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How to look after your intruder alarm
Most false alarms come from small, avoidable things. These checks help keep your alarm reliable.
What you can check
- Before setting, close doors and windows and check nothing will move in front of detectors: balloons, curtains near heaters, or pets where they're not allowed.
- Keep detectors clear. Don't stack boxes in front of them or hang things on them.
- Keep your user code private. Ask us to remove codes and tags for anyone who no longer needs them.
- Keep your contact and keyholder details up to date with us, especially if your alarm is monitored.
- If the keypad shows a fault or a service message, call us rather than ignoring it.
What we test on a service
- Test every detector, door contact and keypad
- Test the bell box, strobe and internal sounders
- Check panel and bell box batteries and power supply
- Check signalling to the monitoring centre, where fitted
- Check the event log for faults and false alarms
Why it matters
A service is usually needed once a year for unmonitored alarms and twice a year for monitored systems with police response. Your insurer may have its own requirements, so check your policy.
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Book a serviceCall 01635 938998Common questions
How often should an intruder alarm be serviced?
Usually once a year for unmonitored alarms, and twice a year for monitored systems with police response.
How can I stop false alarms?
Close doors and windows before setting, keep detectors clear, and keep pets out of protected areas unless your system allows for them.
Someone has left. Can you remove their code?
Yes. Call Fortline on 01635 938998. Some systems let the master user do this too.
The keypad says service due. Is my alarm still working?
Usually yes, but book a service so it stays reliable.