Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we are now selling encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits. Each kit includes a brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus with built-in LTE communicator, two (2) IQ DW MINI-S Encrypted Contacts, a single IQ Motion-S Encrypted Motion Sensor, a transformer and a power cable.

Last week, we announced that we are now offering IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits that feature the Versa-GE Door and Window Contacts. While these are excellent door and window sensors, they do not offer encrypted communication. Users who want added security will want to use encrypted sensors whenever possible.

The encrypted sensors included with the encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits use rolling code encryption. When these sensors are enrolled with compatible encrypted systems, they become synced with the panel. This allows a rolling code to be established. Only the panel and that exact sensor will know what the next rolling code transmission will be.

Currently, we are offering two versions of the encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits. There is an AT&T LTE option and a Verizon LTE option. Both kits are listed below:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T LTE Encrypted 2-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon LTE Encrypted 2-1 Kit

The version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus included in these kits is compatible with the Qolsys S-Line Sensors that use this rolling code encryption. Additionally, it is also compatible with the PowerG Sensors that use 128-bit AES encryption. Both the PowerG Sensors and the Qolsys S-Line Sensors are nearly immune to wireless takeover attacks.

Encrypted sensors like these are perfect for users who want protection against possible hacking attempts. The included system is also backwards compatible with non-encrypted 319.5 MHz sensors. This includes the legacy Qolsys and Interlogix/GE Sensors. Each encrypted Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Kit listed on our site comes pre-packaged by Qolsys. As a result, we cannot make substitutions for these kits.

At this time, we do not have kits for the 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus or the 433 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you want either of those systems, you will have to purchase all the components individually. The only encrypted sensors that can be used with those systems are the PowerG Sensors. Both systems include a transformer and a prepared cable for providing power.

We are sure that many customers will love these new encrypted kits! If you have any questions please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F to speak to one of our alarm system planners. We look forward to helping you design the perfect system for your home!

Hi DIYers! We have learned that a new law has been signed in Tennessee that disallows local governments from charging security companies fines for false alarms. The law also prohibits fees for alarm permits. The bill was signed by Tennessee Governor William "Bill" Lee on May 8th, 2019.

Under the new law, alarm monitoring companies cannot be charged fines for any false alarms that occur. Additionally, local governments cannot charge alarm companies fees for alarm permits or alarm permit renewals. End users may still be charged by local governments for causing excessive false alarms and for obtaining permits and renewals. The law goes into effect June 19, 2019.

Alarm Grid strongly supports this new law, as it makes it easier for us to provide customers with quality service. Preventing false alarms is the responsibility of both the alarm monitoring company and the end user. Alarm Grid does its part to ensure that customers cause as few false alarms as possible. We accomplish this by educating our customers about the best practices for reducing false alarms. The vast majority of end users do not actively seek out ways of causing false alarms. Most will do whatever they can to prevent them.

Some of the practices used to reduce false alarms include setting appropriate Entry and Exit Delay times, enabling Alarm Report Delay (if needed), and encouraging the use of Arm-Confirm features. Alarm Grid also offers certain panels that are compliant with the standards mandated by CP-01 of the Security Industry Association (SIA) for reducing false alarms.

At Alarm Grid, one of our top goals is to empower the end user. We strive to help our customers understand how their systems work so that false alarms occur less frequently. End users should also make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation and panel programming.

We are also pleased that monitoring companies will no longer need to worry about alarm permit fees. These fees only make it more difficult for alarm companies to provide service to their customers. Many companies avoid providing alarm monitoring service in certain areas because they do not want to pay permitting fees. Thanks to the removal of these fees, it will be easier to provide service to our customers in Tennessee moving forward.

Alarm Grid wants to help you avoid false alarm dispatches. But we also want you to know that your home or business will receive help in a real emergency. That is one of our top goals as an alarm monitoring company. If you want to learn more about how we work to prevent false alarms, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is through email at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have many customers who wonder what happens if their security system is destroyed when an intruder breaks into their home. Fortunately, alarm manufacturers considered this possibility. They put protective measures in place to deal with this issue. Enter Crash & Smash and APL.

