When Should I Test My Security System?
Published on Monday, April 11th, 2022
Testing your alarm system is an important part of maintaining your system and ensuring your system is always working properly. So, when is the best time to test your system?
Test Your System Once per Month
It is a great practice to test your system once per month. You can set a reminder in your phone to send you a notification monthly, so you never forget. What time of the month should you test your alarm? We recommend testing your system at the start of every month, be sure to check the batteries in your smoke detectors as well. Choose the time that works best for you and make it part of a monthly routine.
After Any Storm Event
During the peak of storm season, many factors could affect your alarm system, with the worst being a lightning strike. A power surge may not completely render your system unusable but could affect sensors or your communications path. The best way to get ahead of a potentially malfunctioning system is to test your system after any storm event.
After any network change, or service provider visit.
Upgrading your internet? Chances are, changing out your equipment or service provider could affect your system. If you make a change to your network name, or password, this could also affect your system. Be sure to test your system, or give us a call and we can help walk you through updating your system with the new network information.
How do I test my Security System?
Call the monitoring center at 800-286-5699 and let the operator know you would like to put your system in test. Give the operator your account number and password. The monitoring center will place your account in “test” so the monitoring center will not dispatch. Arm the system and trip a sensor to engage your alarm, let the siren run for a few seconds, then disarm the system. Call the Monitoring Center back, and the operator will confirm the signal was received. Once you’ve completed testing, ask to place your system back online.