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Frequently Asked Questions

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System Information

toogleQ: How does my SDS security system work?

A: Once armed, the monitored zones have the ability to recognize a violation resulting in the alarm system transmitting a signal to the central station to start the notification process. Entering your four digit code and turning off the system will end the process. You may still receive a call verifying that the alarm was false and that no authorities are needed. The system can be armed in the STAY or AWAY mode.

toogleQ: What does DC mean on the keypad?

A: This means that we have uploaded information to and from your alarm system. The DC stands for “Download Complete”. Enter your 4-digit code followed by the number 1 key to clear the code off of the keypad.

toogleQ: I cannot arm my system.

A: This may mean that you do not have a door or window completely closed or that a motion detector may be sensing movement, or a previous alarm my not have been cleared from the memory. To clear alarm memory key in your four digit code followed by the number 1 key on your keypad. Confirm that all zones are closed. When successful, your keypad will show READY. You will then be able to arm your system. To locate open zone, you can press *2 and the zone # will show.

toogleQ: Will DSL work with my security system?

A: Your security system should work if you have DSL in your home. The customer is required to notify us if they have DSL in the house. The most important device you will need is a DSL filter or in some cases an analog adaptor. These devices are provided by your DSL company and are usually already in place. If for some reason you do not have a DSL filter in place, it is the customer's responsibility to acquire that device from your DSL provider. Along with the DSL filter, there are unique steps during installation that we will walk you through to ensure the security system is working correctly. If you have any questions regarding DSL, please contact a representative at 615-373-8330.

toogleQ: Do I need a telephone land line for my security system?

A: Yes. A land line is required for the security system to be able to communicate with the central station.

toogleQ: Are there other options for the system to communicate other than a land line?

A: Yes, there is a cell module that can be added to your system. Please contact our office for pricing and procedures.

toogleQ: I am switching to Vonage, Comcast, Charter, TDS, are they compatible with my alarm system?

A: Our system is compatible with all of the above, on the Vonage we normally have to reprogram system which is a $55 fee. On the day your phones are being switched, call us before the work begins so that we can put your account on “test” so that the phone technician will not cause a false alarm. Call us back when the work is complete, but before the phone company leaves your residence so that we can run a test to ensure that the alarm is still communicating properly.

toogleQ: Do motions have batteries in them?

A: ALL wireless equipment has batteries, but hardwired equipment uses the system’s backup battery when there is a power loss. Top of page

toogleQ: My light is not on in the motion?

A: If the motion detector is wireless, then the light has most likely been disabled to conserve battery life. If the motion is hardwired, the light should come on intermittently when motion is detected, although it does have a slight delay between the time it lights up and the time it detects motion.

toogleQ: I need to report a false alarm, what should I do?

A: Call the monitoring facility directly at 800-367-2677. You will need your password. If you entered your code quickly enough, you may not receive a call back from the central station as they may have not had time to receive the signal.

toogleQ: I have alarm memory on my keypad. How do I clear that?

A: You will need to enter your four digit code and the number 1 key.

toogleQ: Will call waiting on my phone line affect my service?

A: No, the alarm will seize the phone line in the event of an alarm. It will then be release so that the central station my notify you of an alarm signal.

toogleQ: I need to transfer my service.

A: Please contact our office with your new address and the representative will be happy to assist you in protecting your new home.

toogleQ: I am remodeling my home, is there anything I need to do pertaining to my security system?

A: Excess dust will cause smoke detectors to be triggered. Smoke detectors should be covered to prevent damage. Top of page

toogleQ: Does the security system work if the power goes out?

A: The system has a backup battery built into it and will keep your security system working in a non-alarm state for 18 hours. When power is restored, the system will automatically recharge the backup battery so it is fully charged and ready for the next power outage. Recharging the battery to full strength may take 12-48 hours.

toogleQ: Do I need to get an alarm permit?

A: Some cities, townships, counties, and local governments do require that you have a permit in order to have a monitored security system in your home before they will respond to an alarm at your home. This permit or registration with the local government is usually so that the local authorities are able to quickly find your home in the event of an alarm. It is your responsibility to acquire the alarm permit and pay the nominal fee to the local government for that permit. The cost of the permit is determined by your local government and usually is a small fee that you pay annually.

toogleQ: Will my VOIP phone line work with my security system?

A: It is possible that your security system will be able to communicate with our monitoring facility through your VOIP phone line.

toogleQ: Why do I have to test my system every month?

