My alarm went off for no reason / False Alarms
There are many reasons you could possibly experience a false alarm.
All the security sensors connected to your alarm system are designed to detect various things, from the opening and closing of a door or window, to movement or the sound of glass breaking (for example).
If you've recently experienced the rare occurrence of your alarm being activated without an obvious reason, the following simple self help steps can assist you in figuring out why, and possibly fix or prevent it from happening again. Of course, if you'd like some assistance over the phone or would like to schedule an appointment for a technician to visit you, please call us at 888-969-EPIC (3742).
1. Doors or Windows
Doors or windows are protected by a device known as a "contact". Possible causes for a contact causing a false alarm (or nuisance alarm) may be:
- The sensor has come loose
- The magnet has come loose
- Your door or door frame needs adjusting
- Battery is low or has died
- Sensor is malfunctioning
Self help steps:
- Visually inspect the contact to see if either the sensor side or magnet side is loose or has fallen off
- Check your panel for any notifications of low battery, tamper, or sensor malfunction
- Inspect your door to see if it is closing properly and if the contact sensor and magnet line up properly with no excessive gap (distance between them when closed)
If you are unable to go through or are uncertain about any of these steps, simply contact us!
2. Motion Sensors
Common areas are often protected by a device known as a "motion sensor." These devices are designed to detect motion. Possible causes for a motion sensor causing a false alarm (or nuisance alarm) may be:
- There is something blocking the view of the motion sensor (things we have seen: balloons, pipes, and other obstructions)
- Dust or spiderwebs
- New furniture or large items blocking the view
- A large animal or pet (typically over 30 lbs)
- A small animal or pet that has climbed up on furniture
- Battery is low or has died
- Sensor is malfunctioning
Self help steps:
- Visually inspect the the motion sensor to make sure it is still mounted correctly
- Dust off and clean the motion sensor with a soft cloth to ensure no dust or spiderwebs are present
- Check for any items blocking the view of the sensor
- Check for any pets/animals that may be present.
- Check your panel for any notifications of low battery, tamper, or sensor malfunction
If you are unable or uncertain about any of these steps, simply contact us!
3. Glass Break Sensors
Areas with large glass doors or windows present may be protected by a glass break sensor. These sensors are designed to detect frequencies of glass breaking. Possible causes for a glass break sensor causing a false alarm (or nuisance alarm) may be:
- Music is being played very loudly
- An item has been dropped or has fallen
- Battery is low or dead
- Sensor is malfunctioning
Self help steps:
- Check for music being played very loudly
- Check for any items that may have been dropped or may have fallen
- Check your panel for any notifications of low battery, tamper, or sensor malfunction
If you are unable or uncertain about any of these steps, simply contact us at 1.888.969.EPIC (3742) or email us at service@epicalarm.com.