Testing Your Security System

Testing Your System
Your security system is on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you have it set for intrusion detection or not. Even when it’s turned "off", it’s still ready to respond to fire and environmental sensors. All of the sensors are constantly "checking in" with the main panel, even if your system is set to off. Combine the fact that your system never gets a "rest" with the fact that it’s performing the most important job of any appliance in your home - protecting the lives and well-being of family members from the risk of a fire or home invasion. This is why it is so importance of regularly testing it.

Even if you don't test your system regularly the system will monitor itself for many things. Those who design security systems try to design into them very sophisticated self-diagnostics. As an example, with Security Pro Wireless Systems every sensor in the system is designed so that it must send a radio signal into your main panel twice every 64 minutes. The main panel is constantly "Checking" or supervising all the devices to make sure they are all still functioning.

Let’s say the sensor at your front door is sending in it’s regular "check in" signal. It would identify itself as sensor #1 and report on the condition of its battery. This is an important part of why Security Pro Systems are so reliable. The main panel continually gets reports from all of the devices, that they are still functioning as radio transmitters, and that their batteries are still good. Of course if a sensor in your system fails to check in - or checks in with a low battery message.

But there are some things your system needs "help" to test. As an example, how do we know the switch at the basement door is still working? In order to test that switch, the door must be opened - and the system cannot open your doors and windows - so it needs your help.

Testing Your Monitoring Service

If you would also like to test the monitoring of your system you must call the monitoring station first to place your system in "test". This is a toll free number and should be located on your keypad. If you cannot find this number call our local service office 801-583-7233 and we can assist you. The monitoring center will ask you for your Name and Password. Once the operator has confirmed that you are in test, just generate an alarm signal in your system. It is easiest to arm you system like you are leaving then open a door or window that is protected. Also press the police panic on your keypad, You should hear the siren sounding. Wait about a minute and then turn the system off. Now call the monitoring station and check to be sure they received your alarm signal. If you are finished testing, just tell them to put your system back on line.