ADT alarms are home security systems that assist homeowners and business people protect their premises and property from burglars and other evils. These alarm systems incorporate numerous products that include sensors that can identify threats and create an alarm to drive off intruders and notify security agencies.

There is something that you may come across every time you view your ADT alarm activity that is known as the “FC” code. However, it is important to understand what FC stands for and what it means if one notices it on their ADT alarm system.

FC on an ADT alarm refers to a fire condition, where the abbreviation ‘FC’ is an indication of a fire and smoke condition in a home protected by an ADT alarm system.

FC refers to Force Close for the ADT alarm systems. The FC error code means that a specific sensor or zone was forced closed during the arming of the security system.

In other words, it means a protected door or window was opened by force against the alarm and was closed again while the ’alarm on’ means the security system was active. Although the door or window may seem like they are shut at the moment, the alarm realized that breach when it was taking place.

An FC alarm is usually triggered by a burglar gaining entry into a building through a door or window, and then closing and locking the door or window from inside. The alarm is aware that the protected access point was opened by force by detecting the magnets, thus setting the FC alarm even if the entry point is currently again shut.

By definition, a Force Close event means: 

  • An opening, whether a door, a window, or any other point that is expected to be closed and locked when a security system is activated was forced open.
  • The entry point, which was mentioned, was then re-closed and now seems to be closed at the moment.
  • However, since the alarm system identified the breach and the attempt at forcing the door open, this resulted in a Force Close alarm code because of the earlier violation of security.

FC Alarm Activation: Events That Occur

In the occurrence of an FC event, any of the ADT alarm sensors will trigger a response of a control panel with the programmed alarm settings. 

  • Another sound was the loud tone of the siren alarm at the premises.
  • Messages that you and your addendums receive if you have set up such a feature
  • Request for dispatch of emergency issued to ADT monitoring center

The ADT system will then automatically follow the notification and dispatch parameters assigned to the “burglary in progress” response. This one continues to regard the FC event as a live breaking-in process, even though the intruder may have ‘shut the door behind him’.

Police are dislodged on the scene to search for intruders and any damages at the given premises. The alarm will remain on until it is turned off with the right code that is usually set for the alarm.

Force Close Alarms happen for several reasons, but the main cause is the force closing of an application.

There are a few reasons why Force Close security breaches commonly occur: There are a few reasons why Force Close security breaches commonly occur:

  • Enabling burglars to gain easy access to other tools – If an intruder gains entry through a back door and closes the door behind him, it becomes easy for other burglars to follow the same route without necessarily having to unlock closed doors. If used to represent a single individual, it can mean there is a bigger organized attempt at breaking in.
  • Avoid further alarms – Burglars can either slide or force shut any door or window with an interior motion detector or any similar device as a means of stopping other alarms from going off after the initial penetration of the FC.
  • Sneak out after gaining entry - Sometimes burglars leave the house once they sneak in to avoid being seen by the owner or law enforcement officers. The FC alarm makes it possible for an alarm to be raised even if their attempt at breaking in is not observed by the occupants, ensuring that they are trapped and apprehended by the security forces.

So in many cases, the Force Close breach is the first of the steps implemented by intruders that would allow them to move around and avoid being detected again in the process. That is why such response to FC alarms as active burglary attempts is so important even if there seem to be no openings compromised from outside observation only upon the arrival of police to check the case.

Force close alarms are specific types of alarms that software applications emit when the running application is forcefully closed by the operating system due to inactivity or lack of use.

Force Close events suggest an intruder propped open and then relocked an entryway, as well them starts with hardening your outer shell. Kethe y actions that can deter FC alarm events include: 

  • Put in place impact doors with a solid core or steel-clad entry doors – These are more kick-resistant than hollow lightweight doors.
  • Reinforce door frames and hinges – It is common these days to have somebody break the door frame or the hinges to gain entry into a house. Prevented from this is reinforced mounting.
  • Install high-security deadbolt locks– Replace normal locks with high-quality deadbolts that are pick-proof for all doors that lead outside.
  • Engage the use of strapping – In addition to latches, strap the windows with strong locks to ensure that they cannot be shoved open.
  • Utilize glass break sensors – Instead of covering frames, these sensors can feel if the glasses of windows or doors are shattered. If the breaking of glass is necessary, there are fewer chances of FC alarms.
  • Mount exterior motion spotlights – If there are doors and windows that you use often at night, having lights that turn on immediately when there is movement around can easily scare away anyone who is planning on using force to get through the door or window.

Adhering to recommendations for proper burglary-resistance of doors and windows, which are developed by various organizations, such as AAMA, when designing or retrofitting your facility can also contribute to preventing unauthorized access that might trigger FC alarm incidents.

Remember it is also advisable to always check and confirm that all of your ADT alarm sensors are functioning as expected and if any entry point is accessed, the alarm must be able to respond appropriately. Also, ensure that firmware on your ADT control panel is up to date with the latest security updates and features to fortify your home against Force Close or any break-in attempts.

In conclusion, FC means that there was a break-in through a door or a window when the security system was activated and the door or the window was closed by the perpetrator who later closed it. The alarm cannot even sense that at the moment the entry point is closed; all it is aware of is that a security infringement took place at that point as deduced from previous sensor values.

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