ISSI Security - F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a security system expensive?

A: No. Expense is not about dollars and cents, but about value. We believe that a security system should be affordable for everyone while providing an excellent value. We have ways of making this important investment into safety fit into everyone's budget. Once you discover the many benefits a security system can offer you, we believe that you will see the value in it as well.

Q: Why do I need a security system?

A: Have you looked at the statistics on our website? You may be unaware of the true safety of your home or business community. It can be a difficult issue to deal with but today, crime is everywhere. You have probably been the victim of or know a victim of a crime. Every one of these crime victims can tell you that they wish they had a security system installed. If you honestly look at the facts, you will probably see the importance of this kind of investment.

Q: I already have a security system. Can ISSI save me on the monitoring?

A: Yes, in most cases we can. We will make whatever changes that are required to your system at a reasonably low cost. Then, we provide you with a monitoring package at a price you simply can't beat.

Q: Who will service the equipment?

A: All service work is performed by our highly trained and courteous technicians. All of our service personnel have passed a state security screening process that includes an FBI criminal background check.

Q: Is a security system easy to operate?

A: Yes. You can arm and disarm your security system with the push of a single button. An easy to use keypad and even an alarm keyfob for your keys can be used to arm and disarm your alarm. We also perform training for all users of your system and you can always receive free phone support if you ever have a question.

Q: Can I pay for monitoring on a quarterly or annual basis?

A: Yes. Integrated Security Systems wants to make it easy for you to afford you new monitored system. If you should find it easier on your budget to make monthly payments, quarterly payments, semi-annual payments, or annual payments for you monitoring, we can accommodate you. Payments can be made by check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx).

Q: I'm a renter, can I get a system installed?

A: Yes. But certain restrictions may apply. The property owner must sign the installation agreement. After signing the agreement, we can install a system in the property owner's name. The property owner will receive and be responsible for all the bills. The system will belong entirely to the property owner.

Q: Can I extend my warranty?

A: Yes. ISSI offers an extended warranty option that will cover the repair or replacement costs of the equipment for just a few dollars a month. Call our office for further details.

Q: Am I responsible for testing my system weekly?

A: Yes. It is important to make sure that your system is in good working order. It is quite easy to test your system; just refer to your owner's handbook or call our office for instructions or to set up a service call and we can help walk you through it. If you find that the test shows a problem, please call our office immediately to schedule a service call to repair the problem.

Q: Do I need to have my system monitored?

A: Yes. 24 hour monitoring by a UL rated central station is critical to the success of your system. It is one feature of any security system that gives you real peace of mind. When your at work, on vacation, at home sleeping, or just out running errands our monitoring center is awake and alert. We can assist in letting you know when your children return from school or we can page you when they have not returned home at their regular time. For fire safety, we can dispatch the fire response personnel immediately saving valuable time which can save lives and property. As an added benefit, many insurance companies will offer a discount of 5 to 20% for professionally installed and monitored systems.

Q: Who do you call in case of an alarm activation? What happens?
A: When a signal is received from your security system, we know who you are, what the address is, what sensor(s) in what part of your property have been tripped and what emergency agency to call. First a monitoring professional calls your home or business. If no one answers or gives the correct password in case of a false alarm by the owner, or an answering machine is received, we rapidly call the proper authorities. They are alerted as to the situation and may even be given instructions on how to get there. Our central station has one of the best response times in the nation so everything happens very quickly. After the authorities are notified, the alarm operator calls your office, pager, mobile phone or any number of a family member or friend in order given in your call list. We continue to call for up to 24 hrs until someone is reached. Usually, with a list of 4-5, we have no problem finding you or someone that is a key-holder or knows where you are within a few minutes. You can be confident that our job is to notify the proper authorities and you or someone on your call list with the utmost urgency.

Q: Do I need protection on my windows?
A: Window sensors in combination with sound (glass-break) sensors offer the optimum protection for any building or home. If cost is a major factor, we can provide adequate protection with other methods at a lower cost.

