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About Fred P. Wessells
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can provide advice regarding most aspects of home and personal security & safety, as well as just about anything related to computer security. Lighting to locks to windows and more. I DO NOT WANT QUESTIONS ON ALARM SYSTEMS, other than common smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. This is not my area of expertise. How to keep from needing an alarm system is more in my area!

Experience
I have worked in the industry for 18 years as a security officer, feature writer and editor for a national security magazine and as a security consultant.

Publications
Security Technology & Design magazine, Access Control magazine, Locksmith Ledger magazine, several community newspapers and legal newsletters.

   

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

Questions Answered By Expert  Fred P. Wessells 
In Category  Security & Fire Protection Systems

SubjectDate Asked

Smoke Detector10/2/2008
  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 ...
Firex #4618 blinking red LED9/20/2008
  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 ...
Firex #4618 blinking red LED9/20/2008
  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 ...
smoke alarms9/13/2008
  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 ...
smoke alarms9/13/2008
  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 ...
Ranger American ( PC 1550/5O8/24/2008
  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. ...
pc2550 trouble light still on after battery replaced8/23/2008
  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 ...
a/c powered smoke detectors8/15/2008
  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 ...
Hard-Wired First Alert BRK 7010 B all misfire and go off at night8/8/2008
  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 ...
Smoke Detector8/5/2008
  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 ...
Firex Smoke Alarm7/28/2008
  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 ...
deadbolt7/18/2008
  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: ...
Hard Wired Smoke Detectors7/14/2008
  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 ...
FBI legend 100 security system7/11/2008
  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 ...
Brinks home security beeps but battery is charged6/22/2008
  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 ...
Home security system "DSC Classic PC15556/22/2008
  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 ...
Phantom Smoke Detector6/10/2008
  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 ...
Phantom Smoke Detector6/10/2008
  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 ...
Detector chirps - batteries ok6/2/2008
  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 ...
dsc power 8325/2/2008
  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 ...
Best zone for motion4/22/2008
  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 deadbolt4/14/2008
  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 ...
Chirping4/5/2008
  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 ...
Chirping4/4/2008
  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 ...
Outdoor overhead security light3/30/2008
  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 ...
Outdoor overhead security light3/29/2008
  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 ...
Kiddie Ionization Smoke Alarm Model 12753/18/2008
  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: ...
Confused2/23/2008
  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, ...
smoke detector keeps going off2/17/2008
  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 ...
Ranger American - Need instructions on how to reset master code2/13/2008
  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 ...
Standalone Smoke Detectors2/8/2008
  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 ...
smoke/carbon monoxide false alarms2/3/2008
  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 ...
KIDDE SMOKE DETECTOR1/27/2008
  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 ...
Non-lethal burglar suppressants1/26/2008
  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 ...
Interconnected Smoke Alarms1/24/2008
  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 ...
Interconnected Smoke Alarms1/22/2008
  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 ...
Smoke Detectors and Dust12/16/2007
  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 ...
Smoke Detectors and Dust12/15/2007
  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 ...
Smoke Detectors and Dust12/15/2007
  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. ...
dsc150012/10/2007
  Q: My system was armed and when I came in I had gloves on and messed up, long story short my alarm went ...
  A: From my alarm expert...best as he can remember: It's been about 15 years since I worked on a ...
Motion Detector Lighting12/7/2007
  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 ...
chirping after power outage11/24/2007
  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 ...
chirping11/15/2007
  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 ...
chirping11/15/2007
  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 ...
motion light sensor11/14/2007
  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 ...
beeping in electrical box11/13/2007
  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 ...
Tail Gating11/12/2007
  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 ...
interconnect fire alarms not beeping in series11/11/2007
  Q: I have an interconnected fire alarm system (house built in 1999) and I recenty noticed that if one ...
  A: This is a bit out of my league, but my best guess would be that pressing the button on one alarm ...
fireX smoke alarm 120-118211/2/2007
  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 ...
Robbery and rent10/27/2007
  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. ...
Security systems and Smoke detectors10/24/2007
  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 ...
Security systems and Smoke detectors10/24/2007
  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 ...
Non-stop chirping10/13/2007
  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 ...
Battery Location in Smoke Alarms10/5/2007
  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 ...
Hard Wired Smoke Detector10/3/2007
  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 ...
FireX smoke alarm10/1/2007