Crash and Smash (C&S) for Alarm.com and Advanced Protection Logic (APL) for Total Connect 2.0 are both features designed to provide an added layer of protection in case an alarm panel and/or its communicator are destroyed during a home invasion. These features help ensure that the police are still dispatched and that the end user receives the help they need. An intruder might think they're okay because they have destroyed the panel, but the system is smart enough to overcome this issue.

Just last week, we made a post covering Entry and Exit Delays. Well it turns out that the Entry Delay period plays a big part in C&S and APL. As we discussed last week, if an Entry/Exit Zone is faulted while the system is Armed, an Entry Delay countdown begins. This period gives the end user a chance to Disarm their system before an alarm occurs. But what if the panel gets destroyed during this countdown? After all, the panel won't be able to send out an alarm signal. But this is where Crash and Smash and APL take priority. How they do this is actually quite smart.

Whenever a system goes into Entry Delay, it immediately sends out a signal to the Alarm.com Servers (ADC) or the AlarmNet Servers (TC2). This signal just lets the server know that the system is now in an Entry Delay period. The servers are smart enough to know that since the system is now in an Entry Delay period, a Disarm or an Alarm must follow. If neither event follows, then logically the panel must have been destroyed. The server will then know to send a signal to the central station to let a trained dispatcher know that the panel has been destroyed and dispatch is needed right away.

Please note that the Alarm.com Servers and the AlarmNet Servers do not send signals to the central station as soon as the usual Entry Delay period expires. These servers also account for delays in sending signals. A little more than a minute of additional time is added beyond the normal Entry Delay period before a C&S or APL signal is sent to the central station. This is done to prevent false alarms.

Advanced Protection Logic and Crash & Smash also work during alarms that do not follow Entry Delay periods. If the system has Alarm Report Delay enabled and an intrusion alarm occurs, then the system will not actually alert the central station the very instant that the alarm occurs. The system will actually enter into a short Alarm Report Delay period that is usually less than a minute in length. This delay period gives the user a chance to Disarm the system and cancel the alarm to stop the signal from being sent out. If an intruder destroys the system during this Alarm Report Delay period, APL or C&S will ensure that emergency dispatch is still sent out. Alarm Grid encourages users to disable Alarm Report Delay on their panel if possible.

It's also worth mentioning that the Alarm.com Servers and the AlarmNet Servers send all C&S and APL signals directly to the central station. The end user does not receive an alert from Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0 when these signals are sent out. In other words, C&S and APL do not work with self-monitored customers. You need a central station monitoring plan to use these features. Also, C&S and APL do not work with phone line monitoring. You need an IP communicator or a cellular communicator. UPDATE: Alarm.com can now alert a user directly via a Push Notification on their phone when a C&S event occurs.

If you have any questions about Crash & Smash or Advanced Protection Logic, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring service, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We will check the email at our earliest convenience and respond as quickly as possible. If you prefer to speak on the phone, we are available from 9am to 8pm EST M-F at (888) 818-7728. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We hope you had a great Mother's Day weekend. Last week, our video team put up a bunch of new videos, 9 to be exact. All were posts on Thursday and Friday. We love helping users get the most out of their alarm systems and smart home networks. Let's take a look at the new videos!

Updating the Firmware on a Lyric Alarm System's SiXFOB

Jarrett kicks things off by showing you how to update the firmware for a Honeywell SiXFOB Key Fob. This key fob is designed exclusively for use with the Honeywell Lyric Controller. Unlike most SiX Series devices, the SiXFOB needs to receive firmware updates manually. The Lyric should be running the latest firmware version before performing the update. Updating the firmware for the SiXFOB will ensure that it works as effectively as possible. Updating the firmware will affect any zones associated with the SiXFOB.

Including a Schlage Z-Wave Lock

The ever friendly and helpful Joe shows you how to include a Schlage Z-Wave Lock into your local Z-Wave network. Pairing your Z-Wave lock is necessary for getting the most out of the device. You need to do this to control the lock remotely and to use it with smart scenes. Pairing a lock with an alarm panel is often a great option. You can then use it with an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. Please note that you will need a monitoring plan with access to one of these services.