Q: Suppose someone cuts my phone line?
A: The largest percentage of break-ins do not involve professionals who would take this step. The flashing lights and siren act as a deterrent in this case. AlarmFX has equipment and services available that minimize or completely eliminate this threat. Speak with one of our security consultants for details.

Q: Can you install a system in my business?
A: Yes. AlarmFX specializes in providing solutions to businesses. We install and service the most advanced systems available for clients of any size. Call us for an assessment.

Q: I have pets. Will I be able to use a security system?
A: Yes. We now have motion detectors with pet immunity technology that allows you and your pets to be safe in your home without pet induced false alarms.

Q: What can I do to prevent false alarms?
A: According to the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, 76% of false alarms are caused by user error. The most common customer-related causes for false alarms include pets in protected areas, unsecured doors or windows, repair people unaware of the system and family members or guests who are unfamiliar with the operation of the system. It is important that we work together to reduce false alarms. Check out our False Alarm Prevention Tips and if you still have questions, feel free to contact us.

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Every day, families like yours face the reality of fire. In fact, every year thousands of people are injured or killed. The more you know, the better prepared you can be if a fire starts in your home. Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Safe Kids Campaign.

More than 77 million smoke alarms across the country are outdated. That's 1 in 3! Source: According to the National Fire Protection Association, 1 out of 3 smoke alarms is outdated. The 77 million figure was mathematically calculated based on available U.S. Census materials on the number of smoke alarms currently in U.S. households.
A child was injured or killed in two-thirds of home fires because a smoke alarm wasn't working properly. Source: National Safe Kids Campaign.
More than 800 children age 14 and under die in home fires each year. That's 17 children each week. Source: National Safe Kids Campaign.
A home fire doubles in size every 30 seconds. Source: Fire Retardant Service & Supply.
Once a house fire starts, you have less than 5 minutes to get you and your family to safety. Source: "Plan To Get Out Alive" family fire safety video-First Alert & WCBS New York.
Most deadly fires in America occur during the night, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The majority (51.6%) of victims of home fires die in their sleep. Source: United States Fire Administration (USFA).
Each year, home fires kill more Americans than all natural disasters combined. Source:
Missing or dead batteries are the main reasons smoke alarms do not sound in response to a fire. Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Your family's chances of surviving a home fire DOUBLE when there are working smoke alarms in the home. Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

First time buyers of security systems often ask questions about what they should buy. They ask friends who have systems and salespeople who sell them.

Very often, friends don't know whether they have a genuine system or just a collection of parts. But they do know whether the installation was neat. They also know whether their alarm company offers timely, efficient service. Yes, it's OK to disregard comments like "they wouldn't do exactly what I wanted" since these may refer to things that were impractical, illegal or contrary to a life safety code. But do pay attention to comments like "they finished on time and cleaned up as they worked."

The following questions and answers will help explain some of the many qualities you should look for in a security system� and separate them from the bias of sales people.

Should every door and window be protected?

Every accessible door and operable window should be protected. All glass windows should be protected with some sort of shock/audio detector. Windows can also be protected using alarm screens instead of contacts and shock/audio detectors. Obviously in a three story residence, the windows on the third floor cannot be opened by normal means; screens, vibration sensors or audio detectors should be sufficient if the windows are kept locked. Rather than contacting these third floor windows, the money could be spent on additional interior protection or other security features like fire detection. However, if you would feel unsafe with these windows un-contacted, contact them. It's your security and your peace of mind.
Garage overhead doors are a special case. A lot of people get these doors contacted and then pay extra to have the door bypassed automatically when the garage door opener is used. Since the only way to open these doors is by using the garage door opener, they are paying for the door to be protected and then paying more for it to be unprotected. Don't spend money to protect a door and then spend more to bypass the protection every time the door is used. Spend your money on additional protection or added features.
If there is no automatic opener, a contact can be useful protection on a garage door. If there is an automatic opener and you wish to protect a boat or trailer stored in the garage, there are devices designed to attach to the boat or trailer.

Should the contacts used on windows be visible or recessed in the frame?