  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 ...
smoke detectors9/27/2007
  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 ...
hard wiring smoke alarms9/27/2007
  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 ...
Wired or Pre-Wired9/26/2007
  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, ...
smoke alarms9/24/2007
  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 ...
LifeSaver Model #12759/20/2007
  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 ...
need for an alarm system9/16/2007
  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 ...
Firex 120-1182B9/12/2007
  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 ...
BRK AC Powered Smoke Detectors Uses Batteries9/8/2007
  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 ...
BRK AC Powered Smoke Detectors Uses Batteries9/7/2007
  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 ...
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 ...
smoke/CO alarm8/24/2007
  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 ...
Fire Alarm - Heat8/15/2007
  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 ...
hard wire smoke detector8/15/2007
  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 ...
fbi legend alarm8/7/2007
  Q: i have a fbi legend keypad. the alarm was set up so that anytime you open a door in the house that ...
  A: I'm terribly sorry, but you've outdone my alarm expert and certainly myself; I try to keep people ...
fbi legend alarm8/7/2007
  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 ...
FBII model XL-3 home alarm7/31/2007
  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: ...
Home Security Systems7/30/2007
  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 ...
personal computer security7/15/2007
  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 ...
Smoke Alarm7/10/2007
  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 ...
false alarm6/17/2007
  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 ...
smoke detectors6/13/2007
  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, ...
Armored Security Strike6/2/2007
  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. ...
Interior Security Doors5/30/2007
  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, ...
Kidde Hard Wired Smoke Detector5/21/2007
  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 ...
False Alarm5/20/2007
  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 ...
DSC Power 832 Trouble light - PC5204 AC Failure5/16/2007
  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 ...
DSC Alarm4/27/2007
  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 ...
Kiddie Nighthawk4/25/2007
  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: ...
Alarm panel code reset4/25/2007
  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 ...
BRK MODEL 4120B Smoke Alarm4/24/2007
  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 ...
Power 832 Security System4/11/2007
  Q: During a very cold weather spell, our Power832 Security System suffered some sort of power ...
  A: First, you can try this URL: ...
control panel exhibits no lights4/6/2007
  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 ...
control panel exhibits no lights4/5/2007
  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 ...
nortron smoke alarm3/30/2007
  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 ...
Smoke Detectors3/28/2007
  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 ...
Smoke alarms2/11/2007
  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 ...
burning smell2/6/2007
  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 ...
Vista-10SE, can I add another zone1/23/2007
  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 ...
Fire & Security System1/11/2007
  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 ...
First Alert Alarm System1/7/2007
  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 ...
Smoke Detector1/5/2007
  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, ...
Smoke Detector1/5/2007
  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 ...
GEM8161/1/2007
  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 ...
Firex 120-1182 alarm12/20/2006
  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. ...
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 ...
Smoke detector11/19/2006
  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 ...
SECURITY ALARM10/27/2006
  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. ...
your last bit in your profile/intro10/24/2006
  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 ...
Name of local alarm companies in Detroit area10/21/2006
  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 ...
auto arming10/9/2006
  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: ...
Moose Z1100ST alarm system9/14/2006
  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 ...
DSC vs Ademco vs GE Interlogix9/7/2006
  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 ...
DSC vs Ademco vs GE Interlogix9/7/2006
  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 ...
GARAGE DOOR OPENER9/3/2006
  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 ...
ademco security system8/4/2006
  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. ...
FBI Legend 70 80 Model 68057/25/2006
  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 ...
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 ...
Securing bedroom in a shared house7/5/2006
  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 ...
Kiddie Smoke alarm battery replacement6/22/2006
  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 ...
Securing Home with tons of windows6/1/2006
  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 ...
chiminey maintaince2/5/2006
  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 ...
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 ...
Security light problem12/15/2005
  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 ...
Home alarm system12/5/2005
  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 ...
gate12/4/2005
  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 ...
Home alarm system12/1/2005
  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, ...
Charley Bar10/21/2005
  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 ...
GARAGE DOOR REMOTE9/25/2005
  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 ...
Magellan 60608/20/2005
  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 ...
home security systems8/5/2005
  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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