ADT is among the home security systems that are well-known, and many homeowners use it. All security systems, including the ones provided by ADT, might experience some error or fault code at some point. FC code is among the common ADT error codes. The FC code translates to a communication breakdown between the alarm system and the monitoring station. It is mostly realized when there is a temporary interconnection of the phone line. FC code on the ADT alarm simply indicates that the system is unable to transmit signals to the monitoring station hence cannot alert authorities in the event of a break-in or an emergency. However, you do not have to panic because the process of changing the FC code is quite easy and fast. In this article, I will explain to you how you can perform a fast and simple process to reset the FC error message on the ADT alarm panel.

Check the Telephone Line Connection

The first and foremost thing that an individual should do when an FC message is detected is to make sure that the phone line connection that the system employs is still working. Your ADT alarm communicates with the monitoring center through a phone line installed in your house. This means that if the landline gets disconnected for any reason then the FC message will be generated.

To verify the phone connection: 

1. Find out the place where your ADT alarm system is connected to the phone jack and ensure that the cord used to connect the two is properly connected with no loose connections.

2. Dial 141 and wait for a dial tone for 15 to 30 seconds to ensure that the phone line is working, or plug a phone directly into the jack.

If you receive no dial tone or, if the phone line has been cut off because of construction or some other reason, you should inform the phone company and have your service reconnected before rearming your ADT system.

Ensure that Power is On and the System is in the Proper Status

The next step is to verify where your ADT system draws its power source from. Regardless of the use of battery power, wireless battery power, or a plug-in transformer, the system will require a steady power supply to enable the alarm to connect with the ADT monitoring center.

In the event you see any problems with the power supply, replace batteries where necessary or plug the transformer back in adequately before proceeding.

You’ll also want to ensure that your system is ready and capable of connecting and maintaining that connection. Make sure to listen for any beeping which may be the result of an FC error that your system is still dealing with. If you have fixed power and phone lines, but still hearing beeping, then you are required to reset the alarm panel as the first step before attempting to communicate.

Access the Keypad

Since you want to reset the ADT panel, then, you must be able to get to the numeric keypad of the panel. In most cases, the interface panel can be mounted on a wall in the house or at your business and placed conveniently for easy access. 

  • The second light fixture is In the main level hallway near the front door
  • The master bedroom
  • It’s best to organize it in a basement, utility room, or closet

For some more recent ADT systems, people can also use their smartphones or a Web portal to interact with the panel but a keypad reset is more effective.

Enter Your Master Code

To ensure that only authorized personnel make changes to the system, all new and existing ADT alarm panels are equipped with a 4 or 6-digit master code. When you enter this main master user code, you will be able to make any configurations or reset the home automation system. If you are the person who initially installed the system, then you should have written down this code and placed it in a safe place where this code can be used when necessary.

If one does not have the master code or forgot it, then one has to call ADT customer support, and the company shall provide the master code after ascertaining the identity of the customer alongside account details.

Then enter the correct master code on the keypad and the system will let you know that it recognizes a valid code entry through a long beep or a series of quick beeps and a flashing “ready” light. The keypad buttons should also be backlit and the screen could display “ready to arm” or something to that effect.

Reset the System

With the master code entered and keypad operational, you can now reset your ADT alarm system to clear the FC error following these simple steps: 

1. Locate the reset button on your ADT alarm system keypad and press it, the display will show system is resetting and after some time, will show powering down.

2. Allow at least 10 seconds for the panel to finalize the shutdown process before powering off the UPS. After the reset is complete the screen will go blank and the keypad lights will be off.

3. Slide your finger and press the power button to turn the ADT panel on one more time.

The cable-ready light will come back on after the system has taken a minute to reboot the connection. Once the box is back in operation, it will prompt you to enter the four-digit master code again in case you wish to reopen the communication process.

Send a Signal Test

Having reset the alarm panel, the process is complete and the next stage is to check the connection between the alarm panel and the central monitoring station.

You will send what is known as a Communication Test Signal which is a form of an actual or a fake alarm activation alert. Here is how to send the test signal: Here is how to send the test signal:

1. Make sure that the light on the keypad continues to glow and displays the “system ready” or “ready to arm” message.

2. You are required to twice retype the four-digit master code to confirm the numbers entered by authorized personnel.

3. Hold the “*” key down on the keypad for 2 seconds before releasing it. This might also be labeled with an icon showing the radio waves to tell that it is sending out a signal.

4. If your keypad was able to send out the signal to the ADT monitoring center, the message on the keypad will read “Signal Sent” or “Test Call Made”.

If the system does not connect on this test, the FC message returns to the caller ID. If so, it is advisable to call ADT support to have a technician take a look at the equipment.

Listening, Interpreting Results and Next Steps

Disarming should also clear FC errors allowing the ADT alarm to work normally if that is the intended operation of the device. Use these tips once your system is powered up again to confirm: 

  • In this case, the message FC is no longer displayed on the keypad than the reset worked. Attempt to arm the system to check whether the system can be armed or not.
  • The lack of beeping as an indicator suggests that the phone line connection is back.
  • If you got a “Signal Sent” success message that came up right after the signal test call, then this means that your system is capable of reaching the monitoring station to report alarms.

It is therefore possible to perform other monitoring functions with the assurance that connectivity is successfully reset. However, if FC errors remain or recurring soon, the wiring or the hardware has some issue that requires service from ADT. 

While waiting for an ADT technician, you can turn off or restart the alarm panel as required in the following steps in case the FC alert returns for the temporary restoration of the system’s operations while waiting for its permanent solution. It is important to keep on experimenting with the use of communication; and to know that calamity notifications may not work until they are fully solved.

Conclusion

Yes, getting your ADT security system to display error codes is very much possible and it can be very annoying. Fortunately, if you need to resolve FC errors to return to monitoring communication ability, this involves a few simple steps after the following. Resetting power and signaling could be said to start a new connection process at the top, so to speak. This always eliminates the failure to communicate flaws nine out of ten times. But if problems repeat themselves, probably they will have to be referred to a specialist for repair. Still, by entering the master code on the keypad and knowing all the options in the system’s menu, you can ensure your home or business is registered during any time of a malfunction. When you have an FC code, all you have to do is wait and when required reset the system and get the technicians to fix the issues dealing with alarm communication which is so important for your premise security.

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