Excluding a Schlage Z-Wave Lock

Joe helps you some more by showing how to exclude your Schlage Z-Wave Lock from a Z-Wave network. This is an important step if you plan to transfer the lock from one Z-Wave hub to another. You should also do this before completing the initial pairing process. Many Z-Wave smart home devices are paired with Z-Wave networks before they even leave the factory for testing purposes. Clearing the lock first will ensure that you can pair it successfully.

Adding a Siren to the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F

Joe is back again, and this time he's gonna show you how to add a siren to a Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. This is a wired to wireless converter that allows you to use hardwired sensors with a wireless 319.5 MHz system. The module was specifically designed with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus in mind. What's unique about the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F is that it includes siren terminals and a built-in siren relay which can be controlled wirelessly by the panel. No external relay is needed for the connected siren, as long as the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 has a hardware RF PIC version 11.1.4 G2 or higher.

Powering the Honeywell Vista-20P

If you just can't get enough of Joe, then you're in luck! He will show you how to provide power to your Honeywell VISTA 20P Hardwired Security System. The panel receives power through two sources. Its primary power source is a plug-in transformer, specifically the Honeywell 1321. If the electricity goes out, then the system can remain powered on through its backup battery. We recommend using an UltraTech 1240 for this purpose. All of this equipment can be purchased from the Alarm Grid site.

How Alarm Systems Work

Hey look, it's Jorge! He's going to explain how alarm systems work. The centerpiece of every alarm system is the control panel. This panel receives signals from sensors that are used throughout the premises. There are sensors for letting the system know if a door or window is opened, if there is movement in the area, if glass is broken, if there is a fire, or really almost any troubling condition that warrants your attention. The system then responds based on the zone configuration and its current arming state.

The Tuxedo Touch - Not An AlarmNet Communicator

If you think the Tuxedo Touch WIFI is an AlarmNet Communicator, then you are sorely mistaken. Jorge is here to set the record straight and explain that the Tuxedo Touch is not a communicator. It is just a touchscreen keypad used with VISTA Series Systems. The keypad uses WIFI connectivity to transmit Z-Wave home automation signals to and from Total Connect 2.0. But you will still need a separate communicator for connecting your system with the AlarmNet Servers.

Programming Report Codes For a Self Monitoring Plan With Alarm Grid

Let's say you sign-up for a self-monitoring plan with Alarm Grid. Great! But since you are self-monitored, you don't need your system reporting out to a central monitoring station. Jorge will show you how to disable the reporting codes for your system so that it functions properly. This process is only necessary for self-monitored systems that use Total Connect 2.0. You do not need to disable report codes for Alarm.com Systems, since Alarm Grid can do it from their end.

Defaulting a Schlage Z-Wave Lock

Joe returns to tell you how to default a Schlage Z-Wave Lock. By performing a factory reset, the lock will be restored to its factory default settings. This will clear any Z-Wave settings, as well as any codes programmed for the device. You will need to re-add the lock to your Z-Wave network. You should check the programming sticker on the lock to find the default user codes. The programming sticker is found underneath the device's main cover.

Hi DIYers! We're back with another Alarm Grid Tip. Today's tip is to always know your Entry and Exit Delay periods and how they are used. Nearly every alarm system has these settings, and configuring them properly is important for any DIY user. Let's take a look at Entry and Exit Delays!

Let's start with Entry Delays. When you enter your home while your system is armed, you probably don't want an alarm to occur. After all, you've done nothing wrong. All you've done is open a door. It's not like you smashed a window or burst open a wall. But at the same time, you want your alarm system to confirm that it's you that entered your home. For example, if you forgot to lock the door, an intruder might walk right inside.

This is actually where the very premise of alarm systems comes into play. In its Armed state, your system will want you to Disarm when an Entry/Exit door is opened. But you aren't a magician or a wizard. You can't just, poof, Disarm your system instantly. You have to get inside, close the door, set your stuff down, calm down your dog or cat, walk over to your keypad, enter your code and Disarm your system. Needless to say, this might take a minute or so.

That is why Entry Delay periods are important. They give you a small period of time for you to Disarm your system before it goes into alarm. Since you know your system's code, you should be able to Disarm in a timely manner. But an intruder who doesn't know the code won't be able to provide verification in time. The Entry Delay period will expire, and the central station will come calling to make sure everything is alright. An intruder won't know the false alarm passcode, and emergency dispatch will be sent out momentarily.

