Test Signals—We want your system to operate correctly!

For most ADS customers, an essential component of your alarm system is monitoring. Monitoring is what gets you help in the event of an emergency. Monitoring works by communicating (typically through the phone) with ADS’ Monitoring Station.

Your monitored alarm system can and should be programmed to send a test signal to Alarm Detection Systems’ central station at least once per-month (though the requirements vary depending on the nature of the system and jurisdictional requirements). The test signal confirms that the line-of-communication between your alarm and ADS is intact and functioning. It does not test the operation of your alarm devices such as keypads, door/window contacts, smoke detectors or sirens.

During the test, the alarm panel contacts the Monitoring Station through the phone line or other method of communication. The test is silent and does not require any action from the owner. Often, the test is programmed for the middle of the night so as to not disrupt the phone line during the day. At the scheduled time, ADS looks for a successful receipt of the test signal. If no signal is received or if the signal is late, it may show that there is a problem with your alarm system. In this event, we will contact you to remedy the communication issue.

Why might an alarm system fail to communicate properly? Sometimes, a homeowner (or previous homeowner) cancels the phone line that the alarm system needs for communication. Another reason can be a switch from a landline to a cable supplier who uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Finally, equipment or line failure may be the cause of lack of communication.

Even if you do not use your burglar alarm (yes, we know this happens), you need functioning communication lines for your fire alarm to work properly. Often, people do not realize this.

If you do not know whether your ADS monitored alarm system is sending test signals, you should call Alarm Detection Systems at 630-299-1131. Within a few minutes, we can check our systems to determine if your alarm has been sending a regular test signal.

If your ADS system is not communicating properly, the problem can often be fixed by programming or connecting a phone line, which is relatively easy to do. Under most circumstances, we do not charge to program your alarm or take simple steps to restore a solid connection between move the monitoring to a different phone line.

Please contact us to verify your test signals! A regular test signal is an important diagnostic test for your alarm system. We want your alarm system to function properly!