AMCO Alarm maintenance service overview
Alarm systems are required to work 24/7 / 365 days a year in the case of an emergency scenario. Because of this it's important to maintain and test your alarm system on a regular basis, to make sure it's in full working order when you need it.
Key elements of an alarm system that need to be checked and tested are:
- Core alarm functionality
i.e. the system arms and activates correctly
- Alarm sensors
i.e. all sensors work correctly (inc testing batteries for wireless sensors)
- Battery back-up
i.e. in case of a power cut your alarm works properly (and doesn't activate / false alarm)
- Remote monitoring
i.e. AMCO's monitoring service works correctly when your alarm is activated
N.B. unlike most alarm companies, we do not mandate alarm maintenance, but make recommendations and provide the option for you to either do various tasks yourself or instruct us to do them for you.
Different alarm test types, responsibility & frequency
Aligned with the different elements of an alarm system there are a number of different tests and maintenance procedures that need to be carried out. Each of these need to be done at different times / frequencies, and some of these can be carried out by the system owner (i.e. you) and others need to be carried out by your alarm company (i.e. us).
The following is a breakdown of the different tests and recommended frequencies:
| Test type | Frequency | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring system test (automated) | Every 7 or 30 days | AMCO |
| Alarm system test | Every 30 days | Owner |
| System maintenance | Every 12 months | Owner / AMCO |
| Line cut test (GSM back-up only) | Every 30 days | Owner |
How AMCO's remote monitoring tests work
Automated remote tests are run on your system to check your alarm system is connecting to our monitoring station correctly. If we fail to receive a remote test, we will contact you to inform you and recommend a solution to fix the likely problem.
These tests are run every 7 or 30 days, depending on the security status of your property (i.e. commercial properties are tested every 7 days, and most domestic properties are tested every 30 days).
How to test your alarm system
To test your alarm you need to set your alarm as normal (as if you're going out) and then go into a room and activate one of the sensors. This should trigger the alarm - with the monitoring system activating within about 60 seconds.
We recommend doing an alarm system test every 30 days.
What's involved in a system maintenance check
We recommend your alarm is checked every 12 months. You can either choose to do a basic maintenance check yourself, or get an AMCO engineer to do a full / comprehensive maintenance check for you. As a general rule, we'd always recommend an engineer visits you at least every 24 months to do a full maintenance check - to ensure everything is in working order, and you haven't missed anything with your checks.
N.B. there are certain checks that can only be done by a trained engineer. Below is a breakdown of the different tests required:
| Check type | Detail | Basic | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core alarm functionality | System arms / disarms correctly and activates in response to a sensor trigger | ||
| Sensor test | Each sensor is individually activated to confirm correct detection and signalling | ||
| Battery test | Main panel battery and all wireless sensor batteries checked and replaced if required | - | |
| Remote monitoring connection | System checked to confirm it is correctly communicating with AMCO's monitoring centre | - | |
| Panel inspection | Internal panel components inspected for signs of damage, corrosion or tampering | - | |
| Anti-masking check (Grade 3 only) | Sensors tested to confirm anti-masking detectors are functioning correctly | - | |
| Line cut test (GSM systems) | GSM back-up unit tested to confirm it switches over correctly when landline is cut | - | |
| Full system report | Written report of findings provided to customer following the visit | - |
Basic check
Can be carried out by the system owner. Covers core arm / disarm functionality and a basic sensor walk test. Recommended if an engineer visit is not due.
Full check
Carried out by a trained AMCO engineer. Covers everything in the basic check plus battery tests, remote monitoring confirmation, panel inspection and a full written report.
Book an engineer maintenance visit
AMCO engineers are UK-based - we'll come to you.
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