This depends on you and your installing company. Does the burglar seeing the switch go elsewhere because he now knows you have more than just a sign and some decals? Can the burglar defeat the contact just because he can see it? Some people cannot tolerate the sight of normal surface mounted contacts or feel un-secure because "the burglar knows what's there." Other people feel secure seeing the switches because "the burglar knows I really do have a system installed by a professional." Surface mounted switches often are easier to install. Although the price for installing recessed switches may be higher with some companies, generally prices run the same for either switch.
One hype concerning recessed switches is the size of the switch in a wooden door or wooden door frame. If the switch is recessed in the frame, you cannot see it when the door or window is closed. As long as it fits the frame properly without overlap, it does not matter what the diameter of the switch is.
In steel doors and steel door frames, the switches and magnets need to be isolated from the metal so they can work properly. These switches and magnets are usually inserted into a 3/4 inch or larger hole. The larger switches are usually used. However, plastic adapters can be used to hold a smaller switch in the hole.

What are EOL resistors and why should I have them?

An End-Of-Line resistor supervises the wiring between the alarm panel and the switch. Some panels have a limited number of detection zones and do not require EOL resistors. But if the panel can use EOL resistors to supervise the wiring, the resistors should be used. If more than one detection device is on a single detection circuit, the EOL should be at the last device. When feasible, every alarm detection device should have an EOL resistor at the device. If the EOL resistor is at the burglary contact on a door, the panel sees the wire open when the door is opened and sees the resistor when the door is closed. The thief who shorts wires together hides the EOL resistor from the panel, letting the panel know that something is going on. The thief who cuts the wire causes an open circuit, the same as if he had opened the door.
Hold-up alarms and Fire alarms use an "open circuit" detection scheme. The panel normally sees the EOL resistor at the end of the detection circuit. A short on the wire causes an alarm and a break in the wire causes a trouble report.
Since normally closed switches can weld due to high voltage like lightning, the normally closed switches used for burglary detection must be checked after severe weather to see that they still work properly. Since devices on a "open circuit" normally cannot weld open, lightning and power surges should not "weld" these switches into an inoperable state. Some security systems even use this high security mode for their burglary devices.

Where should EOL resistors be installed?

What makes EOL resistors so important is that they can supervise the wires only when they are at the end of the line. When properly placed in the circuit, EOL resistors prevent wire tampering on normal switches. EOL resistors in the control panel are usually ineffective. The usual net effect of putting the EOL resistors in the panel is that the panel acts as if it has no EOL resistors. Even open circuit devices like smoke detectors and hold-up buttons are not properly supervised when the EOL resistor is attached in the panel before the end of the line.
Many companies install the EOL resistors in the panel or use panels that do not supervise the wiring. Some alarm manufacturers show the EOL connected at the panel. One alarm company owner, in an attempt to impress us, asked if we knew the difference between End-Of-Line resistors and In-The-Panel resistors. He had been confused by drawings showing improper placement of the EOL resistors. The proper placement of an EOL resistor is at the End-Of-Line, the last switch on the detection circuit. EOL resistors do not belong at the panel.

I heard of a "smart switch," a popit switch, or a polling loop switch. What is it?

A smart switch does not just cause an open or short on the wire like a typical burglary detection switch. Normal switches can become welded into an inoperable state by high voltage like lightning striking nearby. The smart switch sends information to the panel constantly. If the switch is damaged by some high voltage event, it no longer checks in with the panel and the panel responds appropriately.
Usually the panel and smart switch are integrated. The panel "polls" the smart switch and the switch sends an "I am okay" message. The panel then polls the next switch. The cycle continues with the panel constantly asking for and receiving the status of every smart switch.
If the panel is armed and the smart switch sends an "I have detected intrusion" signal, the panel responds by setting off the bells or sirens. While the system is armed, if the smart switch does not report in for any reason, the panel responds with an alarm because a switch is "missing."
While the panel is disarmed, if the smart switch does not report in for any reason, the panel responds with a trouble report instead of an alarm. Extra smart contacts added to the detection loop without being programmed for the panel, should cause a trouble condition also.
Panels that use polling loop switches, popits or smart switches are generally more expandable. The polling loop can listen to many devices, each with a unique name, on the same pair of wires. Panels that use EOL resistors must have a set of terminals at the panel for every pair of wires. Every EOL resistor must have its own pair of wires. The simplification in wiring for smart switches can sometimes cut the costs of wiring for an alarm system significantly. However, the smart panels and smart switches generally are more expensive than standard panels.
Smart switches do cost more, but they offer better security than normal switches. Each smart switch has a unique name or address and checks in constantly with the panel. A smart switch damaged by lightning or other high voltage stops communicating to the panel. The alarm panel immediately responds to report the missing point of protection.

