DIY Security Systems Posts

DSC decided to extend the lifespan of their Impassa System by releasing a dual-path LTE communicator. The communicator is called the DSC TL8055LTVZ, and it is available for purchase right now from the Alarm Grid website. This is the first LTE communicator for the DSC Impassa Alarm System.

The DSC TL8055LTVZ provides connectivity with the Verizon LTE Network. It uses a hardwired ethernet connection for internet access. If one communication path goes down, the other will be there to back it up. The communicator will allow the system to connect with the Alarm.com Servers. Please note that you will need a Gold Plan or higher to activate the communicator and use it with Alarm.com.

In order to use the DSC TL8055LTVZ, your Impassa Panel must be running firmware version 1.3 or higher. This is the same firmware version required for an Impassa to use any cellular communicator and connect with Alarm.com. If you already have an Impassa System connected with Alarm.com, you can just swap out the old communicator for the new TL8055LTVZ. The system will provide normal operation after you activate the module.

At this time, Alarm Grid does not offer a standalone Impassa System with no communicator installed. We also do not offer an Impassa with a TL8055LTVZ already installed. We only recommend the DSC TL8055LTVZ for customers with an existing Impassa who want to extend the lifespan for their system. With LTE connectivity, the TL8055LTVZ will ensure that your Impassa can stay monitored for many years to come.

If you are looking for a new Alarm.com Security System, then we recommend going with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus instead. This is a state-of-the-art security system that offers all the features and functions you could ever want. You might also consider waiting for the new 2GIG GC2e and GC3e Systems, which we expect to be available later this summer. However, if you have an existing Impassa, then the DSC TL8055LTVZ is for you.

Additionally, Alarm Grid is also now offering the DSC WS4933 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor. The device uses electro-chemical sensing technology to detect odorless and tasteless carbon monoxide (CO) gas. This sensor features a slim-line design and a built-in 85dB sounder. It comes equipped with a test button and a low-battery indicator. It uses a single CR123A battery for power. The device has an average battery life of five (5) years with typical use. It is available for purchase now.

If you have any questions or concerns about the DSC WS4933 or the DSC TL8055LTVZ, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to answering your questions.

Hi DIYers! It's time for another video update from Alarm Grid. This time we're covering the videos from May 30th and 31st. We have six new videos this time. Joe has four, while Jorge and Jarrett each have one. The Alarm Grid boys are back to help you learn your system. Let's check them out.

Connecting an LTE-XV to a VISTA-21iP

The ever-friendly Joe teaches you how to connect a Honeywell LTE-XV to a Resideo VISTA-21iP Security System. The Honeywell LTE-XV is a Verizon LTE Communicator for VISTA Series Systems. It follows the same setup process as the Honeywell LTE-XA, which is the AT&T LTE Communicator. Please note that by adding an LTE-XV or LTE-XA to a VISTA-21iP, you will disable the integrated IP communicator for the system. If you want to use an external dual-path communicator with a VISTA-21iP, you should add a Honeywell LTE-IV instead.

The ADC-V522IR Audio Features

Joe explains the two-way audio capabilities of the Alarm.com ADC-V522IR Security Camera. If you use this camera with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, you can livestream the audio and video directly from the panel. You can also get live audio and video from the Alarm.com Mobile App. This app can be conveniently accessed right from your Android or iOS device. You can even speak through your Android or iOS device and have your voice come through the camera. This will allow you to have a live two-way conversation with whoever is at the other end.

Connecting the August Smart Lock Pro to WIFI

Joe helps you connect your August Smart Lock Pro to a WIFI network. To do this, you will need an August Connect WIFI Bridge. Getting your August Smart Lock Pro connected with WIFI is recommended if you want to use the device with Apple HomeKit. However, it is not required. The only other way to use HomeKit with the August Smart Lock Pro is to have your HomeKit Hub within Bluetooth range (10 to 15 feet) of the lock. Your HomeKit Hub can be an iPad, HomePod or AppleTV (4th Generation or higher).

Arm Stay vs. Arm Instant

Fan-favorite Jarrett explains the differences between Arm Stay and Arm Instant. The major difference is that Arm Instant ignores all Entry Delay settings. This means that any Entry/Exit Zones will effectively operate as Perimeter Zones. If you fault an Entry/Exit Zone while the system is Armed Instant, then an immediate alarm will occur. If you want to Disarm the System while it is Armed Instant, you will need to do so without activating an Entry/Exit Zone. We recommend using a Security Key Fob or an interactive service platform like Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0.

