There are two codes all DIY homeowners should know related to their security system, the Installer Code, and Master Code. The Installer Code (also called Program Code or Dealer Code depending on brand) is a special code used to access system configuration settings so a user can add sensors/zones, change delay times, modify central station telephone numbers and account numbers. I have been using a DSC 832 panel in my house for a number of years now. I've never been able to really close the thing up and forget about it, because whenever there's trouble with the phone line, or an extended power outtage, etc. I get the trouble light. The only way I know to get rid of the amber trouble light is to unplug the. My Alarm Center - How to change user codes for a DSC security panel. Protect those you love at or call us tol. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to change the date and time on the keypad on your DSC Power Series security alarm panel: Press the. button followed by 6; Enter your system’s master code (If you are an FMC customer and do not know your system’s master code, call FMC’s Service Department. How do I default the DSC 1616, 1832, or 1864 panel if I don’t have the installer code? Code, forgotten what they changed it to, or are trying to takeover a panel that was installed by an alarm company that changed the installer code.
Causes and Solutions
If your DSC home alarm is beeping every 10 seconds or so, there could be many possible causes. In most cases, it’s because the alarm panel has detected one or more “trouble” conditions. These include things like low battery trouble, phone line failure, and communication problems, among many others.
Note: DSC keypads also emit 'normal' beeping caused by the 'Chime' function. You can easily toggle this on or off by pressing and holding the 'Chime' button on any keypad that has function keys. For keypads without a chime button, just press '*4'.
On this page, I’ll show you how to silence trouble beeping, and how to use a few easy keypad commands to find the source of the trouble. I’ll also explain how to fix some of the most common causes of alarm system beeping.
If you have a brand of alarm panel other than DSC, see 'My Alarm Keeps Beeping - What Can I Do?'.
While beeping alarm keypads can be very annoying, they’re designed that way for a reason. The alarm beep is intended to get your attention so you’ll go to the keypad, where you can then get a detailed visual indication of what the problem is. Unfortunately, these problems usually seem to crop up in the middle of the night!
How to Silence the Beeping Keypads
1) Go to any keypad and make sure the system is disarmed. If not, enter your disarm code as usual.
2) Press the “#” key. This will silence your DSC alarm system keypads.
With the noise eliminated, you can relax a bit and figure out what to do next.
Be aware that the keypads COULD begin beeping again.
The # key doesn’t DISABLE beeping keypads; it only stops beeps for the CURRENT trouble condition.
Keypads may begin beeping again if:
1. The ORIGINAL cause of the trouble condition momentarily clears itself, then returns, or
2. A DIFFERENT trouble condition occurs
In either case, pressing the # key again will acknowledge and silence the latest beeping event.
Reading Trouble Conditions
Trouble codes are displayed on DSC keypads using either LED’s (on basic LED keypads) or as text (on LCD keypads with alphanumeric displays).
Over the years, DSC has made many different alarm panels, and they don’t all share the same trouble code scheme. For this reason, I highly recommend you download a copy of the “User Manual” for your specific panel model.
You can find links to free DSC manuals on my alarm system manual sources page.
Displaying the Trouble Codes
Go to any keypad and press “*”, then “2”. The keypad will switch from its “idle” display to its “trouble code” display. The lit LED’s or text will now correspond to the trouble code table. The example below is for the Power 832/864 family of panels.
Notice that if a “1” is displayed (“Service Required”), pressing the “1” key again will cause the specific problem to be displayed.
Note: If you have a DSC model PC4020, there won’t be any numbers. This system uses LCD keypads with fixed displays, so instead of numbers, the trouble condition is spelled out in text form.
Make a note of the trouble condition(s). I’ve listed some of the most common problems below, along with ways to handle them.
After attempting to correct any of the problems below, the trouble display may not clear immediately. Arming, then disarming the system will reset most trouble displays.
If there are no trouble codes displayed when you press *2, your DSC system isn’t the problem.
