Most modern alarm systems are fitted with an automatic cut-off device that will stop the alarm from sounding after 15 minutes, so chances are that if you wait, the alarm will stop on its own.
Alarm cut-off devices
Alarm systems should have an automatic cut-off device fitted to stop the alarm sounding after 20 minutes. Most modern alarms have such a device already fitted, but cut-out devices can be fitted to older, existing systems.
The alarm in your home security system is designed to be a deterrent to intruders, as well as alert occupants and draw attention to your home, whether that be from neighbours, passers-by or authorities. Systems will sound for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the system, before stopping and automatically re-arming.
Reasons Your Burglar Alarm Is Going Off Randomly
Home security systems have a thousand moving parts, so rooting out the glitch that's driving your alarm bonkers can feel a little like finding a needle in a haystack. But it's rarely a lost cause. It may not even require a visit from a professional.
ADT ranges from 10 to 30 seconds and Frontpoint ranges from 30 to 45 seconds, while Guardian and Xfinity are up to a solid minute. That's how long it takes for the alarm to go off in the first place. And these numbers represent the average. Several providers allow the homeowner to set the delay up to 2-3 minutes.
Monitored alarms send a signal to a third party security company as soon as the alarm is triggered. The security company will assess the situation and immediately contact you, as well as the relevant authorities or emergency services if required.
You must call your monitoring station. Review with your alarm / monitoring company the procedures you expect them to follow when an alarm activates. Put your instructions in writing.
Most Burglars Admit Alarm Systems Deter Them
60% of the burglars claimed an alarm would change their minds. “The benefit of a security alarm comes more from deterring crime and limiting loss if a burglary does happen,” says Bill Nelson, owner of Nelson Alarm in Indianapolis.
Check for Dead Batteries
A dead battery in one of your components creates a gap in your home security system. Some systems will react to that by setting off an alarm, alerting you to potential problems. Other home security components may sound an alarm when the battery gets low.
Remove the AC power to the home alarm console from the wall directly. Use your console's access key (or another item such as a small screw) to unlock and open the system's backing. Lastly, disconnect at least one of the wires that are attached to the system's main battery, which is blocky and noticeable in most units.
With any modern day commercial or domestic security system, when the power goes off, this should never trigger a full-scale activation from the alarm system – if the system is working properly. If everything is functioning as it should, the control panel may make a bleeping sound when the mains power is cut.
The alarm won't go off only when you switch off the phone, or there is no charge on the battery.
If you have a wireless burglar alarm, it shouldn't cost you anything to remove. That's because you can just unscrew it from the wall yourself. On the other hand, if your burglar alarm is wired in, you'll want a professional to safely disconnect it for you.
The most common causes of false alarms on home security systems are pets, bad installation, dead batteries, and leaving doors and windows open. Choose a home security system that's user-friendly to decrease the chance of false alarms.
Alarms fitted to your home/business or vehicle should not become a source of nuisance to your neighbours, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that any alarm activated should ring for: a maximum 20 minutes – home/business; and. your vehicle alarm should have a 5 minute cut-out device fitted.
Most modern alarm systems are fitted with an automatic cut-off device that will stop the alarm from sounding after 15 minutes, so chances are that if you wait, the alarm will stop on its own.
The burglars in this particular study did not come to a clear consensus on whether lighting was a sufficient deterrent: "Responses were mixed regarding lights on in a home. Some said it was a deterrent. But one burglar said the combination of lights on and blinds closed created an attractive location."
Humidity. Excess moisture or humidity in your home can interfere with your smoke alarm's internal sensors, which leads to false alarms. You will realize that your fire alarm sounds randomly at night when the humidity levels are high. Humidity leads to condensation around the alarm sensors.
Disarm the alarm system
The process for doing this differs for each system, but one of the following is usually recommended: Enter the passcode and disarm. Arm the system, and then disarm it, immediately. Press the status button on the keypad.
Call 911 to report an alarm going off right now. You can report a car, house, or other alarm that goes off too often or for too long. You should provide as much detail as possible about when the alarm goes off, what causes it, and in the case of a car alarm, a description of the car and its license plate number.
Accidental alarms
If an alarm is accidentally triggered, cancel the alarm with your Base, ADT keypad or the ADT+ app. If you are unable to cancel the alarm in time, keep your phone line free so the ADT Monitoring Centers can reach you.