How to Test your Security System

Did you know you are supposed to test your security system on a regular basis? The system or the monitoring company will typically alert you to any issues apparent on the system. However, the best practice is to test it yourself as well. There could be other factors unrelated to the alarm itself that you might discover. You could have poor cellular coverage, Internet connectivity issues, etc.

There are few things more important than your alarm working when you need it. To that end, setting up a regular testing cycle can help give you peace of mind.

Before you Test

The most important thing to do before you start testing your system is to contact the monitoring company. Let them know to ignore the signals coming through for the next hour or so. This is as simple as calling the monitoring company, providing your account number or address and telling them you want to put your account on test. They will ask you for your account password and how long you want the system to be on “no-action.” If you finish early, you can call back and take it off test, or just allow the request to expire.

If you do not put the system on test, the alarm company will call you for each signal they receive. If they don’t reach you, they will dispatch the police.  This could result in false alarm charges to you from the city.

Sending Signals

Once the system is on test, you can get started. Follow the steps below.

• • Set the alarm.
  • Open and close your main entry/exit door so that the system thinks you have left.
  • Alert all occupants to the testing about to begin. Be prepared for the siren to sound. Then….
  • Open and then close each door or window that has a sensor.
  • Walk past each motion detector.
  • You cannot effectively test glassbreak sensors yourself. There is equipment that will emit the right frequency to test a glassbreak but it is not something the average home or business owners has. We do not recommend breaking a drinking glass or plate in the proximity of the detector as a test (people have actually done this!). That typically creates a different frequency than a window being broken.
  • When you are finished testing each device, disarm the system.
  • Call the monitoring company back and ask them what signals were received. Confirm all zones you tested are included in the list.
  • If anything didn’t go through, test that individual point again. If it still isn’t showing up, call your alarm company to request a service call.

Other Reminders

As a reminder, most jurisdictions require an alarm permit if you have a monitored alarm in your home or business. It may seem like an un-necessary expense, but it is a requirement and you can be fined if the police are called and you don’t have a permit. You may think this isn’t a concern because the monitoring company will call you first, but under most protocols, if they don’t reach you or anyone on the list, the police will be dispatched. A neighbor could hear the alarm and call the police for you also…which could result in a fine.

Further, if you do have an actual emergency, the police can decline to dispatch if you do not have a permit on file.  It is worth the fee to your city or county to ensure you will have rapid response if you ever need it.

If you don’t know how to reach your monitoring service directly, contact your alarm company for the phone number and your account number if you need it.

We Can Help!

Cultris Security Systems has been helping families and business owners with security solutions for 13 years. Let us help you design or upgrade your system. And if you have a system that isn’t monitored, we can take over the monitoring for you, often using your existing equipment. Call us today at 281-506-8466 or visit us online.

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