But wait! We understand the stress that Entry Delay periods can present! If you have a short Entry Delay period, you might be running frantically to your keypad to avoid that awkward conversation with the central station dispatcher.

"Yeah, sorry, I didn't get to the keypad in time. My false alarm passcode is DIYer." - The person with too short of an Entry Delay period.

But fortunately, you're a DIYer! You can go into programming and adjust your Entry Delay period. That way, you can set it to a duration that allows you to comfortably and calmly reach your system's keypad and Disarm the system. But remember, the shorter you keep this delay period, the sooner dispatch will be sent out in a real emergency.

We also understand that some situations require longer Entry Delay periods than others. For example, you might enter your home from your basement door. It might take you longer to walk up those stairs and reach the keypad than if you entered from your front door. Never fear, alarm manufacturers covered that as well. This is done by having multiple Entry Delay periods on the same system. They are usually conveniently named "Entry Delay 1" and "Entry Delay 2". We know, these are very creative names.

Each delay zone can be set individually to work with either Entry Delay 1 or Entry Delay 2 based on its programmed Response Type. So if you want a longer or shorter Entry Delay period for certain zones, then you have the power! Please note that the Entry Delay 2 period should always be the longer of the two, and is also commonly associated with Garage Door Zones. Keep this in mind when system planning.

Of course, you can also Disarm your system before even entering your home using a keyfob. Or if you have Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, you can just open the mobile app on your smartphone and Disarm from there. But hey, maybe you forgot your phone and keyfob inside. In that case, knowing your Entry Delay period and how long you have to Disarm your panel is important!

Some common Response Types that use Entry Delay periods: Entry Exit 1, Entry Exit 2, Interior With Delay, Garage.

Whew! That was a lot to take in. But we saved time to discuss Exit Delay periods. When you Arm your system, there is usually that brief period of time where you need to collect your belongings, say bye bye to your precious puppy, leave the premises and lock the door behind you. During this time, you don't want your system to go into alarm because you activated a sensor. You want to have a moment to safely leave without worry. That is why we have Exit Delay periods.

The Exit Delay gives you a chance to exit the premises without worrying about setting off an alarm. Once the Exit Delay period expires, your system will be Armed. However, it's also important to touch on Auto-Stay Arming here. When you Arm Away using your panel or keypad, the assumption is that you will activate an Entry/Exit Zone on the way out. If no Entry/Exit zone fault and restore is seen by the system, it will assume that someone (you) is still present inside the building. If Auto-Stay Arming is enabled, the system will prevent false alarms by switching to Arm Stay at the end of the Exit count down, even though you Armed Away. To avoid this, open an Entry/Exit Zone during the Exit Delay countdown, or disable Auto-Stay Arming.

Just like with Entry Delay periods, you, as a DIYer, can adjust your Exit Delay. Most systems only have a single Exit Delay period, but you can easily configure it based on your needs. Find a time period that allows you to comfortably leave your home without worry, and set that as your Exit Delay. That way, you won't be scrambling to rush out the door whenever you Arm your system!

And again, you can always Arm from outside your home using a keyfob or a mobile app. Doing this will tell the system to ignore any Auto-Stay Arming settings, as you may not fault an Entry/Exit Zone when using a fob or app. Using either of these methods from outside your house will eliminate any worry you have about Exit Delay periods. But if you ever find yourself Arming from your panel or keypad like many of us do, you will want to keep that Exit Delay period in the back of your mind. Make sure you get out in time!

We hope that this post was helpful in explaining Entry and Exit Delay periods to you! If you have any further questions or you need help changing the Entry and/or Exit Delay periods on your panel, please reach out to us. We offer free support for Alarm Grid monitored customers! The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to helping you get the most out of your security system.

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with support for legacy 319.5 MHz sensors and PowerG sensors is now available for just $399.99. This is significantly reduced from the previous price-tag of more than $500. Now is a great time to buy an IQ Panel 2 Plus!

The IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of the most advanced wireless all-in-one security systems on the market today. The system supports up to 128 wireless zones, and it serves as a fully functional Z-Wave Plus controller. It also offers advanced features like Bluetooth disarming, live streaming with Alarm.com Cameras, facial recognition, partitioning and more. This version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus supports both PowerG sensors and legacy 319.5 MHz sensors from Qolsys and Interlogix/GE. It is available in both Verizon LTE and AT&T LTE options. Both 319.5 MHz versions have been reduced in price to $399.99 effective as of now.

Please note that this price reduction only affects the 319.5 MHz versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. The 345 MHz versions (legacy Honeywell and legacy 2GIG) and the 433 MHz versions (legacy DSC) have retained their original pricing. These versions are also available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE variants. You can find those panels with the following links:

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz AT&T LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz Verizon LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz AT&T LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz Verizon LTE

We would also like to announce that the original IQ Panel 2 has been discontinued. It is no longer available for purchase, effective immediately. As a result, all of the Alarm Grid System Kits that included the original IQ Panel 2 have been updated to offer the IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz System instead. At this time, we are only offering kits with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you want the 345 MHz or 433 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, you will need to purchase the system individually.

Each IQ Panel 2 Plus System Kit includes a brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz System, Versa-GE Door and Window Contacts (3 or 10 depending on the kit), a single Qolsys IQ Motion-S Sensor, a power cable, a plug-in transformer, and a built-in LTE communicator (AT&T or Verizon). You can find these kits in the links below:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T 3-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T 10-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon 3-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon 10-1 Kit

If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus, please reach out to us. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com, and we will respond back as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Great news DIYers! The Total Connect 2.0 Service used with Honeywell and Resideo Alarm Panels now supports If This, Then That, otherwise known as IFTTT. This is huge for TC2, as a plethora of new integrations and features are now possible! TC2 users can visit this page to get started.

As you may know, Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive service platform used with Resideo Alarm Systems. The service can be used with any compatible panel that has an AlarmNet Cellular or IP Communicator installed and activated. Once a user has a Total Connect 2.0 account, they can access the platform through the Total Connect 2.0 website or through a mobile app on their Android or iOS device.

Accessing TC2 allows an end user to perform various system functions. These functions include Arming and Disarming their system, checking current system status, controlling connected Z-Wave smart home devices, viewing connected Resideo IP Cameras and more. The end user will need an active monitoring plan that includes access to the TC2 platform. Users who are not currently monitored should check out our monitoring page for more information about alarm monitoring service.

It was already possible to use Total Connect 2.0 to trigger security system and Z-Wave actions based around certain predetermined events and time schedules. But IFTTT support adds a world of new possibilities. Thanks to IFTTT, end users can now quickly and easily integrate peripherals like Lutron Smart Lights, Sonos Speakers, Phillips Hue Lights, Roomba devices, Rachio Sprinklers, MyQ Garage Doors, Somfy Blinds and more.

IFTTT works by using Triggers and Actions. Basically when a certain "Trigger" occurs, an "Action" will follow. Currently, IFTTT only allows TC2 "Triggers" caused by changing the arming status of your system, or an alarm event on your system. We are hopeful that IFTTT will allow specific sensor triggers sometime in the future. Additionally, IFTTT can be used to create Triggers based on date & time or a predetermined schedule. The Action that follows a Trigger could be something like telling your Sonos Sound System to start playing music, your Lutron Lights to all turn off, or your Rachio Sprinkler System to start watering the grass.

What's great about IFTTT is that it is ultra-customizable and offers nearly any possible combination of connected devices and responses. You can have multiple Actions corresponding to the same Trigger, or multiple Triggers to cause the same Action. And despite being extremely intricate in terms of possible combinations, creating individual commands in IFTTT is actually quite easy. We are sure that end users will love this new integration and the ease of use that it provides.

We expect to release new content in the near future to help users get started with IFTTT for TC2. This will likely include all-new FAQs and videos designed to walk users through the process of creating new Triggers and Actions for use with their Resideo Alarm Systems and their connected smart devices. Stay tuned for more content coming soon!

For now, if you want to learn more about IFTTT and how it can be used with TC2, the best way is to reach out to us. We recommend sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com with your question or concern. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as quickly as possible. If you prefer to call us, you can do so at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you learn all about IFTTT.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at SimpliSafe and how their monitoring service and equipment compares with Alarm Grid. We believe that this information will be helpful to end users when deciding upon an alarm monitoring provider. Let's see how SimpliSafe stacks up with Alarm Grid.