Response Types Supported by the SiXPIR

Jorge discusses the Response Types that can be used with the Honeywell SiXPIR Motion Detecting Sensor. The only available Device Type for a SiXPIR Zone is "Motion Sensor". This restricts the Response Types that can be used. You cannot set the Device Type to "Other" to gain access to the full list of Response Types. As a result, the only Response Types you can use with the SiXPIR are Interior Follower, Perimeter, Day/Night, Interior With Delay, Resident Monitor, Resident Response, General Monitor, and General Response.

Using the August Smart Lock Pro with Apple HomeKit

Joe talks about using the August Smart Lock Pro with Apple HomeKit. By including the August Smart Lock Pro with your Apple HomeKit network, you can operate the lock from anywhere using your iOS device. There are two ways to use the lock with HomeKit. The first is to pair the August Smart Lock Pro with the August Connect WIFI Bridge. This will allow the lock to connect with a WIFI network so that you can access it remotely. The other option is to have the lock within Bluetooth range of your HomeKit Hub. This can be an AppleTV (4th Generation or higher), iPad or HomePod.

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we are offering a sale on the iGSMV4G and the iGSMV4G-TC2 effective immediately. The iGSMV4G can be purchased for $50. The iGSMV4G-TC2 is available for $60. These are AT&T 4G Cellular Communicators that allow VISTA Panels to connect with AlarmNet360.

Earlier this year, AT&T announced the sunset of their 3G and 4G networks. By February 2022, it will no longer be possible to use an AT&T 3G/4G with your alarm system. You must upgrade to an LTE communicator by then. Additionally, AlarmNet will no longer allow activations for AT&T 3G Communicators and AT&T 4G Communicators starting Wednesday June 26th, 2019.

We still have some iGSMV4G and iGSMV4G-TC2 products in stock. We want to get rid of them before they become unusable. This is a perfect opportunity to get your Resideo VISTA System online for a very low price. With these communicators, you can access Total Connect 2.0 and use all of the available features. Please note that you will need a Gold Plan or higher to activate a cellular communicator with Alarm Grid. Also, we cannot offer overnight orders for these products.

If you do get one of these communicators, you must activate the module before June 26th. After that date, it will be impossible to activate the cellular portion of the communicator. Additionally, if you deactivate the communicator or discontinue service for any reason, you will not be able to reactivate this unit for cellular service after June 26th. You will still be able to use the communicator for Internet Communication only after this date.

Resideo has stated that more recently manufactured modules will be able to be activated for up to 180 days after June 26th. However, we cannot guarantee that a new iGSMV4G will be able to be activated after that date. For your own planning, you should not expect an AT&T 3G or 4G communicator to be activated after June 26th.

The Honeywell iGSMV4G is a dual-path AlarmNet Communicator for Resideo VISTA Series Systems. It uses AT&T 4G and hardwired ethernet to connect with the AlarmNet Servers and provide access to Total Connect 2.0. This module will provide fast and reliable connectivity until February 2022. The cellular portion of the module will no longer work after February 2022. At that time, you will want to upgrade to a newer LTE communicator. We are offering the iGSMV4G for $50.

The Honeywell iGSMV4G-TC2 is a bundled kit that includes the iGSMV4G module, as well as the necessary PROM Chip upgrades for the VISTA-15P and VISTA-20P Alarm Systems. You should purchase this kit if your 15P or 20P System is running a firmware version of at least 2.0, but less than 9.12. Any 15P or 20P system running less than version 9.12 will not be able to be used with Total Connect 2.0. We are offering this kit for $60.

If you aren't sure what firmware version your system is running, you can check the current PROM Chip. This is a small black chip located in the middle of the system. This FAQ can teach you how to replace an old PROM Chip if needed.

Here is an example of a PROM Chip for a VISTA-20PSIA System. This is basically a VISTA-20P System with some added features put in place to prevent false alarms. Note that this system is running v10.23, which is high enough to use TC2.

