It is always very relieving to have an alarm installed at home since it will add to the security. Still, there are moments when you may wish to disarm your system for a short time, for instance, when you come home and do not want the alarm to go off or when workers or guests who do not know the code are expected. Disarming a home alarm is usually a simple process that takes but a few moments. Below are the most frequent techniques to disarm a home security system.
Firstly, it is required to find out the type of alarm system and the keypad that is installed. The first step in the process is determining what type of alarm system and keypad you have in your home or business. Home alarm systems typically come in two main types: wired and wireless. A wired system has keypads with wires and cables connecting them to the main alarm panel while a wired system uses radio signals with no connections between the keypad and the panel. As expected, wired systems are more difficult to install and are also more reliable than wireless types. Wireless systems are not wired hence easy to set up but the signals can be easily interrupted.
Wired alarm keypads are mostly installed on the walls next to doors leading to the outside world. Wireless keypads are even more portable than wired ones but are also often located near doors. Some of the keypad manufactures are Honeywell Ademco, DSC, GE Security, and many others. It is useful if you know the make and model of your system keypad. There will also be buttons or dials on the interface to input alarm codes and other functions too.
Understand Access Code Types Most home alarm systems have two different types of access PIN codes or passcodes: A master code and sub-codes.
The master code is used for managing the general functionality of the system and other codes. It is a four to six-digit code and is often set by the homeowner or the alarm specialist. It can turn on and off the system irrespective of the location of the keypad. Generally, there will be a single master code.
User codes are generated by the master code holder to allow other individuals (such as members of the housing unit or close acquaintances) to activate and deactivate the system from any regular system control pad. These secondary 4 to 6-digit access codes can be given different levels of access by the master code holder. This way a person like a dog walker can open briefly without having to unlock the whole system.
There are two keypad and system arming methods namely; the Armed Stay Mode and the Away Mode. Different home alarm systems can be armed or activated in several ways depending on the type of keypads installed and the features of the specific security system in the home. These include:
Entry and Exit Delays Many home alarm systems use features that have a ‘count down’ that enables one to open or close the door to the home without activating the alarm. This eliminates the risk of false alarms and provides the users with enough time to type an access code on the keypads.
Exit delays may take between 30 to 120 seconds once an arm code has been initiated. This creates an opportunity for those authorized to open the entry/exit door with keypads to leave through the door before the system is fully engaged. This is indicated by an alert sound or keypad warning light.
Entry delays are from 15 to 45 seconds and start as soon as an entry point such as an external door is opened if the system is armed. This provides the user with an opportunity to input their code and subsequently disarm the system.
In this countdown time, most users just require passing through the main door up to the keypad to disable the system. The keypad also produces warning sounds in the form of beeps on the central zone of the keypad and displays the maximum remaining time before the main alarm siren is triggered.
Emergency Panic Codes Most security system keypads contain an alarm button or a string of keys which when pressed sets off key keypads or external alarms that alert the intruders. This panic function can operate whether the system is turned off or in a disarmed state. It can also be set up to quietly sound an alarm to your alarm monitoring center. This panic alarm is turned off with the regular master or user codes only.
When you get to the house, disarm the alarm system and turn it off. In the case you accessed the home via a designated entry point with an entry delay feature, proceed to the keypad and enter your 4 to 6-digit master code or secondary user code.
Wait for the entry delay warning beeps. Key in your code with the numeric keys. The sounds of the beep beep, light blinking, or message on the display should show that the system has identified your valid authorization code and is disarmed. This disables the alarm so that you can move around without setting off intruder alerts.
Many keypads use green and red colored lights to signify armed and disarmed system status. A steady green light normally indicates the security system has been turned off and the sensors are disabled. The keypad may announce system status and might say “disarmed” or “system off. ”
You are now able to open protected access points such as doors and windows or trigger motion detectors without setting off alarms. However, one should ensure to key in the access PIN again to rearm the system before leaving the car.
Portable Wireless Keypad Use In wireless home security systems, for example, it is easy to carry portable keypad devices around to arm and disarm the system from anywhere within the house.
Some benefits of wireless keypads include:
- Telling the alarm system that the user arming and disarming it without having to move near the main keypad.
- There is access to the system from the master bedroom at night.
- Panic alarms should be within reach in case of an emergency and should be kept by the bedside.
The doors ones are similar to the main wired keypad on the wall for entering codes and managing the general system. Use portable wireless panels with some level of security as you would with your keys or access cards. Do not allow any guest to notice your disarm code.
Turn Off Without Code Sometimes you might want to temporarily disable the home alarm system without having the keypad code or during situations such as power outage or low battery of the home alarm system. There are two approaches here:
1. Enter default codes – It is a common fact that most security systems come with hidden standard master codes that always open the systems even if owners change them. This four to six-digit code is not often published and can be located in the first original alarm manual or through the installing alarm company.
2. Manual panel shutdown – To achieve total disconnection of power, there is the main alarm control panel box that is often stored in a closet or basement. Opening the housing activated a tamper switch that may affect phone/internet connectivity for some time. Switch off the AC power switch, and turn the backup battery disconnect lever in the off position. This is not recommended for regular disarming because when there is a power failure, there is no communication and no more active alarm monitoring.
Get to know the nature of your system Disarming the home alarm is normally quick and uncomplicated after some time of using the keypad codes and the functions. Prepare your master code or user access PIN as soon as you open the door to avoid triggering false alarms. Be aware of the status indicators and the delays that are integrated into your panels.
It is also important to spend time in the home to practice in arming and disarming the alarm system. Household members should repeat the process until all involved are confident with the procedure. Sometimes new panels can be added to the system user manual because enhanced panels may add more complex features and functions. It is advisable to enroll first-time users, a family or a friend to ‘try out’ the system while you monitor the various activities within the system. Take advantage of any sleep, stay, or vacation mode settings for those guests who do not input codes regularly.
Pay attention to low battery messages for the system and ensure that backup batteries are charged. Develop your household confidence, skill, and peace through the regimen of handling your home security alarm system practically. Develop a skill of handling the life-safety equipment protecting your property without stress, which appears in extreme conditions or at night due to a power outage. In combination with testing smoke detectors, keypad operation should become an indispensable routine that contributes to enhancing the security of a household.
