Faqs

False alarms in alarm systems can be caused by various factors. Here are common causes: 

• Poor installation, incorrect placement of sensors or inadequate installation can lead to false triggers.
• Environmental factors, changes in temperature, humidity, or the presence of pets can set off motion sensors.
• Faulty equipment, defective sensors or malfunctioning components can generate false alarms.
• Power issues, power outages or low batteries in wireless sensors can result in false alarms.
• Interference, electrical interference from other devices or poor signal transmission in wireless systems can cause miscommunication between components.
• Cable faults, damage to cables can result from Rodents, Exposure and activity in the areas cables are run

Regular maintenance and servicing of your alarm system can help you avoid potential problems, ensure optimal performance, and give you peace of mind that your security systems are functioning as they should.

Annual servicing of your alarm system is recommended as a minimum interval for ensuring it functions correctly and reliably. Here are some reasons why you should service your alarm and what it typically involves:

• Ensure reliability, regular servicing helps ensure that your systems are working correctly and can be relied upon in an emergency.
• Prevent false alarms, maintenance can identify and fix issues that might cause false alarms, reducing unnecessary disruptions and callout costs.
• Compliance, regular servicing may be required to comply with insurance policies or local regulations.
• To name a few of the checkers Servicing typically involves: battery testing, siren tests, voltage checks, termination checks/adjustments and more…

If your alarm system is monitored to a monitoring station or even to your mobile directly via phone call or APP, you may be affected by the upcoming Copper and 3G turn off. Although this is a critical issue, there’s no need to panic. Copper based phone lines will be progressively turned off over the next few years however 3G connections have been announced to start decommissioning from as early as March 2025. If you haven’t had a security professional change you over to a 4/5G or Internet based module yet your alarm system may not be able to communicate with you or your monitoring provider. 1Tech can help get you sorted, we work with major monitoring centres across Auckland and can fit the required hardware to keep you and your property protected.

Yes, ideally, have a professional service your systems annually. Some systems might require more frequent checks, depending on their complexity and usage. In addition to professional servicing, you should perform basic checks every few months, such as cleaning lenses of obstructions and large items that could block the camera’s field of view.

The frequency with which you should change the batteries in your electronic door lock depends on several factors, including the type of lock, the frequency of use, the mechanical performance of the lock and the type of batteries used. Here are some general guidelines:

• Standard usage, for most electronic door locks, it is recommended to change the batteries every 3-6 months.
• High usage, if the lock is used frequently, such as in a busy household or commercial setting, you may need to change the batteries more often, intervals of 3 months are not uncommon.

Changing your residential alarm code regularly is an important security practice. Here are guidelines on how often you should change your alarm code:

• Change your alarm code every 6 to 12 months as a general security measure.
• When moving into a new home or when a housemate or tenant moves out.
• If you suspect that your code has been compromised or if there has been an attempted break-in.
• If any device or document containing your code is lost or stolen.

Our recommended frequency for changing your business alarm is every 3 to 6 months. This helps reduce the risk of unauthorised access and ensure that any potential security lapses are addressed regularly. We recommend you change the alarm code:

• After specific events.
• Immediately whenever an employee with access leaves the company.
• If you suspect that the code has been compromised or if there has been an attempted or successful break-in.
• Change the code if any device or document containing it is lost or stolen.
• Update the code after contractors or service personnel with temporary access have completed their work.

Yes, ideally, each person who needs access should have their own unique code. This practice offers several advantages:

• Individual codes allow you to track who accessed the premises and when. This can be crucial for security audits and investigations.
• If a tenant or employee leaves, you can simply deactivate their code without affecting other users.
• Unique codes minimise the risk of a single compromised code leading to widespread unauthorised access.

Yes, many modern alarm systems can be integrated to control your garage door or gate. This integration can enhance the security and convenience of your property.