Industry News and Discussions Posts

This begins "Week 2" of Alarm Grid employees working from home. Our headquarters in Florida is shut down, except for a very small number of employees who absolutely need to be there. The rest of our FL team is working from home. Our team members in KY and CT are also working from home.

As you know by now, COVID-19 is a serious global health pandemic, and we must all do our part to prevent the spread of the virus. This means making necessary sacrifices in certain situations, with the greater good in mind. We will continue to provide you with the best support possible, and we know our friends at Criticom Monitoring Services are doing their part as well. Rest assured that these temporary changes should have no effect on your monitoring service, and your home or business will remain protected and secured if you have to leave it unmanned for whatever reason.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit some of our manufacturers hard, and some products may be backordered as a result. In the event that you order a product that is currently unavailable, we will do our very best to let you know as soon as possible. Our team will suggest a suitable replacement if one is available, and we will try to remain as flexible and as accommodating as possible. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

It is recommended that you practice social distancing until further notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Stay at home if possible, and remember to wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer if it is available. If you must leave home for some reason, then avoid large crowds and gatherings, and stay away from those who are sick. Keep face-masks and other needed medical supplies available for those who need them most. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you believe that you may be sick. They will tell you the best actions to take. Make sure that your family and other loved ones also follow these steps to protect themselves and those around them.

We understand that this is a difficult situation for everyone involved. Some people may feel upset or emotional during this time. We are here to tell you that this will pass, and hopefully things will return to normal soon. While working from home might sound like fun, we can assure you that our team wants to get back to regular life in the office and to stop living in a world of fear and isolation. If you know someone who is struggling emotionally through this process, do your part to reach out. Give them a call or send them a gift to try and uplift their spirits. Remind them that these are temporary circumstances, and the best thing we can do for now is hold out until this eventually passes.

Remember, COVID-19 should have no impact on your monitoring service. If you have any questions about your monitoring service, or if you want to know if a certain product is backordered, you are welcome to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Although we are working from home, our team is still regularly checking emails and providing support from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. You can feel assured that our team will see your message and respond as soon as possible. We know that this is a tough time for everyone, and we will do our part to help you get through it. We look forward to hearing from you.

Reed Exhibitions has announced new dates for the 2020 ISC West show in Las Vegas. The event will now be held July 20 - 22, 2020. The show will still take place in the Sands Exposition Center. Information about registration for the event will be sent out as soon as more details are available.

Alarm Grid plans to have a team on the show floor, bringing you news, including video and interviews from some of the top vendors on site. As the show dates draw nearer, we'll provide more information on what you can expect from our coverage. If you can't make it to the show and you have a burning question about upcoming products or services from your favorite security vendor, put them in the comments. We may ask your question on camera at the show!

In the meantime, please follow the recommended precautions to avoid the Coronavirus. According to the CDC you should take these precautionary measures to avoid becoming sick or making others sick:

Take Steps to Protect Yourself

• Clean hands often: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, in particular after you've been in a public place. Do so also after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If you can't wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer with at least a 60% alcohol content. Cover your hands completely, and rub them together until they feel dry.


• Avoid contact: Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. If COVID-19 is spreading in your area, keep your distance from other people. This is especially important for the very young, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

Take Steps to Protect Others

• Stay home: If you are sick, stay home. Contact your doctor or hospital and follow their instructions when seeking treatment.


• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. Use a tissue when available, if no tissue is available, use the inside of your elbow. Avoid using your hands, and if you must use your hands, be sure to wash thoroughly immediately afterward. See the note above for proper handwashing technique.


• Wear a facemask: You should only wear a facemask if you are sick and you must come in contact with other people. If you can't wear a facemask, such as those people who have trouble breathing, do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes. Suggest that others around you wear a facemask. If you are not sick, you do not need to wear a facemask, unless you are caring for someone who is sick. Facemask supplies may be depleted, and should be reserved for those who are sick, or those who are caring for others who are sick.


• Clean and Disinfect: Commonly touched surfaces should be disinfected daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, car door handles, and steering wheels. Most EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. You can also make a bleach solution of 1/3 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Check bleach to be sure it is not past the expiration date. Also, be sure to use bleach products in a well-ventilated area. New products that claim to be effective against viruses and that are EPA-registered are also expected to be effective against COVID-19. Be sure to follow the manufacturers recommended use instructions when using these products.

