FAQs

Commercial and Home Security Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.  WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A “HARD-WIRED” OR “WIRELESS” SYSTEM?

A1. A hard wired system is installed when there is sufficient crawl space under the house or above in the attic. The contacts are hidden in the door frame and the window sill. The actual wires are out of sight. Wireless is for additions beyond the original foundation and use transmitters to send signals to the control panel.

Q2.  WHAT ARE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF A  COMMERCIAL OR HOME  SECURITY SYSTEM?

A2. Control Panel with battery backup, Keypad, Door/Window Contacts, Motion Detectors, Siren.

Q3.  WHAT OTHER DEVICES ARE COMMON ADDITIONS TO ADD MORE COMMERCIAL OR HOME SECURITY?

A3. Glass Break detectors, Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Wireless Keypads and Remotes.

Q4.  ARE WIRELESS SYSTEMS RELIABLY FREE OF FALSE ALARMS, AND UNAFFECTED BY RADIO TRANSMISSIONS?

A4. Yes! The technology today is microchip – very sophisticated.

Q5.  CAN THE ALARM BE “HOOKED UP” DIRECTLY TO THE POLICE STATION?

A5. No! The local police do not have the software or the manpower and budget to field alarm signals.

Q6. HOW IS THE ALARM SYSTEM CONNECTED TO ARMSTRONG’S CENTRAL STATION?

A6. All alarms are monitored through the telephone lines. The central station can be located anywhere. Signals are received by the security company’s stations electronically with no time delay whether your home is 1 block away or 1000 miles from a central station.

Q7. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE ALARM GOES OFF?

A7. A trained dispatcher will call your home to verify if you set off the alarm by mistake, asking you for your code #. If there is no answer after 5 rings or the password is not correct, the police are immediately notified through special lines (not 911). Your control panel is a computer that identifies where the break in occurred. The police are given accurate information as to location of your house and location of break in. The security company then contacts you at work, a friend or relative. All this data appears when a signal is received. Your alarm will automatically shut off within 15 minutes and rearm itself.

Q8. HOW LOUD IS THE SIREN, AND WILL IT BOTHER THE NEIGHBORS?

A8. The siren is 95 decibels and pursuant to alarm code ordinances, sirens are installed inside the home to scare the intruder away and will not wake up the whole neighborhood. (The siren is designed like an intercom).

Q9. DO I PAY FOR FALSE ALARMS?

A9. No! The security company does not charge for false alarms, the local police departments have a 3rd violation rule – 3 false alarms in 1 year and there is a fine.

Q10. WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE THE ELECTRICAL POWER IN OUR HOME?

A10. The Home security system has a reserve battery housed in the control panel for this emergency. It is recharged when the system returns.

Q11. CAN THE SYSTEM BE SET AT NIGHT, OR WHEN THE KIDS ARE HOME?

A11. Yes! The “stay mode” disarms the interior motion detectors for freedom of movement while keeping the doors and windows “armed”.

Q12. HOW ABOUT MY PETS (CATS, DOGS)?

A12. Our motion detector can work with both dogs and cats with no problem.

Q13. IN AN EMERGENCY, CAN I SUMMON THE POLICE?

A13. Yes!!! The keypad has a direct alarm for police. No Phone Calls!

Q14. WHO WILL INSTALL MY ALARM, AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

A14. A licensed installer will visit your home. A basic system can be installed in 4 to 6 hours.

Q15. WILL MY HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE GIVE ME A DISCOUNT?

A15. Yes! Discounts up to 20% can be given, depending on your insurance company