If you want to future-proof your VISTA System with an LTE communicator, then we can certainly help you with that as well. We currently offer the Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE), the Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (dual-path Verizon LTE and IP ethernet). All of these communicators will extend the life of your VISTA System well into the very distant future.

Keep in mind that a VISTA-15P or VISTA-20P System will need to be running at least firmware version 9.12 to support Total Connect 2.0. A VISTA-21iP must be running at least version 3.13 to support TC2. We offer PROM Chip upgrades for VISTA-21iP Systems here. We do not offer bundled kits for VISTA-21iP PROM Chips. The PROM Chips included in the iGSMV4G-TC2 Kit are for 15P and 20P Systems only.

Remember, we cannot offer overnight orders for either the iGSMV4G or the iGSMV4G-TC2. You must activate these communicators before June 26th. They can remain active until February 2022. After that, you must upgrade to an LTE communicator or use IP only communication. If you have any questions about this sale or these communicators, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We would like to inform you that Software Update 2.3.3 is now available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and original IQ Panel 2. This update does not add any new features, but it does include some useful system improvements and general fixes. The update can be easily applied.

Software Update 2.3.3 really only applies useful improvements for the IQ Panel 2 Plus. However, original IQ Panel 2 owners can still perform the update to get their systems on the latest version. This update is very important for helping our technicians provide the best possible support for IQ Panel 2 Plus owners.

The following general improvements are included in Software Update 2.3.3:

• Can now obtain the Long Sensor ID for the PowerG board and report it to Alarm.com
• Can now obtain the Device Firmware Version for any auto-learned PowerG Sensor enrolled after updating to 2.3.3 and report it to Alarm.com.
• Can now send Alarm.com the Radio Firmware Version and Modem Firmware Version for the PowerG board.

To perform the update, your system must be running at least 2.0.1, be connected to a local WIFI network, have its power transformer plugged-in, and have a charged battery. Once you have met the requirements, start from the main system screen. Press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.3.3 > OK > Upgrade Using Network > OK.

It will take about five (5) minutes for the update to download. The panel should reboot to the home screen when complete. If you have any questions about this update, do not hesitate to email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

Hi DIYers! We hope that you had a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. Our video team managed to produce eight (8) new videos last week. Joe was featured in five (5) new videos, mostly covering the August Smart Lock Pro. Jorge and Jarrett both had a video apiece, and I made one as well.

Connecting an August Smart Lock Pro with the August Home App

Joe explains how to connect your August Smart Lock Pro with the August Home App. This is one of the first things you will do with the August Smart Lock Pro. The August Home App allows you to operate your lock from your smartphone. You can control the lock through Bluetooth if you are within 10 to 15 feet. You can also operate the lock remotely from almost anywhere if you have the August Connect WIFI Bridge.

Including the August Smart Lock Pro

Joe shows users how to include the August Smart Lock Pro with a Z-Wave network. This is important if you want to control the August Smart Lock Pro from an interactive service platform from Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. The pairing process is completed through the August Home App. You will need to have the lock paired with the app before you can pair it with a Z-Wave network. You will also need access to your Z-Wave hub or controller.

Defaulting the August Smart Lock Pro

Joe teaches users how to perform a factory default for an August Smart Lock Pro. To perform a factory reset, you will need to access your August account through the August Home App. Doing this will clear any Z-Wave and WIFI settings for the lock. You will need to reprogram the lock from scratch using the app. You should only perform a factory reset if you plan on giving away the lock or as a final troubleshooting step.

Excluding the August Smart Lock Pro

Joe covers the process for excluding the August Smart Lock Pro from a Z-Wave network. Unlike most Z-Wave devices, you don't need to clear the August Smart Lock Pro before adding it to a Z-Wave network. Instead, you will only do this if you are clearing the device from the network so that you can add it to a new one. You can complete the exclusion process through the August Home App. If you don't have access to your Z-Wave hub, you will need to perform a Z-Wave factory reset.

Getting an Alarm or Zone Open or Close to Activate a Honeywell IP Camera

Joe talks about how you can create notifications to have your Resideo IP Cameras activate when sensors are faulted or during alarm events. Normally, these cameras will only activate when they detect motion or sound. You can create these notifications through Total Connect 2.0. It is also possible to set specific hours when a camera can initiate a recording. This way, even if a zone is faulted, the camera will only capture clips during certain predetermined hours.