We're back with a new video recap! We apologize that we were unable to post this recap yesterday. Since our Florida office has been closed, we won't be able to shoot new videos until it reopens. But we are working to resume business as usual as soon as possible. For now, let's check out our newest videos!

Adding a Wireless Zone to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge shows you how to add a new zone to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Security System. The process is the same, regardless of which version of the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System you are using. You need to put the system in its auto-enrollment mode and then fault the sensor you are adding to transmit a signal to the panel. The system should then receive the signal and allow you to add the sensor to the system and configure the settings for that zone.

Adding a 2GIG GB1 to the 2GIG GC3

Your friend Jarrett shows you how to add a 2GIG GB1 Glass Break Detector to a 2GIG GC3 Security System. The 2GIG GB1 is a glass break detector that transmits signals at 345 MHz. The device actively listens for glass break events. It must hear both the low-pitched "thud" of an object striking against the glass and the high-pitched "shattering" of the glass breaking in order to activate. This dual-detection method helps prevent false alarms on the system.

Using a 5853 Glass Break Detector with a 2GIG GC3

Jarrett explains how you can use a Honeywell 5853 Glass Break Sensor with a 2GIG GC3 Alarm System. The Honeywell 5853 is part of the Honeywell 5800 Sensor lineup, and it transmits signals at a wireless frequency of 345 MHz. The sensor can be conveniently auto-enrolled with the GC3 System by putting the panel into its auto-enrollment mode and then activating the tamper cover for the sensor. You will need to adjust the Loop Number for the sensor when programming.

Using WIFI as Primary and GSM as Backup On My Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge explains how the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System uses both cellular and IP connectivity to communicate with the Alarm.com servers. Alarm.com requires that any system connected with its servers has a cellular communicator installed and registered. The IQ Panel 2 System has both an LTE cellular communicator and a WIFI card built inside. Most users will set up the system to communicate across both pathways for optimal performance and reliability. This will require a monitoring plan that includes cellular connectivity.

Adding a Remote Keypad to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge covers the process for adding a Qolsys IQ Remote Keypad to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Security System. In order for the pairing to work, the IQ Remote Keypad and the IQ Panel 2 System should be connected with the same WIFI network. If no WIFI is available, then the system and keypad can connect using a wireless access point (AP). Once you have completed the pairing process, you should test the IQ Remote by arming and disarming the system to ensure that it is working properly.

Using the Chime feature On a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge explains how chimes work on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Security System. A chime is a quick sound the system makes when a connected sensor is faulted or activated. They are useful for quickly letting you know about system events. You can set up individual chimes for each zone on the system. However, no chimes will be produced if system-wide chimes are disabled. If there is a zone for which you don't want any chime sounds to occur, then you can set its chime setting to None.

Using 2GIG Sensors On a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jarrett explains how you can use 2GIG Sensors with the 345 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Any sensor you want to use with the system will first need to be enrolled. We recommend auto-enrolling, as this ensures that the sensor can communicate with the panel successfully. Any uni-directional 2GIG 345 MHz Sensor can be used with the 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus. Please note that this does not include the 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors, which are for the 2GIG GC2e and 2GIG GC3e only.

Users of 2GIG GC2e and 2GIG GC3e Systems now have a great new environmental sensor option in the 2GIG FT6e-345 Wireless Encrypted Flood & Temperature Sensor. The versatile sensor offers water leak, high temperature, and freeze detection. It uses encryption for enhanced wireless security.

Installing flood sensors and temperature sensors is a great way to prevent serious property damage to your home or business. You can get remote alerts from your monitored security system through an interactive platform like Alarm.com. This way, you will be notified right after the water leak begins or your HVAC system malfunctions so that you can take action before significant damage occurs. This can save you thousands.

What's interesting about the 2GIG FT6e-345 is that it does not use a detached probe for flood detection. Instead, there are built-in metal contacts on the top and the bottom of the sensor to detect leaks. The paths leading up to these contacts are sloped so that liquid is detected faster. This is important for ensuring a fast response in case of a flood or serious water leak.

You do not need any tools to install the 2GIG FT6e-345. Simply place it in a location where leaks are likely to occur, and program the sensor to the panel. Popular locations for the 2GIG FT6e-345 include underneath sinks, below hot water heaters, under refrigerators, and behind toilets. You might also use one in your basement if it is prone to flooding.

Another great aspect of the 2GIG FT63-345 is that it makes for an effective temperature sensor. For high temperature detection, the sensor alerts the system upon sensing a temperature of 95°F or higher for three (3) consecutive minutes. On the low end, the sensor sends out an alert upon sensing a temperature of 41°F or lower for three (3) consecutive minutes. This will give you time to take action before your pipes freeze.

