Through the years, people have mentioned to me that they are reluctant to get an alarm system because they are afraid of false alarms. With today’s modern alarm systems, for the most part those fears are a thing of the past.
There are two main categories of false alarms: equipment failure and user error. Progress has been made in both areas. First let’s discuss advances in equipment and techniques used for installation.
In the beginning of monitored alarm systems, they simply reported that an incident was taking place with no way to verify if an alarm was actually taking place or if it was simply a mistake. Today alarm systems communicate to the central station and then the central station calls the premises to verify the alarm. When monitoring is set up a password is established. The central station calls, asks if everything is OK and asks for the password. If the proper password is given, that’s where it ends. No authorities are notified. Some localities have added an additional step, called advanced verification. That is, if no one answers the first phone number, the central station calls a second phone number for verification. If no answer, then the authorities are dispatched. Often the second phone number is somebodies cell phone who would know if there is supposed to be activity at the premises or not. This has helped with false alarms.
Still in its infancy, video verification has promise in cutting down on the number of false alarms as well. Basically a motion detector with a camera, if the alarm is tripped, the camera takes 2 or 3 still images and transmits them to the monitoring center. The operator can then determine whether it is a legitimate alarm or not.
Other advances in equipment have helped dramatically as well. Motion detectors now have microprocessors built into them to analyze what they are seeing. This eliminates alarms caused by dust and bugs. Dual technology motion detectors require two sensors to see the same alarm condition before reporting an alarm. Motion detectors have come a long way but can still be fooled by Mylar balloons or being installed improperly. That’s where professional installation comes in. More on that later.
Other devices have improved as well. Glass break detectors are also microprocessor controlled. In past years, foil used to be attached to windows and required quite a bit of maintenance to remain in good working order. The new glass break detectors ignore everything except the frequency of glass they are designed to detect. Even switches for doors and windows have improved. Their reliability has improved by better design, manufacturing process, and a larger selection. Switches are now available for virtually every possible application.
Professional installation by licensed alarm companies has led to a significant decrease in the number of false alarms. Proper installation techniques coupled with knowledge of the right equipment available for the application at hand, makes a substantial difference. Knowing where a motion detector should or shouldn’t be mounted can be the difference between having false alarms or not. Some devices can work reliably below 32 degrees, others cannot. That knowledge shouldn’t be discounted. Some detectors should have all their holes plugged so nothing can get in. Installation directions for each unit should be followed.
The proper installation of switches (contacts) in doors and windows is also important. Care should be taken that the switch and magnet line up properly in 20 degree, as well as 95 degree temperatures. Wood doors also shrink and expand, when installing contacts that should be taken into account. Metal doors are also a variable that should be dealt with properly.
Smoke detectors and heat detectors also should be installed properly. They have different applications and are not interchangeable. Smoke detectors, in particular, if not properly installed can false alarm. It is vital that all construction and fire codes, as well as manufacturer’s recommendations are followed. Smokes Alarms, as opposed to Smoke Detectors, must be replaced after 10 years. Carbon Monoxide detectors also have a life expectancy which should be adhered to.
In the past “swingers” were a big cause of false alarms. Simply put, if a switch failed, it would “swing” causing multiple alarms when no threat was present. There was no mechanism to stop this and it wasn’t unusual for multiple alarms to be transmitted to the central station causing multiple police dispatches. To eliminate this problem, the alarm system will stop transmitting that devices signals after a certain number of activations, often 2. This can save many false alarms during a long armed period.
The vast majority of false alarms are user caused. Proper education from your alarm company can help eliminate this cause. You should be educated on the proper operation of the system, how to arm and disarm as well as which arming mode to use when. The other thing you should know is what to do when you set the alarm off by mistake. You can stop a false dispatch. Everybody who operates the alarm system should be properly trained in its operation and given a central station code to stop the dispatch in the event of a mistake.
One option that is available that we don’t recommend is the dialer delay. The control panel simply waits 30 seconds to 5 minutes before contacting the central station. If the proper code is entered within that time, the alarm panel never dials out. We think the panel should communicate every time an alarm is detected, and then with proper education and a little care, a false dispatch can be averted.
User operation of alarm systems has become easier and more intuitive. If you are staying home, alarm systems will automatically default to stay mode (no motion detectors active). This eliminates you walking in front of a motion detector and tripping the alarm. Alarm systems also beep while arming in away mode and when you enter after the system was armed. This is to remind you to leave in a timely fashion and to enter the code when coming home. Entry and exit times are also programmable to give you enough time to comfortably enter and exit the home.
Modern systems have graphic displays that prompt you to enter the right code. No longer do you have to remember or instruct someone a series of numbers to arm or disarm the system. Now if you want to disarm the systems, the display simply says “Enter Code To Disarm”. To make it even easier, you can use an app on your smart phone to control all system functions.
False alarms are bad and can become expensive. Reducing false alarms comes from a partnership between the alarm company and the user of the alarm. Proper installation of quality equipment and proper education in the alarm system use is the responsibility of the alarm company. Maintaining the system and making sure that all users are trained is the responsibility of the alarm owner. Maintenance means calling the alarm company to repair the systems if damaged and repairing or replacing defective devices that are causing problems. It also means informing the alarm company if any phone numbers for verification or notification change. And remember your password.
Reducing and eliminating false alarms is important and by following simple steps, can be accomplished. Fear of false alarms should not stop you from protecting your home, family or business with a modern security system.
If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.
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