Why do I need monitoring?
How do I operate my system?
Your security system is very simple to operate and your installer will
show you how. Each system also comes with an instruction manual. Here
are some basic instructions:
- To protect your home while you're gone, select the "AWAY"
button. You will have 2 minutes to leave the home before everything on
the security system arms. When you return, simply enter your own
4-digit security code into the keypad within 45 seconds. The system
will turn off without an alarm.
- To protect your home while you are inside, select the "STAY"
button. The system will now arm everything except for the interior
motion detectors. You are free to move about the home, with only doors
and windows armed. To turn the system off, simply enter your own 4-
digit security code.
- These instructions will vary with different systems, but the procedure is basically the same. The time allotted to disarm or leave the premise can be adjusted by the installer.
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Who manufactured my security system?
Watchlight has a wide range of manufactures including DSC, Ademco and Radionics. Each have special qualities so that we you may have the perfect alarm system. Our technicians are well trained with every type of system on the market.
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Wireless or Hardwire?
Many factors affect this choice. The major factor is the construction and decoration of the premises. Can the location be wired and how much labor will be involved in wiring for the alarm? Will wireless devices be able to communicate to the alarm panel? Plaster walls with metal lathe in them can block the wireless signals. Large mirrors, foil wallpaper, metal lockers and other radio systems nearby might prevent a wireless system from working properly.
Many new systems integrate wired devices with wireless devices. The main thing to
consider is whether the system meets your current needs and whether it can expand to meet your future needs.
Which type of system is best for your application depends on several factors. Our experience has generally been that good quality equipment, of either type, carefully installed in accordance with its manufacturer's instructions, can provide reliable function with a minimum of false alarms. Here is a comparison of types:
Wireless
The sensors (door contacts, motion detectors, smoke detectors, etc) each contain a small radio-frequency transmitter which reports alarm signals (door opened for example) and status (sensor battery voltage low for example) conditions to the security system's control panel. Wireless equipment is more costly, but takes less labor time to install, and each sensor has a battery (often 9 volt type) which must be replaced about every one to three years.
Hardwire
The sensors are physically connected by wires (often 22 gauge) to the security system's control panel. Hardwire equipment is less costly, takes more labor time to install (especially if you want the wires concealed), and is permanently installed.
Both types of security systems usually have a standby battery located in the control panel which allows the system to operate for a period of time following a power outage or brownout. The standby battery is commonly a 12-volt gell-type with a three to five year life.
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Should every door and window be protected?
Every accessible door and operable window should be protected. All glass windows should be protected with some sort of shock/audio detector. Windows can also be protected using alarm screens instead of contacts and shock/audio detectors. Obviously in a three story residence, the windows on the third floor cannot be opened by normal means; screens, vibration sensors or audio detectors should be sufficient if the windows are kept locked. Rather than contacting these third floor windows, the money could be spent on additional interior protection or other security features like fire detection. However, if you would feel unsafe with these windows uncontacted, contact them. It's your security and your peace of mind.
It all depends on what you are trying to protect. Are you mainly concerned about protecting your property when you are gone? Or is personal safety while you are home your main concern?
Protecting your property can be accomplished with interior motion sensors. You will
still need a contact on the main entry/exit doors but if someone comes through the window, a properly positioned motion detector will set off your alarm instantly. One such motion detector can protect many windows and Watchlight includes one with our basic system.
On the other hand, the motion detectors must be turned off while you are home. So for personal safety, you probably want to alarm some or all of your windows. A wireless panic button is also a good solution.
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Should the contacts used on windows be visible or recessed in the frame?
Does the burglar seeing the switch go elsewhere because he now knows you have more than just a sign and some decals? Can the burglar defeat the contact just because he can see it? Some people cannot tolerate the sight of normal surface mounted contacts or feel unsecure because the burglar knows what's there. Other people feel secure seeing the switches because the burglar knows I really do have a system installed by a professional. Surface mounted switches often are easier to install. Although the price for installing recessed switches may be higher with some companies, our prices run the same for either switch.
One hype concerning recessed switches is the size of the switch in a wooden door or wooden door frame. If the switch is recessed in the frame, you can not see it when the door or window is closed. As long as it fits the frame properly without overlap, it does not matter what the diameter of the switch is.
In steel doors and steel door frames, the switches and magnets need to be isolated from the metal so they can work properly. These switches and magnets are usually inserted into a 3/4 inch or larger hole. The larger switches are usually used. However, plastic adapters can be used to hold a smaller switch in the hole.
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How often must the batteries be changed?
Typically, alkaline batteries must be changed every year. Newer systems often use lithium batteries that should last 5 years or more.
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What is the cost to replace the batteries?
Alkaline batteries can be purchased at any hardware store for a few dollars. Lithium batteries are more expensive and you can call us at (800) 698-1160 for a current price.
