How Do I Clear A Tamper Error On My Honeywell System?

When a tamper occurs, the first step is to perform a disarm to quiet the trouble sound. Next, find the cause of the tamper and correct it. This could be a loose cover on the system itself, a wireless device or a module. Once the cover is on, disarm again to clear the message from the display.

There are two different types of tampers; cover tamper, and base or back tamper. A cover tamper ensures that if the cover is removed from a device, the end-user is alerted to that fact. A base or back tamper ensures that if a device is removed from its mounting location, the end-user is made aware of it. Tamper switches are usually only present on All-in-One (AiO) alarm panels, wireless devices, life safety devices such as smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors, and expansion modules. Wired panels installed in commercial locations often have a cover tamper added to the metal panel enclosure lid and tied to a wired zone.

Usually, a tamper is due to the cover not being placed back on the device correctly, or in some cases, if the sensor has a back tamper, it may not be mounted correctly, or may be missing its back mounting plate. AiO panels may have multiple tampers, one for the front or back cover, and one for the bay where the communicator is installed.

Once the reason for the tamper is found and corrected, whether it was a panel tamper, or a sensor tamper, disarm the system again to clear the tamper display. With Vista panels, this means entering your 4 digit code + Off [1]. With Lynx or Lyric alarm panel, go to Security > Disarm > Enter Code. You may need to do this twice. You can also press the Home Key once or twice, until you're provided with a number pad, then enter your valid 4 digit code.

On rare occasions, a wireless device may have a malfunctioning tamper switch. This is usually caused by the cover tamper not fitting on the transmitter quite right. To test the device and verify that the tamper is working correctly, follow these steps:

1. Remove the cover. If the cover is still on the device, remove it. This should expose the tamper switch.

2. Manually press the tamper. Press and hold the tamper switch down with your thumb or finger. It may be easier to do this if you remove the transmitter from its mounting location, and hold it in your hand. The device should be restored, meaning if it's a door/window contact using a magnet, the magnet should be next to the transmitter in the "closed" position.

3. Disarm the system. At the panel or keypad, perform a disarm sequence twice. If the tamper on the device whose tamper is being manually held down does not clear, then you can assume it is a defective tamper switch.

View Alarm Grid’s video; Honeywell 5800C2W: Fixing a Cover Tamper https://www.alarmgrid.com/videos/honeywell-5800c2w...