Temperature Sensor Notifications from a Lyric via Apple HomeKit

Jorge explains how you cannot receive temperature sensor notifications from Apple HomeKit when used with a Resideo Lyric Alarm System. HomeKit will only provide specific alerts for intrusion zones on the Lyric. For all other zones, only a General Lyric System Alert will be displayed. This makes it impossible to determine exactly which zone was faulted. However, you can still use HomeKit alongside Total Connect 2.0. The TC2 service will provide specific alerts for any faulted zone.

Is AlarmGrid Compliant with Nationally Recognized Industry Standards?

In a very rare video appearance, I talk about how Alarm Grid is compliant with Nationally Recognized Industry Standards. Nearly all of the systems and sensors that we sell are certified by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories. Additionally, our central monitoring partner Criticom Monitoring Services is UL Listed and FM Approved. While we may occasionally have equipment on our site that is still in the process of being approved by a NRTL, we stand behind our manufacturers and are confident in their offerings.

Finding the Firmware Revision on a Lynx Touch

Coming through with a video at the very last minute, Jarrett teaches users how to find the Firmware Revision on a Resideo Lynx Touch System. If you want to perform a firmware update for these systems, then you will need the LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool. It is no longer possible to push an update over-the-air (OTA). Getting these systems on the latest firmware is important if you plan to use an LTE cellular communicator. Please note that you will also need an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular connectivity.

Hi DIYers! We're here with another alarm system tip today. This time, we would like to remind everyone tests their systems at least once per year. It is important to make sure that your sensors are working correctly and reporting to the panel. It is very easy to test your system yourself.

Alarm Grid recommends testing all the sensors on your system. This includes all intrusion sensors, environmental sensors and life-safety sensors. Each sensor will follow a unique testing process, so it's important to refer to your instruction manuals for more information. You might consider testing your life-safety sensors like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors twice per year because of their importance. Always place your system on test mode before testing your equipment.

The reason it is important to test all of your sensors every year is because it's possible that they may have gathered dust or shifted slightly in position. Little things like that may prevent these devices from working properly. Taking the time to perform a complete test will provide you with peace of mind in knowing that all your equipment is working correctly. And if you do find a sensor that isn't working, you will be very glad you performed a test.

Additionally, an annual test is required for Alarm Grid customers who obtain Certificates of Alarms (CoA) to receive homeowner's insurance discounts. Any CoA received from Alarm Grid will only be valid for one year from the testing date. A customer should perform a new test before their current CoA expires in order to maintain any discounts offered by their insurance provider. Alarm Grid will provide CoAs for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide, flood and freeze.

The process for performing a CoA test is very simple. This process involves contacting Criticom Monitoring Services, putting the system on test mode and then testing certain Zone Types. Alarm Grid monitored customers can login to their accounts on our website and press the designated button to receive an email about performing a system test. If you are having trouble finding the button, you can see its location in the picture below:

Alarm Grid customers can also email us at support@alarmgrid.com if they need to put their systems on test mode. Keep in mind that our business hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. Do not test your equipment until you have received verification that your system is on test mode.

If you have any questions about testing your equipment, the best way to reach us is at the aforementioned email. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during normal business hours. We look forward to answering any questions you might have.

Hi DIYers! We're here with a small video recap, covering May 16 & 17. It was a quiet week for our video team, as we only had five new videos. But we gotta give some credit to Jorge, as he cranked out four videos. Jarrett also came through with one. Let's take a look at the videos.

Adding a Profile Image to a Total Connect 2.0 Account

Jorge shows users how to add a profile image to their Total Connect 2.0 account. Each user on a TC2 account can have their own profile image. This helps to add a nice personalized touch to Total Connect 2.0. Any uploaded image will only be visible from TC2. It will not be visible from the panel. If you have multiple users on the same Total Connect 2.0 account, then each user can have a unique picture.

Adding a Location Image to a Total Connect 2.0 Account

Jorge teaches users how to add a location image to a Total Connect 2.0 account. Each location on a TC2 account can have its own picture. You will have a different location for each system on your Total Connect 2.0 account. This is great for users with multiple homes or businesses. Adding a unique image for each location can be a great way to differentiate them. This way, you can be sure that you are controlling the correct system when you use TC2.

