Security FAQ's


How does my Home Telecom Security system work?

The security system may be armed in several modes (Away, Stay, Maximum, etc). Once the system is activated each monitored zone has the ability to recognize a violation. Once a zone has been violated, your Home Telecom Security system will transmit a message through a telephone line, Internet or Cellular connection to our monitoring station. Someone from the monitoring station will try to contact you to verify that the violation is not a false alarm. If we are unable to reach you or you do not provide your password that indicates everything is ok the police will be dispatched.


What should I do if my system isn't working properly? back to top

Call Home Telecom Security @ 888-575-3575. We will be happy to assist you with any service related issues. We will try to assist you over the phone; however if necessary we will arrange to send one of our technicians to service your equipment. If your alarm is beeping or displaying an alert you don't understand call us for assistance.


I accidentally set off my alarm, but I quickly put in the code and shut it off. I expected a call from Home Telecom Security, but no one called. Why not? back to top

Your Home Telecom Security system allows a 30 second window for you to turn off your system before an alarm is sent to the monitoring station. This gives you enough time to cancel the signal and prevent a false alarm.


Why is my system providing false alarms? back to top

The most common cause of false alarms is movement of objects such as balloons, blinds, curtains or pets within a motion detector's field of view while the system is armed. The motion detector may require relocation or adjustment by a Home Telecom Security technician to prevent reoccurrence.


How do I change or add a user code? back to top

The process varies from system to system. The procedure is detailed in the user's manual for each type of system. If you are not completely sure how to do this you should call Home Telecom Security and for a small fee we can make the changes for you. Any improper entries may cause the system to require reprogramming. Anytime this is done you should first call Home Telecom Security at 888-575-3575 since the alarm control panel will notify the central station of any programming change.


Why does my keypad display say "not ready"? back to top

Your keypad is informing you that the system is not ready to arm. Usually this is caused by a protected door or window not being completely closed or a motion detector sensing movement. Once each zone is returned to normal the system will be ready to arm.


Why does my keypad display say "no ac"? back to top

Your Home Telecom Security system requires ac power for normal operation. The alarm panel will display "no ac" when the system has lost electrical current. This may be caused by the transformer near the control panel inadvertently being unplugged or if the electricity to the outlet that it is plugged into is not working. First check that the transformer is plugged in, then check the outlet to verify that it is operational. If neither are the cause of the loss of electrical current a service call will be needed.


Will my system still work if the power goes off? back to top

Your system has a back-up battery that is capable of sustaining normal operation for several hours. This battery is also capable of powering the siren, and the alarm communicator if the system goes off. It recharges automatically whenever the power is restored and its status is constantly monitored.


What if the telephone is in use when the system goes into alarm? back to top

Your alarm system is equipped with a digital communicator that is designed to seize the phone line when it needs to communicate with the central station. This prevents an "off hook" or in use phone line from preventing the system from communicating an alarm.


I have call waiting on my phone line. Will that affect my service? back to top

No. The digital communicator in your system will seize your line to communicate with the central station even if you have call waiting.


When do the batteries need replacement? Am I responsible for replacing the batteries? back to top

The system battery in the alarm panel is a rechargeable battery that is kept charged automatically. If this battery goes bad within the first year Home Telecom will replace it free of charge. After one year Home Telecom can replace the battery for a fee or at no charge if you subscribe to the Security Equipment Maintenance program. You may also replace the batteries yourself. This type of battery is available at most battery retailers. If you have wireless sensors the batteries are disposable. These batteries last many months to several years. A wireless device in a high traffic area such as a hallway or entry may need battery replacement long before one in a less often used area. Your keypad will display a low battery warning when a battery needs replacement. You will have 30 to 45 days to replace the battery after the low battery warning appears.


I replaced the batteries in my wireless sensors, but my keypad is still giving me a low battery warning. Why? back to top

Your Home Telecom Security system goes off AC power onto battery power for 10 minutes every 24 hours in order to test the battery condition for each of its components. When you change the battery it will take until the next 10 minute period when the system is off AC power for it to receive the alert that the battery is now replaced. The low battery warning should go away within 24 hours.


How do I change or add people to my call list? back to top

Just call Home Telecom's monitoring center at 888-575-3575 to make any changes. Make sure to tell everyone on your call list what to do in case they receive a call from Home Telecom's monitoring center.


Am I responsible for testing my system regularly? back to top

You are responsible for testing your system to insure proper operation. Consult the user's manual for your system or call Home Telecom Security at 888-575-3575 for instructions. If you find that a part of your system is not working properly, call Home Telecom Security to request repair service.


If I move can I break the contract I have with Home Security? back to top

You have three options if you move. First, if you are moving within Home Telecom Security's serving area you can transfer your monitoring contract to your new home. If the home is already equipped with a security system that Home Telecom Security is able to take over we will do so. If you need a new system installed you would need to purchase an AttackPack from Home Telecom. You would remain under your initial contract. Second, you may transfer your monitoring contract to the purchaser of your home. You would need to pay a nominal transfer fee. When the new homeowner moved in we would reprogram the system for the new homeowner free of charge. Third, if you are unable or unwilling to do either of the prior options you will need to pay an early termination fee of $250.


Why should my system be monitored by a central station? back to top

There are many benefits for having your system professionally monitored. The most obvious is the automatic reporting of alarms. Your system is capable of notifying us of what type of alarm is occurring and our trained operators will respond to each alert. Each alarm owner can dictate how we should respond and we will notify the police and/or fire department for you as required. The alarm system also monitors it's own system status and can alert us to many things that may require attention before they become a problem. Besides monitoring the status of the sensors and control panel it also monitors the batteries, and communications functions. If your alarm system reports a system problem we will notify you as soon as possible.