Owner`s manual

SAFE Security Alarm System Operations Manual
11 www.safesecurity.com [phone]
ALARM SYSTEM MAINTENANCE (continued)
Power outage
Your system has its own backup battery that is capable of sustaining normal operation for several hours. This battery also
powers the siren and the alarm communicator to the central monitoring station if the system goes off. The battery
recharges automatically when power is restored and its status is constantly monitored.
Battery life
The system battery in the alarm panel is a rechargeable type that is kept charged automatically. The backup battery in the
control panel should be replaced at least every five years. If you have wireless sensors, their disposable batteries may 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 replacement long before one in a lesser used area. Your keypad will normally display
a low battery warning when a device battery needs to be replaced. Wireless transmitter batteries (lithium) typically last
two to three years and can be purchased in almost any supermarket, drug or hardware store.
Replacing the battery
If necessary, contact SAFE and we will walk you through the procedure. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, we
can schedule a service technician to come to your home to change the battery. There may be a fee associated with this
service visit.
Powering down your system?
An alarm system should only be powered down as a last resort to reset the system or if major remodeling is being done.
To power down the system, unplug the panel transformer from its outlet. Sometimes, there is a screw securing the
transformer to the outlet that needs to be removed. Once the transformer is unplugged, remove the battery connection.
Both terminals on the battery should be unplugged to ensure the alarm system will shut down. Always contact SAFE or
the central monitoring station before powering down the system to avoid a false alarm resulting from a tamper signal
being sent to the central monitoring station.
FALSE ALARMS
False alarms are costly to everyone. False alarms are generally caused by user error and take police away from real
emergencies. They can endanger responding authorities and your community. Setting off a false alarm is like dialing 9-1-1;
the police will respond thinking there is a real problem. False alarms can also lead neighbors to ignore your alarm if it goes
off repeatedly. It is like “crying wolf” and can, in effect, make your alarm system less credible. False alarms may make you
reluctant to arm or use your system, exposing your home or business to undetected breaches of security.
Many cities or municipalities charge fines for excessive false alarms so it is important for customer and other users to
understand the operation of their security system.
Common causes of false alarms
1. Pets – Security systems can be easily designed to accommodate indoor pets. However, if you acquire a pet after
installation, you may need to have your system modified so pets will not trip motion detectors or pressure pads.
Call SAFE for details.
2. Remodeling – Your system was designed according to the original configuration of your home. False alarms may
be caused by significant changes to the layout. Even changes such as replacing window shutters with drapes,
moving large furniture and installation of fans or air conditioners may be enough to set off an alarm. Further, it is
recommended that a review of your security system design take place to ensure comprehensive protection after
a remodel.
3. Visitors – Train all trusted individuals who may visit your home (possibly housekeepers, guests, maintenance
workers) on your security systems operation.