How to Program an Alarm

Home alarms must be programmed to arm and disarm.

Home alarm systems are multifaceted. As of the time of publication, modern home alarms not only monitor doors and windows for unauthorized entry, but also provide smoke detection, carbon monoxide detection and motion detection. When a home alarm system is installed, the technician asks the homeowner to select a unique personal identification number or master pass code that enables her to arm and disarm the system as well as reset the alarm's date and time after power outages.

Things You'll Need

• User's manual

Instructions

Arming and Disarming

1. Punch in the master pass code set by the installation technician. This is typically a four-digit number you selected and gave to the installer when the system was programed initially.

2. Push "Arm" or "Away" on your alarm panel to arm the system when you are leaving the house. Exit the house within 30 seconds to one minute after arming the alarm. During this period, the alarm system will not sound or send a breach signal, giving you time to leave. Consult your owner's manual for your alarm's specific exit time.

3. Press "Stay" or "Home" if you wish to arm the system but stay inside the home. On some systems, you may have to press "Enter" or "Accept" to arm the system. This sets the alarm to detect unauthorized entry but still allows you to move freely about without triggering the alarm.

4. Disarm the alarm system by entering your master pass code and pressing "Disarm" or "Off." You may have to hit "Accept" or "Enter" as well, depending on the alarm system.

Program Date and Time

1. Enter your master pass code, then press the "*" or "Function" key.

2. Enter the numeric code for setting the date and time. This could be a two-digit code such as "6-3" or another combination. Refer to your user's manual for specifics.

3. Listen for the command prompt. The alarm system will ask you to enter the current hour, minutes past the hour, a.m. or p.m., the day and year.

4. Press "Enter," "Add" or "Accept" after entering each interval or after entering all of the information, depending on your alarm model.

5. Listen for the command prompt to speak the current date and time or flash the current date and time. Some systems may display a confirmation.

References

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security"; Tom Davidson, Lorna Gentr; 2001

Resources

• Vivint: Technical Support