Frequently Asked Questions
I thought Certified Alarms just did security systems?
Certified has expanded in recent years to include many other aspects of home automation.
I can't find my system manual, what do I do? click here to view available downloads
What is the digital TV (DTV) transition?
The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only.
What are the most common causes for false alarms and how can I avoid them?
The most common false alarm situation is the homeowner running in to get something they forgot and leaving without disarming and re-arming the system. You cannot BEAT the system. The moment you open that door the system is expecting you to disarm it. The other most common false alarm occurrence comes from a motion detector that has not been kept clean. Remember spiders and insects crawling across the lens of a motion detector can trip the device. Simply cleaning and spraying an insect spray (ex. Bengal) can tremendously reduce false alarms.
What happens if the phone line is cut?
As with ALL alarms that have phone line monitoring, the system will sound if the phone line is cut while the system is armed. Keep in mind the signal will not be sent to the monitoring station unless you have cellular backup, it will only sound there at the home. (See our products page for Uplink Cellular Backup.)
How often and how should I test my system?
We recommend you test your system once every 4-6 weeks. You should arm your system and then intentionally open a door or window, let sirens sound for 30 seconds, disarm the system, wait for monitoring station to call, and give the current password.
What do I do if I move?
The first thing you should do is determine if the alarm will be sold with the home. Secondly, have your phone number removed from the alarm panel, then contact us for your choices on removing or re-installing your system.
Can a company make a difference in the installation of my security system?
Definitely! An inexperienced or uncaring company can turn a difficult installation into a disaster. Meanwhile, an experienced company can take a challenging situation and make it flawless.
What is the significance of my alarm system being monitored? Will it really help me?
Yes. By having your system professionally monitored, you now have a pipeline to the police, fire, and EMS. We also contact family and friends for you when emergencies arise. Trouble doesn't announce itself!
What is the advantage of having my system locally monitored versus an out-of-state station?
The less distance your signal travels the less chance of interruption. Also, there is comfort in knowing the individual sending help to your home or business lives in your community and is familiar with local names. You get a higher level of involvement, they live and work here.
I've heard a lot about false alarms and customers being fined. Is it true?
Yes, EBR Parish has a false alarm ordinance in place. The customer can be fined for excessive false alarms.
What price should I expect to pay for monitoring?
Since 1995 the average monitoring price has been $23. You should expect to pay between $22-$24 per month for monitoring alone. Be extremely cautious. A cut rate usually means inadequate monitoring.
What are the diferences between regular phone lines and VoIP providers?
Cable Companies - Facilities Based
The traditional cable companies that are providing service in North America today can be categorized as, "Facilities-based" providers of VoIP services. By this we mean that their networks are privately managed, and as such, are capable of being operated in a manner consistent with telephone standards for the communication of alarm signals. This does not say that at all times they are operating their networks in a manner consistent with proper passage of alarm signals but that they are capable of such levels of service.
Other VoIP Providers - Non-facilities Based
There are a host of other companies offering VoIP services to consumers that are categorized as, "Non-Facilities based." These providers rely on the public Internet connection for the circuit that is used for voice communications. One example of such a company is Vonage, but there are many others. In this environment, the public Internet presents the greatest variable in successful delivery of alarm signals, and, since it is not in anybody's control, is the least desirable form of VoIP for the communication of alarm signals.
How VoIP Works
Regardless of which type of provider is chosen, the fundamental principle is that the analog voice or analog alarm signal from a control panel must first be converted into a digital format using a chosen compression method. Then the signal is translated to a series of Internet packets that are routed over a network (either a managed network or the public Internet). This process is then reversed at the other end so that the person hears the voice or an alarm receiver can hear the alarm signal that was sent.
Problems with VoIP
Those VoIP providers that use the Internet, not a controlled network, are subject to the possible delays of the Internet. For instance, when the Internet is slow, this can cause digital communications to slow down as well. If you send a digital signal over this network during such times, the timing is thrown off. The arrival time of the individual packets could be slowed. For example: ADEMCO Contact ID sends 1 signal in about 1.4 seconds. If the Internet is slow, it could take 4-5 seconds for a signal to be transmitted and re-assembled, thus causing communication failures.
Another limitation of VoIP in general is that when you lose power, your phone service is also down since there is no power provided by the VoIP provider like a traditional phone company. Furthermore, when a failure of the VoIP network occurs, some equipment leaves the voltage on the phone line, thus the panel believes there is no problem with the circuit when in fact there really is. There are other limitations when trying to upload/download. The alarm panel may not answer or may connect, but will not allow you to upload or download the program.
As far as installation goes, proper wiring procedures need to be followed by the VoIP provider to ensure the same level of line seizure capability that was originally installed with the traditional phone service. Although many VoIP providers are sensitive to this requirement, all carriers in all areas do not consistently apply it. Sometimes the connection is made in such a way that, should an alarm occur, the signal would be attempting to talk to the older POTS line and not the new VoIP circuit. Diligence in these areas is a must for a reliable connection that has the fundamentals of approaching the traditional installation reliability of traditional POTS circuits.
Summary
The Facilities-based VoIP providers have begun to work with key alarm companies in the United States to help in providing cost effective communication alternatives to traditional phone lines. Establishing local contacts that can work out specific installation practices will be a key initiative for installing companies in bridging the gap with VoIP.
If you have a question you do not see answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Click Here to Take Our Survey!