors | 2/8/2008 |
Q: I have a question pertaining to one of your recent answers. Here's what you wrote: "I presume that ...
A: The simple answer is there is NO U.S. fire code. Fire codes are solely set by the municipality in ...
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| smoke/carbon monoxide false alarms | 2/3/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased a dual Kiddie smoke/carbon monoxide detector for the home that my family and I ...
A: I also recently purchased the very same detector, battery operated (which I assume yours is), and ...
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| KIDDE SMOKE DETECTOR | 1/27/2008 |
Q: I have a Kidde model 1276 and I had to get the builder to replace one alarm after about 3 months in ...
A: I presume that by saying the builder had to replace the alarm that you have a hardwired alarm ...
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| Non-lethal burglar suppressants | 1/26/2008 |
Q: The police/swat have this "non-lethal riot control" pistol/guns that fire "rubber" or "plastic" ...
A: 1. That depends on what state you live in, but in most states it would not be legal because it ...
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| Interconnected Smoke Alarms | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I have 9 interconnected smoke detectors that are AC wired with battery backup. They have never ...
A: Nice of you to say that. Backup usually means they will work only if the electric goes out. But even ...
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| Interconnected Smoke Alarms | 1/22/2008 |
Q: I have 9 interconnected smoke detectors that are AC wired with battery backup. They have never ...
A: You should have contacted me prior to getting new alarms. Hardwired alarms are worthless. They go ...
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| Smoke Detectors and Dust | 12/16/2007 |
Q: I am having hardwood floors installed in my apt. The bldg. management has requested that the smoke ...
A: Yes, please bookmark www.blackdogsecurity.org. There's a TON of info there, security book reviews ...
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| Smoke Detectors and Dust | 12/15/2007 |
Q: I am having hardwood floors installed in my apt. The bldg. management has requested that the smoke ...
A: Under any circumstances, both detectors MUST be covered. Even if they are stand-alone detectors ...
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| Smoke Detectors and Dust | 12/15/2007 |
Q: I am having hardwood floors installed in my apt. The bldg. management has requested that the smoke ...
A: The building management is right on the money, but your contractor is a complete frigging idiot. ...
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| 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: From my alarm expert...best as he can remember: It's been about 15 years since I worked on a ...
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| Motion Detector Lighting | 12/7/2007 |
Q: I am in need of replacing an existing 2-bulb outdoor motion detector spotlight system because the ...
A: I can only give you two suggestions, but you have to do the work. One is that you google (with ...
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| chirping after power outage | 11/24/2007 |
Q: we had a power outage. when the power came back on the Lifestyle model 1275 keeps chirping. it does ...
A: Take it down, seal off the power wires for safety and replace it with a stand-alone smoke/carbon ...
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| chirping | 11/15/2007 |
Q: Just an additional desparate, sleep deprived individual -- see all your recommendations re: smoke ...
A: Here is yet another answer, and don't laugh. This is a very old friend who knows his stuff: "My ...
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| chirping | 11/15/2007 |
Q: Just an additional desparate, sleep deprived individual -- see all your recommendations re: smoke ...
A: I think you might have stumped me with this one, since you've already had the alarm co. and ...
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| motion light sensor | 11/14/2007 |
Q: We have a motion light sensor outside our house that has been working fine since we installed it 3 ...
A: In my humble opinion, it is most likely the sensor that is going bad. It should be a very ...
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| beeping in electrical box | 11/13/2007 |
Q: I have a beeping sound from my electrical box, 24 hours a day, it occurs every 60 seconds as a ...
A: This is an electrical problem, and I stay as far away from electric as possible (unless it's hooked ...
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| Tail Gating | 11/12/2007 |
Q: hope you can help me with tailgating issues within a commercial office building. What is the best ...
A: Been a long time since anyone talked with me about this topic. First thing I'd need to know is how ...
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| 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: This is a bit out of my league, but my best guess would be that pressing the button on one alarm ...
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| fireX smoke alarm 120-1182 | 11/2/2007 |
Q: After resetting a breaker, the smoke alarm started chirping. We changed the battery and it ...
A: Take the blasted thing down, seal off the wires and replace it with a battery-operated stand-alone ...
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| Robbery and rent | 10/27/2007 |
Q: On September 20 someone came into my apartment and stole my computer, cable modem, dvds and some ...
A: Get the hell out of that apartment sooner than later. I don't care if you have to rent a garage. ...
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| Security systems and Smoke detectors | 10/24/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of building a house and we are going to install a security system. My question ...