Should I get a wired system or a wireless system?

Many factors affect this choice. The major factor is the construction and decoration of the premises. Can the location be wired and how much labor will be involved in wiring for the alarm? Will wireless devices be able to communicate to the alarm panel? Plaster walls with metal lathe in them can block the wireless signals. Large mirrors, foil wallpaper, metal lockers and other radio systems nearby might prevent a wireless system from working properly.
Many new systems integrate wired devices with wireless devices. The main thing to consider is whether the system meets your current needs and whether it can expand to meet your future needs.

QUESTIONS ABOUT WIRELESS SYSTEMS

How often must the batteries be changed?

Typically, alkaline batteries must be changed every year. Newer systems often use lithium batteries that should last 5 years or more.

What is the cost to replace the batteries

Alkaline batteries can be purchased at any hardware store for a few dollars. Lithium batteries are more expensive and probably must be purchased through the security company, although they are becoming more common.

Does a maintenance plan include replacing the batteries?

Depending on the cost of the plan, this can be an excellent option or it can be an expensive option. Be sure any contract for a maintenance policy has what it covers in writing. If batteries are not written into the maintenance contract, they are not covered.

Are the transmitters supervised?

Do they check in so that the panel knows they are working and whether they need a new battery?
Portable devices like pendant panic buttons should not be supervised because you often will leave the premises with them for several hours. Since they don't check in, you will have to test them manually every month or so. Smoke detectors and burglary devices should "check in" at least every hour, since these devices never leave the premises.

Should I have a light outside to tell me when the system is armed?

Should I have a light outside to tell a thief when the system is disarmed?
A lot of older systems required the system to be disarmed from outside. The owner of the property needed to know whether the system was armed or disarmed before opening the door. Lights were used to indicate whether the system was on or off. A lot of effort was spent to find a way to let the owner get into a protected property without announcing to anyone outside whether the system was armed or disarmed. The solution to the outside key station was to program an entry delay for certain detection devices that allowed the customer time to disarm an alarm system from inside the protected area. These newer systems require a code be entered in a keypad after entering the premises. If your system uses such a keypad, we suggest not installing an outdoor "armed" light.
Some systems use wireless keys or wireless keypads to disarm the alarm system. These devices may be the only wireless devices on a traditional wired alarm system, or they may be just part of a complete wireless alarm system. More can be read on this topic by following this link to a document on enhanced security.
If a wireless key is lost or stolen, service is required to change the "key" immediately. A wireless key disarms the system with one press of a button; the system does not care (or know) who actually pressed the button.
Wireless keypads do not require immediate service if they are lost or stolen. Though service would be required to replace or remove the lost wireless keypad, there is no need to race to the system. Knowing the proper code would still be required to disarm a system using a wireless keypad. Bi-directional wireless keypads let you know (after pressing the correct code) whether the system is armed or disarmed. This added security should be considered when deciding whether or not to use a wireless method of arming and disarming the alarm system.

I heard that over 98 percent of all alarms that go off are false alarms. If this is true, why should I even bother to have an alarm?

On an average day in Sacramento, about 50 to 75 alarms go off and all but about one or two of them are false alarms. Many law enforcement officers report that in their entire career, they have never personally responded to an alarm that turned out to be a real burglary.
However, every day there are well over 100 real burglaries reported in Sacramento. That means burglars are not targeting locations that have an alarm. Therefore, having an alarm is obviously a great deterrent and virtually takes your property "off the market" of burglars. Since only about 20 percent of Sacramento residences have alarms, burglars have plenty of other targets.