Smart Home Items That are Compatible with the Honeywell Lyric

Jarrett talks about smart home items that are compatible with the Honeywell Lyric Controller. The system has a built-in Z-Wave controller for operating Z-Wave devices. Any Z-Wave device can be operated through Total Connect 2.0. The Lyric is also one of the few systems on the market that is compatible with Apple HomeKit. You can have your HomeKit devices set to respond based on activity that affects your system. It is also possible to control your Lyric through your iOS device.

Changing the Installer Code Using a Tuxedo Touch Keypad

Jorge explains how to change the Installer Code for a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System using a Tuxedo Touch Keypad. The Installer Code is the code used to enter programming and make system changes. We encourage most users to keep the code at its default of 4112. This will prevent users from being locked out of programming later. If you forget the default Installer Code, you can always look it up later. If you change the code and forget it, you will need to use the backdoor method to get back into programming.

Features Added in the 2GIG GC2 1.19 Firmware Upgrade

Jorge discusses Firmware Version 1.19 for a 2GIG Go!Control GC2 System. Upgrading to the latest firmware is very important for getting the most out of your system. Firmware Version 1.19 added support for various cellular communicators. If you want to use an AT&T LTE communicator, then you need Firmware Version 1.19.3. You can have a firmware update pushed down automatically to your panel from Alarm.com for a small fee. If your panel is not connected with Alarm.com, you will need an upgrade cable or an upgrade tool to complete the process.

Hi DIYers! We're here with another Alarm Grid Tip. We're going to cover the proper technique for mounting your door alarm sensors. Many people have trouble getting a faulted zone to disappear when their sensors are not aligned properly. Mounting your sensors correctly will fix this issue.

First, It's important to understand how door and window contacts work. There are two (2) parts. These are a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is the larger component and usually represents the listed product dimensions. The magnet is the smaller component. In a proper installation, the sensor (larger) should be mounted on the door frame. The magnet (smaller) should be mounted on the actual door. Ideally, the magnet and the sensor should be in direct contact when the door is closed. The magnet should also be aligned with the metal reed switch inside the sensor. The sensor will most likely have indentations to indicate the location of the reed switch.

The idea is that when the door is closed, the magnet will be in contact with the sensor. This is why these sensors are often called "contacts". When the door is opened, the magnet will become separated from the sensor. This will release its internal metal reed switch. When this happens, the sensor will transmit a signal to the alarm control panel. The system will respond based on the programming settings for the corresponding zone.

When you mount your door contacts, you should make sure that the magnet and the sensor are in proper alignment when the door is closed. If not, then the reed switch inside the sensor will stay open. As a result, the zone will still be shown as faulted on the panel. You want proper alignment so that the zone functions consistently. Whenever the door is opened, the zone should appear as faulted. If it's closed, then you should not see any faults.

Walk testing your contacts is extremely important! This is the best way to make sure that the sensor and magnet are in proper alignment. Sure, it might pass the eyeball test, but does it pass the system test? Always, always, always test your equipment! We don't care if you are a novice DIYer or a seasoned professional installer - your job is not finished until you have completed the walk test.

Again, the ideal door sensor and magnet will be IN DIRECT CONTACT when the door is closed. This will provide the best possible results. We have seen customers stack multiple pieces of double-sided foam tape to make this happen. This is pretty unusual, but it works! It might look funny if you have to do that, but it will get the job done! As long as the sensor and magnet are in correct alignment, then the sensor will work.

If you absolutely must leave the contact and magnet separated, do not do so from more than one-half (0.5) of an inch, unless the manual specifically says that the sensor-magnet gap can be further. And make sure to test extra thoroughly if you decide to try and get these sensors to work with a wider magnet spacing.

Also remember to check sensor for indentations that indicate which side to place the magnet. If you are unsure, then check the device manual. Many answers can be found in the installation instructions. Unfortunately, many end users choose to ignore them. Read the manual!

Keep in mind that some door sensors may be equipped with LED lights that help the installer make sure that the sensor and magnet are indeed in proper alignment. If your sensor has this feature, then definitely use it! This is an easy and convenient way to make sure they are aligned correctly. Check your device manual for more information. An example of a door sensor that is equipped with this feature is the Honeywell 5800MINI.

