Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Power Check Alarm

Fire alarms are essential for early fire detection and safety compliance. Understanding their types, maintenance, and legal requirements helps businesses and homeowners ensure proper protection and system efficiency, reducing risks and enhancing response time in case of emergencies.

For more information, please visit Wei Guang.

Key Takeaways

• Fire alarm types – Conventional, addressable, and wireless systems serve different needs.
• Legal compliance – Canadian fire codes mandate proper installation and maintenance.
• Regular testing – Fire alarms require routine inspections to remain reliable.
• Choosing the right system – Selecting the best alarm depends on building size and fire risk.

What is a fire alarm system?

A fire alarm system is comprised of a series of electronic devices that work in unison to detect atmospheric changes, alert occupants and first responders, and help to suppress fires and save lives. A well-planned fire alarm system is made up of a series of passive and active fire detection and suppression systems that provide life-saving measures.

How fire alarm system works?

First and foremost, the fire alarm control panel acts as the brain of the fire alarm system. All of the alerts will manifest within this control center including any indication of a fire or life-threatening environmental change, and any possibility of a problem with the system itself that could prevent it from working properly during an emergency.

Fire alarm systems begin each job with an initiation device. These initiation devices - like smoke detectors or fire pulls - monitor a specific protected area. When the presence of a fire is detected, they send a signal to the fire alarm control panel which can either trigger a supervisory alert (telling someone to investigate the issue) or an alarm. Commercial fire alarms have the ability to target specific areas or zones and work to prevent a fire from spreading while simultaneously working to suppress it.

A commercial fire alarm system has two sources of power - a primary source and a secondary source. The primary power source is provided by the building's electric utility, a generator, or a power storage system. The secondary power source comes from batteries, a secondary generator, or a secondary power storage system. In the event of failure of the primary power source, the secondary power source will kick in and ensure that the fire alarm system continues working.

What is the difference between a fire alarm and a smoke detector?

A smoke detector and fire alarm work together but they are two separate devices. The smoke detector detects a change in the air that suggests smoke in the area. Once this is detected, the smoke detector sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel which triggers the fire alarm to alert occupants to the presence of smoke and/or a fire.

What are the 2 types of fire alarms?

There are two main types of fire alarm panels : conventional panels and addressable panels.

• Conventional Fire Alarm
  Conventional fire alarms are installed in zones and work by detecting changes in electrical currents. Once a device detects a change in the atmosphere, the electrical current of the device changes and the fire alarm control panel then detects this change and sounds an alarm. Conventional fire alarms are effective but they alert to broader areas rather than pinpointing a specific location.
• Addressable Fire Alarm
  Addressable fire alarms utilize the latest technology to be programmed to monitor very specific areas, for example, a certain stairwell or a specific room. Each connected device in an addressable fire alarm system has its own address which makes it fast and simple to determine where the signal is coming from. Once a change in the atmosphere is detected, the device alerts the fire control panel which is able to show exactly where the location of concern is.

You can read more about the differences between conventional and addressable fire alarm systems here .

What fire alarm system do I need?

The type of fire alarm system you need varies on your building's layout, contents, and construction. It's best to confer with an expert to design a system that will give you adequate protection.

Where are fire alarms required?

Specific requirements for fire alarm placement vary based on local jurisdictions. Typically they're required inside sleeping areas and at least one on every floor.

Why do I need professional inspections?

A professional fire alarm system inspection is critical to ensure that the entirety of the system is in proper working order. A professional will be familiar with local requirements for fire alarm systems and can help you make sure your building remains in compliance. Having a fire alarm inspection and properly working system can mean the difference between life and death, and when it comes to life safety, it's always best to leave it up to the professionals.

How often fire alarms should be inspected?

Local jurisdictions may have specific guidelines outlining specific fire alarm system maintenance requirements. At minimum, best practices include weekly visual inspections to check the control panel, power supplies, fuses, LEDs, and trouble signals; monthly inspection of the batteries for corrosion; semi-annual inspection of initiating devices/detectors; and an annual inspection of all equipment to monitor for any significant changes.

How often should fire alarms be tested?

Again, local jurisdictions may have specific guidelines outlining how often a test and fire alarm system service should occur. You can plan for at least an annual test for most components, though some components require semi-annual testing. Fire alarm system tests are crucial not only to stay in compliance with local authorities, but to ensure that your system will function properly when it's needed.

How much does an alarm system cost?

Determining the cost of an alarm system isn't a one-size-fits-all task. A lot of factors go into the overall cost including the building's complexity and size, the equipment needed, and the monthly monitoring costs which will be ongoing fees. Each initiating device can range significantly in price and the cost of installing sprinklers can vary widely based on whether you have new construction or if you'll be retrofitting an existing structure. When it comes to cost, there is only one thing for certain: A fire alarm system is an investment you can't afford to ignore.

An RF Low Battery signal occurs when an RF device on your alarm system has a battery that is running low or is completely flat. ‘RF’ stands for Radio Frequency, which means that the device is wireless and runs on batteries to keep it working.

Devices such as Reed switches, PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensors or Smoke Detectors can be wireless. It is extremely important that the devices for your system are kept operational at all times. If a device is not working due to the battery running flat, your security and smoke detection system is at risk of being compromised. ADT strongly recommends that you replace the battery at your earliest convenience and that you use an ADT qualified Technician to service your system.

To ensure the optimum performance of your system, we highly recommend a regular maintenance schedule. For more information on our affordable maintenance packages or for alternative options on battery replacement 131 005 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.

If you choose to change the batteries yourself you may access a user manual for your alarm system by visiting our Alarm Panel User Manuals Listing, however changing the batteries yourself will invalidate any remaining product warranty.

Warning Note: Please ensure you place your system on test before you inspect or change the batteries to prevent triggering a false tamper alarm. You can do this by phoning the ADT VRT Service on , option 5.

The VRT User Manual can be found here and it is a free service. If you have not been set up for this please call 131 005.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine which device in my system requires a battery replacement? 

You may have been sent an SMS text message with the details of which device is running low or completely flat. Otherwise, refer to your User Manual or keypad to determine which device is sending the RF Low Battery signal.

Which battery type do I need? 

You can find this out by either 1) Refer to your user manual. 2) Open the sensor and check battery type. Warning Note: Please ensure you place your system on test before you inspect or change the batteries to prevent triggering a false tamper alarm. You can do this by phoning the ADT VRT Service on , option 5.

What if my system is still in warranty? 

If your system is in warranty and a low battery signal has occurred and you choose to replace the batteries by yourself, it will invalidate any remaining warranty. Therefore, we highly recommend you organise an ADT qualified technician to attend site. Please call 131 005 and we will schedule a technician to attend at a time that best suits you.

If I replace the batteries in the device that has triggered the low battery signal, should I replace the batteries in the other devices? 

Yes! As your systems devices were installed together it is likely that the batteries in other similar devices are also towards the end of their effective life. We highly recommend you replace the batteries in all your devices to prevent the system being at risk of being compromised by flat batteries. We recommend you take a record of the length of the battery life and set a reminder for future reference.

Your alarm system battery supplies backup power to operate your alarm system during a power outage. All alarm panels operate on mains power and contain a back-up battery, unfortunately different manufacturers use different batteries in the alarm panel.

How to Know If You Need a New Battery?

The first sign of alarm battery failure is usually a beeping keypad. The beeping or chirping will often occur at the same time. This is because many panels do their automatic battery test every 24 hours. Less commonly, a low battery condition can cause false alarms at random times throughout the day.

Almost all alarm panels will also display a keypad trouble light to indicate a problem. Keypads with LCD displays will print out “low batt”, “LB”, or something similar. Keypads with LED’s may need you to press a button or two for the lights to show the trouble condition.

Frequently asked Questions:

Should I Replace My Own Battery?

ADT Security recommends a qualified technician is to attend and replace the battery to ensure the optimum performance of your system, we highly recommend a regular maintenance schedule. For more information on our affordable maintenance packages or for alternative options on battery replacement 131 005 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.

What if my system is still in warranty? If your system is in warranty and a low battery signal has occurred and you choose to replace the batteries by yourself, it may invalidate any remaining warranty.

Which battery type do I need? You can find this out in a number of ways.

1) Use your system type to find out what batteries you need.

2) Refer to your user manual.

3) Open the panel and check battery type.

Warning Note: Please ensure you place your system on test before you inspect or change the batteries to prevent triggering a false tamper alarm. You can do this by phoning the ADT VRT Service on , option 5.

ADT Security Recommendation:

ADT Security recommends a qualified technician is to attend and replace the panel battery. A battery replacement may sound simple, but the alarm panel normally requires re-programming after a battery change. If something goes wrong do you want to ask yourself question such as: 1.

Did I replace the old battery with the correct battery?

