FAQs - Burglar Alarm Permits

  • 1.
    Am I required to have an alarm permit?

    YES!!! Almost all jurisdictions/authorities require an alarm permit. Some will not dispatch the police to your house or business if you do not have a permit and you may be subject to a fine. Make sure you have a current one and you provide updated copies to your alarm company.

  • 2.
    Are there different kinds of permits?

    YES!! If your alarm has been programmed to send Hold-Up/Panic notifications, you may need to obtain a combination burglar alarm and hold-up/panic permit. Some jurisdictions charge more for this type of permit. You will need to check the appropriate type of permit on your application

  • 3.
    How many false alarms am i allowed before I will get a fine from the jurisdiction?

    This is different for each jurisdiction. You will need to review the rules for your jurisdiction.

  • 4.
    Can my permit be revoked if I get multiple false alarms

    YES!! If your alarm is malfunctioning, make sure you get it serviced by your alarm company to protect your property/safety and to avoid fines.

How to Test Your System

  • 1.
    How Often should i test my alarm?

    You should test your system at least once a month.

  • 2.
    How to Test Your System

    There are two types of tests to perform: testing alarm sensor & detector operation; and sending test signals to the central monitoring station.

  • 3.
    Testing Window & Door Sensors
    • Verify that your system is in "Ready" mode.
    • Open each protected door or window one at a time.
    • Check that the keypad displays the door or window you are testing is open.
    • Close the respective door or window.
    • Repeat this procedure for each window & door sensor in your system.
  • 4.
    Testing Motion Detectors
    • Verify that your system is in "Ready" mode.
    • It is best to test a motion detector with two people. One person simply needs to walk in front of the motion detector and the other is at the keypad to verify that the keypad indicates activation.
    • You may be able to take a couple of steps before tripping the motion detector. Standing and waving your arms will most likely not trip a motion detector.
    • Repeat this procedure for each motion detector in your system.
  • 5.
    Testing Glass Break Detectors
    • Verify that your system is in "Ready" mode.
    • It is best to test a glass breakage detector with two people. One person will be making noise that resembles the sound of breaking and the other is at the keypad to verify that the keypad indicates activation.
    • The sound can be created by using a glass break simulator (tester). Rattling a set of keys works well if there are several different size keys on the ring.
    • Repeat this procedure for each glass breakage detector in your system.
  • 6.
    Sending Test Signals to the central monitoring station
    • Call the monitoring station at 281-452-5276 and ask that your alarm system be placed in "TEST" mode. Be ready to provide the operator your name, account information and your password.
    • Arm your system as usual and trigger it by opening a door or window, or by tripping a motion detector. To trip a motion detector, your system has to be in "Arm Away" mode, or you must open the door after turning the alarm on so that the alarm thinks you left.
    • Allow the alarm to go off for at least 60 seconds.
    • Enter your alarm code to "Disarm" your system.
    • Call the monitoring station back to verify that all test signals were received.
    • Inform the monitoring station when the test is done to take the alarm system off test.