FAQ
What is a monitored security alarm system?
Monitored security alarm systems are designed to protect your home or business by detecting intrusion, fire, and other emergencies and then alerting our monitoring station. Our team then responds to the alerts by notifying the appropriate responders in your community (police, fire or ambulance).
Why should I have a security alarm system installed in my home or office?
While there is debate on whether alarm systems prevent break-ins, most people feel more comfortable and secure in their home or office knowing that if a break-in did occur, a security system will activate sounds, lights and notify authorities.
Additionally, there may be benefits provided by simply having a yard sign or door/ window sticker warning thieves that the premises are protected by an alarm system. It is difficult to quantify the value of deterrent measures, but every year without a break-in is a good one in our opinion!
Even if you feel safe in your home or business, security systems can be reassuring as they also help you quickly notify the fire department or paramedics in the event of other types of emergencies.
What features should I look for in a security alarm system?
A standard home or business security system should include:
Control Panel: This is the “brain” of the security system, connecting the wiring reaching different types of sensors around the building to your phone line, similar to the way a fuse box manages the power coming into your home and routes it through the wiring.
Keypad. The keypad allows you to arm and disarm the security system. There may be multiple keypads in the home or office, so you can conveniently turn the system off and on from different locations.
Motion Detectors. Motion detectors sense changes in an area caused by human movement and activate the alarm system. Special motion detectors are available for people with pets, so that the activity of your dog or cat doesn’t set off a false alarm.
Door and Window Sensors. Magnetic door and window sensors are connected to wiring which runs to your control panel – when the sensors are disturbed, they send signals to the control panel which activates the security alarm system.
Backup systems. Beacon Security’s monitored home security systems offer a backup relays information using wireless or radio technology if your land lines are down. This ensures that an alarm signal reaches responders in the event of an emergency.
I use Vonage or another Voice Over Internet Provider (VOIP) for phone service in my home of office, will a security alarm system work?
Yes. Security alarm systems were designed to communicate via analog signals to a security monitoring station, we offer solutions to integrate your digital VOIP system and can also monitor the system wirelessly.
Will DSL high speed internet access installation affect my security alarm system?
Possibly. Before recommending filters and other inexpensive solutions to problems related to DSL, we suggest that the security system is installed and tested for conflict with your DSL service first. If it is determined that you need these filters, it is critical that they are installed correctly to enable the security monitoring we provide.
How do I test my security alarm system?
Beacon Security technicians will assist you in testing your new alarm system after installation.
Can I get a discount on property insurance if I install an alarm system?
Yes, many insurance providers will apply a discount to your rates when a security alarm system is protecting your property. Consult your insurance agent for specific requirements and ask your Beacon Security rep to confirm that the required documentation can be provided.
Will my security alarm system work if the power goes out?
Beacon Security systems come with a backup battery to provide power to security alarm systems for several hours in case of a power loss. When the power comes back on, the backup power source is designed to self-recharge.
Where can I download my alarm system’s user manual?
We offer PDF copies of all our alarm systems. Your alarm system manual can be found below:
NX-4 User Manual
NX-4 User Manual (Espanol)
NX-4v2 User Manual
NX-6 User Manual
NX-6v2 User Manual
NX-8v2 User Manual
NX-8E User Manual