The 2GIG FT6e-345 uses three (3) system zones for full functionality. Each wireless zone is programmed with a different Loop Number for different functionality. Loop 1 is for flood detection. Loop 2 is for high temperature detection. Loop 3 is for freeze detection. If you do not need to use each function for the sensor, then you can skip programming the zone for the associated Loop Number.

We are excited to welcome the 2GIG FT6e-345 as a new addition to the 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensor lineup! Remember that using encrypted sensors makes it virtually impossible for potential intruders to hack or spoof your system. For anyone with a 2GIG GC2e or GC3e System, using 2GIG eSeries Sensors is strongly recommended. They are super easy to program, and they provide effective results.

If you have any questions about the 2GIG FT6e-345 or any of our other products, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Our support team operates from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We are sometimes asked by users with PowerG Systems if using PowerG Motion Detection Sensors is the best option. And the answer to that question is usually yes. There are some rare occasions where choosing a legacy RF motion detection sensor is preferable, but this is usually not the case.

PowerG Motion Sensors are known for their incredible wireless range (up to 2 km from certain system), 128-bit AES encryption and frequency hopping spread spectrum for wireless security, and ability to be easily programmed. They are known for being some of the best sensors in the entire industry. Compatible systems for PowerG Motion Sensors include all versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, the DSC Iotega, and any DSC PowerSeries NEO with an added wireless transceiver.

As this time, the following PowerG Motion Detection Sensors are sold by Alarm Grid:

• DSC PG9902 Outdoor Curtain PIR Motion Sensor
• DSC PG9914 PIR Motion Sensor
• DSC PG9924 Curtain PIR Motion Sensor
• DSC PG9974P Mirror Optics PIR Motion Sensor
• DSC PG9984P Dual-Tech Motion Sensor
• DSC PG9994 Outdoor PIR Motion Sensor

Of these devices, the DSC PG9914 is by far the most popular. This is considered the "standard" PowerG Motion Sensor, while the others are used in more specific and unique situations. However, they all offer the great features of PowerG. Assuming that you are just looking for a standard motion sensor for indoor use, the DSC PG9914 is almost always the best option. If you are wondering if you should get a PowerG Motion Sensor, the answer is usually yes.

Keep in mind that if you have a DSC Iotega or a DSC PowerSeries NEO with an added transceiver that PowerG Motion Sensors are the only wireless motion sensors that you can use. The DSC PowerSeries NEO can use hardwired motion sensors, which opens up a whole new world of different possibilities. But for this discussion, we will assume that the user is only considering wireless motion sensors. We will also assume that the user is just looking for a standard motion sensor. We won't dive into the more unique motion sensors such as curtain motion sensors, outdoor motion sensors, or dual-tech motion sensors.

With all things considered the DSC PG9914 is almost always the best motion sensor to use with a PowerG System, assuming that the user is just looking for a basic motion sensor for indoor use. There are a couple of exceptions that may apply if the user has a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. And we will discuss those exceptions in a moment. But for all intents and purposes, going with a PowerG Motion Sensor if your system supports PowerG Sensors is almost always recommended.

If you have a 319.5 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then you may consider the Qolsys QS1231-840 IQ Motion-S. The advantage to this motion sensor is that it has a lower price point than the DSC PG9914. However, that is the only real advantage the IQ Motion-S offers. The DSC PG9914 offers a much further wireless range, and its 128-bit AES encryption is more secure than the rolling code "S-Line" offered from the IQ Motion-S. But if communication range and wireless security are not important to you, then you might want the IQ Motion-S instead. Of the PowerG Systems, it only works with the 319.5 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus.

For users of the 345 MHZ Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM is sometimes preferred over the PG9914. The Honeywell 5800PIR-COM has a coverage range of 60 feet by 80 feet, which is much larger than the 39-foot coverage area of the PG9914. If coverage range is considered the most important factor, then the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM might be the best option. But keep in mind that the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM has a much shorter wireless communication range (200 feet nominal), and it offers no wireless encryption protection. Also consider that the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM offers no pet immunity, while the DSC PG9914 offers pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 85 pounds. Remember, the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM will only work with the 345 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus.