A: Whoa! First I would find another security company. Then (or even if you keep this one), I'd tell ...
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| Security systems and Smoke detectors | 10/24/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of building a house and we are going to install a security system. My question ...
A: I'm not 100% sure I quite understand the question, but let me try to answer (and then you can write ...
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| Non-stop chirping | 10/13/2007 |
Q: have three hardwired smoke alarms in my house and of course the one outside the bedrooms has been ...
A: Congratulations! You are the 20th person to write to me regarding the same problem in the last two ...
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| Battery Location in Smoke Alarms | 10/5/2007 |
Q: Just moved into a 7 year old house and there are three BRK Smoke Detectors there Model No. 86RACE ...
A: You just may have succeeded in making me quit this volunteering. Yours is at least the 20th question ...
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| Hard Wired Smoke Detector | 10/3/2007 |
Q: Moved into our house three years ago. Hard Wired Smoke Detector's in the basement and main floor ...
A: Unbelievably, yours is about the 15th question about hardwired detectors in the past two weeks. I ...
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| FireX smoke alarm | 10/1/2007 |
Q: My smoke alarm gives a false alarm when there is power outage lasting a few hours. The batteries ...
A: I take it that these are hard-wired alarms, otherwise power would have nothing to do with it. Yours ...
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| smoke detectors | 9/27/2007 |
Q: Our smoke detectors or going off at 3am for seeminginly no reason. This is all of the alarms, they ...
A: Sleep? What's that? Besides working days, working nights and answering 8 questions this week alone ...
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| hard wiring smoke alarms | 9/27/2007 |
Q: we are trying to hard wire 8 smoke alarms. and understand to connect the thee wires together. what ...
A: Finally, one of my guys checked his e-mail: 14 guage wire should be fine. Alarms should be on their ...
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| Wired or Pre-Wired | 9/26/2007 |
Q: I have 2 questions: 1) I am currently adding a second story onto my house. I have an existing ...
A: What they are recommending makes sense for where you live. They aren't ripping you off. My question, ...
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| smoke alarms | 9/24/2007 |
Q: My smoke alarms are hard wired.(5 of them) My house is 8 years old.I have a glass break security ...
A: This is hilarious, though I'm sure it wasn't at the time to you. But to me...this is the fifth ...
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| LifeSaver Model #1275 | 9/20/2007 |
Q: We came home to find that all of our alarms (5 in different locations of the house upstairs and ...
A: That poses almost more questions than answers. That alarm is made by Kidde, which is a highly ...
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| need for an alarm system | 9/16/2007 |
Q: My family moved into a new house a year ago. I am home with my 2 kids all of the time (except trips ...
A: I wish I knew what city you were in and what the crime in that area is like. That would help ...
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| Firex 120-1182B | 9/12/2007 |
Q: I have a 5 detector hard wire system. It is 21 months old. I began to hear the chirping so I ...
A: I am NOT an expert on alarms, rather on how to secure your home without alarms. Unfortunately that ...
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| BRK AC Powered Smoke Detectors Uses Batteries | 9/8/2007 |
Q: WE have about 12 BRK smoke alarms in the house. In 5 of them I am replacing the backup batteries ...
A: Well it seems that you have a few choices. Leave the batteries out, light a match by the detector ...
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| BRK AC Powered Smoke Detectors Uses Batteries | 9/7/2007 |
Q: WE have about 12 BRK smoke alarms in the house. In 5 of them I am replacing the backup batteries ...
A: Well, in theory, that should have nothing to do with it. But theory is for folks whose smoke alarms ...
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| No Keys on Inside Locks? | 8/26/2007 |
Q: I read your recommendation that homeowners remove the keys from their interior-side locks on ...
A: Trust me that the bad guy will find another way out, and probably with a LOT less of your ...
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| smoke/CO alarm | 8/24/2007 |
Q: We just bought a new house with Kiddie smoke and carbon monoxide detectors hardwired. Recently, one ...
A: My alarm expert has a simple solution. THis is a new house. This problem should not happen. It's too ...
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| Fire Alarm - Heat | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I trael a lot for work and recently all of my fire alarms went off in my townehouse and my neighbors ...
A: The simple answer is "Yes." It truly depends on the type of alarms...and there are many different ...
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| hard wire smoke detector | 8/15/2007 |
Q: We have hardwired smoke detectors in our home. The other morning (3:30AM)one fired off. The light ...
A: From my alarm expert: Since the house is "New Construction" I would have the client contact the ...
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| fbi legend alarm | 8/7/2007 |
Q: i have a fbi legend keypad. the alarm was set up so that anytime you open a door in the house that ...
