How to figure it out and fix it!
Tell me if this sounds familiar: You’re home after a long week. All you want to do is relax and enjoy your weekend (you earned it).
But… just as you’re about to head to bed, you hear the alarm panel start chirping; it’s going to drive you bananas if you have to listen to that all night! But, it’s the weekend and no one is open this late…what do you do?
You’re not alone. We’ve all been there.
Here’s a few simple steps to follow that’ll help you silence that annoying beeping. Have a look below for some basic troubleshooting steps you can try. (90% of the time it’s one of these issues)
Why alarm panels beep and how to silence them
A security system operates in the background, supporting your life and your lifestyle. So if it’s beeping, there’s a reason, and it’s important to find and fix the problem.
Shrill sounds from alarm panels are jarring. They should be. This is your property you’re protecting. And you need your security to do its job well.
Let’s figure out what the system is trying to tell you.
1. Go to the panel and read the screen
Are there numbers or words that give you a clue as to what is wrong? Do you see flashing lights or icons? Most updated panels will tell you exactly what’s going on, so you can find and fix the problem. (If the screen is black or frozen, it could have a connection issue that’ll require service from a tech.)
2. Put in your code.
If your system is already disarmed, you’ll need to arm it and then immediately disarm it again.
It may be that the panel is holding a notification in its memory. If that’s the case, it needs you to acknowledge it. All you have to do is clear it. The beeping will stop.
Some brands of panels (such as a Concord) will require you to use the asterisk or “star” key. (It looks like this *) If this is the panel type you have, try pressing the star key twice. It should bring up the issue on the screen and silence the alarm.
3. Look for flashing icons or alerts on the screen and click on them.
Most panels these days are touchscreen. When an alert occurs, an icon that looks like a caution symbol (or something similar) should pop up in the corner of the screen. Clicking on the icon brings you to a list of reasons for the beeping. It may show the number (called a zone) or name of the device that needs attention.
You’ll know the reason for the issue right then and there and can take steps to resolve it. If someone left a door open, that could be it.
Click the button that says, “OK” or “Acknowledge” to tell the panel you hear it and it can be quiet now.
4. Use your app to stop the beeping.
(Click here for step-by-step directions) Most alarm apps for your phone will see anything the panel sees.
Try logging into your mobile account to silence the trouble beeps. If it won’t allow you to do so, it could be due to poor internet connection at your location or a smoke detector attached to your system* and you may need to acknowledge the issue directly from the panel.
IMPORTANT: Smoke detectors are considered life safety devices and cannot be silenced from acknowledging trouble beeps. Read more here.
Common causes for a beeping panel:
- Batteries are low or dead
- Power loss or power surge
- System (or one of its devices) is in malfunction
- Tampers from kids, adults, pets or shaking (e.g. fireworks and thunder)
If it’s any of these issues, you’ll need to follow through on finding the source and making sure the device with the trouble gets what it needs. Sometimes all you have to do is straighten a sensor or replace a battery.
Other tips to keep in mind
- Be sure the area around each device in your security system is free from dust and cobwebs. Solve beeping issues by simply maintaining a clean area around each device. This is often this is the issue as the weather turns colder.
- Make sure the panel is getting power. The backup battery keeps your system running for a while. But, it’ll continue to beep if left unattended. It’s annoying. But that’s the point. Alarm panels designed that way. It’s VERY important to make you aware if the power source is disconnected. Take action, buy checking your breakers and power lines to make sure everything is getting the juice it requires.
- Everything has an expiration date. This includes electronics. It eventually comes time for you to upgrade to a new phone or laptop. Security devices are no different. While you may not have to replace them very often, keep in mind that the best protection comes from devices that are up to date and tested regularly.
Always follow up with your security provider if you feel that it may be an issue you can’t resolve on your own.
We’ve got you covered!
Have questions? We’re here to be helpful in any way we can.
At Simplx Security, our mission is protecting what matters most to you. It’s vital that you continue to feel safe and trust that your security system will do its job well. One of the best benefits of having a local security company monitor your system is you’re partnered with folks who understand your area and are right around the corner! We’re here to help you if any further troubleshooting is required.
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Email us at customerservice@simplxsecurity.com
Call the office: 260-482-7233Visit us at: 8320 N Clinton Park Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825