A: When protecting your home and family, it is very important to make sure that every component of your security system is working properly. Your system will let you know anytime there is something wrong with the system; however, we still require that you test your system once per month to make sure that everything is working properly.

toogleQ: I need my security system hooked back up now that my remodel is complete.

A: Damages and/or services due to remodeling are not covered under the basic warranty. Please call our office to schedule a technician to come to your home to service your system. There is a $65 per hour labor charge plus any equipment charges that are required.

toogleQ: Do I have to pay a fee for a service call if something breaks?

A: If your problem requires a technician to make a service call to your home, then there will be a trip / service fee depending on the nature of your problem and the terms of your contract. Top of page

toogleQ: Can my system be turned off from the SDS office?

A: No. The system can only be turned off at your keypad.

toogleQ: What happens if I press any of the panic buttons?

A: If you have held any of the panic buttons, (medical, fire, or police) down for 3 seconds a signal is transmitted to the central station. Authorities are dispatched immediately and this alarm cannot be cancelled.

toogleQ: How long will the sirens sound if my alarm is triggered?

A: It will sound for 4 -7 minutes and then will shut off. Your alarm will reset itself. If you were away at the time of the alarm, you will have alarm memory showing on your keypad. The clear this memory you will need to enter your four digit code and the number 1 key.

toogleQ: I am going to fumigate my home, is there anything I should do for my security system?

A: Fumigation could result into an alarm. Please call our office and place your account on test to prevent false alarms.

Billing

toogleQ: Why am I being asked for my email address?

A: It is very important that you provide us with a valid email address as this will be used for important messages regarding your account. In the event of an alarm the central station may also notify you via email.

toogleQ: What if I decide to cancel my agreement?

A: In the agreement, it clearly defines our cancellation policy. Once you have signed the agreement, you are responsible for the entire length of the agreement. Top of page

toogleQ: Can I change the due date of my bill?

A: No, the billing date was set upon installation of your system and is not subject to change.

toogleQ: I need to update my telephone number, contacts, password, billing information.

A: Please use our secured website to submit these changes. You will receive email confirmation once the changes you have requested are completed.

Troubleshooting

toogleQ: Why does my keypad display NO AC?

A: This indicates that your system is operating on the backup power supply and has lost electrical currents to the system. This would be typical if you are having power outages. This may also be the case if the transformer, a small beige item about the size of your fist, to your security system is not plugged securely into the outlet. Also, verify that a breaker has not been tripped and the outlet the transformer is plugged in to is working. Please call our office for assistance.

toogleQ: I have a low battery what should I do?

A: Often times the battery will recharge itself within 24-48 hours. If after this time frame it still shows low battery then you should replace the old battery. Remove the old battery from panel box, (open box and remove the back and red wires) take to Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Batteries Plus, etc. to get new battery, or we can schedule a service appointment to replace it for you, there is a $15 charge for the battery, and a $35 trip fee.

toogleQ: There is a FC on my keypad, what does that mean?

A: FC means failure to communicate with the phone line. Have you changed phones service or had power interruption? Please call our office at 615-373-8330 to have a system test to determine if a service call is needed. Top of page

toogleQ: My alarm is going off, how do I stop it?

A: Put in your 4 digit code and press the # 1 key on your keypad. You may have to do it twice.

toogleQ: We just bought a house with your system in it and the alarm is going off, how do I stop it?

A: We only provide technical assistance to our customers, but if you would like to learn more about our services please contact our office at 615-373-8330.

toogleQ: Why am I having false detections from my motion detector?

A: Movement of objects such as balloons, blinds or curtains within the range of a motion detector may trigger alarm activation. It may also be triggered if positioned above a heater or furnace. Relocation or adjustment may be required.

toogleQ: My smoke detector is beeping, how can I stop it?

A: Smoke detectors throughout your home that are battery operated or electrical smoke detectors may beep indicating that the batteries need to be replaced. Monitored smoke detectors (installed by SDS) do not beep. They have internal sirens that will cause your security system to sound.

toogleQ: What does BF mean on the keypad?

A: Please contact our office for technical support to determine if this can be cleared over the phone or it requires a technician. Top of page

toogleQ: Why is my system not communicating properly?

A: The phone line that the system uses may not be working properly, or there may be equipment that has malfunctioned. Please contact our office to investigate the issues. A technician may be required.

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