The beeping is probably coming from another device. For example, you may have a hard wired smoke detector chirping due to a low battery.
In that case, see How to Stop a Beeping Smoke Alarm.
Top 6 Reasons Why Your DSC Home Alarm is Beeping
1. Battery Trouble
If your DSC home alarm is beeping due to this condition, the main panel battery is low or failing.
If you’ve recently had a power outage, wait 24-48 hours after power is restored. The battery may simply have discharged, and will recharge when the electricity comes back on. If the beeping persists, the battery probably needs to be replaced.
The battery can be replaced by your alarm company, if you have one. Or, if you’re fairly handy, you may be able to fix it yourself. Replacing an alarm battery isn’t very difficult, provided you can reach the main panel box.
For details on doing this yourself, see my page on DIY alarm system battery replacement.
2. AC Trouble
If your DSC home alarm is beeping for AC trouble, it means that the panel isn’t getting power from the low voltage transformer. This is a small cube that plugs into an outlet, usually near the main panel.
Possible problems and solutions:
- Transformer is unplugged (Plug it in)
- Transformer has a blown internal fuse (Replace transformer)
- Outlet has no power (Check for a tripped circuit breaker)
For transformer details, see the alarm system battery page.
3. TLM Trouble – Telephone Line Monitor
If your DSC home alarm is beeping due to this condition, then it isn’t able to see the telephone line. The line may have been cut or damaged, or the phone service may simply be down.
If your phones are out, check for dial tone by plugging a standard telephone into the jack in the phone box outside the house.
If it’s dead there, call your phone service provider.
If it’s good, something may have been disconnected between the alarm panel and the exterior phone box. In this case, you’ll probably need an alarm technician to come out and trace the line.
4. FTC Trouble – Fail to Communicate
When a DSC home alarm is beeping for this condition, it means that the panel was unable to call the central station. This could be a result of no phone line as described above, in which case fixing the line will clear this condition as well.
Otherwise, check with your alarm company for instructions. They can check your alarm’s reporting activity, and advise you on further steps to take.
Note: FTC troubles will clear only when the panel successfully sends a signal to the central station. Call your alarm representative for help with this.
5. Zone Tamper and Low Zone Battery Trouble
If your DSC home alarm is beeping for either of these conditions, there is a problem with some form of wireless security equipment. This can include wireless door and window transmitters, remote keypads, and wireless keyfobs.
Tamper means the plastic cover is loose, missing, or somehow not attached correctly. Check the affected zone; you may be able to easily re-attach a loose cover.
A Low Zone Battery is generated when a remote transmitter battery is low or failing. If you do your own battery changes, replace the batteries in the affected transmitters. Otherwise, contact your alarm company for service.
6. Loss of System Time
If your DSC home alarm is beeping for time loss, the internal clock will need to be reset. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press (*6) (Master Code) (1)
- Enter the time as HH MM in 24-hour format (00:00 to 23:59)
- Enter the date as MM DD YY
All entries must be 2-digits; for example, January is month 01.
These are the system trouble conditions I’ve seen most often. For help with other trouble conditions, check the manual for your specific panel model.
If your DSC home alarm is beeping even after you’ve tried everything, it may be time to consider replacing it.
This is especially true if you have an older system that's been discontinued.
Some points to consider:
- Most newer DSC keypads are backwards-compatible with older models of panel, so you can probably find a replacement for a worn-out keypad. Depending on the age and condition of the system, this could be a good option
- A new system can easily be had these days for as little as $99, or even free in some cases, provided you go with monitoring. This makes spending money on a very old system much less cost effective than it used to be
- If you own a smartphone or other web-enabled device, consider how handy it would be to use it to remotely arm and disarm your system. Many newer systems are designed to be smartphone-compatible from the ground up. If you happen to have (or plan to have) cameras, many systems allow remote live viewing and playback on smart devices
Dsc Alarm Panel Reset Master Code
If you need to replace a hardwired DSC system, there is some good news...