Proprietary Equipment

When a customer signs up for SimpliSafe, they are required to purchase a security panel and sensors directly from the company. This equipment is proprietary to SimpliSafe, and it will only work with their monitoring service. A user cannot take their SimpliSafe System and bring it to a different monitoring company. The equipment is for use with SimpliSafe only.

SimpliSafe does not require its customers to sign contracts. Their monitoring service is offered on a month-to-month basis. A customer can leave SimpliSafe at any time. The problem is that their system will be useless for alarm monitoring with any monitoring service outside of SimpliSafe. Unless a customer is willing to buy a completely new system, they will be stuck with SimpliSafe as their only option.

Alarm Grid does not manufacture its own equipment. Instead, Alarm Grid sells equipment from reputable manufacturers like Resideo/Honeywell, 2GIG, Qolsys and Interlogix. All the equipment sold on the Alarm Grid website is non-proprietary. If a customer decides to leave Alarm Grid, they can certainly bring their alarm panel, sensors and communicator with them to a new company.

Customers do not need to purchase their equipment from the Alarm Grid website. If they can find a better deal elsewhere, then we will encourage them to buy it from that location instead. Likewise, if a customer has an existing alarm system, we will do everything possible to take it over and make it work with our service. At Alarm Grid, we want to minimize the cost for our customers. Many systems and sensors can be taken over so that the customer does not need to buy new equipment.

Just like SimpliSafe, Alarm Grid is no contract, and customers pay on a month-to-month basis. The difference is that if a customer leaves Alarm Grid, they can take their system with them. Since the equipment we service is all non-proprietary, it can be taken over by any willing monitoring company. As a result, customers stick with Alarm Grid because they are pleased with the service and support we provide. This is the reason our customers refrain from taking their system and business elsewhere.

Equipment Compliance

Any reputable security equipment should be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This is mandatory for meeting the requirements of National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 and UL Standards. For SimpliSafe, the proprietary wireless smoke detector and proprietary wireless carbon monoxide detector are both listed and labeled by the NRTL Intertek. This puts these devices in compliance with the aforementioned standards.

However, no other piece of SimpliSafe equipment is listed by Intertek. This includes the SimpliSafe Base Station (Panel) and the rest of the SimpliSafe Sensors. In fact, this equipment is not listed by any NRTL. In other words, this equipment is not necessarily compliant with UL Standards. It has not met the UL requirement of independent third-party testing needed for certified equipment. SimpliSafe says that they test their own equipment to UL standards, but this is different from the required third-party testing.

The equipment sold on the Alarm Grid website is UL or ETL listed and properly certified. It has met the third-party testing requirements. Additionally, the equipment we are familiar with taking over is also compliant with these standards. Again, companies like Resideo/Honeywell, 2GIG and Qolsys are known for their strict compliance. When you buy equipment from Alarm Grid you can be certain that you are getting quality equipment that is certified with the latest requirements.

Destruction Protection

Just like many systems, the SimpliSafe Base Station is designed to be placed out in the open for easy access. If an intruder destroys the base station before an alarm signal is sent out, then the signals might not go through successfully. To prevent this, SimpliSafe recommends disguising their system. One article claimed that a SimpliSafe representative suggested disguising their base station with a "lamp shade".

For Alarm Grid customers, their systems are connected with a reporting service like AlarmNet or Alarm.com. AlarmNet offers Advanced Protection Logic (APL), while Alarm.com provides "Crash & Smash". Although these features differ slightly, their general principle is the same. Both features are designed to ensure that the authorities are still properly dispatched if the security panel is destroyed.

The basic premise behind APL and Crash & Smash is that an alarm panel will immediately send an alert to the reporting service (AlarmNet or ADC) when an Entry Delay or communication delay period is activated. The reporting service will then know that either a system Disarm or an Alarm signal must logically follow. If after a certain period of time no signal is received, then the service will know that the panel must have been destroyed. In this case, APL or Crash & Smash will take effect, and the monitoring station will be notified.