A: You might not believe this, given it's nearly two years later, but someone was reading my answers ...
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| fbi legend alarm | 8/7/2007 |
Q: i have a fbi legend keypad. the alarm was set up so that anytime you open a door in the house that ...
A: From my alarm expert: I haven't worked on an FBI system in quite a few years, but I think I ...
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| FBII model XL-3 home alarm | 7/31/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you could help me. It seems my home alarm model FBII XL-3 keypad display is ...
A: Not being an alarm expert, though I have some ideas, best I can tell you is to go here: ...
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| Home Security Systems | 7/30/2007 |
Q: I am trying to choose a home security system, and can't seem to find ratings or advice on selecting ...
A: I definitely need more information. Of the two systems you mentioned, I'd only go with Gemini ...
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| personal computer security | 7/15/2007 |
Q: I hope you can help me. I've been trying for months to keep my daughter off my HP Media Center. I ...
A: I have not forgotten you; had trouble getting into this site until now. I posted your question on ...
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| Smoke Alarm | 7/10/2007 |
Q: but after I replace it, it still chirps. Do you know what this means? Thanks, Karen
A: That's tough. I need to know more. Is it a simple, plain old battery-operated smoke detector than ...
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| false alarm | 6/17/2007 |
Q: I just removed two Firex model FX1218 from my residence. I installed in the same location two new ...
A: The problem with the bathroom is very common. I always suggest that no one put a smoke alarm ...
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| smoke detectors | 6/13/2007 |
Q: I had heard a smoke detector is a good idea in an attached garage because of all the flammable ...
A: What false alarms? Your presenter is out to lunch. The only problem in a garage is heat build-up, ...
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| Armored Security Strike | 6/2/2007 |
Q: Fred, I'm trying to find an "armored security strike" (that's what Defender calls them) for a ...
A: You might call your local locksmith to see if he can dig one up--if they even ever existed. ...
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| Interior Security Doors | 5/30/2007 |
Q: In our church Pre School we need to install interior security doors to keep the preschoolers in and ...
A: This is from my about to retire (tomorrow) door expert: In the application described by the church, ...
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| Kidde Hard Wired Smoke Detector | 5/21/2007 |
Q: Where can I obtain instructions for the Kidde Hard Wired Smoke Detectors that were already installed ...
A: Since I don't know the details, I suggest you go to google and type in Kidde. The first listing that ...
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| False Alarm | 5/20/2007 |
Q: I recently painted my front door changing the color from white to black after that my front door ...
A: This is from my alarm expert, who I just heard from: "It has nothing to do with his "painting" the ...
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| DSC Power 832 Trouble light - PC5204 AC Failure | 5/16/2007 |
Q: Fred, Regarding your Power 832 trouble light and "PC5204 AC Failure" code...did you ever get an ...
A: My alarm expert said (regarding the other question) that the keypads often go bad. He recommended ...
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| DSC Alarm | 4/27/2007 |
Q: Fred, I just replaced my Cadyyx alarm with a DSC 1616. I am trying to use my existing smoke ...
A: Man, you have lost me completely on this one. I'm sorry, but the fine details of alarm systems are ...
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| Kiddie Nighthawk | 4/25/2007 |
Q: I also the same problem with the same company, kiddie nighthawk smoke detector and carbon monoxide ...
A: Your best bet, since I'm not that familiar with alarms, is to go Here: ...
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| Alarm panel code reset | 4/25/2007 |
Q: I recently purchased a foreclosed property that had an existing alarm. The problem is that they did ...
A: Try going here: http://www.napcosecurity.com/testframe.html?m-01ma1000e.html. This is the home page ...
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| BRK MODEL 4120B Smoke Alarm | 4/24/2007 |
Q: I have 9 daisy chained smoke alarms by BRK (110 VAC w/ battery backup). Recently, one started ...
A: As I note in my profile, alarms are not my thing. However, I doubt this is an alarm problem, and BRK ...
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| Power 832 Security System | 4/11/2007 |
Q: During a very cold weather spell, our Power832 Security System suffered some sort of power ...
A: First, you can try this URL: ...
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| control panel exhibits no lights | 4/6/2007 |
Q: This morning, I noticed that both control panels' lights were off; the alarm system appears to be ...
A: You don't come up with easy ones. National Security Systems Inc. owns both Radionics and Bosch ...
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| control panel exhibits no lights | 4/5/2007 |
Q: This morning, I noticed that both control panels' lights were off; the alarm system appears to be ...
