Frequently asked questions
What is a timer test?
A timer test is a supervisory signal your security or fire alarm system sends to check in with the central station at predetermined intervals. This feature tests your system’s ability to communicate.
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 indicating a communications failure. 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?
Contact your local city hall to determine if you are required to maintain an alarm operator’s permit for your security system. Most cities will have this information available on their website. Typically, you will still need to submit a written application.
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. Note 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 are unfamiliar with Zelle, Zelle is an easy to use, secure, online money transfer service supported by most major banks; you can find information at https://www.zellepay.com.
Please contact us for our Zelle payment information when ready. When submitting payments through Zelle, 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?
Although the equipment we use is designed to be reliable and often passes multiple certifications, there are still some things you need to do to ensure proper operation.
1. You should test security equipment regularly, at least once every two weeks; some manufacturers even recommend testing weekly. Some systems, including all new systems, are programmed with automatic self-test procedures, but this is not a substitute for manual testing.
2. Contact information should be updated at least once a year or following any change amongst your contacts.
3. Backup batteries and wireless sensor batteries need to be replaced every 3 - 4 years or as otherwise necessary. Your system will indicate a trouble condition when batteries need to be replaced.
4. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors need to be replaced every 15 years, per manufacturer specification
( sometimes found on the bottom of the device ), or otherwise as necessary. Your system will not indicate a trouble condition when these devices need replacement. Certain activities that release a lot of airborne particulates like spray painting or sanding can permanently damage these devices; call us for instructions before beginning.
5. Use your system regularly. Being familiar with your system will help you identify troubles when they occur. If you have not signed up for mobile app access, at minimum, register for email or text message notifications.
6. We highly recommend you install a lock on the door to the room containing the security system control panel to protect core system components.
Our office staff can help you with all these procedures. Please feel free to contact us for help, to schedule a service or leave feedback.
Does my system come with a mobile app?
While all new security systems can be accessed via mobile app, some older systems cannot. Note your security system must communicate either via cellular or Internet to enable app access; systems communicating through phone line will not work.
Honeywell / Resideo systems are accessible through the TotalConnect 2.0 app. This app will also integrate with Amazon’s Alexa, Skybell video doorbells, myQ-compatible garage door openers and z-wave home automation devices.
Our CCTV and intercom systems are accessible through the LTSConnect app.
How do I test my security system?
Testing your security system takes about two minutes and should be done regularly to ensure proper operation. Please notify the office before testing to prevent accidental dispatch then follow these steps:
1. Ensure your security system is ready by closing all doors and windows. When your system is ready, the ready status LED will be solid green. 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; the armed status LED should be solid red and the ready status LED should be off. Your system is now armed.
3. Wait ten seconds, then open any number of doors or windows. Move around to trigger the 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 disarm your system.
5. Call the office to check for 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.
Now that I have a security system, how do I get my insurance discount?
While we cannot help you apply for your insurance discount, we will gladly provide you with a certificate proving you have installed a monitored security system.
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 collect personal information for billing purposes and to form a contact list. A contact list is necessary so we know who to contact in response to an event to determine the final course of action ( including dispatch ).
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.