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Should I have a light outside to tell me when the system is armed?
Should I have a light outside to tell a thief when the system is disarmed?
A lot of older systems required the system to be disarmed from outside. The owner of the property needed to know whether the system was armed or disarmed before opening the door. Lights were used to indicate whether the system was on or off. A lot of effort was spent to find a way to let the owner get into a protected property without announcing to anyone outside whether the system was armed or disarmed. The solution to the outside keystation was to program an entry delay for certain detection devices that allowed the customer time to disarm an alarm system from inside the protected area. These newer systems require a code be entered in a keypad after entering the premises. If your system uses such a keypad, we suggest not installing an outdoor armed light.
Some systems use wireless keys or wireless keypads to disarm the alarm system. These devices may be the only wireless devices on a traditional wired alarm system, or they may be just part of a complete wireless alarm system.
If a wireless key is lost or stolen, service is required to change the key immediately. A wireless key disarms the system with one press of a button; the system does not care (or know) who actually pressed the button.
Wireless keypads do not require immediate service if they are lost or stolen. Though service would be required to replace or remove the lost wireless keypad, there is no need to race to the system. Knowing the proper code would still be required to disarm a system using a wireless keypad. Bi-directional wireless keypads let you know (after pressing the
correct code) whether the system is armed or disarmed. This added security should be considered when deciding whether or not to use a wireless method of arming and disarming the alarm system.
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Wouldn't I also need an outside bell on my home?
Outside bells can provide additional peace of mind, but there are also some drawbacks:
- Outside bells often cause complaints from the neighbors, sometimes resulting in a noise citation.
- If your bell goes off and neighbors do respond, they could be hurt by an intruder. When the police arrive, they may confuse a neighbor for a burglar.
- So many bells go off these days, most people tend to ignore them. Also, bells are supposed to be programmed to shut off after 10 to 15 minutes.
A great alternative would be a latching strobe, a red or blue light on the front of your house that will begin to flash if your alarm is tripped. It is less expensive than a bell and will continue to flash until you physically turn it off on the control panel. This way, when you come home, you can look at the light and know whether a burglary has happened or not. It also makes the house a little easier for the police to find at night if they are responding to an alarm.
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Can I add to my system in the future?
Yes! All you need to do is visit www.watchlight.com or give us a call at (800) 698-1160. You can get any additional item you need to add to your system.
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How does a security system connect to the telephone line?
First developed in the early 1970's, digital communicators and regular telephone lines are a reliable and inexpensive communication method now used by the majority of
monitored security systems throughout the USA.
Your security system is designed to plug into a device called an RJ31X jack which is installed at your premises on one of your regular telephone lines. When activated, a relay in your security system "seizes" and gives the security system priority use of this line,
allowing the security system to report its signals to the monitoring station's alarm receiver.
The RJ31X jack is a special 8-pin telephone jack, designed for use with security systems, and which is available from your telephone or interconnect company for about $10, and you can install it. Sometimes an RJ38X jack is used instead of an RJ31X. The two types of jacks are identical except that the RJ38X jack has an internal jumper across two of its otherwise unused terminals. The jumper may be used with a tamper loop for local supervision of the wiring from the security system to the RJ38X jack.
If your security system is presently monitored, an RJ31X jack is probably already installed. Monitoring is possible without an RJ31X jack; your security system can plug into a standard RJ11 jack for example, but your security system will not be able to utilize its telephone line "seize" feature.
The RJ31X jack provides a method for quickly unplugging, and thereby disconnecting, your security system from the telephone line in the event a malfunction of your security system prevents or interferes with the normal use of your telephone and/or to assist in determining the cause or source of a suspected telephone line malfunction.
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What if the telephone line is cut?
If, for any reason, your telephone line is interrupted or cut, or if the telephone network fails to complete the call, the monitoring station will not receive the signal from your security system. There are several ways to address this, including: physically protecting, or concealing, the telephone line; local annunciation; and back-up reporting via radio.
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Do you offer phone line protection?
Yes! It's called cellular back-up. All security systems depend primarily on the phone line to send signals. If your phone line is temporarily out of service, the security system will revert to a cellular back-up system.
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Do you need a separate phone line for the monitoring portion?
No, a separate phone line is not necessary. However, the system will seize your phone line for a few seconds when sending an emergency alarm signal to our Monitoring Center.
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Can I test my security system?
Yes! By calling the central monitoring station and requesting that they put your system into a "test" mode, you can activate the system and then test any feature you have. The central station will be happy to inform you about the signal they received and where it came from in the home. Caution: Do not test your panic buttons unless you have
first requested the "test" mode from the central station!
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What happens in a power outage?
Your security system will be running on the AC current in your home normally. However if the power fails, your system will automatically revert to its own back-up battery for several hours if necessary. Once the power to your home returns, your security system automatically reverts back to it.
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Does the system offer medical protection?
Your system comes equipped with panic buttons on the keypad controller for fire, paramedic and police. Also, if you order a remote control unit you would have the ability to get help with the push of a button from any place in or around your home. Remote control units are especially useful for senior citizens or those with health concerns that require immediate attention.
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What about fire safety?
This is a security issue that is too often overlooked. Most homes have smoke detectors installed, but what happens if no one is home when they go off? More importantly, what if you don't wake up because carbon monoxide puts you into a deeper sleep?
A simple but priceless solution is to have at least one monitored smoke/heat detector to supplement the others in the house. This way, the fire department will come whether you are able to call them or not.
The average response time is two to two and one-half minutes. Property and life can be saved if the fire department is notified in time.
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Does the system offer fire protection?
Your system comes equipped with panic buttons on the keypad controller for fire, paramedic and police. Also, if you order monitored smoke detectors with your security system, your home will be able to dispatch the Fire Department on it's own. This is an important feature! Fire doubles every 18 seconds once started. It takes the Fire Department as much as 30 minutes to respond to your home if no one is called immediately!
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Who responds in the event of a real alarm?
Upon receiving a signal from your home, the monitoring central station will immediately call your home to verify. If they do not receive an answer or if an answering machine picks up, they will immediately dispatch your nearest local authorities and your back up call list people will be called. If a panic button signal is received or if a smoke detector signal is received, they will immediately dispatch and then call your home. In all events, it is your nearest local authorities (Police, Fire, and Paramedic) that respond.
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I heard that over 98 percent of all alarms that go off are false alarms. If this is true, why should I even bother to have an alarm?
On an average day in a big city, about 50 to 75 alarms go off and all but about one or two of them are false alarms. Many law enforcement officers report that in their entire career, they have never personally responded to an alarm that turned out to be a real burglary.
However, every day there are well over 100 real burglaries reported in those same cities. That means burglars are not targeting locations that have an alarm. Therefore, having an alarm is obviously a great deterrent and virtually takes your property off the market of burglars. Since only about 20 percent of residences have alarms, burglars have plenty of other targets.
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What happens if there's a false alarm?
If you ever accidentally set off your security system, do not panic and don't worry either! The Monitoring central station will call you immediately upon receiving a signal. When you answer the phone they will identify themselves and ask you to do the same. Here is where you will give them your verbal password. They will not dispatch the police to your home if you simply tell them your password.
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Wouldn't the authorities charge me if they had to respond to a false alarm at my home?
There are penalties for false alarms which vary according to the jurisdiction and location. Usually there is no penalty for the first offense. What is most important, however, is that false alarms can be easily avoided. Most false alarms occur at the keypad due to pressing the wrong buttons. There are no penalties or charges if you call right away.
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What if I am a renter?
We can only sell security systems to homeowners and businesses. We suggest you speak with your landlord and convince them to install one of our security systems.
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I am not happy with the system I currently have through another company. Can I switch over to Watchlight?
Yes, however, if you have an existing monitoring agreement with the company, you have to wait until it expires. Once you are free from your obligation, you can give us a call, and we will send a security consultant out to your home to inspect your system and sign you on board.
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Who monitors my security system 24 hours?
Watchlight is unique in that we provide our own monitoring through a brand new high tech central station. Click here for more information on our new station. Our facility is UL approved, meaning our customers get the very best in professional monitoring services. Upon receiving a signal from your home or business, we will immediately call your location to verify. If we do not receive an answer or if an answering machine picks up, we will immediately dispatch your local authorities. If a panic button signal is received or if a smoke detector signal is received, we will immediately dispatch and then call your location.
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Is there an insurance discount involved?
Yes! Just by having a security system in your home, your insurance company will offer as much as 20% off your homeowners insurance bill annually. Check with your agent for exact discounts available to you. Homes with security systems that include monitored smoke detectors usually get the largest discount.
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Are there any rewards for referrals?
Yes! Just click on the referral program page to enter your name and email or phone number on the space provided in the form. When their system gets installed you'll get a check for $100.00! Or if you wish, we will issue you credit towards security system upgrades. Please do tell everyone you meet about Watchlight's great programs.
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Why do I need monitoring?
If your alarm were to go off during the day- who will be around or go out of their way to call the police? Our 24 hour Monitoring Center will notify local authorities when operators receive a signal. The police will then be dispatched to your home to help protect your possessions and ensure your safety.
Monitoring is an extremely important feature of the security system which is sometimes perceived as a financial burden. Monitoring requires a monthly fee, however the cost is less than that of cable television, and the service is far more rewarding. Is the
protection of your family and possessions worth the investment?
If you have any questions that were not answered here, please use our contact us page to submit a question. We will return your answer immediately.
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