Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a 21iP to Activate a Lock?
The VISTA-21iP can control Z-Wave locks with the addition of a Z-Wave controller. Compatible modules include the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch and the Honeywell VAM. Z-Wave locks can be operated through the Z-Wave controller or through Total Connect. Learn more about using Z-Wave locks with a VISTA-21iP.
What is the Best Wired Door/Window Alarm Contact?
There is not a single "best" hardwired door and window contact. Each type of door and window contact will work better in certain situations and installations than in others. There is usually a perfect hardwired contact for every type of situation. Learn more about wired door and window contacts.
How Do I Turn off (Power Down) My Home Alarm System?
Most alarm systems can be turned off by following similar steps. The process involves disconnecting the backup battery and then unplugging the transformer from the wall. The shut down can be confirmed by checking the panel's touchscreen or keypad. Learn more about shutting down your alarm system.
Honeywell 5800MINI vs Honeywell 5818MNL
The 5800MINI and the 5818MNL are both wireless door and window contacts from the Honeywell 5800 Series. They both include a sensor and a magnet. Their biggest difference is that the 5800MINI is a surface-mount sensor, while the 5818MNL is a recessed sensor. Learn more about these two devices.
How Much Do You Save On Homeowner's Insurance With an Alarm System?
By owning an alarm system, a user can expect to save roughly 5% to 20% on their homeowner's insurance. This amount varies between different insurance companies and location. It is also dependent upon the type of protection that the homeowner receives. Learn more about insurance discounts.
Can I Use Vivint's Security Cameras w/o Service?
Vivint provides proprietary security cameras that are designed exclusively for use with Vivint service. If a user leaves Vivint, they will not be able to bring these cameras to another monitoring company. Vivint has blocked these cameras for takeover. Learn more about Vivint security cameras.
What Is Total Connect?
The interactive service platform used with Honeywell Control Panels is called Total Connect. This service can be accessed from any web browser or through the Total Connect mobile app. This service allows users control of both their panel and home automation devices. Learn more about Total Connect.
How Do I Replace Batteries in Honeywell Door/Window Sensors?
Replacing the battery in a Honeywell door and window sensor is a simple process. First determine the type of battery that the sensor uses. Then remove the back cover and the old battery. Finally, insert the new battery into the sensor. Learn more about replacing batteries in a door sensor.
Can Security Cameras Reduce Homeowner's Insurance?
Having alarm monitoring service can save homeowners a large amount of money in insurance costs. However, security cameras will generally not reduce insurance premiums. That being said, security cameras are still very useful for home security setups. Learn more about security cameras.
How Does a Glass Break Detector Work?
Many people monitor windows and glass cases using glass break detectors. These devices work by listening for both the thud of an object striking against glass and the actual shattering of glass itself. Both sounds must be present for the device to activate. Learn more about glass break detectors.
The VISTA-21iP can control Z-Wave locks with the addition of a Z-Wave controller. Compatible modules include the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch and the Honeywell VAM. Z-Wave locks can be operated through the Z-Wave controller or through Total Connect. Learn more about using Z-Wave locks with a VISTA-21iP.
Added:
What is the Best Wired Door/Window Alarm Contact?
There is not a single "best" hardwired door and window contact. Each type of door and window contact will work better in certain situations and installations than in others. There is usually a perfect hardwired contact for every type of situation. Learn more about wired door and window contacts.
Added:
How Do I Turn off (Power Down) My Home Alarm System?
Most alarm systems can be turned off by following similar steps. The process involves disconnecting the backup battery and then unplugging the transformer from the wall. The shut down can be confirmed by checking the panel's touchscreen or keypad. Learn more about shutting down your alarm system.
Added:
Honeywell 5800MINI vs Honeywell 5818MNL
The 5800MINI and the 5818MNL are both wireless door and window contacts from the Honeywell 5800 Series. They both include a sensor and a magnet. Their biggest difference is that the 5800MINI is a surface-mount sensor, while the 5818MNL is a recessed sensor. Learn more about these two devices.
Added:
How Much Do You Save On Homeowner's Insurance With an Alarm System?
By owning an alarm system, a user can expect to save roughly 5% to 20% on their homeowner's insurance. This amount varies between different insurance companies and location. It is also dependent upon the type of protection that the homeowner receives. Learn more about insurance discounts.
Added:
Can I Use Vivint's Security Cameras w/o Service?
Vivint provides proprietary security cameras that are designed exclusively for use with Vivint service. If a user leaves Vivint, they will not be able to bring these cameras to another monitoring company. Vivint has blocked these cameras for takeover. Learn more about Vivint security cameras.
Added:
What Is Total Connect?
The interactive service platform used with Honeywell Control Panels is called Total Connect. This service can be accessed from any web browser or through the Total Connect mobile app. This service allows users control of both their panel and home automation devices. Learn more about Total Connect.
Added:
How Do I Replace Batteries in Honeywell Door/Window Sensors?
Replacing the battery in a Honeywell door and window sensor is a simple process. First determine the type of battery that the sensor uses. Then remove the back cover and the old battery. Finally, insert the new battery into the sensor. Learn more about replacing batteries in a door sensor.
Added:
Can Security Cameras Reduce Homeowner's Insurance?
Having alarm monitoring service can save homeowners a large amount of money in insurance costs. However, security cameras will generally not reduce insurance premiums. That being said, security cameras are still very useful for home security setups. Learn more about security cameras.
Added:
How Does a Glass Break Detector Work?
Many people monitor windows and glass cases using glass break detectors. These devices work by listening for both the thud of an object striking against glass and the actual shattering of glass itself. Both sounds must be present for the device to activate. Learn more about glass break detectors.
Added: