Frequently asked questions
What is a timer test?
A timer test fault occurs when the central station fails to receive your system’s timer test or receives the timer test at a different time. This typically indicates a failure with your communication service. To ensure your system’s proper operation, it is important to have timer test faults addressed as soon as possible.
Timer test is a standard feature on all newly installed systems. Existing systems are retrofitted to add this feature, at no cost, as part of a normally scheduled service. Please note, in certain situations, enabling this feature incurs additional cost.
Do I need a permit for my security system?
Alarm operator’s permits typically need to be renewed once per year, so make sure you keep your permit up to date by renewing annually. As a bonus, most cities will offer a nuisance alarm leniency program with your permit, allowing you to waive one or two nuisance alarms per year.
CCTV and fire alarm systems typically do not require an operator’s permit, though fire alarm systems do require you file an inspection report with the jurisdictional authority at least once per year.
Do you accept online payments?
Yes! We accept online payments through Zelle. If you already use Zelle, please contact us for our payment information. If you don't use Zelle, Zelle is easy to use, secure and supported by most major banks; you can find information at https://www.zellepay.com.
When submitting payments through Zelle, please include your account number or address in the comments section, otherwise, we will not be able to link your payment to your account.
Do I need to do anything to maintain my security system or otherwise ensure optimal performance?
Yes, although the equipment we use is designed to be highly reliable and often passes multiple certifications, there are still some things you need to do to ensure proper operation.
Does my system come with a mobile app?
How do I test my security system?
1. Ensure your security system is ready by closing all doors and windows. When your system is ready, you will see a solid green status LED. You may now arm your security system.
2. Arm your security system like normal. If your keypad begins beeping, this is the normal exit delay. Wait for the beeping to stop and check that the red status LED is solid and the green status LED is off. Your system is now armed.
3. Wait ten seconds, then open any number of doors or windows. Move around to trigger motion detectors. The more the better. If this sounds like you’re intentionally triggering an alarm, that’s because you are! But don’t worry; if you’ve notified us beforehand, your account will be on test and no dispatch request will be made.
4. If your keypad begins beeping, this is the normal entry delay. Ignore the entry delay, do not disarm your system and wait for the siren to begin sounding. Wait twenty to thirty seconds, then you may disarm your system by inputting your code.
5. Call the office to check received signals. If all signals are received, you’re all good! Otherwise, you may need to schedule a service.
Remember, if you need help at any point, call the office. We will be happy to assist you!
Fire alarms must be inspected by an AMTEC technician. Please contact the office to request an inspection. Afterward, you will be issued all required paperwork for recordkeeping purposes.
Now that I have a security system, how do I get my insurance discount?
First, contact your insurance agent and find out exactly what documents are required, then forward the information to us. We typically issue all requested documents by the end of day so you can get your discount as soon as possible.
Please note certificates expire after one year and we can only issue certificates for actively monitored accounts.
Why do you collect personal information and what is your privacy policy?
We necessarily share personal information with our central station and other related service providers ( like Honeywell / Resideo ) to enable requested services; in other words, without such information, these services will not work. We share only the minimum amount of personal information to the necessary parties required to enable these services.
AMTEC does not otherwise sell or distribute personal information.