Should I Install a Hardwired Security System Myself

Posted by: Doug Penson Posted Date: 07/31/2012

Should I Install a Hardwired Security System Myself?

Are you a Do-it-Yourself person and are thinking of installing a security system to protect your family? If so, then it’s important to understand what is required. Here are a few steps to consider prior to taking on this project:

First, choose a quality system. Do your due-diligence to ensure you are purchasing dependable products for your home. It’s always best to compare systems before making a decision.

Second, read the instructions that are included with the product in detail prior to starting the work to ensure you understand how to correctly install the alarm system components and devices. Search online for do-it-yourself steps or contact the product manufacturer if you require further assistance, please note that some manufacturers will only support security professionals.

The next step is to confirm that there is accessibility to run wires to all of the areas within your home that you are planning to install security alarm devices such as motion detectors, window or door contacts, keypads, glass break detectors and smoke detectors. If you are required to remove any trim or casement around windows and doors to run cable; ensure it is removable and not permanently attached like ceramic baseboard in the foyer or bathroom.

Now you need to confirm that you have the correct tools such as fish tapes, multi-meters, drills, ladder, screwdrivers, flash light and drill bits to properly install the hardware.

Lastly, do you have the time to correctly install this residential security system? With all the wiring and other things involved in installing this type of system, it takes time. You don’t want to rush through the installation or you will end up with a security alarm that doesn’t operate effectively.

Having a properly installed security system is a great idea, so ensure you follow the steps above and complete your research prior to starting. Now that you know what it takes to install a hardwired security system you must decide if it’s a Do-it-yourself project or something you want to hire a professional company like SECUR-U Inc.

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Testing Your Security System

Posted by: Doug Penson Posted Date: 08/17/2010

Testing Your Security System

Security Systems are generally programmed to send an automatic weekly test to the central station to verify regular communication at a random hour selected by the technician,

If the weekly test or any signal does not transmit to the station your security alarm keypad should indicate a trouble signal that will bring the awareness to the home or business owner that a problem has occurred on their alarm system. A trouble light can symbolize several issues with your security system from a power failure, low battery, zone fault, clock error or failure to communicate. All of these issues should be addressed in a timely fashion so that the integrity of the system is not affected.

My recommendation is to test all of your security systems areas of protection known in our industry as zones such as windows, doors, glass break detectors, water sensors, motion detectors and smoke detectors on a regular basis (monthly would be great) to verify that each device is working effectively, which will also provide additional peace of mind knowing that your family and property is protected properly.

Here are the steps to test your system correctly:

a) contact your central station and place your account on test, this way signals can be ignored to prevent dispatching the police, fire or ambulance. You will need your account/system number available when calling

b) Once on test, arm your security system then open and close the door to arm your motions (away mode) and wait until the exit delay has expired

c) Trip each individual protection area such as doors and motions, you should hear an audible alarm sound and each zone that is tripped should be indicated by a zone number, LED or zone description on the keypad depending on the model of your keypad.

d) Once every zone/area has been tripped, disarm your system by entering your code.

e) Your alarm panel will capture or seize your phone line until all signals and communications have been sent to the monitoring facility.

f) Contact the central station to verify that all the zone areas were indeed tripped as it is possible that a zone could sound the alarm but not communicate to the station.

g) if you have protection zones that are monitored 24/7 such as fire, flood or co/2…. while your account is on test press and hold the test button on each device or present a damp cloth to the water sensor probe to engage the device, you do not need to submerge the device in water. Depending on your system you may need to enter your code to disarm, press and hold the reset button or press *72 to disengage your system at the keypad.

If you are uncomfortable to perform this test on your own, click here to contact our office as our staff would be happy to assist you or set-up an appointment for a technician to visit your home or business.

Remember…. At SECUR-U we are “Working Together for a Safer Community”