Alarm Users FAQ

 

What is an FAQ?

  It is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. 

If you have questions about the operation of your alarm system check this list for the answer.

 

Table of Contents

  1. What should I do if my system isn't working properly ... ?

  2. How do I change or add a user code ... ?

  3. When do the batteries need replacement ... ?

  4. Why is my system false alarming ... ?

  5. Will my system still work when the power goes off ... ?

  6. Do I need to test my system periodically ... ?

  7. What if the telephone is in use when the system goes into alarm ... ?

  8. Why does my keypad display read "not ready" ... ?

  9. How do I bypass a zone ... ?

  10. Why does my keypad display say "no ac" ... ?

  11. Why should my system be monitored by a central station?


What should I do if my system isn't working properly? ... ?

Call Coastal Burglar Alarm.  We will be happy to assist you with any service related issues.  If necessary we will send one of our technicians to service your equipment.  If your alarm is beeping or displaying an alert you don't understand call us for assistance.

Back to Top

How do I change or add a user code ... ?

The process varies from system to system.  The procedure is detailed in the manual for each type of system.  If you are not completely sure how to do this you should call Coastal Burglar Alarm and we can make the changes for you. Any improper entries may cause the system to require reprogramming.   Anytime this is done you should first call Coastal Burglar Alarm since the alarm control panel will notify the central station of any programming change.

Back to Top

When do the batteries need replacement ... ?

The system battery in the alarm panel is a rechargeable type that is kept charged automatically.  If you have wireless sensors the batteries are disposable.  However these batteries last many months or even years and only rarely need replacement.  You may notice that a wireless device in a high traffic area such as a hallway or entry may need battery replacement long before one in a less often used area.  Your keypad will normally display a low battery warning when a battery needs replacement.  Additionally the panel will notify Coastal Burglar Alarm of the low battery status.

Back to Top

Why is my system false alarming ... ?

The most common cause of false alarms is due to movement within a motion detector's field of view while the system is armed.  They can be triggered by pets, or movement of curtains or blinds.  We can assist you if a motion detector needs adjustment to prevent reoccurrence.  

Back to Top

Will my system still work when the power goes off ... ?

Your system has it's own backup battery that is capable of sustaining normal operation for several hours.  This battery is also capable of powering the siren, and the alarm communicator if the system goes off.  It recharges automatically whenever the power is restored and it's status is constantly monitored.

Back to Top

Do I need to test my system periodically ... ?

You are responsible for testing the system to insure proper operation.  Consult the manual for your system or call for instructions.  Remember when testing to call Coastal Burglar Alarm first since the system will notify us if the system alarms in any manner. Many of our corporate clients have regularly scheduled and detailed inspections of each system which are conducted by our technicians.  Call if you need more information about this program.

Back to Top

What if the telephone is in use when the system goes into alarm ... ?

Each alarm system is equipped with a digital communicator that is designed to "sieze" the phone line when it needs to communicate with the central station.  This prevents an "off hook" or in use phone line from preventing the system from communicating an alarm.

Back to Top

Why does my keypad display say "not ready" ... ?

This tells you that the system is not ready to arm.  Usually this is due to a protected door or window not being secured or a motion detector sensing movement.  Once each zone is returned to normal the system will be ready to arm.

Back to Top

How do I bypass a zone ... ?

On most systems we install you can simply enter your user code then press bypass (6) and then the zone number.  This is useful if you want to leave a window or door open or temporarily exclude a zone from being armed.  This will reset when the system is disarmed and must be re-entered each time you want to bypass a zone.

Back to Top

Why does my keypad display read "no ac" ... ?

The system required ac power for normal operation.  Most systems have a plug in type transformer near the control panel that my have become inadvertently unplugged.  Once the ac is restored the display should return to normal.  

Back to Top

Why should my system be monitored by a central station?

There are many benefits for having your system professionally monitored.  The most obvious is the automatic reporting or alarms.  Your system is capable of notifying us of what type of alarm is occurring and our trained operators will respond to each alert.  Each individual  alarm owner can dictate how we should respond and we will notify the police and/or fire department for you if required.  The alarm system also monitors it's own system status and can alert us to many things that may require attention before they become a problem.  Besides monitoring the status of the sensors and control panel it also monitors the batteries, and communications functions.  If your alarm system reports a system problem we will notify you as soon as possible.  

Back to Top

Home

Copyright 2003, Coastal Burglar Alarm