Below is an example of what a properly installed contact looks like. In this case, it is the 2GIG DW10. Note how the sensor and the magnet are in direct contact and properly aligned. Normally, the battery tab at the bottom of the sensor would be removed, but for this example, it's okay.

We hope this tip has been helpful for anyone setting up their first alarm system. Please email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we are now selling encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits. Each kit includes a brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus with built-in LTE communicator, two (2) IQ DW MINI-S Encrypted Contacts, a single IQ Motion-S Encrypted Motion Sensor, a transformer and a power cable.

Last week, we announced that we are now offering IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits that feature the Versa-GE Door and Window Contacts. While these are excellent door and window sensors, they do not offer encrypted communication. Users who want added security will want to use encrypted sensors whenever possible.

The encrypted sensors included with the encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits use rolling code encryption. When these sensors are enrolled with compatible encrypted systems, they become synced with the panel. This allows a rolling code to be established. Only the panel and that exact sensor will know what the next rolling code transmission will be.

Currently, we are offering two versions of the encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits. There is an AT&T LTE option and a Verizon LTE option. Both kits are listed below:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T LTE Encrypted 2-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon LTE Encrypted 2-1 Kit

The version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus included in these kits is compatible with the Qolsys S-Line Sensors that use this rolling code encryption. Additionally, it is also compatible with the PowerG Sensors that use 128-bit AES encryption. Both the PowerG Sensors and the Qolsys S-Line Sensors are nearly immune to wireless takeover attacks.

Encrypted sensors like these are perfect for users who want protection against possible hacking attempts. The included system is also backwards compatible with non-encrypted 319.5 MHz sensors. This includes the legacy Qolsys and Interlogix/GE Sensors. Each encrypted Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Kit listed on our site comes pre-packaged by Qolsys. As a result, we cannot make substitutions for these kits.

At this time, we do not have kits for the 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus or the 433 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you want either of those systems, you will have to purchase all the components individually. The only encrypted sensors that can be used with those systems are the PowerG Sensors. Both systems include a transformer and a prepared cable for providing power.

We are sure that many customers will love these new encrypted kits! If you have any questions please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F to speak to one of our alarm system planners. We look forward to helping you design the perfect system for your home!

Hi DIYers! We have learned that a new law has been signed in Tennessee that disallows local governments from charging security companies fines for false alarms. The law also prohibits fees for alarm permits. The bill was signed by Tennessee Governor William "Bill" Lee on May 8th, 2019.

Under the new law, alarm monitoring companies cannot be charged fines for any false alarms that occur. Additionally, local governments cannot charge alarm companies fees for alarm permits or alarm permit renewals. End users may still be charged by local governments for causing excessive false alarms and for obtaining permits and renewals. The law goes into effect June 19, 2019.

Alarm Grid strongly supports this new law, as it makes it easier for us to provide customers with quality service. Preventing false alarms is the responsibility of both the alarm monitoring company and the end user. Alarm Grid does its part to ensure that customers cause as few false alarms as possible. We accomplish this by educating our customers about the best practices for reducing false alarms. The vast majority of end users do not actively seek out ways of causing false alarms. Most will do whatever they can to prevent them.

Some of the practices used to reduce false alarms include setting appropriate Entry and Exit Delay times, enabling Alarm Report Delay (if needed), and encouraging the use of Arm-Confirm features. Alarm Grid also offers certain panels that are compliant with the standards mandated by CP-01 of the Security Industry Association (SIA) for reducing false alarms.

At Alarm Grid, one of our top goals is to empower the end user. We strive to help our customers understand how their systems work so that false alarms occur less frequently. End users should also make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation and panel programming.

We are also pleased that monitoring companies will no longer need to worry about alarm permit fees. These fees only make it more difficult for alarm companies to provide service to their customers. Many companies avoid providing alarm monitoring service in certain areas because they do not want to pay permitting fees. Thanks to the removal of these fees, it will be easier to provide service to our customers in Tennessee moving forward.

Alarm Grid wants to help you avoid false alarm dispatches. But we also want you to know that your home or business will receive help in a real emergency. That is one of our top goals as an alarm monitoring company. If you want to learn more about how we work to prevent false alarms, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is through email at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.