Wouldn't the authorities charge me if they had to respond to a false alarm at my home?

There are penalties for false alarms which vary according to the jurisdiction and location. Usually there is no penalty for the first offense. What is most important, however, is that false alarms can be easily avoided. Most false alarms occur at the key pad due to pressing the wrong buttons. Make sure your alarm is easy to use and that you know how to cancel a false alarm immediately by calling your alarm monitoring station. There are usually no penalties or charges if you call right away.

Do I need to put an alarm sensor on every exterior door and window?

It depends on what you are trying to protect. Are you mainly concerned about protecting your property when you are gone? Or is personal safety while you are home your main concern?
Protecting your property can be accomplished with interior motion sensors. You will still need a contact on the main entry/exit doors but if someone comes through the window, a properly positioned motion detector will set off your alarm instantly. One such motion detector can protect many windows and most companies include at least one with their most basic system.
On the other hand, the motion detectors must be turned off while you are home. So for personal safety, you probably want to alarm some or all of your windows. A wireless panic button is also a good solution.

Wouldn't I also need an outside bell on my home?

Outside bells can provide additional peace of mind, but there are also some drawbacks:

Outside bells often cause complaints from the neighbors, sometimes resulting in a noise citation.

If your bell goes off and neighbors do respond, they could be hurt by an intruder. When the police arrive, they may confuse a neighbor for a burglar.

So many bells go off these days, most people tend to ignore them. Also, bells are supposed to be programmed to shut off after 10 to 15 minutes.

A great alternative would be a latching strobe, a red or blue light on the front of your house that will begin to flash if your alarm is tripped. It is less expensive than a bell and will continue to flash until you physically turn it off on the control panel. This way, when you come home, you can look at the light and know whether a burglary has happened or not. It also makes the house a little easier for the police to find at night if they are responding to an alarm.

So how much can I expect to pay for a good alarm system?

If just trying to protect the property, the average systems cost between $400 to $600. It should include all entry doors, as three out of four burglars gain entry that way, and at least two interior motion sensors.
If your home has 10 to 15 doors and windows and you need the full perimeter protected for your personal safety, a quality system should cost between $1,000 to $1,500. Monthly monitoring ranges from $20 to $30 per month for either kind of system.

What about fire safety?

This is a security issue that is too often overlooked. Most homes have smoke detectors installed, but what happens if no one is home when they go off? More importantly, what if you don't wake up because carbon monoxide puts you into a deeper sleep?
A simple but priceless solution is to have at least one monitored smoke/heat detector to supplement the others in the house. This way, the fire department will come whether you are able to call them or not.
The average response time in Sacramento is two to two and one-half minutes. Property and life can be saved if the fire department is notified in time.

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Security Tips

There is nothing more important than the safety of your family, your home and yourself. That�s why we�ve developed this comprehensive checklist of things you can do to stay safe. From your kids, to your parents, to your home or business, what follows are invaluable tips on how to make your life as safe and secure as it can be.

Street smarts: Keeping your kids safe. "Street-proofing" your children is one of the most important safety measures you can take. Here are some easy to follow guidelines to ensure your family�s safety.

Take the time to teach your children safety rules in a clear way that they can understand.
Keep a current photograph of your child on hand. Practice creating a complete and specific description of your child, so you�ll be ready if the need arises. � Take a minute every day to make note of what your child is wearing when he/she leaves the house.
Develop family check-in procedures so you always know where your child is, and your child knows where you are.
Make sure you know the route(s) your children use to get to and from school or their friends� homes.
Take a "safety walk" with your children over routes they often travel. Help them understand how to avoid potential trouble, e.g. staying away from unlit, remote or hidden areas.
Help your child understand who or what a stranger is.
Teach your child what to do if approached by a stranger.
Keep a list of your children's friends and their parents' names and phone numbers.

We know your family�s safety is your top priority. The best way to make sure they stay safe is by talking about the points we�ve listed above, over and over again. Make sure everyone in the family understands how important it is to follow the family safety guidelines.

Safety around the House � From the Inside Out

While no home is completely burglar-proof, most burglars are attracted to an easy target. Your secured home is much less appealing than the one down the block that isn�t protected. There are many precautions you can take to reduce the risk of burglary, but the key to prevention is to be proactive.

Here are a few tips to keep them away from your house:

Trim shrubs and trees that obscure windows and doors.
Make sure all the entrances to your home are well-lit.
Keep all doors �including garage doors �closed and locked at all times, even when you�re at home.
Make sure that openings like crawl spaces, skylights and vents are properly protected.
Install a peephole viewer on the main entrance door.
Install adequate locks on all windows and exterior doors.
Post your house number clearly and keep it well-lit at night. This will help the police respond to an emergency or assist in the reporting of one.
Consider installing a monitored security system to protect against burglary and fire, and aid in personal emergency. A security system adds substantial protection and cost savings. Most insurance companies offer homeowners a 10% - 20% discount on their premium for having a monitored security system.
Clearly mark your valuables with an identifying name or number. Your local police may be able to assist you with obtaining an engraver.
Establish a security closet inside your house for storing valuables. The closet door should be as secure as your exterior doors, with a dead bolt lock and pinned hinges on a metal or solid wood door.
Be a good neighbor. Watch out for suspicious activity on your block and call for help immediately when you observe it.

Taking the right steps to secure your home makes it difficult for a burglar to break in. A well-secured home combined with a 24-hour monitored security system creates one of the strongest deterrents available in the common market today.

With a Security System you�ll enjoy its reliable performance, its ease of operation, and the cost savings on your insurance premiums. Above all, you�ll enjoy the endless benefit that Partner brings to your home� you�ll experience a whole new level of absolute safety, comfort and peace-of-mind.

On a personal note:

Don�t give the parking lot attendant all your keys - just leave the ignition key of your car.
Avoid parking near a van. If attacked, no one would see you.
Check under your car as you approach from 20 to 30 feet away. As you prepare to enter, look in the back seat and to the side. Once you�re inside the car, lock the doors immediately.
If you are attacked while entering your car, toss the keys as far away from you as you can. Your assailant will typically go for the keys and not force you into the car.. �
Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, restaurants, gas stations and stores that are open late.
Avoid using bank machines at night.
Don't wear headphones while walking or jogging. You won�t be able to hear if someone is following you.
Never drive home if you think someone is following you. Go to the nearest police or fire station or open business to get help.

Business

We know how much time and effort goes into running a business - because at Partner, authorized dealers own and/or operate their companies. To add to your peace-of-mind, our Partner Dealers are carefully selected for their commitment to you, our customer.

Choose your Options

A Security System is the best way to protect your business, your employees, and your future. From burglar and fire alarms to access control, all of our products are of the highest quality and incorporate the most innovative features in the industry.

Restricted Access

Many of our commercial systems have a partitioning capability that lets you protect specific areas, while allowing access to other locations . For example, you may have a company where the office closes early but the warehouse works late. Partitioning will allow employees to move freely throughout the warehouse area, while keeping the office area out of bounds.

Isolating the Problem

With a Security System you can identify the exact source of a problem. For example, in an area with four doors, the system can identify the exact door that has been violated and can notify the central station which monitors your property. This helps direct the police to the source of the intrusion. In the event of fire, this feature could very well take on a life-saving quality - firefighters will know the exact point of origin, therefore saving valuable life-threatening minutes.

Cost-Effective Fire Detection

Security Products offer a variety of supervised smoke detectors, in hardwired and wireless versions . Our systems enable you to comply with your local fire regulations. Costly water damage can be significantly reduced with our water flow supervisory systems. The system can be programmed to alert the central station whenever water begins to flow through a sprinkler.

It never hurts to be alert and cautious at all times. We can answer all your questions and help you determine what system would be the best for your needs and budget, for your home or business. Pick up the phone or e-mail today, and evaluate your security needs with an ISSI representative.

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