2. Have I correctly connected the wiring to the new battery?

3. Why do I still have a low battery light on my keypad?

4. How do I reset it?

5. Why is ADT contacting me about Missed Timer Test after the battery was changed.

Therefore, we highly recommend you organise an ADT qualified technician to attend site. Please call 131 005 and we will schedule a technician to attend at a time that best suits you.

A Power Fail signal is received when your security system registers a loss of mains power to the security system. During a power fail a standby battery takes over supplying power to the security system and should enable the security system to operate. The duration that a standby battery is able to maintain the security system is variable & dependent on many factors, such as condition of the battery and the power usage of the system. If the power to the security system is not restored, the system shall continue to operate on the standby battery until it is fully discharged (runs flat), at which time you will no longer be protected.

A large proportion of power fail situations are related to electrical black outs. These situations generally rectify themselves when grid power is returned. However on occasion a circuit breaker may have tripped or another cause may exist, that requires customer intervention to restore power to the security system. Apart from an area power outage, this signal could also indicate that the security system has been unplugged from a normal power point, just as you would unplug any electrical appliance or that the mains supply to the premises has been turned off.

Should mains power not restore, the cause of the power loss should be investigated & rectified prior to the battery running low. When your standby system battery is running low you should be notified by ADT security, however, the monitoring centre will not receive signals from a security system where mains power is off and the standby battery is fully discharged.

What are some of the other reasons my security system has lost power?

The Power Fail signal may be caused by some of the following:

• Mains supply failure in your area
• Blown fuse on the premise
• Power point has failed
• Cleaner removed the power pack
• Power pack has come loose in the socket or has accidentally been removed
• Power pack has failed.

What can I check?

• If you are experiencing a black out in your area there is nothing you can do until power has been restored. (If your power is off for several days, your alarm panel may need minor reprogramming after the power has been restored)
• Check your keypad to see if your power light has restored, if it has then this indicates that the mains power has recovered.
• Locate your power pack, (this looks like an oversized charger), and feel it, it should be warm to the touch if working OK.
• If the power pack is cold, remove it and plug it back in, then check the keypad power light to confirm if the power has been restored.
• If nothing has worked, test the power point by plugging in another electrical device. If this device works then try the power pack again, if it has failed use an extension lead to plug the power pack into another power point.

An electrician may be required if you cannot restore mains power to the premises. In the event that you cannot restore mains power to the security system but have mains power available at the security system’s power point, please call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on option 2 to troubleshoot your system, to discuss the alternatives and to book a technician, fees may apply.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Power Check Alarm. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

This signal is a non-alarm event that indicates that a sensor circuit is not complete. A Sensor Trouble renders the particular circuit inoperative and no longer able to provide security as designed.

An incomplete circuit maybe caused by a fault with cabling, the sensor or the security system’s main board. Alternatively a device on the circuit may simply not have been secured correctly when the security system was armed. A sensor trouble is often caused in error and does not necessarily require intervention by service technician.

One example would be a Magnetic Reed Switch (MRS) on a door in Sensor Trouble, which maybe the result of a door not being physically secure, such as a door being left ajar. OR, if the door was found to be secure, it would indicate the MRS circuit has a fault and service of the circuit is warranted. A Sensor Trouble should be inspected & the cause of the trouble rectified. The circuit will mainly be incomplete because it’s open – however sometimes it’s broken.

For magnetic reed switch/s, closing the doors/window/shutter where the MRS is installed will generally rectify the Sensor Trouble. If the Sensor Trouble is still present with the doors/window/shutter being correctly secured, the MRS’s should be inspected to confirm the device’s components are present, set for correct proximity and not masked. If all appears in order the circuit is faulted will require a technical inspection.

For motion sensors – disarming & arming the security system, visual inspection of the device to ensure it is not masked, intact & the sensors LED’s illuminate when movement occurs in the sensor’s field of vision. If LED’s do not illuminate or remain illuminated when motion is not present, the circuit is faulted will require a technical inspection.

In the event that you cannot correct the problem with the sensor, please call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on option 2 to fault find your system, to discuss the alternatives and to book a technician, fees may apply.

An expansion module is an auxiliary board that attaches to the security system’s main board. An expansion module increases the security system’s number of input/relays – which allows for more devices to be installed than a standard security system.

A Data Gathering Panel (DGP) is an auxiliary board that attaches to the security system’s main board. A DPG provides for additional inputs/relays much like an expansion board, but it also has the ability to attach and manage numerous expansion modules.

Expansion Module Failure:

The expander module failure signal indicates that an expansion module/s is not correctly communicating to the main alarm panel. A technical inspection generally is required to identify & rectify the cause of the fault. Until returned to normal service, it can be expected that all inputs (sensors)/ relays (controllers) attached to this expander module will no longer be able to operate as designed or communicate with the main panel. Multiple devices are generally rendered inoperative.

