An Introduction to Resetting Your Home Security System Installing an alarm system in your home can be useful in enhancing security and bringing an added sense of security. But, at times, one may need to reset the system and in this process, the alarm code cannot be used. It may be because you forgot the code, bought a house that already had an alarm installed, or your alarm panel was reset by mistake when there was a blackout. Fortunately, there are a few simple processes that can help you reset the alarm even if you do not remember the current passcode.
Before you attempt to reset your alarm, you will need to first determine the make and model of the alarm system panel so that you are following the correct procedure for your particular unit. Some of the popular brands of panels are Ademco, Honeywell/Honeywell Lynx, Optex, DSC, Bosch, or 2GIG alarm systems. Just look at the front upper part of the panel or the side of it and there you can see some letters stating the model and serial number of the panel. This will be useful as you continue with the various alarm resetting procedures.
In the specific range of models and security measures arranged, there may be several ways to reset and regain access without the passcode.
How to Reset an Alarm Panel?
with the help of Keypad Tones and Status Lights Another method of reset involves assessing the tones, beeps, or any other audible or visual feedback that the alarm panel produces. When you hit some keys or key combinations, the status lights and/or beeps will indicate to you if the system reset was successful. This process is effective provided that the previous owners or occupants did not program features such as tamper-lockout that allow intruders to have a relatively easy time accessing the system controls.
To use the keypad reset method:
- Identify the location of the main alarm keypad which is often situated near an entry door or in the master bedroom
- Dial in your central station phone number to let the system know who you are (this can usually be found on the back of the keypad or alarm panel).
- It is recommended to input generic default PINs such as 1234 or four-digit birthdates of the previous owner if it is possible
- Wait for three beeps indicating that the passcode has been accepted or an error tone if the passcode is wrong.
- Press the “#” then the “standby code” to see the current passcode of the relevant section of “0000”.
- Set a new 4-digit standby code to your desired number
- Press the “#” key again and then re-input the new standby code
- Be ready for double or triple acceptance beeps
- As you write new code, try to test it by arming and disarming the system.
Applying Hard Reset Jumpers on the Alarm Panel Board Some alarm panels also have some pins or reset jumpers on the circuit board located inside the main panel enclosure. Connecting these pins with a piece of wire can reset the panel to the factory default settings. This resets all codes, programming, user numbers, and other data like sensors or zones to blank. This hard reset is a bit more complicated but it guarantees you have the operational authority over the alarm system if locked out of the normal menu interface.
To complete an internal hard reset:
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To perform the next steps you need to open the main alarm panel housing in the place where the circuit board is located.
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You should refer to the user manual to determine where the hard reset pins or jumper pins are located.
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Switch off the alarm board and insert a small wire across the reset terminals
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Switch on the power and observe the visibility of the status lights
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Pull out the reset bridge wire
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The system should now be restored to blank and none of the codes must be present.
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Check your model’s user guide to learn how to reprogram your master and user codes
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Re-enlist any wireless or hardwired sensors that were reset
By employing a Reset Switch or Button certain panels have a physical button or even an external switch for erasing the onboard memory and the passcodes. It may be recessed here to discourage its use or its use will need a pointed object to be pressed. If there is one, then a hard reset switch is usually the simplest and quickest way to regain control of your home security system.
To complete an external reset button restart:
- Find the reset button usually found at the side or front of the board
- To activate the button or switch, one can use a paperclip to push it in the right position.
- The alarm system will go back to normal with no codes.
- Use the following reprogramming steps when assigning new codes
- Make necessary re-registration of such parts as remote sensors, keychain transmitters
Now you can easily reset your home alarm panel even if you have forgotten the previous security passcode. You may use the status lights and tones, internal jumper wires located within the panel, or an external factory reset button to take control of your household security system back.
Conclusion
Fortunately, resetting or restoring your home’s alarm panel is relatively easy if you know the existing security code or not. Thus, having followed all or some of the steps described above, corresponding to your model of home alarm systems, you will gain full control for further programming of codes, sensors, zones, and other features to your liking. Having an alarm installed but not working is a negative because it negates the security advantage of having a working alarm system. Now it is simple to restore the equipment to its original state and start guarding all the entrances, doors, windows, smoke detectors, and any other connected devices across your premises again. These steps can be followed below alongside a specific guide applicable to brands that include Ademco, Honeywell, DSC, Optex, and other common home alarm system brands for your home security to protect your family and valuables once again.
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