Simply put, SimpliSafe does not offer this type of protection. Instead, the company advises its customers to hide and disguise its system. This can be very risky if an intruder recognizes the SimpliSafe Base Station and knows to destroy it. Additionally, the SimpliSafe Sensors do not include tamper covers. It's easily possible for a smart intruder to remove the cover for the sensor, take out the battery and beat the SimpliSafe System.

Life-Safety Offerings

Section NFPA 72 of the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code requires that smoke detectors and CO detectors have the technical capability to produce distinct Temporal 3 and Temporal 4 sounding respectively. This is crucial for being able to actively distinguish between the type of danger at-hand and take the appropriate action.

SimpliSafe Smoke and CO Detectors do not have this functionality. As a result, they are non-compliant with NFPA 72. The only way for a SimpliSafe user to determine the cause of the alarm is to check the system's keypad or the associated text message from the SimpliSafe network. The SimpliSafe Base Station has an 85 dB sounder that meets code. However, this sounder is positioned downward. This positioning can muffle the siren and make it less likely for others to hear it.

SimpliSafe does offer an unsupervised external wireless siren that operates at 105 dB. However, this siren has no tamper switches and can be easily disabled by anyone who gains access. If the siren were to be taken offline, it is possible that the end user might not find out about this until it's too late.

Alarm Grid sells smokes and CO detectors with built-in sounders that meet the respective Temporal 3 and Temporal 4 sounder requirements. We also advise the use of supervised sirens that are either wired-in with the panel or protected by the system. Additionally, the wireless panels we sell feature built-in sounders that are positioned in such a manner that they can be easily heard when activated.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to go with SimpliSafe, Alarm Grid or a different monitoring company entirely is up to you. We can say that with Alarm Grid you can obtain a quality system that meets all the needed standards and requirements for your area. If you ever aren't satisfied with Alarm Grid for any reason, you can take the system you invested money into elsewhere and use it with a different monitoring company. You will also receive monitoring service that protects you and your family if your system is ever destroyed during a break-in.

We encourage you to check out our alarm monitoring page for more information about our monitoring services. If you decide that Alarm Grid is the right choice for your home, you can select a monitoring plan right from the same page. This page is also available through the orange "Alarm Monitoring" button at the top of any page on our website.

If you have any questions or you want to learn more about alarm monitoring, we invite you to reach out to us. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You can also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F to speak with one of our security planners. Our team is here to help you make the right choice for home security monitoring, and we look forward to protecting you and your loved ones.

Hi DIYers! Last week was interesting for us, as we scrambled to get up some new content by the end of the week. We managed to upload seven new videos. This includes five from Joe, who was this week's MVP. We hope that you enjoy our latest videos and how they help you use your equipment.

Viewing an ADC-SVR122 Remotely

Joe explains how users can view video footage stored on an Alarm.com ADC-SVR122 Stream Video Recorder remotely. The ADC-SVR122 stores footage so that it can be viewed on Alarm.com. The footage can be viewed from Alarm.com, both through the website and through the mobile app. The ADC-SVR122 will need to be integrated with the user's Alarm.com account for this to work. The integration must be done from the Alarm.com website by choosing the option "Add Video Device". Up to eight (8) Alarm.com Cameras can be used with a single ADC-SVR122.

Excluding a Kwikset Z-Wave Lock

Joe teaches users how to exclude a Kwikset Z-Wave Lock from a Z-Wave network. There are a few different instances when you may want to exclude a Z-Wave lock. This step is important to perform before trying to the device to the network. Even if the lock is brand-new, it may have been previously paired with a network for factory testing purposes. You might also try excluding a lock and then re-adding it to the network as a possible troubleshooting step.

Factory Defaulting a Kwikset Z-Wave Lock

Joe demonstrates how to factory default a Kwikset Z-Wave Lock. Performing a factory reset is normally performed when a user inherits the lock from someone else and they want to start fresh with factory default settings. A user may also perform a factory default as a last ditch method for troubleshooting the device. Performing a factory default will clear all programmed user codes and remove all Z-Wave settings. The lock will need to be re-enrolled after performing the default.