Data Gathering Panel Failure:

The DGP failure signal indicates that a DPG is not correctly communicating to the main alarm panel. A technical inspection generally is required to identify & rectify the cause of the fault. Until returned to normal service, it can be expected that all inputs (sensors)/ relays (controllers) attached to this DPG in addition to all attached expander modules will no longer be able to operate as designed or communicate with the main panel. Multiple devices & multiple expansion modules are generally rendered inoperative.

What action I need to take?

Please call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on option 2, to discuss the alternatives and to book a technician, fees may apply.

A Timer Test is a signal that is sent from your security system to ADT to check that it is communicating correctly. A Timer Test Not Received signal is generated when your alarm panel fails to send this signal within the prescribed time interval (Once a day).

This regular testing is required to identify any possible communications issues that may exist with your alarm panel, and to notify you that your monitoring centre is not currently able to receive signals from your alarm panel, as this could have a negative impact if you rely on the alarm for summoning help and increases your risk of the system not communicating alarm activations.

Log in to ADT Interactive here to check for Alerts & Issues (Home Page) that may be causing the system to not communicate back to the monitoring station.

The common causes of a TTNR signal generating are:

• A recent power failure and battery fail that caused the panel to completely shut down
• A recent power failure that caused the panel to lose its date and time, which will stop the timer test being sent
• Poor Signal Strength
• Issues with the Sim Card (damaged)
• Wilful or accidental damage to GSM/GPRS Communicator antenna
• Damage and or faulty connected leader to panel and communicator
• Telecommunications company network problems
  (Network Signal Issues or Network Outage)

If none of these suggestions apply to you, please call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on 131 005 (option 2) to fault find your system. If any of these suggestions do fit, then you may need to get your service provider to reverse the recent change, or call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on 131 005 (option 2) to discuss further action or book a technician – fees may apply.

A Timer Test is a signal that is sent from your security system to ADT to check that it is communicating correctly. A Timer Test Not Received signal is generated when your alarm panel fails to send this signal within the prescribed time interval. (On average the prescribed time interval is once every week for homes and once a day for business premises.)

This regular testing is required to identify any possible communications issues that may exist with your alarm panel, and to notify you that your monitoring centre is not currently able to receive signals from your alarm panel, as this could have a negative impact if you rely on the alarm for summoning help and increases your risk of the system not communicating alarm activations.

Your alarm system must have an active standard connection to operate properly.

The most common things that can cause this alarm signal to happen could be:

• Recent power failure that caused the panel to fully shut down.
• Change of provider.
• Repairs to your lines in the house.
• Recent installation of ADSL Broadband
• Changing to VOIP for your service.
• Local floods
• Wilful or accidental damage to your lines off site.
• Disconnecting your line from the exchange.
• Having the off the hook during the time that the panel is trying to communicate.

If none of these suggestions apply to you, please call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on option 2 to fault find your system. If any of these suggestions do fit, then you may need to get your service provider to reverse the recent change, or call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on option 2 to discuss the alternatives and to book a technician, fees may apply.

A Fail to Close signal is received if the monitoring centre has not received the arming signal from your premises by the time prescribed. This normally indicates that staff members are on site working back, and can be rectified by simply ring the site and advising the staff to turn on the alarm when they leave.

On the rare occasion, this signal could mean that the site was armed up but the signal was jammed up in the alarm communication’s process, unfortunately there is no way of knowing if this is the case, it is up to you to decide if you wish to return to work and check the alarm system.

If you require a guard to be sent to check your premises, please call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on option 1, fees may apply.

If this signal occurs frequently, please call option 1 to organise to alter your closing schedule.

Please note that if the site has not been armed, the monitoring centre will not receive signals from the area that the alarm covers.

Please note that if the site has not been armed, the monitoring centre will not receive signals from the area that the alarm covers.

A Communication Trouble is confined to customers utilising what is referred to as “multi mode monitoring”. Although the security system may still be monitored by alternative communication pathways, a Communication Trouble signal indicates that one or more of the communication pathways is inoperative.

Multi mode monitoring is utilised by customers who require a higher level of security monitoring. The level of network supervision varies between networks & increases for GPRS & IP solutions. Customers may use equipment that utilises various combinations of the following communication networks:

• PSTN – Public Switched Network
• GSM – Global System for Mobile communications
• GPRS – General Packet Radio Service
• IP – Internet Protocol

With multi mode monitoring, the wire line, GPRS/GSM cellular line, and PSTN line are monitored independently by the security system and/or the auxiliary communication system. A report will be sent immediately to the ADT monitoring stations should a communication pathway be either be interfered with or rendered inoperative.