If you need extra help choosing a motion detector for your system or if you want to learn more about any of our products or monitoring services, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

The alarm industry is continuing to deal with the ongoing Coronavirus. We have received recent news that many Alarm.com products, including most Alarm.com Security Cameras, are on back order and are unable to be ordered at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please note that this has absolutely no effect on the Alarm.com Servers or alarm monitoring service in general. If you are an Alarm Grid customer, you have absolutely zero fear about this world health epidemic affecting your service or causing any disruptions. Our central station partner, Criticom Monitoring Services, is based entirely out of the United States, so Coronavirus will have little, if any, impact.

Just please understand that many of our manufacturers are experiencing severe hardships at this time. It's possible that more products may be back ordered in the near future as well. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience, and we expect manufacturing to return to normal once the disease passes over.

At this time, it appears that Qolsys and Alarm.com are the manufacturers being most affected by the pandemic. In the event that you order an unavailable product, we will let you know ASAP and recommend an alternative to the best of our ability. In many cases, there is a good alternative that will meet your needs.

If you have any questions about product availability or the monitoring services we offer, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our support team operates from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We are happy to address any concerns you might have and suggest alternative products if necessary.

Those looking for a new outdoor motion sensor have a great new option available with the Honeywell 5800PIR-OD2. This is an outdoor motion sensor with a max coverage area 30 by 40 feet and a 180° degree field of view. It is compatible with systems that support Honeywell 5800 345 MHz Sensors.

Many homeowners are concerned about unwanted activity occurring outside their homes. This can include someone lurking around the back yard or a person vandalizing property. Outdoor motion detection sensors are great for monitoring for this type of activity and making sure that no suspicious activities area occurs. Wireless outdoor motion sensors are perfect for detecting such instances and keeping the home safe. A single 5800PIR-OD2 can provide reliable detection coverage across a maximum area of 30 feet by 40 feet.

The Honeywell 5800PIR-OD2 is a simple, yet effective motion sensor that you can count on for monitoring your home's exterior. Like all passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors, the 5800PIR-OD2 works by detecting the changes in infrared energy that occur with movement. This 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor works with a wide variety of panels and systems, including the Honeywell Lyric, the Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems, a Honeywell VISTA System with an added wireless receiver, the 2GIG Panels, and the 345 MHz Version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus.

As an outdoor motion sensor, the Honeywell 5800PIR-OD2 has an ingress protection rating of IP54. It offers a wireless communication range of 200 nominal feet. The sensor allows for both vertical and horizontal detection zone adjustments. User can increase or decrease the pulse count for the sensor to adjust device sensitivity. White light immunity helps ensure that the device can detect activity in any lighting environment. Other features include a big guard, anti-mask protection, a tamper switch, and an LED light for walk testing,

The Honeywell PIR-OD2 is available from Alarm Grid now! If you have any questions about this new product or any of our monitoring services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Reed Exhibitions, the organizers of ISC West, has announced that ISC West 2020 has been postponed due to health & safety concerns associated with COVID-19 Coronavirus. The event was scheduled to take place March 18th - 20th. It will now occur in July, with exact dates being confirmed later.

Alarm Grid has provided consistent and extensive coverage of ISC West for several years. Our team had been looking forward to attending and covering the event this year through the previously scheduled dates. While we are disappointed that the event has been postponed, we understand and respect the decision made by Reed Exhibitions. Our team will be ready for the ISC West 2020 event in July. We plan to provide in-depth and comprehensive coverage like we do every single year.

For a full statement from Reed Exhibitions, please click here. Alarm Grid will provide an update once the new dates for ISC West 2020 are confirmed. Keep checking our blog for more details.

Update: ISC West 2020 is now scheduled for Monday, July 20th thru Wednesday July 22nd.

For a security system owner, remembering to properly arm the system before leaving can be a tough task. It's one of those little things that's easy forget. You forget to grab your your car keys. You leave a door unlocked. You accidentally leave the lights on overnight. These things happen.

Another concern we often hear from customers is whether or not they really need to arm their systems if they are just stepping outside for a minute. Maybe they're just taking their dog around the block, or visiting a neighbor across the street, or walking over to a nearby convenience store. They will only be gone for a minute or two. Is it okay to leave the system disarmed in these situations?

Obviously, if you leave your system disarmed while you are away and an intruder decides to make a quick break-in, there is little that can be done. Security cameras can capture the event happening, but they aren't going to trigger an emergency response if your system is disarmed. If your system isn't ready to trigger an alarm, and you aren't around to stop an intruder, then there is very little that can be done.

With that in mind, we at Alarm Grid recommend that you always arm your system before heading out, even if it's only going to be for a brief moment. You invest into your security system for a reason. Don't let it go to waste. Protect your belongings and your property. Take the extra second or two and arm your system.

Of course, that is just our advice to you as a monitoring company. We totally understand that some users are going that have that "ah, I'll only be gone a second" mentality. And that's up to you. As an end user, you are in complete control, and if you are comfortable leaving your system disarmed when stepping out for a brief moment, then that is up to you. Just understand that we are not liable if you forget or decide not to arm your home alarm system.

One thing you might do is consider your own personal situation. Maybe it's okay to leave your system disarmed if you're just over at the neighbors, and you can visibly see your house? Maybe you can bring your Android or iOS Phone with you and arm using Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com if it turns out you're going to be away longer than you thought? Maybe your can add a key fob to your system to make it easier to quickly arm when walking out the door, instead of needing to enter a code or pull up a mobile app.

Ultimately, how you use your system is up to you. We recommend always arming, even if you're only going to be gone for a little bit. It's not worth the risk to your property, and securely arming/disarming your system can be such a quick and easy task if you add the right equipment. Nearly every alarm panel can be set up with some type of one-touch arming and disarming function to make the process as simple as possible.

We also understand that some users might have the intention of always arming, but they simply forget to do so. We have some tips for these users as well. You might have a secondary keypad right by the door that you will always see when walking out. That way, you will always remember to arm your system. If you don't want to add a new keypad, you could just put a sticky note on the door to remind you. And if your system is monitored, then you can set up geofencing arming reminders through an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. There are many options available.

Remember that many wireless security systems today also often serve as automation controllers. This way, you can use an app on your phone to control the various devices around your home from anywhere. If you forget to turn off your lights, leave your thermostat running, or leave your door unlocked, then you can control the affected device while you are away. This is great for anyone who might be a little absentminded from time to time! Plus, it's good to know that you can always lock/unlock your door or turn your lights ON or OFF if needed. You just need the proper equipment.

Our job is to provide you with reliable monitoring service and the equipment you need to stay protected and secure. You just need to make sure you arm your system when leaving your home. If you need any more tips for remembering to arm your system, or if you want to learn more about any of our products or services that may make it easier for your to use your system, just reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F, and we are happy to help you out. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Grover Beach Police Department (GBPD) has recently announced that fines for false alarms will soon be increased. The department says that it is making this change to reduce wasted resources. End users should take proactive measures to prevent false alarms and avoid fines and fees.

Starting April 1st, users in Grover Beach, CA will be required to pay an annual $25 alarm permit fee and register their security systems with the city. This permit fee applies to both residential and business users. An alarm permit in Grover Beach is valid for one year, and a $25 fee is required for renewal. Grover Beach residents and business owners can apply for alarm system permits at this link.

The break down for false alarm fines for registered users is as follows:

• $50 for 1st False Alarm
• $75 for 2nd False Alarm
• $100 for 3rd False Alarm
• $200 for All Subsequent False Alarms

The break down for false alarm fines for non-registered users is as follows:

• $150 for 1st False Alarm
• $175 for 2nd False Alarm
• $200 for 3rd False Alarm
• $300 for All Subsequent False Alarms

According to the GBPD, the department wastes about $30,000 each year dealing with false alarms. Most of these false alarms can be prevented through proper usage and understanding of a security system. As an alarm monitoring company, Alarm Grid encourages customers with central station monitoring service to prevent false alarms by taking proactive measures. These include setting appropriate Entry and Exit Delays and enabling alarm report delays if necessary.

From our perspective the new false alarm policies for Grover Beach, CA seem tough, but fair. While we are never fans of annual fees for alarm permits, we do believe that end users need to be held accountable for managing their security systems. We also understand that some fees are occasionally needed for maintaining this type of support. Fortunately, most responsible security system users do not cause false alarms. Most users in Grover Beach, CA will likely pay nothing more than this $25 permit fee and the monitoring fees from their alarm companies.

Taking measures to prevent false alarms is very important, as they can prevent the local authorities from dealing with serious issues. Additionally, repeated false alarms can result in the police not taking a real alarm seriously. If your system is repeatedly causing false alarms, then the authorities might not feel like it is important to urgently respond in the event that a real emergency occurs. We understand and respect the decision from Grover Beach to begin implementing a false alarm policy.

For more information on preventing false alarms, or if you want to learn more about Alarm Grid monitoring services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!