True or False

1. The alarm panel transformer must be plugged into a 24-hour outlet.

True - the alarm system must have AC power 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the power is off for more than ten (10) hours, please call your alarm company.

2. The control panel battery will always last five (5) years.

False - the battery’s life depends on how often power outages occur and how many accessories the system is driving (i.e., keypads, motion detectors, smoke detectors, etc.)

3. You do not need to lock doors and windows before you arm your system.

False - be sure all doors and windows are completely closed and locked. If an unlocked door is opened by a person, wind, dog, etc., the alarm is activated and the police respond, it is considered a false alarm. The City Code requires you to lock and secure all doors and windows before arming the system.

4. Shaking a door should not set off the alarm.

True - if you are able to shake a completely closed and locked door and set off the alarm, you need to adjust and tighten the door or have your alarm company install a different door contact. If you can shake the door, so can a strong, monsoon wind.

5. If you have any telephone work completed, you do not need to worry about the alarm system.

False - your alarm system should always be tested after any telephone work is completed. Incorrect wiring can prevent the system from communicating with the central station under certain circumstances.

6. Every person who uses the system only needs to know their password or identification code for verification with the central station.

False - every person who uses the system and who has access to the alarmed premises should know their password or identification code for verification with the central station, the telephone number for the central station and all cancellation procedures.

7. False alarms caused by normal monsoon conditions are not considered false alarms and are defined by the City Code on alarm systems as an Act of God.

False - our normal monsoon conditions are not unusual or unexpected. Most false alarm activations that occur during monsoon activity are caused by low batteries and power outages. These are preventable false alarms.

8. The City Code on alarm systems allows two false alarms within a calendar year, and allows for a $100 false alarm assessment on the third and each subsequent false alarm.

False - the City Code allows two false alarms within a 365-day consecutive period for permitted alarm systems, and allows for an $85 false alarm assessment on the third and each subsequent false alarm.

9. The City Code allows a 30-day grace period for newly installed alarm systems if the Alarm Subscriber Permit application is submitted within ten (10) days of the installation of the system.

True- when the permit application is submitted within ten days of the system installation, the City Code allows the homeowner or business owner 30 days, to become acquainted with the new system and allow for any installation errors. False alarms occurring within the 30-days are not counted and are not subject to the false alarm assessment fee.

10. The Phoenix Police Department suspends police response when the alarm system has generated too many false alarms.

False - The Phoenix Police Department does not suspend police response. However, the City Code allows for various penalties if correction action is not taken to prevent false alarms. For more information, please see Phoenix City Code, Section 10-78.

Multiple Choice

1. The most common reason for false alarms is:

a) Equipment problems

b) Weather

c) Human error

d) None of the above

Correct Answer: c) Human error is recorded as the cause of 60% of false alarm activations in the city of Phoenix.

2. Which of the following items can cause a motion detector to falsely trip?

a) Drafts in the walls

b) Ceiling fans

c) Pets

d) All of the above

Correct Answer: d) All of the above. Drafts in the walls can cause false alarms if the motion detector is flush mounted. Ceiling fans cause air movement and can cause false alarms. If pets are in your premises while the motion detector is on, be sure the detector and lens are designed to provide a pet alley. However, even a pet alley may not work well with cats or multiple pets.

3. When your system has had a false alarm activation, you should do the following:

a) Wait and see if a second false alarm occurs

b) Contact your alarm company

c) Determine what caused the false alarm and take corrective steps

d) Turn off the alarm system

Correct answer: c) Determine what caused the false alarm and take corrective steps immediately. It may save you a false alarm assessment fee.

4. An alarm system is like:

a) A shoe

b) A doormat

c) A car

d) A dog

Correct answer: c) An alarm system is like a car. Periodic maintenance can save false alarms, trouble and expensive repairs, and over time, components may need to be replaced.

5. The control panel battery should be replaced a minimum of:

a) Every year

b) Every one to two years

c) Every two to three years

d) Every four years

Correct answer: c) Every two to three years. In some cases, the battery may last for five years. However in the Phoenix area, the life is usually 2-3 years. This is due to our extreme summer heat and monsoon power outages and fluctuations. The more often your power is out, the more often the battery will need to be replaced.

6. Some system sensors are equipped with 9-volt batteries. These batteries should be replaced:

a) Every year

b) Every one to two years

c) Every two to three years

d) Every four years

Correct answer: a) Every year. The replacement batteries should be the exact standard part that is recommended by the manufacturer. For example, if alkaline batteries are specified, do not use lithium. If in doubt, call your alarm company or read the owner’s manual.

7. If you decide you do not want your alarm system monitored by a central station:

a) You are not subject to the requirements of the City Code on alarm systems

b) You do not need an Alarm Subscriber Permit

c) You can program an automatic or prerecorded message on a device that dials the police department directly

d) None of the above

e) All of the above

Correct answer: None of the above. Even if you do not have your alarm system monitored, you are still subject to all regulations and requirement of the City Code on alarm systems. You also still need to apply and renew the Alarm Subscriber Permit each year. You cannot program an automatic or prerecorded message on a device that dials the police department directly. If you purchase one of these devices, it may call your cell phone, your work number or your neighbor. It cannot call the police department or any emergency public safety telephone line.

8. You are required, by City Code, to inspect and service the alarm system:

a) At least once every twelve months

b) At least once every six months

c) At least once every two years

d) At least once every five years

Correct answer: a) You are required, by City Code, to inspect and service the alarm system at least once every twelve months. You can perform these duties yourself, or contract with your alarm company to have a qualified alarm agent perform these duties. Some alarm companies even offer a maintenance agreement. Please be aware, if you are unfamiliar with the equipment or have not been trained, you may damage the equipment. If in doubt, have your alarm company perform this service.

9. You should perform a visual check and routine service on the alarm system once a month. Which item(s) would be included in the monthly check and service:

a) Check all contacts to make sure they are tight and clean

b) Dusting around motion detectors and smoke detectors

c) Check of doors and windows for warping, loose doors and loose contacts

d) Check any wiring if possible

e) All of the above

Correct answer: e) All of the above. Door and window contacts can be knocked loose or may need cleaned. Your alarm system manual or your alarm company can tell you how to easily clean the contacts. Use a feather duster around motion detectors and smoke detectors once a month. The area around the detectors should be checked for dust, cobwebs and insects. Check all doors and windows for signs of warping or loose contacts. It is also a great time to make sure you cannot set off your alarm by shaking the door. If possible, visually check any wiring. Rodents can chew on wires, causing false alarms. Wiring can also be damaged by remodeling or construction work.

10. The highest call for police response by the Phoenix Police Department is:

a) Domestic disputes

b) Burglaries

c) Traffic Accidents

d) Burglar alarms

Correct answer: d) Burglar alarms. Unfortunately, 98% of the burglar alarm calls responded to by Phoenix Police Department were false alarms. False alarms unnecessarily waste police resources and are an aggravation for you. Won’t you help us make a difference? Become our partner in preventing false alarms!