You already have wiring in place, which is often the biggest expense for a hardwired system.
And, you can probably re-use your existing hardwired devices like door and window contacts, motion detectors, and glassbreak detectors with the new system.
If you have an older system that's starting to have problems, you may be thinking about replacing it.
To find out how much a new system might cost, get some free price quotes from alarm dealers in your area. Just answer a few questions below, and you'll receive your quotes via email.
These quotes are absolutely free!
Related Articles:
DSC 832 Tips and Advice
DSC Power 832
The DSC Power 1832 - Doing the DSC 832 'One' Better!
Help with other brands:
Radionics Alarm Systems
Return to DSC Security Systems from DSC Home Alarm is Beeping
Return to Home Security Systems Answers from DSC Home Alarm is Beeping
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Home alarm systems drastically help keep burglars from breaking and entering your home by up to 300%. At times, however, home alarm systems malfunction or are set off improperly. This can bring loud noises, distractions, and calls to emergency services. Forgetting your alarm’s passcode to disable your alarm can quickly become stressful if you are not fully prepared for the situation.If you have a home alarm installed in your home and you need to reset the device without a code, there are a few ways to do so depending on the system itself and your service provider.
Why Is It Important To Know How To Reset Home Alarm System Code
Every homeowner is different and therefore has different reasoning for wanting to know how to reset home alarm system code.
Maybe you just moved into a new home that has an alarm system. Perhaps, at first, you were excited to have the ability to monitor your property. However, the previous owners of the home did not know what the code was for the panel. Now your equipment is left sitting idle until you reset the code.
Or maybe a relative passed away and you’re taking over their home security system. Resetting the passcode will help you complete the change of responsibility.
In most cases, it’s best to seek guidance from the security company behind the alarm panel. However, you can try the following to reset the code on your own.
Check Your Home Alarm’s Guide and Instruction Manual
Most home alarm systems along with security cameras include instruction manuals and guided instructions for resetting systems without a readily available passcode. Because each alarm system is uniquely developed, each set of instructions based on the make and model of your device is likely to vary. Not all steps provided by a generic guide to resetting a home alarm will work, especially if you have special prompts to follow and codes to enter into your specific system.
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Steps to Take at Home
There are a few steps you can take at home depending on the alarm system you have in place as well as the security company you are using. We don’t recommend you take action individually unless you are experienced with alarm systems, electrical work, and security setups.
Calling a company is always advisable before attempting to disable your home alarm system without assistance.
However, if you are adamant about stopping noises coming from your home alarm, the most basic steps involved in the process include:
- Remove the AC adapter and power source of your home’s alarm from the wall
- Open the main panel to your alarm system using a key provided by your security company or another tool that fits in place
- Remove one of the leads from the battery by unplugging the wire from a large block-like chip section inside of your alarm system
- Call your security company immediately to report the incident and to disregard sending unnecessary emergency services to your home
Call Your Security Company Directly
If your home alarm is beeping incessantly when disabling the system, call your home security company for immediate assistance. Your security company should have the ability to remotely disable any malfunctions. A team of security experts can also determine the root cause of your system’s issues. If a problem cannot be detected over the phone, your security company can send a service technician depending on the home alarm you are using as well as the type of equipment you currently have installed.
Why Do I Have A Yellow Trouble Light On My DSC Keypad? – CPI ...
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When tinkering with a home alarm system it is important to keep your safety in mind as well as the overall safety of your property and household. If you are looking for a fully customized home security system that is just right for your home with less technical requirements, contact Protect America today for your free quote and more information on how you can start protecting your home immediately. We’re an Austin-based company with over 25 years of experience helping our customers install and use best-in-class security equipment. From smart and sleek alarm panels to motion detectors and indoor cameras, we have just the right thing for everyone. Here at Protect America, we don’t believe families should have to pay for equipment they don’t want. That’s why our customers can tailor their security packages to their needs.
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