Frequently Asked Questions
- How do security systems work?
- What is the purpose of having a monitored security system?
- How does an alarm report to central station?
- What other devices can be monitored by my alarm?
- What if I have pets?
- What if I accidentally trip my alarm?
- How long will it take to install my security system?
- What happens when the alarm goes off?
- How do false alarms occur?
- What happens if there is a power failure?
- Can the system be armed when we are in for the evening?
- What is the advantage of having monitored smoke detectors?
- What is the difference between wired and wireless systems?
- How can my business benefit from CCTV cameras?
- What does it cost to monitor?
- How can I pay my bill
- Can I buy a wireless system or Camera system and install it myself?
How do security systems work?
A security system consists of a control panel that contains a digital dialer or IP conection with a battery backup, a keypad for arming and disarming the system, a siren and detection devices. All detection devices are conected to the control panel. If a door or window is opened or if someone walks through an area protected by a motion sensor, your alarm panel will recognize a violation, causing your system to activate and the monitoring station to be notified.
What is the purpose of having a monitored security system?
With ACI Security Systems, your property is protected round-the-clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Imagine the peace of mind you will have knowing that whether you are at home or away, your home is protected. With a home security system, you, your family members and your cherished possessions are shielded from robbery. When an alarm is detected, you will be contacted (at work, by cell or pager) and the proper authorities will be notified (police or guard service depending upon where you live). Installing an alarm system can save as much as 20% off your insurance premiums!
How does an alarm report to central station?
With ACI Security System’s technology, your system dials into our monitoring centre either by phone, internet, or cellular, where our licensed response-operators have access to your address and contact information. Even if someone is talking on the telephone, or if an intruder took the telephone off the hook, it does not matter. The alarm will send a signal and properly communicate with the monitoring station.
What types of devices can be monitored by my alarm?
Door and window sensors
Motion sensors
Glass break sensors
Panic buttons
Smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide sensors
Medical alert for the elderly
Low and high temperature sensors
Water detectors
Wireless key remotes
Want something monitored that is not listed? Please call us today.
What if I have pets?
ACI Security Systems' motion sensors allow for pet movement while still providing protection. A pet-immune motion sensor is specifically designed so that pets under a certain weight will not cause an alarm. This is achieved through state-of-the-art, dual-sensor technology, located in the motion device.
What if I accidentally trip my alarm?
First and foremost, remain calm. Simply enter your four digit security code. If you disarm your system within 30 seconds, you don’t have to contact us and our monitoring station can tell that your system was disarmed using the proper code. In the event that your system still does not disarm, press clear and try your code again. If you feel that 30 seconds has elapsed prior to disarming your system, have your account number and passcode ready and call the monitoring station to advise them that you accidentally tripped your alarm. You will need to tell the monitoring station your name and passcode to prove your identity.
How long will it take to install my security system?
This all depends on the size of the system and accessibility for wiring. The typical basic package consisting of one motion sensor and two door sensors typically takes half a day to install.
What happens when the alarm goes off?
Remember that if you turn off your alarm within 30 seconds of activating it, nothing will happen and you can relax. The monitoring centre knows you have deactivated your system. Should the system activate longer than 30 seconds, a trained dispatcher will call your home to verify if you have set the alarm off inadvertently by yourself and will ask for your passcode. If there is no answer after five rings or the correct passcode is not given, the proper authorities (police or security guards) are immediately notified and dispatched to your premises. The monitoring station will proceed to go through the list of contact presons you provided for the premises and try to reach a responsible party. Once the police or security guards have arrived, they will do a perimeter check of your premises and look for any visible signs of forced entry. If none are found, they will leave the site. The alarm will reset itself for all secured zones after approximately four minutes and the siren will stop sounding. If a break-in has occurred, the police or security guards will notify the station and report their findings to you.
How do false alarms occur?
User error (86% of all false alarms)
Extreme weather conditions
Poor quality equipment or faulty equipment
Programming error
What happens in the event of a power failure?
For the event of this type of emergency, the system has a back-up supply battery, housed in the control panel. It will recharge itself once the power returns. If your system is monitored by IP (internet) we recommend a backup power supply for your router and modem. Without power to the modem and router your alarm system will still work but will not be able to contact the ACI SECURITY Monitoring Station.
Can the system be set when we are in for the evening?
Yes, arming your system in “STAY OR HOME MODE” disarms the interior motion detector(s) for freedom of movement while keeping the perimeter armed.
What is the advantage of having a monitored smoke detector?
Having a monitored smoke detector at your premise ensures that the fire department will be contacted if you have a fire emergency. A good photo-electric smoke detector will detect smoke particles caused by even a slow smoldering fire. If you are not at home and do not have a monitoring service, the odds are that no one will hear your smoke alarm when you have a fire at your site! Therefore, it is important that someone monitors this device 24- hours a day! With this service, your smoke detector is continuously monitored through a 24-hour zone, even when your alarm system is not armed!
What is the difference between wired and wireless systems?
While most security systems installed by ACI Security Systems are wired-in systems, there are occasions when wireless security systems or specific wireless sensors are installed. Each system typically has the same control panel wired in; however in the case of a wireless system, the control panel also receives wireless signals via a wireless receiver that is also installed into the control panel. Wireless detection devices house long-life batteries (they can last a few years) which are also monitored by our monitoring centre. Your keypad will alert you to low battery levels on individual devices.
How can my business benefit from CCTV cameras?
The installation of closed circuit television cameras will save your company thousands of dollars in loss prevention. The average retailer loses 5% of their inventory due to employee and customer theft. Statistics show that this loss can be cut in half with the addition of CCTV cameras.
How often should I test my system?
We recommend once a month but we understand we all have busy lives so at least test it twice a year. Click here for more information on testing your alarm
What does it cost to monitor?
We offer several levels of monitoring based on your needs. Monitoring starts at $24.95 per month. Free hookup and activation when you sign a minimum one (1) year contract.
How can I pay my bill?
We offer many payment options.
- Pre-Authorized Payents will be coming soon
- Cheque - Send to Box 1183 Ucluelet, B.C. V0R 3A0
- E-Transfer - Send to Accounts@ACIsecurity.ca Use your account number as the security answer. (eg. LD0821)
- Online & Telephone banking available at BMO and all Credit unions. - Vendor name "ACI security"
- PayPal - Send to Accounts@ACIsecurity.ca
- Credit Cards. - Click "PAY NOW" at bottom of this page
Can I buy a wireless sytem or Camera System and install it myself?
Yes. Please contact our sales department and they will go over all your needs, wants and desires. They will then collect all the parts and cables. Program the system per your specifications (monitored or non-monitored). Ship the system to you. You will just have to place the parts in the locations labled on the parts (Peel & Stick). Plug in the cables and you are done.