Why Alarms Falsely Trigger

Common Causes of False Alarms

Human error

To prevent this from happening again, everyone who has access to the household should know how to use the security system. These include its residents and household helpers, among others. They should know the alarm codes, the process of arming and disarming the alarm system and cancelling wrong alarm activation. In addition, new UK technology now uses “Fobs” to set and unset the premises as this prevents entering the wrong code.

Low batteries

Most systems provide clear warnings that the batteries are low in charge, even when the system is unset. Others can give off false alarms until the time that batteries are changed. When your security system shows this sign, it needs new batteries. So, before arming your system, you need to replace your old batteries or contact your security provider to do this for you. In addition new wireless devices can last up to 2-5 years and will start to report low batteries when they are starting to fail.

Pets

Dogs and cats can easily trigger sensitive motion sensors that are intended for burglars and intruders. As a solution, these sensors can be positioned high enough for them not to reach. On the other hand, homeowners can have the system changed to one that is not triggered by the movements of pets. Another option is to change the sensors to pet tolerant types where they will ignore animals up to about 18kg.

Air vents
security systems that use ultrasonic motion detectors can be set off even with the slightest draft of air. New PIR detectors can also be set off with air turbulence as the movement of either warm or cold air can lead the sensor to think that there is an intruder in the area. To make sure that they do not give off false alarms, any detectors should be positioned far from windows, electric fans and air vents or heat sources.

Loose or faulty contacts

Most systems have at least some contacts on windows and doors. When the system is armed and a door or window is opened, this triggers an alarm. However, when this sounds off without anyone opening any of these, contacts are either loose or faulty. So, these should be checked by a technician. The main cause here could be that water from the outside is seeping into the wooden frame and can cause tamers/false alarms. All contacts should be sealed to prevent water ingress.

Improper installation

If homeowners are experiencing false alarms more often, their system may not have been properly installed or maintained.

Important Tips to Avoid False Alarms

Homeowners should choose an alarm system that will consider the movements of those who live in the house, including their pets where necessary.

Residents should be familiar with the way the works.

Once the system is installed, everyone who has access to the home should know how to operate the system. They should also know all the important codes to arm and disarm the system as well as the correct use of alarm fobs.

To make sure that the system is working properly, the alarm should be tested once per annum (bells only) and twice per annum for police monitored alarms.