Including a Kwikset Z-Wave Lock

Joe covers the process for including a Kwikset Z-Wave Lock into a Z-Wave network. This requires a Z-Wave controller or hub. By pairing a Z-Wave lock, you will be able to control it remotely from an interactive service platform on your smartphone. This is great if you ever need to let someone inside your home while they are away. You can then remotely lock the device after they leave. Z-Wave devices can also be set to activate based on a schedule or with certain predetermined events.

Glass Break Simulators

Joe talks about glass break simulators and how they are used. These devices will produce a sound that is specifically designed to activate glass break detectors. This is great for testing glass break sensors and making sure that they are detecting sounds and working properly. Most security equipment manufacturers have their own glass break simulators that they recommend for use with their equipment. Alarm Grid offers three (3) glass break simulators, which are the Honeywell FG701, the DSC AFT-100 and the Interlogix 5709C-W.

Carbon Monoxide Sensor Notifications from a Lyric via Apple HomeKit

Jorge discusses why a user will not receive specific carbon monoxide sensor notifications from Apple HomeKit when the CO sensor is used with their Lyric Alarm System. When HomeKit is used with the Lyric System, HomeKit will only provide specific notifications for burglary and intrusion zones. HomeKit will not provide specific alerts for life-safety zones. Instead, the user will only receive a General Lyric System Alert. That is why it is important to use Total Connect 2.0 alongside HomeKit. Unlike Apple HomeKit, Total Connect 2.0 will let you know exactly which zone was faulted, regardless of Response Type.

Programming Options Accessible Via Installer Code on the Lyric Alarm

In his triumphant return, Jarrett explains the programming options that can be accessed from the Installer Tools Menu on the Honeywell Lyric Controller. This menu is accessed using the system's Installer Code, which should be kept at its default of 4112. The Installer Tools Menu offers many options that allow the user to make changes to the system settings. This includes adding new sensors and configuring the communication path settings for the panel. You can also access Installer Tools to perform a factory default or to reset the Master Code to 1234.

Hi DIYers! We haven't made an Alarm Grid Tips post in while, so we figured now was a good time. The tip for today is to always take pictures when swapping out a hardwired alarm control panel with a new one. A few clear and detailed pictures can help you greatly with rewiring later on.

If you have an older alarm system, there may be many benefits to upgrading to a newer model. A more advanced panel will allow for a greater number of zones and support for new functions and features. Many people upgrade so that they can access an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. This will allow you to control your system and check its status remotely using a smartphone.

When a person makes a system upgrade, they will usually want to bring their existing sensors to their new setup if possible. Even if the panel itself is old and outdated, the sensors may still be perfectly suitable for regular use. It can be very expensive to buy a complete new set of sensors. And the user won't even need to move their sensors. They can remain in the same location and just wire-in with the new panel.

But if you have a complete hardwired system, then there are likely many sensors and other pieces of equipment running from various locations on the circuit board. Certain devices like sirens can require a surprisingly intricate setup, and it can be difficult to remember where everything goes. Even if you are just transferring sensors and other devices from one panel to another, the task can be surprisingly challenging without a visual aid.

For that reason, we recommend taking pictures before trying to bring over equipment from one panel to another. You don't need to take many, just enough to see where everything goes and where every connection ends up. In many cases, a new panel will follow a very similar wiring setup to the one it is replacing. By using your images as a guide, you will have a much easier time making a successful transition.

This same principle also applies if you are upgrading to a wireless system from a hardwired system. Wireless systems can support hardwired sensors by using wired to wireless converters. A wired to wireless converter works by connecting directly with hardwired sensors and sending out wireless signals to the panel on their behalf. The system will then recognize these wired sensors just like any regular wireless sensor.

Wiring sensors to a converter is actually very similar to wiring to a panel. The pictures of your old hardwired setup will be surprisingly helpful when connecting to a wired to wireless converter. You can check the pictures to see which wire goes to which terminal and even make sure the backup power supply is connected correctly. By placing the converter in the old location of the previous panel, all the sensors can remain in the same spot and easily connect with the converter(s).

So if you are ever upgrading from an older hardwired system, make sure to take some pictures first! We hope this basic tip was helpful to some DIY installers out there. Keep checking our blog for more Alarm Grid Tips in the future.