Systems & Hardware

• How does my wireless security system communicate?

  Our systems use dual-path technology (cellular and Wi-Fi) to connect your security panel to the Alarm Response Center, as well as your mobile app. During an alarm, the system automatically selects the fastest way to connect. It's more responsive, more connected, and more secure.
  
  Your home sensors communicate with the panel using encrypted low-power radio signals that don't require your Wi-Fi network.

• Will my security system continue to work if my wireless network goes down, or if the power goes out?

  Yes. Your system has 4G LTE cellular backup to make sure your home is still professionally monitored.

• Are wireless security systems secure?

  Absolutely. It's much easier for an intruder to cut a landline than disrupt the wireless signal to the Alarm Response Center. If an intruder tries to break your security panel or base, it will set off an alarm before the system is compromised.
  
  Wireless sensors are also secure. Since they aren't constrained by phone lines or wall mounts, they can be placed out of view of intruders. If a sensor is tampered with, an alarm will be triggered as well.

• Can I turn the alarm system on and off?

  Yes. You can use a passcode to arm and disarm it from the panel. You can also use the mobile app or a keychain remote.

• Can my system be connected to home automation devices, such as smart lights, locks, and thermostats?

  That's a popular option for many Brinks Home Security customers. Your system can serve as a hub for up to 119 Z-wave smart sensors and devices, such as video cameras, locks and lights. Compatible devices from multiple manufacturers can be controlled remotely from the mobile app.

• Do pets trigger motion sensors?

  In general, only pets over 40 lbs. are capable of triggering motion sensors. To safeguard against pet-triggered alarms, we suggest following the recommendations provided with your security system, and (if possible) setting motion detectors in areas that pets don't normally frequent.

• What type of batteries do door and motion sensors use?

  Your door sensors take a single 3V lithium watch battery, while motion sensors take two lithium AA batteries. Both types of battery last from 5 to 10 years. They only cost a few dollars and are easy to purchase and replace.

• Why don't your systems include window sensors?

  Our door sensors can also be used as window sensors, though window sensors aren't cost-effective for home protection. Window break-ins are rare, and with the effective protection provided by well-placed door and motion sensors, window sensors are rarely necessary. If you absolutely need window sensors, just add extra door sensors when you purchase your system.

• When a security breach occurs, does my system tell me where in my home it happened?

  Yes. Each sensor protects a door, window, or area, and will indicate the location of the breach when an alarm occurs.

• I don't have good cellular service at my house. Will my system still work?

  Absolutely. Your system uses dual-path connectivity to communicate over the best signal—whether it's Wi-Fi or cellular. The cellular service will come from either AT&T or Verizon, depending on which carrier is stronger at your home. Just call or chat us to let us know if you have a preference.

• Does my security system have a warranty?

  Your system hardware is covered by a 2-year limited warranty. If anything breaks during the first two years, we'll replace it.

• Can I take my system with me if I move to a new home?

  Yes. That's one of the advantages of a wireless self-installed system. Just take the devices down from your old home and place them in your new home. Once you have installed your system in the new location, just call or chat to let us know. Your monthly rate will remain the same unless you choose to add additional services.

• Can I get an additional system for my vacation home?

  Of course! Just call or chat with one of our security experts to get started.

• How is my system so affordable? What's the catch?

  There is no catch. Our systems are self-installed, which lets you avoid costs for professional installation. Whether you work with a security specialist or build it yourself, you'll get a system with exactly what you need to protect your home. This avoids extra hardware that runs up your bill.

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Professional Monitoring

• What is professional monitoring?

  A professionally monitored system transmits alarm signals to an Alarm Response Center, a sophisticated 24/7 call center that can rapidly notify police, fire or medical authorities during any emergency.
  
  Around-the-clock professional monitoring is especially important because calling 911 on your cell phone won't connect you to the correct authorities unless you're currently located within their jurisdiction. The professionals in our monitoring center will alert the correct authorities no matter where you are.

• Who gets notifications when my alarm goes off?
  Can I choose who I want to be notified?

  With professional monitoring, once an alarm goes off, highly trained professionals in the Alarm Response Center will begin contacting a list of emergency contacts that you'll create after you activate your monitoring. You can update the list anytime.
  
  You'll receive notifications through your mobile app, but you'll also have ASAPer, our patented alert system that connects as many emergency contacts as you want. When an alarm goes off, you and your emergency contacts will automatically receive your choice of voice calls, texts and/or email notifications while we work on your behalf to contact help if it's needed. You can also quickly declare a false alarm if necessary.
  
  Emergency contacts can also participate in ASAPer's group chat, which lets you send each other private messages when an alarm occurs to make sure it's resolved properly.

• How many months is the monitoring agreement for?

  Your agreement is for 36 months. We'll do everything we can to make sure you're happy with your new system, but you can cancel at any time in the first 90 days with no termination fee.

• Can I save money on my homeowners insurance by having an alarm system?

  It's common for some insurers to provide a discount of up to 20 percent on homeowners insurance if you have a professionally monitored system. Be sure to check with your insurance company for more information.

• Can I get a system without professional monitoring?

  Either system allows self-monitoring from your mobile app. However, we don't recommend it because it doesn't meet certain home insurance and municipal code requirements. Give us a call if you're interested in self-monitoring.

• Is there a termination fee if I cancel my monitoring & service?

  You can cancel your service within the first 90 days, with no termination fee. After that, the terms of your agreement will be in effect and you'll be responsible for any remaining balance.

• I live in a neighborhood where police don't respond to residential alarms. Who comes to my house to investigate alarms?

  Different jurisdictions have different rules regarding alarm dispatch. However, it's very rare that police won't respond to alarms at all. In many cases, you just need a permit for your home, which we can help you get. Contact us or your local law enforcement to find out how alarms are handled in your area.

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Installation

• How easy is it to self-install a system? Will I need tools?

  Installation is very easy. If you can hang a picture on the wall, you can set up either system. Every component comes with extra-strength adhesive strips to make placement easy. On average, the installation takes 15-20 minutes. No tools are needed, although you can use screws to secure motion sensors or wall-mount the panel.

• How can I be sure that I set up my system correctly?

  When you set up your system, one of our technicians will be there on the phone to guide you through the process. After setup is completed, the technician will run a few tests to make sure that everything is working correctly.

• How does the pre-configuration process work?

  After you purchase your system, you can either complete a brief online questionnaire or speak with one of our specialists.This provides us with the info we need to pre-configure your system. We'll program the sensors so they're synced with the panel, test the system, and label each sensor so you know where to put it. Then we ship your system directly to you.

• Does an installer need to come to my house?

  No. Our systems are designed to be easy for anyone to install. If you can hang a picture, you can install the system.

• I don't have a landline. Can I still get a system?

  Yes, you can. Our systems communicate wirelessly through cellular networks and Wi-Fi – no landline needed.

• Can the panel be mounted on the wall?

  The touchscreen panel can either be wall-mounted or free-standing using the included desk-mount. We recommend free-standing, although wall-mounting a panel is as easy as hanging a picture. Just place the screws in the desired location and attach the panel.

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Miscellaneous

• I live outside the United States. Can I still get one of your systems?

  Currently, our systems are only available in the United States and Canada.

• I already have a home security system in my home. Can I get professional monitoring for that system?

  Certainly. We have a lot of experience transitioning older alarms systems to our monitoring and service. Give us a call to learn more.

• Is my smartphone app secure? What if someone steals my phone?

  As a best practice, we recommend enabling a passcode to secure your smartphone. But even if someone does manage to access your system control app, they will still need to enter your alarm passcode or a password to disarm the system.