A: I can find the original manufacturer. X bought out Y who bought out Z who bought out D who bought ...
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| nortron smoke alarm | 3/30/2007 |
Q: We have a Nortron electric smoke alarm model #AC8WS which the electrician installed seven years ago. ...
A: First thing: Check to see if it does have a backup battery. Every hardwired smoke alarm I've seen ...
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| Smoke Detectors | 3/28/2007 |
Q: Fred, We woke up this morning to all of our smoke alarms going off. They are all hard wired with ...
A: Gee, you sure your name isn't Steve and you wrote a month ago??? Same exact problem. He had six ...
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| Smoke alarms | 2/11/2007 |
Q: Fred, I have a hard-wired smoke alarm system with 9 volt battery back-up in each detector. The ...
A: You actually have answered your own question! You are absolutely on the right track and have done ...
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| burning smell | 2/6/2007 |
Q: there is a smell of something burning(possibly electrical)coming from the basement.There is no ...
A: Uh, definitely you should call someone!! It's not gas, or you would know that odor. So yes, it has ...
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| Vista-10SE, can I add another zone | 1/23/2007 |
Q: Great site. I have a Vista-10SE alarm system and the 8-16 zones are already wired and full. I need ...
A: I cannot help you with this question. Alarms are just not my thing. BUT I can point you in the right ...
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| Fire & Security System | 1/11/2007 |
Q: Is there a good intergrated fire & security system on the market that is hard wired? Thanks, Will
A: How much do you want to spend? Seriously, this is not my main area of expertise, but the company I ...
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| First Alert Alarm System | 1/7/2007 |
Q: I live in a house with a first alert security system that was preinstalled we do not use it but it ...
A: Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question; but I can give you some leads. First thing I would do ...
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| Smoke Detector | 1/5/2007 |
Q: Okay, how to you perform a thorough cleaning of a detector?My residential smoke detectors or wired ...
A: Drink lots of alcohol...er no, USE lots of alcohol! [Okay, so I'm not much of a comedian.] Plain, ...
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| Smoke Detector | 1/5/2007 |
Q: My residential smoke detectors or wired with battery back up. Approximately 2 years old. Initially ...
A: From my personal alarm expert, who also is mystified as to why they would go off when it's below 68 ...
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| GEM816 | 1/1/2007 |
Q: I just installed a a gem 816 control panel i am using 2 gem rp3dgtl keypads i m having trouble ...
A: I cannot answer the question, but here's what I suggest. Gem stands for Gemini, which is a product ...
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| Firex 120-1182 alarm | 12/20/2006 |
Q: We built a house in 2003 and had a hard wired system put in with firex 120-1182 alarms. Recently ...
A: I have two problems. First, of course, I'm not tremendously knowledgeable in specific alarm systems. ...
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| Best Protection* | 12/7/2006 |
Q: I have a vacation condo that I use 5 or 6 times a year & I'm worried about break-ins. The HOA won't ...
A: First, I apologize if you've waited a long time for an answer. I never received an e-mail telling me ...
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| Smoke detector | 11/19/2006 |
Q: We have a smoke detector that is driving us crazy. It beeps 1 time every 5-10 seconds for 4 beeps. ...
A: There can be two things wrong: 1. Replace the battery...beeping usually is an indicator the battery ...
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| SECURITY ALARM | 10/27/2006 |
Q: I have a FBI security system. The alarm went off after a power outage. Upon re-setting the system ...
A: Sorry it took so long to reply. Both me and my alarm expert were out of town since last night. ...
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| your last bit in your profile/intro | 10/24/2006 |
Q: your last bit in your profile/intro 'How to keep from needing an alarm system is more in my area!' ...
A: First thing I'll suggest is that you go to my security Web site [www.blackdogsecurity.org] where you ...
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| Name of local alarm companies in Detroit area | 10/21/2006 |
Q: In a previous question comparing wireless to wired systems, you recommend finding a trusted, local ...
A: My friend just got back into town and here's what he has to say. Note that he worked as a central ...
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| auto arming | 10/9/2006 |
Q: I have a NAPCO Magnum ALert Computerized Security System. Is there a way to arm this system ...
A: This is not something I can answer, but I know how you can get an answer. Go to this URL: ...
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| Moose Z1100ST alarm system | 9/14/2006 |
Q: We moved into this house Oct. 2006. It has a alarm system that we have not used because we were ...
A: I had to go to my alarm expert for this one, and he's not even sure. His answer: "What is confusing ...
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| DSC vs Ademco vs GE Interlogix | 9/7/2006 |
Q: this helps alot. I will check out the "touch center". Thanks again, KarenWe are shopping for a ...
A: You are most welcome, and please contact me if there is anything else you need to know. Your ...
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| DSC vs Ademco vs GE Interlogix | 9/7/2006 |
Q: We are shopping for a home security system. So far we have looked at DSC, Ademco & GE Interlogix. ...
A: I would recommend the Honeywell "TouchCenter" alarm system. Adding smart home features is right down ...
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| GARAGE DOOR OPENER | 9/3/2006 |
Q: I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A HOME AND IT HAS AN AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENER WITH REMOTE. ITS A SEARS ...
A: I'm a bit confused on this one. I have the same garage door opener in my home, and all I have are ...
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| ademco security system | 8/4/2006 |
Q: I have an ademco home security system. My keypad is giving me an (OC error - open circuit. It is ...
A: From my colleague and friend who is the alarm expert: Ademco panels are pretty straight forward. ...
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| FBI Legend 70 80 Model 6805 | 7/25/2006 |
Q: Forgive me if I sound dumb, but I don't know anything about alarms. Are you talking about the ...
A: Not the keypad. The control panel usually is in the basement. If you don't have a basement, look in ...
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| Brinks Wireless Maxed out??? | 7/22/2006 |
Q: There is a very long story to this, so i'll try to spare you, but it basically boils down to my ...
A: I agree with you completely. If you don't get the 2 contacts and motion as part of the system, why ...
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| Securing bedroom in a shared house | 7/5/2006 |
Q: I live in a shared house with a disreputable roommate. He is leaving in a few weeks, and I would ...
A: This one (for the first time in a zillion months) is an easy answer. (My answers usually run to the ...
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| Kiddie Smoke alarm battery replacement | 6/22/2006 |
Q: I live in a two year old condo. It was new construction. If the Kiddie fire alarm manuals were ...
A: Here's the best I can do for your, but it should solve your problem. Go to Kidde's main site, smoke ...
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| Securing Home with tons of windows | 6/1/2006 |
Q: Suggestions for cheap ways to discourage window entry? Alarm system is present. Stickers on all ...
A: 9. A couple of other various tips. Put a nightlight in every room in your house. Even with good ...
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| chiminey maintaince | 2/5/2006 |
Q: Fred, I have heard that burning rock salt with your wood will help keep creosoate from building up ...
A: Well, Craig, that's not one I've heard of before, so I don't know how to answer that question. This ...
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| Interior Security Door. | 1/21/2006 |
Q: I live in a condo project & the HOA will not allow an exterior metal security door, any ideas on how ...
A: Well John, my first thought is the HOA needs to have their heads examined. You could install an ...
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| Security light problem | 12/15/2005 |
Q: I've got some old motion-sensitive security lighting on the back of my property which wasn't working ...
A: Well, Rose, I wish I could see your property, but let's get there one step at a time. First, as to ...
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| Home alarm system | 12/5/2005 |
Q: I did get a ADT "dealer" installed wired system.I paid for the system and dealer confirmed that I ...
A: I'm afraid I cannot answer your first question. That's not something I'm familiar with. But I have a ...
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| gate | 12/4/2005 |
Q: i would like to install some sort of warning system on my gate (about 1/10 mile from my house) to ...
A: Well, there are simple solutions to this, but in this particular case, it's a bit difficult to ...
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| Home alarm system | 12/1/2005 |
Q: Looking for home alarm system. Wheather wired or wireless with cell back-up,covering all openings or ...
A: Have a seat, pour some coffee, sit back and relax because this is not a short, simple answer. First, ...
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| Charley Bar | 10/21/2005 |
Q: I'm looking for an item & its inexpensive & very effective for security, called a Charley Bar. Its ...
A: http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&did=22&product_id=379&fromg=yes Hi, The above URL will ...
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| GARAGE DOOR REMOTE | 9/25/2005 |
Q: I recently had my garage door remote stolen along with my car. Can you give me advice on what I ...
A: First, I'm really sorry to hear your car was stolen, and hope you get it returned--and in reasonably ...
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| Magellan 6060 | 8/20/2005 |
Q: Magellan 6060: Could you advise me if this alarm system is as good as they say it is, what is X10 ...
A: Have a seat, grab a cold drink and relax for a few minutes. Alarm answers are never short. I'm not ...
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| home security systems | 8/5/2005 |
Q: My husband and I are looking into a home security system, i.e., Brinks, ADT. ADT says they can ...
A: Well, this will not be a short answer, so bear with me. There are many factors to consider. A wired ...
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