Why is My Window Security System Not Working?

The National Council for Home Safety and Security reports that “homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized.” A properly functioning window security system is an essential part of your home’s security package. What should you do if you have trouble with your window security system?

Below are some general troubleshooting tips for handling basic issues that can come up with window sensors and alarms.

What can impact window sensors?

• A change in phone service

• Switching to DSL

• Remodeling activities that trip alarms

• Loss of electrical power

• Household pets that trigger alarms

• Decorations and ornaments interfering with sensors

• Business displays and advertisements

How often should window alarms be tested?

Routine window sensor testing is essential to keep your window alarm system communicating correctly with your home security monitoring company. Test your security system, including window security components, monthly. Also, be sure to test after you change your phone line, cable service, or internet service.

How do I test my window security system?

Test your system routinely. To perform a test of your home window security system, do the following:

1. Call your security system monitoring facility and ask the customer service specialist to place your account on Test Mode.

2. Trip each sensor carefully, one at a time.

3. Jot down the location of each sensor after you trip it.

4. After you complete your testing, call your monitoring center again, and ask which alarms were received during the test.

How do window security sensors work?

A window or door security component is usually a two-piece sensor unit consisting of magnetic contacts. While the system is armed, windows and doors bearing sensors are kept closed. If a window sensor falsely triggers an alarm, it may be due to one of several causes:

• Separated sensor parts — If a window is opened, the sensor’s two magnetic components become separated from one other, causing the alarm to sound. If your door or window sensor is causing false alarms, the door or window may not be closed securely.

• Sensor damage — The sensor may be damaged.

• Mounting surface condition — Contracting or swelling of the window or door or frame resulting from changing weather conditions can cause separation of the sensor parts and trigger alarms.

If you experience problems with false alarms triggered by window sensors, check for the above causes to determine whether you need help from a service technician.

What should I do if the system is beeping due to a low battery?

Most security systems begin chirping or beeping when a complete power outage occurs or when the system is not successfully recharging its backup battery. You can silence the low battery alert beeping in some systems by simply pressing the # button or the OFF button on the keypad. But if this doesn’t work, see your security system user manual for system-specific instructions on turning off the alert sound indicating a low battery.

To obtain a replacement battery, see your user manual to identify the battery ordering specifications for the particular battery you need, or contact your security system company’s customer service center for guidance on ordering the battery.

How do glass break detectors work?

An important feature of today’s state-of-the-art home security systems is the glass-break detector — an alarm component that can detect high and low frequencies in the sounds of glass shattering. Breaking dishes, slamming doors, or even barking dogs or keys clinking have been known to trigger false alarms from glass break detection sensors.

What if a sensor falls off a window or door?

If a sensor contact becomes displaced, you can simply set your security system to temporarily bypass the affected zone where the contact problem is located. This keeps the remainder of the security system armed, skipping only the affected location(s).

See your system user manual for detailed instructions on bypassing a zone or contact your security company’s monitoring center for guidance in bypassing zones.

Brinks Home™

Brinks Home offers consumers the best in modern home security equipment and professional monitoring. We have been protecting families and their homes with 24/7 professionally monitored home security systems for many years. Our customers enjoy free installation, fixed monitoring service rates, and guaranteed competitive price matching.

For More Information

The U.S. Justice Department found that in 28% of home burglaries during a three-year period, a household member was at home when the break-in happened. This ratio drives home the importance of residential security systems. If you’re ready to look into getting a monitored home security system, contact Brinks Home today.