False alarms can be a nuisance! For monitored alarms, the risk can be much greater. Police statistics show that in recent years over 92% of all alarm activations nationally were false alarm calls, caused by user error, faulty equipment or communication. If you have more than 3 false alarms, this can see you struck from the register putting your property at risk.
There are 5 common reasons for alarm faults, and these are the main areas looked at during a routine maintenance call out.
- Battery Life
The most common reason for a service is to check the battery life before they begin to show signs of failure. On average a battery in an alarm will need to be changed every 2 years. The issue can also come from the fuse in the trickle charger or the charger not giving off enough voltage. In which case, you’ll need a new battery and fuse.
- Tamper Circuit
The second biggest fault with alarms is the tamper circuit, which can be one big series loop, has gone open circuit or an individual fully supervised loops resistance has changed from those required Until the circuit is closed, the alarm will not work. This can be caused by the micro switches coming lose or less commonly a poor connection, it is unlikely an intruder will damage the circuits from inside an alarmed property.
- Personal attack circuit
Like the tamper circuit, this is another loop series that goes out to the siren box. It can become open circuit from a faulty micro switch, but rather than setting off the internal alarm system, an open circuit here will activate the full alarm system.
- Corrosion
Intruder alarms are subject to the weather and it isn’t uncommon for the wet weather to lead to damp infiltrating the circuit box and corroding the electrical elements. Inside a self-acting siren box there is a printed circuit board, in older units they are more likely that they could be affected by damp conditions. Newer units have more protection with the printed circuit board having its own self-contained, watertight box.
- Blown Fuse
Another reason intruder alarms might stop working is due to one of the fine glass fuses blowing. It can be difficult to see, which is why most professionals will use a multimeter for a reliable way to check which fuse us causing the problem.
Keep your property safe and secure with regular servicing and maintenance.
Get in touch with us to find out more.