How to Activate a Prewired Alarm System

Since the late 1990s, an increasing number of new homes and apartments have been pre-wired with electronic alarm and surveillance systems. If you have a pre-wired system, it can be activated and monitored in under 30 minutes. This also includes the service representative giving you a tutorial on how to use your system.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Security panel

1. Locate the pre-wired security panel in your house, usually by the front door.

2. At the bottom of the security panel will be a registration code. You will need when speaking with your chosen security company.

3. Use your home telephone to call the security company you have selected. (see tips)

4. Ask the service representative about what features are covered, additional coverage options, price and theft insurance.

5. Select a monitoring plan based on the information given to you by the service representative and your needs.

6. Provide the service representative with your payment details (credit card).

7. Use the directions provided by the representative to enter the code he will give you into your security panel to activate it.

8. Press the "Arm" button (often this will look like a lock or a shield).

Tips & Warnings

• There are many home security monitoring companies to choose from, but the two most reputable are Brinks/Broadview (800.379.8816) and ADT Security (800.238.2727). You need to use your home telephone because security systems are wired to contact the monitoring station through your telephone system.
• Be very careful to research when choosing a security company as there have been several occurrences of less then reputable companies actually breaking in or selling your access codes to criminals.

Resources

• Broadview Activation Link