Multi mode monitoring provides for two or three completely separate pathways or networks through which signalling can be conveyed between the customer’s alarm system and ADT’s monitoring stations. Multi mode monitoring, because of its separate communication pathways, provides for a high degree of redundancy and network availability – increasing the probability of a security system being successful in conveying alarms to ADT’s monitoring stations. Should one network connection be compromised and rendered inoperative, an alternative network will be used by the security system to transmit the communication failure & subsequent alarm activity to our ADT monitoring stations.

Possible situations that can cause this alarm signal to happen may be:

• Wilful or accidental damage to your lines.
• Change of telecommunications service provider.
• Repairs to your lines.
• Recent installation of ADSL Broadband.
• Changing to VOIP for your service.
• Disconnecting your line from the exchange.
• Wilful or accidental damage to GSM/GPRS antenna.
• Telecommunications company network problems.

If none of these suggestions apply to you please call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on option 2 to fault find your system. If any of these suggestions do fit then you may need to get your service provider to reverse the recent change, or call ADT Security Monitoring Centre on option 2, to discuss the alternatives and to book a technician, fees may apply.

S.A.A.L.I is an Integrated Voice Response (IVR) Service which has been designed as an interactive interface for our customers. The Interactive Voice Response system provides a telecommunications solution allowing ADT to deliver safe, accurate and speedy alarm notifications directly to our customer. This platform offers customers the ability to interact with ADT via their keypad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the S.A.A.L.I work?

Once an IVR call has been answered, S.A.A.L.I will introduce the importance of the call. It will prompt the customer to press any key to continue. The address and alarm event will be advised followed by key options that the customer can select from depending on their choice of alarm response.

What types of alarms will S.A.A.L.I be used for?

S.A.A.L.I will be used to notify you promptly when the below alarms start;

• Your alarm panel registers a single or multiple intruder event
• Your alarm panel registers a low battery
• Your alarm panel registers a loss of power
• Your alarm panel registers a missed daily or weekly test
• Your alarm panel has not yet been turned on by the end of your business day

Can I use S.A.A.L.I to notify me if I forget to turn on my alarm?

For accounts with Supervised Monitoring, S.A.A.L.I will notify you at the time of your expected business close and offer you the option of extending that time by up to 4 hours (in one hour increments).

What happens if no one answers the ?

There is a process that S.A.A.L.I will follow if an IVR call has not been answered:

1. S.A.A.L.I will attempt to leave a voice message detailing the alarm activation that was received before moving onto the next alarm contact.
2. S.A.A.L.I will re-try the alarm contact list if no confirmation was made on the first attempt.
3. If no answer or confirmation has been made with the listed contacts, the alarm will be presented to a Monitoring Operator to take any further steps to ensure the alarm notification is resolved (i.e. Dispatching Patrol).
4. Your alarm panel registers a missed daily or weekly test

If a S.A.A.L.I call has just been missed, customers also have the ability of returning the number that contacted them. It will divert directly to our 24/7 Monitoring Centre.

What happens if the contacts listed presses an incorrect key on the when responding to this notification?

S.A.A.L.I will allow 3 attempts to enter the correct information via the keypad before ending the call and moving to the next contact, repeating the steps outlined above.

What happens if I don’t understand S.A.A.L.I’s instructions?

S.A.A.L.I has the option to transfer the call to our Monitoring Centre so that you can receive additional information from an operator if you require it. There are no additional charges for our customers if you want to be transferred to the operations center.

What are the benefits for ADT in implementing this system?

With this new technology solution, ADT will be able to deliver an additional monitoring feature to our monitoring customers, broadening the services we offer and can tailor this to a client’s monitoring needs.

What benefits does my property get from using this system?
By using this system ADT will be able to offer you;

• Accurate and speedy delivery of various alarm activations
• The ability to extend the close time when the system advises that the alarm panel has not been turned on at the scheduled time
• A safe, accurate and speedy alarm notification
• Customised events so you can define the information you require.

What happens if S.A.A.L.I breaks down?

We are confident that we won’t have any issues with the operation of S.A.A.L.I, but if we do experience any significant downtime, we have duplicated infrastructure in Sydney and Melbourne that will meet our disaster recovery standards.

For more information, please visit Flexible Fence Barrier.